Early settlers made homes within these chimneys, creating rock-cut churches, whose facades interplay with the natural castles and other formations.
Travel the Unknown's Magic of Cappadocia tour covers the region over three days from US$655 including domestic flights, ground transport, entrance fees, guides and half-board accommodation; traveltheunknown.com/cca
24. Lake District lakes, England
There's something mystical about the quiet bodies of still water ringed by majestic fells that feature in the new movie "Snow White and the Huntsman."
The Lake District is the glory of northwestern England, and was a favorite of poets Wordsworth and Coleridge as well as Beatrix Potter, the creator of Peter Rabbit, who celebrates his 110th anniversary this year.
At Keswick travelers can climb the fell above Ashness Bridge to see two lakes at once, including magnificent Derwentwater. Also spot the serene Ullswater, dark and dramatic Wastwater and tiny but perfectly formed Grasmere, where the poets hung out.
Pullwood Bay offers award-winning lakeside and woodland self-catering cottages, plus a boathouse; pullwoodbay.com
Lake District visitors' information at visitcumbria.com.
25. Sardine run, South Africa
Dubbed "the greatest shoal on earth," the sardine run on South Africa's Wild Coast holds two titles --- the world's largest animal migration also featuring the greatest gathering of predators on the planet.
Sharks, dolphins, Cape Gannets, cormorants, seals -- and sometimes Orcas -- follow the sardines as they head to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
The spectacle is best viewed on a scuba dive in late June and throughout July; however, if you have a snorkel, you can still get in on the underwater action.
Acacia Africa runs a seven-day Coast To Cape Town small group safari from around US$1,300 including transfers, accommodation, most meals and local guide; acacia-africa.com
26. Pristine beaches of Islas Cies, Spain
The notion of a string of idyllic desert islands off the coast of northern Spain is an unlikely one. However, viewed from a hilltop in Vigo in the remote region of Galicia, this string of marine pearls is no mirage.
The Islas Cies have been cited among the world's 10 best beaches, with pristine white sands lapped by calm waters of Caribbean turquoise, against a pine forest backdrop.
The former pirates' lair is now a national park protected from hotel developers and beach vendors. But there's a campsite for those who want to linger when the day-trippers leave on the last ferry, and a restaurant dispensing the fabulous seafood for which Galicia is famous.
Vigo, a handsome port offering seasonal ferry service to Islas Cies, connects with major European cities. Travelers can reach Vigo from London for around US$75 in season; vueling.com
Island information at: parquenacionalillasatlanticas.com.
27. Cornwall's ruined mines, England
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