5 destinations to explore a UNESCO world heritage site

From majestic temples to dazzling natural wonders, the world is a wondrous place with so many treasures that we cannot visit them all in our lifetime. But, we can visit a few, so making sure that we know the value, they become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This protects this location or area, so everyone can enjoy it.

There are over a thousand of these sites spread across 160 countries. Exclusively granted to places deemed to be of outstanding importance to humanity, travellers from all over make their way to these famed locations to catch a glimpse of the glory.

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So if you’re looking to explore the ruins of lost civilizations, looking to uncover the secrets of nature reserves and national parks or want to examine ancient monuments up close, we put this a short guide together with support from our friends at Scott Dunn on how best to explore and experience 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites in style.

Kilim Karst Geoforest, Langkawi

Essentially an archipelago of 99 beautiful islands in the northwest corner of Malaysia, Langkawi is a nature lover’s paradise. Traverse through the Kilim Karst Geoforest, Southeast Asia’s first-ever UNESCO Global Geopark systems, that is sprawling with mangrove swamps and dramatic limestone cliffs teeming with local wildlife including macaques, otters, fish eagles and tree crabs.

All sorts of other adventures await just around the corner – wander through bat caves to admire the stalagmites and stalactites formations, take a cable car to the island’s peak and enjoy superb panoramic views from the iconic Sky Bridge or hop on a boat out to snorkel around the surrounding islands and reefs. If you wish to relax, there are sweeping coves of silvery sand and year-round balmy seas to enjoy this tropical island paradise.

Medina of Marrakech, Morocco

Founded almost a thousand years ago, Marrakech, which is also known as the city of luxury, contains Morocco’s largest souk, where getting lost in the winding labyrinth of the UNESCO-listed medina is half the fun. Vibrant, colourful and with a chaotic charm, this city is like no other.

After your colourful adventures in Marrakech, head towards the Atlantic coast of Morocco and visit Oualidia which boasts peaceful beaches and an 11 km stretch of lagoon. Here you can learn to surf in the calm waters of the lagoon or harvest and taste locally grown oysters.

Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, Canada

Be in awe of the UNESCO-designated Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, one of the last remaining ancient temperate rainforests in the world. Within the dense forests, sparkling inlets and snow-capped mountain peaks, the sights at the Reserve are one to behold. From watching bears swiping salmon from streams, spotting humpback whales out at sea, kayaking down the river or simply enjoying the dramatic landscapes, there is plenty to see and do throughout the seasons.

Pair your visit with a short leg over in Vancouver where you can  find gourmet food markets and a distinct fusion of cultures, which makes way for an enticing gastronomic scene.

Shrines and temples of Nikko, Japan

Spread across an expansive landscape in the Tochigi Prefecture, just north of Tokyo, the charming city of Nikko is a testament to one of the most important figures in Japan’s history and is home to an array of architectural and decorative masterpieces. A destination revered for its outstanding beauty and splendid architecture of its UNESCO-designated Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, here you can wander and admire the intricate carvings displayed on the grounds of the shrine, cross the ancient Shinkyo Bridge and marvel at the haunted lantern of the Futarasan-jin Shrine.

You can also spend your days hiking through idyllic marshlands, visiting waterfalls that change colours with the seasons or make your way to the scenic Lake Chuzenji to catch spectacular views of Mount Nantai. Soak away any tiredness at one of the natural onsens and you may also catch a glimpse of some wild monkeys taking a dip.

Val d’Orcia, Italy

Discover the cultural, gastronomic and scenic delights of Tuscany and its capital Florence. Scattered with villas, farmhouses and castles nestled deep in the heart of the countryside, with olive groves and vineyards across rolling hills. Cycle through the heart of the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia and admire the valley’s landscapes which was the subject of many Renaissance paintings, especially by the painters of the Scuola Senese, The Siena School, mentioned in the Val d’ Orcia’s UNESCO nomination.

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If you can, time your visit to coincide with Il Palio, and you make some time in Siena for the build-up and see the actual race. A centuries-old tradition, rival parts of the city race their horses bareback around the beautiful Campo.

How do you choose which UNESCO World Heritage site to go to?

Because there are so many to choose from and they offer different experiences, it might be worth using an expert to help you organise your entire experience. Great companies like Scott Dunn are there to help you discover your next experience.