19 Legendary Places Around the World That Actually Exist
Have you ever read stories about mythical cities, magical locations, and long-forgotten ruins, and dreamed of visiting them? Some of these legendary places thankfully exist! This list starts with the ruins of Troy and then moves on to remote islands that look like they belong in a fantasy novel.
Here is a greater insight into this list of legendary places around the world you can visit. Each destination unlocks the door to the world in a legend.
Atlantis, Greece
The story of Atlantis is a perennial source of thousands of books, movies, and dreams of a utopian city swallowed by the sea. The first account of Atlantis, which mentioned it as a flourishing and advanced civilization that was unexpectedly wiped out, can be traced back to Plato in 330 BCE.
Although its exact location is unknown, some claim it is based on the ancient Minoan civilization that inhabited Santorini. Today, Santorini’s volcanic caldera is a pleasure to behold, and many suppose it could have been the center of Atlantis.
El Dorado, South America
The fabled city of gold, El Dorado, has always been a temptation for explorers and treasure hunters. It was born from an indigenous myth of a gilded king of the region who dressed in gold dust during ceremonial rituals.
According to this legend, Lake Guatavita, in Colombia, often depicts this. Though the golden city has not yet been discovered, the lake and nearby museums with gold artifacts tell an incredible story of the civilization that gave rise to the legend.
Camelot, England
Stories about King Arthur and the Round Table have been universally enchanting for centuries. Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, England, has dramatic cliffs and a sweeping ocean view; some say that Camelot was based on it.
Although not all the medieval ruins can substantiate the legend, Tennyson’s poetry was inspired by them. If you spend a day wandering around the castle grounds, you can feel the presence of Arthurian times.
Shangri-La, Tibet
Lost Horizon by James Hilton gave birth to this mystical utopia, a peaceful paradise hidden in the Tibetan mountains.
Although its exact location is fictional, it was inspired by various sites in the Himalayas. For travelers, the county of Shangri-La in China is real, with snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and spiritual serenity.
Troy, Turkey
Until recently, the city of Troy was considered nothing more than fiction; it was a place of wars, gods, and the notorious Trojan horse.
Archaeological excavations in what was by then northwestern Turkey uncovered ruins that matched what was known about Troy. It is easy to picture the scenes from the Iliad while walking its ancient stone pathways.
Loch Ness, Scotland
The legendary Loch Ness monster, known affectionately as “Nessie,” has captured the imaginations of locals and visitors alike for generations. This famous body of water is said to be home to a mysterious creature, and many sightings have been made over the years.
Some believe it is a large eel or other kind of water creature, but others consider it a genuine sea monster. The lake can be visited by boat tour or hiking around the loch, and you can hope to see Nessie yourself.
Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge is a prehistoric stone circle located in Wiltshire, England. It is one of the mysterious monuments that has fascinated people worldwide.
Though its purpose and construction are still in question, it is believed to have been used for religious or ceremonial rituals. Visitors continue to be inspired by the ancient stones, awed by their grandeur and beauty.
Machu Picchu, Peru
This ancient Incan citadel, centered in the Andes Mountains, has been hidden for centuries and has kept the hearts and minds of travelers. Machu Picchu lies on a ridge of the Andes Mountains, and the setting, perched up on a mountain ridge and surrounded by lush green valleys, is part of that sense of awe and mystery that is born of the place.
It is believed to have been erected as an estate for Incan Emperor Pachacuti in the mid-15th century and abandoned on account of the Spanish conquests. By 2021, it was one of Peru’s most popular tourist destinations.
The Garden of Eden, Iraq
Though no one disputes that the biblical paradise of the Garden of Eden was just a legend, the place where it is thought to have been located some 6,000 years ago still exists in modern-day Iraq.
Some believe this mythical garden was situated on the Shatt al-Arab River in southern Iraq, which empties into the Persian Gulf. This area has tremendous landscapes, culture, and heritage, whether historically or religiously significant.
Mount Olympus, Greece
Buried in snow, Mount Olympus is the only mountain considered holy ground by the ancient Greeks because that is where the gods and goddesses resided.
This mountain sits on the border between Thessaly and Macedonia in Greece; rich in mythology and history, those with a legend bug will not want to miss it.
The Bermuda Triangle, North Atlantic Ocean
The Bermuda Triangle is an area encased in mystery and legend in the Western North Atlantic Ocean. Many ships and planes have mysteriously disappeared there.
Many theories explain these disappearances, but the area is still popular with thrill seekers and those who find its mythical name attractive.
Poveglia Island, Italy
This small island off the coast of Venice has a dark history of being a quarantine station during outbreaks of plague and later as a mental asylum. It is sometimes known as one of the most haunted places on Earth. It is fearsomely atmospheric and has some chilling stories that have made it the place for ghost hunters and people interested in the supernatural.
The island is off-limits to visitors, but its sinister allure continues to attract adventurous and paranormal buffs. Many have heard disembodied voices, screams, and whispers throughout the other abandoned buildings.
Mount Fuji, Japan
Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain and has had a special place in Japanese culture and mythology since time immemorial. An ancient civilization lived at its base and worshipped the fire god, believed to be its home. Nowadays, thousands of hikers worldwide come and hike to the top of this iconic natural gem of Japan.
Besides being a popular climbing destination, Mount Fuji is visited by many who wish to see its stunning scenery throughout the year, during the cherry blossom season in spring, or the colors of autumn in fall. Because it is part of the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, there are several outdoor activities to enjoy at the mountain, such as camping and bathing in hot springs, as well as scenic lake cruises.
Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island, also known by its Polynesian name of Rapa Nui, is synonymous with mysterious stone statues known as moai. The island’s Polynesian inhabitants carved these monsters, and there has been legend and speculation over these giant figures for some time. Perhaps you want to come to Easter Island and see those impressive statues or learn more about the island’s particular culture, but it is a wonderful place that travelers worldwide visit.
The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Great Pyramids of Giza are widely known as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and a lasting evidence of human ingenuity and perseverance.
They are 4,000 years old, used to bury Egyptian pharaohs, and continue to astonish visitors with their massive scale, eloquence, and mysterious construction method. The legends and the myths are easy to imagine when standing before these ancient wonders.
The Lost City of Petra, Jordan
The ancient city of Petra was saved within the cliffs of southern Jordan. Once the home of an advanced civilization of the Nabataeans, the structure is impressive in its architecture and engineering, even more so because it stands in a narrow desert canyon. Much is known about this lost city, but with time, modern-day explorers still have much to discover.
The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
One of the Isle of Skye’s most popular natural features is a series of crystal clear pools and plunging waterfalls known as the Fairy Pools.
It is said that these miraculous waters are the habitat of fairies or other ghosts, and thus, they are visited by those who trust in their mythical existence. Visitors can hike through this enchanted landscape to see these amazing natural wonders up close.
The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador are famous for their uniquely diverse wildlife and untouched natural beauty, which have long brought visitors a sense of wonder and awe.
This archipelago is famous as the place where Charles Darwin was inspired to compile the theory of evolution. The species here are abundant and found nowhere else on Earth. Diverse landscapes and its remote location make it necessary for those who wish to enjoy nature and embark on an adventure.
The Grand Canyon, United States
Geologically speaking, the Grand Canyon is carved by the Colorado River and has lured people from all over the world to visit ever since. It’s vast and immense, and there are so many tiers of rock formations with color that guests return the same year and the year after.
Whether you roll up your hiking boots and scale its rim or prefer a helicopter tour through the canyon’s depths, you will be left in awe of its sheer size and beauty that cannot be viewed as a video or photograph.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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