20 seriously weird places around the world

The world is a weird (and wonderful) place. And from a rose-coloured lake to a Japanese island ruled by cats, we've got twenty pictures to prove it.

1. Spotted Lake, British Columbia, Canada

Spotted Lake has long been revered by the native Okanagan (Syilx) people and it’s easy to see why they think of it as sacred. In the summer the water of the lake evaporates and small mineral pools are left behind, each one different in colour to the next. The unique lake can be viewed on Highway 3, northwest of the small town of Osoyoos, although visitors are asked not to trespass on tribal land.

2. The Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

Sixty million years ago, a huge volcanic eruption spewed out a mass of molten basalt. This then solidified and contracted as it cooled, creating the cracks that can be seen today. There are an estimated 37,000 polygon columns at this World Heritage Site, so geometrically perfect that local legend says they were created by a giant. It's a strong contender for one of the weirdest places on earth.

Consider taking a day tour from Belfast to explore the scenery.

3. Thor’s Well, Oregon, USA

In rough conditions at Thor’s Well in Oregon, also known as Spouting Horn, the surf rushes into the gaping sinkhole and then shoots upwards with great force. You can view it by taking the Captain Cook Trail from the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area visitor centre – but for your own safety, stay well back, especially at high tide or during winter storms.

In recent years improvements have been made to the trail for better accessibility, and additional safety measures have been implemented to ensure visitor safety.

4. Pamukkale, Turkey

Pamukkale, also known as the Cotton Palace, is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwest Turkey. When you visit, you can also explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, a once-great city built around it. Water flows from natural springs down the white travertine terraces, creating beautiful thermal pools perfect for a quick dip.

We suggest joining a small group tour with a guide. In 2023, new rules were introduced to limit the number of visitors to protect the site, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

5. Lake Hillier, Western Australia

This amazing lake is on the largest island in Western Australia’s Recherche Archipelago. The lake stays a deep pink color all year, which some scientists believe is due to high salt levels combined with a salt-loving algae called Dunaliella salina and pink bacteria known as halobacteria.

To really see this spectacle, consider taking a scenic flight (1:40h) from Esperance airport.

6. Badab-e Surt, Iran

These beautiful travertine terraces in northern Iran are an incredible natural phenomenon that developed over thousands of years. Travertine is a type of limestone formed from calcium deposits in flowing water, and in this case, it's two hot springs with different mineral properties. The unusual reddish color of the terraces is caused by the high content of iron oxide in one of the springs. In recent years, conservation efforts have been put in place to preserve the site due to increasing tourist activity.

These locations are among the weirdest places on earth, offering visitors a glimpse into the planet's most strange attractions.

7. The Tianzi mountains, China

Located in the northwest of Hunan Province, China, these amazing limestone peaks are covered in lush greenery and often wrapped in mist. A cable car takes visitors to Huangshi village, where there are many trails to enjoy the stunning views of Tianzi ('son of heaven'). These mountains inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. In 2022, a new visitor center opened, offering interactive exhibits about the area's geology and cultural importance.

8. The Nasca Lines, Peru

The animal figures and geometric shapes carved by the ancient Nasca into Peru’s dry Pampa de San José are one of South America’s big mysteries. You can only see them from the air or from a metal viewing tower next to the highway. Some of these mysterious shapes are up to 200 meters long and each one is drawn in a single continuous line. It's definitely one of the strangest places in the world.

The best way to explore the Nasca Lines is by taking a scenic flight to see the huge figures and animals. Recent studies using satellite images and drones have found new lines and figures, adding to the mystery of this archaeological wonder.

9. The Bermuda Triangle, North Atlantic Ocean

Known for myths and mysteries, the Bermuda Triangle, also called the Devil’s Triangle, covers about 500,000 square miles between Bermuda, Florida, and Puerto Rico.

The US Coastguard says this area doesn't exist, but many conspiracy theories focus on stories about strange magnetic readings and ships, planes, and people disappearing without a trace. Recently, researchers have suggested natural reasons, like methane hydrates or rogue waves, might explain some of the disappearances, but the mystery is still a popular topic for speculation.

10. Socotra Island, Yemen

Socotra Island is a place like no other. Separated from mainland Africa over six million years ago, it feels like a scene from a sci-fi movie. The island is home to incredible and unique plants and trees that you won't find anywhere else. Two of the most unusual are the ancient dragon’s blood tree and the bulbous bottle tree. It's definitely one of the most unique places to visit in the world!

Even though Yemen is facing conflict, people are working hard to protect Socotra's special environment. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. However, traveling there is still tough because of political issues in the area.

