The world is full of magical places that have garnered recognition from all corners of the globe: The Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of China, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and more.  But while we’ve all heard of the Taj Mahal and Niagara Falls, there are equally magical places in the world that you may not have heard of yet. These places have slipped under the radar for years, but they won’t stay hidden forever. Grab a loved one and take a trip to see them before everyone else discovers them, too!

Tunnel of Love in Kleven, Ukrain

The tunnel conjures up words like “magical” and “enchanting” by those who’ve seen it. This “tunnel” is actually a section of industrial railway located 7 miles from the centre of Kleven. The railway is surrounded by green arches and is a favourite spot for lovers to stroll hand in hand. The two-mile stretch of railway is at its most lush in the spring and summer when the green foliage is at its peak, but the colourful fall leaves and snow-covered branches in the winter make it a beautiful place to visit all year round. And local legend says that couples who make a wish in the tunnel will have their wish granted, as long as their intentions are sincere.

Lake Hillier, Middle Island, Western Australia

Lake Hillier in Australia is not the only pink lake in the world, but it is the most mysterious! Senegal’s Lake Retba is pink because of dunaliella salina and pink bacteria known as halobacteria, and there are a few other pink lakes in places like Spain, Canada and Azerbaijan. But Lake Hillier is famous not just because it’s pink, but because we don’t know why! Unlike other pink lakes which change colour with temperature fluctuations, Lake Hillier remains pink year-round, and its water is even pink when bottled. For better or worse, Middle Island is only available to researchers, so tourists must see Lake Hillier by helicopter.

The Crystal Cave, Vatnajökull, Iceland

A few hundred years ago, a glacier met the Icelandic coastline. The weight of the glacier pressed out the remnant air, and left behind a formation of brilliant blues and turquoise ceilings – the largest ice cave in Vatnajökull National Park. The cave was only discovered in 2005 but with the constant melting and reforming of the ice caves, there’s no telling how long it will be around to visit. The 20-foot entrance might be difficult for some, so this is a place best visited by the physically fit. October to February are the best months to visit – and while you’re there, you might also catch the Northern Lights!

Library of Celsus, Ephesus, Turkey

This ancient library built in the 2nd century was home to 12,000 scrolls at pinnacle. The library is one of the few remaining examples of ancient Roman-influenced libraries. The original building had three entrances, with four statues to represent what the former governer Celsus stood for: Wisdom (Sophia), intelligence (Ennoia), knowledge (Episteme) and virtue (Arete). The library was damaged during the gothic invasion in 262 (though some still maintain that the damage was due to an earthquake) but was restored in the 4th century. Today it remains a tribute to ancient culture and ancient wisdom in modern times. 

Sigiriya (Lion’s Rock), Sri Lanka

Located in the central plains of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is Asia’s oldest surviving landscape garden, dating back 15 centuries. Originally an ancient rock fortress built by King Kasyapa, it was then used as a Buddhist monastery and today it is on UNESCO listed World Heritage Site as one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning. The huge lion originally hewn into the rock can still be seen to this day, and the painted frescoes are still as magical now as they were when they were originally painted years and years ago. The gardens include water gardens, cave and boulder gardens, and terraced gardens.