Places around the World You Didn’t Know Existed

If you thought you’d seen it all—Eiffel Tower? Been there. Great Wall? Climbed it. Machu Picchu? Instagrammed it—then it’s time to humble yourself. The world is bursting at the seams with places so obscure even your well-traveled, linen-pants-wearing friend named Sebastian hasn’t heard of them.

If you’re in search of a new adventure that hasn’t made rounds on your social media timeline, we have a few ideas in mind to guide you. Here are some places around the world that you didn’t know existed.

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Spotted Lake, Canada

Spotted Lake in British Columbia is unlike any body of water you’ve ever seen. Sacred to the Okanagan (Syilx) people for generations, this extraordinary lake transforms in the summer as its water evaporates. This reveals dozens of circular mineral pools in striking shades of blue, green, and yellow.

Each spot contains a unique concentration of minerals like magnesium, calcium, and sodium sulfates, creating a natural mosaic that looks almost otherworldly. Located along Highway 3 just northwest of the town of Osoyoos, the lake is visible from the road. It offers curious travelers a chance to witness its surreal beauty without stepping onto the protected tribal land where it sits.

The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is one of those rare places where geology and mythology shake hands. Around sixty million years ago, a violent volcanic eruption unleashed a torrent of molten basalt across the landscape. As the lava cooled, it contracted and cracked in a way that feels more like architecture than accident, forming about 37,000 tightly packed polygonal columns.

These now march into the sea like ancient stepping stones. The symmetry is so precise that science alone almost feels like an incomplete explanation—which is why local legend insists it was actually the handiwork of a giant named Finn McCool. Whether you believe the story or the science, there’s no denying that this World Heritage Site is one of the most otherworldly spots on the planet.

Thor’s Well, USA

Thor’s Well in Oregon, sometimes called Spouting Horn, is one of those natural spectacles that seems to defy logic. Located along the craggy coastline near Cape Perpetua, this gaping sinkhole becomes a dramatic water feature when rough ocean waves rush in and shoot skyward with thunderous force.

It’s both mesmerizing and a little menacing, especially during high tide or winter storms when the ocean puts on its most dramatic performance. Visitors can reach it via the Captain Cook Trail, which begins at the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area visitor centre. Thanks to recent trail upgrades and added safety measures, the site is more accessible than ever—but you’ll still want to keep a safe distance.

Pamukkale, Turkey

Often referred to as the Cotton Palace, Pamukkale is a surreal natural wonder in southwest Turkey. Here, mineral-rich thermal waters have carved out dazzling white travertine terraces that cascade down the hillside. This striking landscape sits alongside the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis.

Today, visitors can still enjoy a soak in the warm, shallow pools, though tourism is now more regulated. New restrictions were introduced in 2023 to preserve the delicate formations. So, joining a small group tour with a knowledgeable guide is virtually the only way to experience the site.

Lake Hillier, Australia

Lake Hillier is one of Western Australia’s most surreal natural wonders. It’s tucked away on Middle Island, the largest in the Recherche Archipelago. What sets this lake apart is its striking, bubblegum-pink hue, which remains vivid throughout the year. This unusual color comes from the lake’s extreme salinity, along with the presence of microscopic algae known as Dunaliella salina and pink-tinted halobacteria.

While it’s not accessible for swimming or boating, the best way to appreciate its vibrant contrast against the surrounding greenery and deep blue ocean is from above. You can arrange a scenic flight from Esperance Airport. The flight lasts about 1 hour and 40 minutes and offers an unforgettable view of this otherworldly landscape.

The Tianzi mountains, China

Tucked away in the northwest corner of China’s Hunan Province, the Tianzi Mountains rise like something straight out of a dream—or a blockbuster film. These towering limestone peaks are blanketed in dense greenery and frequently shrouded in mist. This ethereal landscape is the inspiration behind the famous floating mountains in Avatar.

Visitors can glide up in a cable car to Huangshi Village, a high perch with a web of scenic trails perfect for taking in the otherworldly views. In 2022, a modern visitor center was added, offering a deeper look at the mountains’ unique geology and cultural legacy through interactive displays. It’s the kind of place where nature, myth, and cinematic fantasy all collide.

The Hand in the Desert, Chile

In Chile’s Atacama Desert, 46 miles south of Antofagasta, stands a surreal monument known simply as The Hand in the Desert. Crafted by the Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrázabal, this colossal hand emerges from the barren sands, its outstretched fingers slicing through the alien landscape.

The isolation of its location heightens a feeling of solitude, as if the gesture is pleading for connection in a place devoid of life. Although it has become a notable attraction for adventurous tourists, authorities have urged visitors to treat the sculpture with care due to recent incidents of graffiti.

Red Beach, China

Tucked away about thirty kilometers southwest of Panjin, Red Beach in China is unlike any beach you’ve seen before. Instead of sand and surf, the shoreline is carpeted in a vivid seaweed called Sueda, which transforms into a stunning crimson spectacle each autumn. This rare natural phenomenon unfolds across vast tidal wetlands that also serve as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds.

While most of the area is protected, visitors can still experience the fiery landscape by strolling along a wooden boardwalk that stretches out over the wetlands. Often overlooked in favor of China’s more famous coastal destinations, Red Beach is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Conclusion

Traveling is about discovery—but why stop at the predictable? The world is full of strange, mind-bending, and gloriously peculiar places that your travel agent probably hasn’t even heard of. So go forth, explorer of the unexpected, and when your friends brag about Santorini or the Eiffel Tower, just smile knowingly. You’ve seen the Hand in the Desert. And lived to tell the tale.