Instagrammable destinations to add to your bucket list
A quiet cobbled street, a kaleidoscope of market stalls or the silhouette of ancient cliffs against a setting sun can become moments you carry forever after a holiday.
Some destinations lend themselves to these experiences so naturally that they almost beg to be photographed. These are the places where the light always seems golden and every corner feels like a work of art.
From glittering seascapes to timeworn architecture, these destinations offer the kind of beauty you’ll want to share, even if just to preserve the memory for yourself.
Santorini, Greece
You can’t think of Santorini without conjuring images of its sugar-white buildings cascading down volcanic cliffs. But it’s not just the iconic, blue-domed churches and the caldera views that make this island a photographer’s dream. Wander through the quieter streets of Pyrgos or Megalochori, where bougainvillaea spills over wooden doorways and locals linger in vine-covered courtyards. You’ll find that timing is everything here. Arrive early at Oia to capture the village in its sleepy stillness, or stay late to watch the sun dip into the Aegean, painting the sky in hues of rose and gold. For a more unusual perspective, charter a small boat and snap the cliffs from the water, with the island rising dramatically behind you.
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech dazzles you with its chaos and colour. In the heart of the medina, the souks unfold into a labyrinth of vivid textiles, fragrant spices and hand-hammered lanterns. Pause to photograph the flickering light inside the Ben Youssef Madrasa or the intricate zellij tilework of Bahia Palace. But the most striking images are found in the pulse of daily life – a vendor stacking oranges into towering pyramids or a snake charmer playing his flute in Jemaa el-Fna square. Step outside the city walls to explore the lush gardens of Majorelle, where cobalt-blue walls contrast brilliantly with emerald cacti.
Karpaz, Cyprus
Far from the bustling resorts, Karpaz offers an unspoiled side of Cyprus that feels almost secret. You’ll find yourself enchanted by the region’s serenity, whether you’re standing on the tip of Cape Apostolos Andreas or exploring the ruins of Ayios Philon. The slow pace allows you to savour the details – the way the waves lap against the untouched sands of Golden Beach or the gentle glow of lanterns outside a family-run taverna. Holidays to Cyprus may often promise relaxation, but Karpaz gives you something deeper – a sense of discovery.
Venice, Italy
Venice has a way of making even the most familiar scenes feel otherworldly. Its canals wind between palazzi adorned with crumbling frescoes, creating reflections that shift and shimmer with the movement of gondolas. Seek out the quieter sestieri, like Cannaregio, where you can catch a glimpse of locals sipping espresso by the water. The Rialto Market buzzes with vendors peddling glistening seafood and ruby-red radicchio, while the Bridge of Sighs hides a melancholy charm. Rise early to photograph Piazza San Marco bathed in soft morning light or linger until dusk when the Grand Canal glows under the lamplight.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia feels like a place born of fairy tales, with its undulating valleys and chimneys of rock carved by wind and time. The skies fill with hot air balloons at sunrise, their vibrant colours floating above the surreal landscape. If you’re feeling adventurous, join one yourself for the ultimate aerial perspective. On the ground, explore the rock-carved churches of the Göreme Open-Air Museum or the quiet interiors of an ancient cave hotel. For a more intimate view, wander Love Valley, where the towering rock formations create an almost otherworldly scene. Cappadocia’s beauty is equal parts magical and mysterious.
