Las Médulas (Spain)
Las Médulas is a landscape formed by ancient Roman gold mining in the region of El Bierzo, in León. The Romans used the ruina montium method, which consisted of breaking the mountains with pressurized water and extracting the mineral. The result is a set of reddish cliffs, caves and terraces that contrast with the green vegetation. Las Médulas is a World Heritage Site, Natural Monument and Cultural Park.
The Dark Hedges (Northern Ireland)
The Dark Hedges is an avenue of beech trees located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The trees form a tunnel that has been used as a backdrop in the television series Game of Thrones, which has attracted many tourists. The avenue was planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family to beautify the entrance to their mansion Gracehill House. According to legend, the place is inhabited by the ghost of the Gray Lady.
Geyser Fly (United States)
The Fly Geyser is an artificial hot spring that was formed by accident in the desert of Nevada, United States. Its colorful mound of rocks is due to minerals and bacteria deposited by the constantly gushing hot water. The geyser is located at the Fly Ranch, a private property that was purchased by the Burning Man organization, which organizes guided tours to admire this almost natural wonder.
Blue Pond (Japan)
The Blue Pond is an artificial pond located near Biei, on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. It was formed after the construction of a dam to protect the area from mudflows from the Tokachi volcano. The pond has a deep blue color due to aluminum hydroxide reflecting light. The pond is surrounded by trees whose trunks emerge from the water, creating a fairytale landscape.
The Tunnel of Love (Ukraine)
The Tunnel of Love is a three-kilometer stretch of railway track in the village of Klevan, western Ukraine. It is surrounded by a forest that has grown up around the tracks, forming a green gallery that changes color depending on the season. It is a place much visited by couples from all over the world, who are attracted by its beauty and romanticism. According to legend, if a couple goes through the tunnel and makes a wish, it will come true.
Ruskeala (Russia)
Ruskeala is a town in northern Russia, in the Republic of Karelia, near the border with Finland. It is famous for its marble quarries, which were used to construct many buildings in St. Petersburg in the 18th century. Some of the quarries were flooded and formed turquoise lakes, surrounded by rocks and vegetation. These lakes are a tourist attraction and are part of the Ruskeala Mountains Park.
Darvaza gas crater (Turkmenistan)
The Darvaza Gas Crater is a huge hole in the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan that has been burning since 1971. It was formed after a natural gas exploration accident, when the earth caved in and released methane into the atmosphere. Geologists decided to set fire to it, thinking it would soon be extinguished, but the fire is still alive and is known as «the gates of hell».
Hamilton Pool (United States)
Hamilton Pool is a natural pool located in Texas, about 37 kilometers from Austin. It was formed thousands of years ago, when the dome of a subway river collapsed due to erosion and exposed a limestone grotto. The water is emerald green in color and is fed by a waterfall that cascades down from the edge of the ledge.
Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (China)
Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park is a national park located in Gansu Province, northwest China. It is characterized by its colorful rock formations, which are the result of limestone erosion and mineral accumulation over millions of years. The park covers an area of 322 square km and is divided into four zones: Linze Danxia, Binggou Danxia, Sunan Danxia and Kangle Danxia.
Great Blue Hole (Belize)
The Great Blue Hole is an underwater sinkhole located off the coast of Belize, within the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean. It is about 300 meters in diameter and 125 meters deep. It was formed thousands of years ago, when the sea level was lower and the site was a limestone cave that collapsed. It is a popular destination for divers, who can admire the stalactites, corals and fish that inhabit its dark blue waters.
To His Ocean Trench (Samoa)
To Sua Ocean Trench is an impressive natural pool located on the island of Upolu, Samoa. It was created by the erosion of a subway river that exposed a 30-meter deep grotto. The salt water is accessed by a long staircase or by jumping from the edge. The site is surrounded by tropical gardens and has a small beach reached through a cave.
Bryce Canyon National Park (United States)
Bryce Canyon National Park is a national park located in the state of Utah in the southwestern United States. It is famous for its rock formations called fairy chimneys, which are limestone pinnacles eroded by wind, water and ice. The park covers an area of 145 square kilometers and is located at an average altitude of 2400 meters above sea level.
Pamukkale (Turkey)
Pamukkale is a natural and tourist area located in the valley of the Menderes River in Denizli province, southwestern Turkey. Its name means «cotton castle» and is due to its white limestone formations that resemble frozen waterfalls. These formations originated from the precipitation of dissolved minerals in the hot springs gushing from the earth. Pamukkale is also home to the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, which was a thermal center in Roman times.
