Top 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Top 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Are you planning a holiday away and not sure where to go. How about choosing one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered across our continents. There are a total of 1,092 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, including 209 natural sites and 845 which have cultural and historical significance – all recognised as being internationally important and deserving special protection. Keep in mind the number is constantly changing as new sites are proclaimed as World Heritage Sites. Choosing the top 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, that I would like to visit was quite a challenge. All the sites I have chosen however, are all destinations that can be found on the itineraries of many worldwide holidays and are easily accessible
1. Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, South Africa
Situated in north-eastern South Africa, the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains are closest to my heart as this is in the area I was born and lived and is most certainly worthy of its World Heritage Status. This site comprises 40% of the Barberton Greenstone Belt, one of the world’s oldest geological structures. The property represents the best-preserved succession of volcanic and sedimentary rock dating back 3.6 to 3.25 billion years and forms a diverse repository of information on surface conditions, meteorite impacts, volcanism, continent-building processes and the environment of early life. How about a visit to this quaint little town called Barberton, nestled in the Makhonjwa mountains. Find accommodation here on booking.com
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| Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains |
2. Grand Canyon National Park, United States
Carved out by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon (nearly 1,500 m deep) is one of the most spectacular gorge in the world. Located in the state of Arizona, it cuts across the Grand Canyon National Park. Its horizontal strata retrace the geological history of the past 2 billion years. There are also prehistoric traces of human adaptation to a particularly harsh environment.
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| Grand Canyon National Park |
3. Machu Picchu, Peru
The iconic Machu Picchu stands 2,430 metres above sea level on the eastern slopes of the Andes and is a not-to-be-missed destination if considering a holiday to Peru. The most significant legacy of the Inca civilisation, there is still much debate as to the reason Machu Picchu was built, then later mysteriously abandoned. However, it is agreed that the mesmerising religious, ceremonial, agricultural and astronomical sanctuary, comprised of around 200 structures, is a sight to behold. Let your imagination run wild as you walk through its gates, temples and houses, and simply marvel at the Lost City of the Incas.
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| Machu Picchu |
4. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
No holiday Down Under or tour of Australia would be complete without a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. And the natural World Heritage Site is indeed great, containing the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, over 1,500 species of fish and around 240 species of birds, as well as a diversity of crustaceans, anemones and marine worms. Snorkelling at the stunning Michaelmas Cay National Park, easily accessible from Cairns on the mainland, there’s the opportunity to get up close to parrot fish, giant clams and even sea turtles. For those not wanting to wet their feet, glass-bottom boats mean you don’t miss out.
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| Great Barrier Reef |
5. Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Vatnajokull National Park encompasses an enormous area and covers 12.000 square kilometres (4.600 sq mi), almost 14% of Iceland. You would need weeks to explore the park’s entire area! The uniqueness of Vatnajökull National Park lies in its incredibly varied landscapes. rivers, glaciers, and volcanoes and geothermal activity have created a surreal place.
The Vatnajokull glacier dominates the area. Actually, you can enjoy lovely views of Vatnajokull and its many outlets from the Ring Road. These outlets stretch down from the glacier towards the ocean. Find out more on the parks official page
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| Vatnajökull National Park |
6. Yellowstone National Park, USA
You’ll undeniably take a walk on the wild side at Yellowstone National Park, while on holiday in the USA. The country’s first and finest nature reserve is an awe-inspiring blend of natural beauty and rugged wilderness, and home to bison, grizzly bears and elk. Yellowstone additionally has the world’s largest concentration of geysers – more than 300, or two-thirds of all those on the planet. The most famous, Old Faithful, is also the most reliable, frequently erupting to the delight of watching visitors. Look out too for the park’s tallest waterfall, Lower Falls, nearly twice the size of the falls at Niagara.
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| Yellowstone National Park, |
When researching tours to China, you’ll undoubtedly find that the Great Wall appears on most itineraries. Rightly so. The UNESCO World Heritage Site snakes almost 12,500 miles along the country’s forested ridges and is a formidable protective barrier, one of the world’s largest military structures – and the only man-made monument visible from space. Built from the 3rd Century BC to the 17th Century AD, the main body consists of walls, watch towers, horse tracks, fortresses and passes, and is still considered to be a national symbol for safeguarding the security of China and its people.
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| The Great Wall |
What Are Your Top 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
So these are my top 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. How many of these have you already visited? Perhaps it’s time to start planning your next holiday and making those destination dreams come true!
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