10 Most Beautiful Places You've Never Heard Of

Brush up your bucket list—you simply won't BELIEVE these gorgeous, globe-spanning must-sees! But the most unbelievable thing of all may be that, chances are, you haven't heard much about them—until now.
Enjoy!

 Ogasawara Islands (Japan) South of Tokyo, this archipelago of over 30 islands is often called the "Galapagos of the Orient" because of its diverse ecosystems, landscapes, and native species. Since the islands have never been near a continent, the native flora and fauna have developed through unique evolutionary processes

Along with over 440 documented native plant taxa, the Ogasawara Islands are home to close to 200 endangered bird species, numerous types of fish and coral, and the Bonin flying fox, a bat that's in danger of extinction. Only two of the islands are inhabited, with about 2,440 residents in total.

Ningaloo Coast (Australia) Made up of nearly 2,335 square miles of Australia's remote western coast, the striking Ningaloo Coast is comprised of both marine and land-based treasures.

On the water off the Ningaloo Coast, you'll find one of the longest near-shore reefs in the world and a wealth of diverse sea life, from sea turtles to an annual visit from whale sharks. On the land side, a network of underground caves and groundwater streams helps support the coast's biodiversity

The Causses and the Cévennes (France) Together making up over 1,160 square miles of south-central France, the Causses and the Cévennes regions are notable examples of the working relationship between man and nature—places where agricultural activities, like non-intensive sheep farming, help contribute to the preservation of the land.

Within the site, you'll find the beautiful Cévennes National Park, as well as villages and stone farmhouses on the terraces of the Causses. Mont Lozère, the highest point in Cévennes, is one of the last places in the world where they practice summer transhumance, during which shepherds move along with their stock to higher pastures for the whole season.

Saloum Delta (Senegal) This 1,930-square-mile delta shaped by the arms of three rivers gives us key insight into both natural and human history.

Over 200 islets and islands dot the Saloum Delta, along with dry and mangrove forests and marine habitats for the rich fish and shellfish life. The area is also home to 218 human-made shellfish mounds, some several hundred meters long.

 

Burial sites on 28 of the mounds have yielded important artifacts that speak of the history of human residence along this part of the West African coast

The Persian Garden (Iran) It may not be the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, but its influence is just as notable. Comprised of nine gardens that date back to different periods since the 6th century B.C., its sites are prime examples of the diversity of Persian garden designs, which traditionally paid homage to Eden and the four Zoroastrian elements (earth, water, sky, plants).