Mount Roraima, Venezuela

Posted on July 27, 2010 by Beautiful Places to Visit

Credit: Uwe George, National Geographic Society

The majestic Mount Roraima is the highest mountain in the Pacaraima Mountains. Roraima lies on the three borders of Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana. The mountain is part of Venezuela’s Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Angel Falls is also part of this beautiful park. Mount Roraima’s highest point is Maverick Rock at 2,810 meters (9,219 feet), and the whole of Mount Roraima’s fairly flat top surface area is surrounded by 400+ meter (1,312+ feet) high sheer cliffs. Mount Roraima can be climbed, though all routes besides the Paraitepui route require technical climbing gear. Visitors can get a stunning view of Mount Roraima and the greater Canaima National Park from a memorable helicopter ride.

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Vernal Falls, Yosemite, California, USA

Posted on July 20, 2010 by Beautiful Places to Visit

Vernal Falls - Yosemite National Park, California

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One of the most popular waterfalls in Yosemite National Park of California in the United States, Vernal fall measures 97 meters (317 feet) high. A hike along the Mist Trail to the fall takes visitors very close to the fall where they become shrouded in its mist. The hike to Vernal Fall is short at only 2.1 km (1.3 miles) long. At the top of the fall hikers enjoy a rest at the Emerald Pool, named for its deep green color, which is a small lake where some visitors choose to swim, though it is against the park rules and can be dangerous if care is not taken. Travelers who wish to visit Vernal Fall should make it a part of a greater trip to the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park where many other spectacular natural sights can be enjoyed. Accommodation is plentiful at the park and includes hotels as well as campgrounds. There is a $20 fee to enter Yosemite National Park.

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Giant’s Causeway, Ireland

Posted on July 13, 2010 by Beautiful Places to Visit

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The Giant’s Causeway is a magnificent basalt rock formation located on Ireland’s northeast coast. The tops of the incredible hexagonal basalt columns form stepping stones to the ocean. The Giant’s Causeway is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Nature Reserve in Ireland. Visitors to the area can also enjoy a ride on the historic Giant’s Causeway Tramway, a railway originally built in 1883. The nearest town to the Giant’s Causeway is the tiny community of Bushmills, only 3km (2 miles) north. The slightly larger towns of Ballycastle and Coleraine are also nearby. Belfast, the largest city and capital of Northern Ireland, is 95km (59 miles) to the south.

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Santorini, Greece

Posted on July 6, 2010 by Beautiful Places to Visit

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Southeast of mainland Greece in the southern Aegean Sea lies the stunning island of Santorini. A volcanic island, Santorini is an arid environment with a hot desert climate and very little rainfall, one of the only two environments of its kind in Europe. Fira, the capital, and Oia are the two main cities to visit on the island. The buildings and home of Santorini are the island’s most striking feature, consisting of whitewashed cube shaped houses, many with beautiful blue domed roofs. The hot climate and lovely black sand beaches make lounging on the beach with a delicious drink a favorite activity for visitors. Santorini is also home to wine vineyards, and a variety of world renowned vegetables, including tomatoes, white eggplants, and cucumbers. The island also has an airport which receives flights from Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines and Athens Airways. Fantastic accommodation for any budget can be found on this magnificent unique island.