11. The Hand in the Desert, Chile

In the middle of Chile’s Atacama desert, 46 miles south of Antofagasta, you'll find a very strange sculpture. It's called The Hand in the Desert, created by Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrázabal. Known for his art about human suffering, this huge sculpture makes you feel lonely, especially in its empty and isolated spot. It's a popular place for tourists, but visitors are asked to respect it and not vandalize it, as there have been graffiti problems recently.

12. Chocolate Hills of Bohol Island, the Philippines

On Bohol Island in the Philippines, there are about 1,700 cone-shaped hills. They look so perfect that you might think they were made by people. But UNESCO says they formed from coral deposits and rainwater erosion. They get their 'chocolate' name in the dry season when the green foliage turns brown. Lately, there have been efforts to promote sustainable tourism to keep the Chocolate Hills beautiful.

These places are some of the strangest on earth, offering unique and unforgettable experiences for those who visit them.

13. Red Beach, Panjin, China

This beach is covered in a type of seaweed called Sueda, which turns bright red in autumn. Located thirty kilometers southwest of Panjin in China, these tidal wetlands are an important nature reserve for migrating birds. Only a small section of the beach is open to the public, but it can be explored via a wooden walkway that stretches out to sea.

Red Beach may just be one of China's best secret beaches. Head here quick before the crowds arrive.

14. Plain of Jars, Laos

Megalithic stone jars are scattered across Xieng Khouang Province, Laos, in groups from one to one hundred. A working theory is that the huge cylindrical jars were used in ancient funeral ceremonies, though local legend has it that the jars were used to brew rice wine for giants.

In the 1960s, northern Laos was subject to a massive aerial bombardment by the USA, and it’s only been relatively recently that some areas have been cleared and declared safe for visitors.

15. Goblin Valley State Park, Utah, USA

This is an uninhabited valley 216 miles southeast of Salt Lake City in Utah in the USA. Soft sandstone has, for many years, been eroded by wind and water to form strange pinnacles or hoodoos that some think resemble goblins. The eerie landscape is only about a mile across and two miles long, and it’s well worth exploring the marked trails to get up close to the bizarre formations.

Also relatively unknown is the fact that you can go on a spectacular canyoneering adventure in the Valley of Goblins. In recent years, the park has gained popularity due to social media, so visitors are encouraged to plan their trips during off-peak times to avoid crowds.

16. Whale Bone Alley, Siberia

On the northern shore of remote Yttygran Island, 82km off the coast of Alaska, there's a strange tourist spot. Huge whale jawbones, ribs, and vertebrae are stuck in the ground, creating a spooky path.

People think the site is from the 14th or 15th century, but no one is sure if it was a sacred meeting place for native tribes or just a spot for mass whale hunting. What we do know is that it's one of the weirdest places on earth.

17. Glass Beach, California, USA

This shiny sea glass beach in California is the result of years of trash being dumped there. It wasn't until the 1960s that this stopped, but by then the sea was full of everything from old appliances to bottles and cans.

Over time, the waves broke everything down into colorful pebbles, turning the beach into a big tourist attraction. Now, it's ironically at risk because visitors keep taking the glass home.

18. The Catacombs, Paris, France

The catacombs are a creepy network of old quarry tunnels under Paris, where about six million Parisians are buried. Most of the bones are from the city's overcrowded graveyards in the 18th and 19th centuries. It wasn't until the authorities saw its potential as a tourist spot that the bones were arranged in the eerie displays you see today. It's definitely one of the strangest places in the world.

As a popular tourist attraction now, make sure to get your catacombs tickets beforehand to skip the lines. The catacombs are open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 8.30pm. Note that opening hours and days may change, so it's best to check the official website for the latest information.

19. Fly Geyser, Nevada, USA

Fly Geyser looks like something from another planet. It's on private land near the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. It was accidentally created in 1964 when an energy company drilled into geothermal waters. Now, hot water shoots up to five feet high, and minerals build up, making the cone grow several inches each year.

The bright red and green colors come from special algae that love heat. You can't just walk up to Fly Geyser; you need to join a guided tour with the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock to see it.

20. Cat Island, Japan

One of the strangest places on earth is Cat Island in Japan. It's a short ferry ride from Japan’s east coast. The island, called Tashirojima, has about one hundred people, but way more cats.

The cats were originally welcomed because the island produced silk, and mice, which are a threat to silkworms, were kept away by the cats. Fishermen also thought cats brought good luck. There's even a cat shrine and cat-shaped cabins for tourists. Dogs are not allowed.

Recently, Cat Island has become a popular spot for tourists who love cats. People work to keep the cats healthy, with volunteers and groups providing food and medical care.

Top image: Endemic dragon trees of Socotra Island © Michail Vorobyev/Shutterstock

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