Top 10 Unbelievable Nature Destinations for 2020
January 30, 2020
By Danielle Owen

Whether you’re looking for beautiful beaches or mountains that take your breath away, we’ve compiled some of our top nature destinations for 2020. Take a look!

1. Norway

The sheer size and intensity of Norway’s natural environment are what make jaws drop in this Scandinavian country. Water rules here. Sprawling fjords sit perfectly still at the base of mountains where waterfalls carve lines thousands of feet from the snowcapped peaks to the rushing, ultra-pure rivers below.

2. Guatemala

Semuc Champey. Lake Atitlan. Acatenango. These are the names you’ll hear when talking about Guatemalan nature.

Semuc Champey is a dense green forest where natural limestone bridges cut across a turquoise river, forming pools perfect for swimming. Central America’s deepest lake can also be found here. Lake Atitlan is a natural crater lake with views of volcanoes and rolling hills from every angle.

For a strenuous challenge, try the hike up Acatenango volcano outside of Antigua, Guatemala. You’ll spend a night sleeping under the stars with a view of the always-erupting red hot lava from Fuego Volcano across the valley.

3. Zambia

Want to see the best of the African Wilderness? Quite literally full of hippos and crocodiles, the Zambezi river is one of the most stunning places on Earth. Elephants roam across from the Zimbabwe side of the river, stopping on the sandbanks with their young. On Safari here, by boat or by land, you’ll also spot lions, kudus, impala, leopards, zebra, giraffes, and so much more.

4. Australia

We all know Australia has a dreamy coastline, but beyond that, you can find all the unbelievable nature imaginable on this continent. The endless outback, gumtree forests, rainforests home to waterfalls of all shapes and sizes (and heights!), and rolling hills covered in vineyards are just some of the diverse options available to nature-lovers down under.

5. Albania

The Albanian Alps are dotted with tiny mountain villages where wild horses roam by crystal clear rivers. Meanwhile, the bright blue waters of the Adriatic Sea wash up on unspoiled beaches, surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking natural springs.

The most unbelievable part of Albania’s nature is how unspoiled it is. You can easily find yourself a private beach, set up camp, and enjoy the stunning scenery in peaceful bliss.

6. Colombia

From the towering palm trees on the hills of the coffee regions to the palm-shaded groves of the beaches, the nature in Colombia is breathtaking wherever you go.

The beaches within Colombia’s Tayrona National Park combine the Caribbean Sea with the lush greenery of the mountain highlands. Near Medellin, you’ll find the stunning Guatape. Climb the 700+ steps of this massive rock and enjoy the lake-views of the flooded green lands as far as the eye can see. Dive on Malpelo Island, camp in the Colombian Amazon, watch the sunset from above the clouds in Minca… the options are endless in Colombia.

7. Sri Lanka

Like many of these destinations, Sri Lanka is amazing from the top of its mountains to the hillside palms of its beaches. Places like Ella offer stunning views from nearby summits— an easy hike up Little Adam’s Peak offers panoramic views of green treetops as far as the eye can see.

In Nuwara Eliya, you can experience the tea plantations to their fullest with tours and tea tastings, and nearby you can hike to waterfalls or explore Horton Plains. On safaris in Yala National Park, you’ll spot leopards, elephants, and the adorable sloth bears.

At Sigiriya, or “Lion’s Head,” you’ll find an otherworldly site. The massive rock here looks like it was dropped from space and a fifth-century fortress adorns the top.

8. Ireland

The best part about Ireland’s countryside is its accessibility— this is a great place for road-tripping through the scenic towns and some of the greenest nature in the world. Close by Dublin you’ll even find cliff walks – like the one from Bray to Greystones – that offer incredible views of the wild Irish countryside and the Irish Sea.

The Cliffs of Moher, Giants Causeway, Skellig Islands, and Connemara are some of the most popular sites, but the jaw-dropping nature in this tiny country is endless.

9. Slovenia

Lake Bled’s church-topped island, the calm vibes of Lake Bohinj, and the stunning Julian Alps of Triglav National Park are the most well-known highlights of Slovenia. But beyond the glimmering lakes and dominant mountains you’ll also find vineyards in the valleys near Maribor and the second-longest cave system in the world at Postojna Cave. And the blues of the Soca River must be seen to be believed.

There’s no wrong time to experience Slovenia’s nature— take a hike in the summer or hit the slopes in the winter, either way, nature here will amaze you.

10. Vietnam

As many as 3,000 rocky pillars and forested islets jut out of Ha Long Bay and dazzle visitors at this UNESCO heritage site in Northern Vietnam.

Multi-day hikes through Sapa are the hidden gem of travel in Vietnam. Explore the best of this country’s nature by trekking through forests where you’ll stumble upon hill tribe’s villages and stay with locals.

Son Doong cave, the sand dunes of Mui Ne, hiking in Ninh Binh Province, and a boat trip through the Mekong Delta are other popular ways of exploring Vietnam’s mesmerizing countryside.

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About the Author

Danielle Owen
Danie is a full-time traveler and freelance travel writer. She’s been on-the-move since 2015 from Albania to Zambia (and 70+ others in between). She’s developed a very sophisticated algorithm that evaluates countries based on a thorough analysis of their wine, hot sauce, local friendliness, and how hard she happy-cries at their nature. You can find her portfolio at owentheglobe.com or her photos on Instagram @danieelizabeth