20 of the world’s most beautiful World Heritage Sites

Not bad, considering the original list, compiled in 1978, included only 12 entries.

There are still a few months till the newest members of the prestigious list are announced in June, so here’s a look back at 20 of the most beautiful — and famous — already on the list.

Site details in the gallery above, while info on getting to each is below.

Angkor (Cambodia)

The site is a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride from the city of Siem Reap.

The bulk of visitors come between November and February, when the weather is dry and temperatures are coolest (25-30 C).

To make the most of your visit to this incredible temple complex, a guide is essential.

We recommend Tong Hann of the Anantara Angkor Resort & Spa.

His knowledge and respect for the sites and their history is phenomenal; he’s particularly skilled at creating an itinerary that will keep you away from crowds and allow you to check out some lesser known but beautiful ruins.

Acropolis (Greece)

It’s possible to take a tour to the site, or simply wander in from Athens on foot.

The route along Adrianou Street to the back entrance of the site is a gentler climb than the Dionysus Theatre entrance.

For more information, visit the Greece tourism website.

Valletta (Malta)

Just south of Sicily, Malta is connected by flights from across Europe.

It’s possible to stay in Valletta, but the bulk of visitors make for the tiny nation’s beach resorts.

For more information, visit the Malta tourism website.

Venice and its lagoon (Italy)

Venice is served by nearby Marco Polo and Treviso airports, while trains arrive at the Venezia Santa Lucia train station in the western part of the city.

For more information, visit the Italy tourism website.

Yellowstone National Park (United States)

Located around 100 kilometers from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the closest major airport hub, the park has five main access points.

Most visitors choose to drive throughout the park, camping en route.

For more information, visit the Wyoming tourism website.

Published December 2013, updated February 2015.

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