Machu Picchu. The Taj Mahal. The Everglades. You’ve probably heard of the world’s most famous UNESCO sites. But did you know that there are actually more than 1,150 in total? That’s right, they’re spread across the globe and they consist of practically everything, from historic architecture to dazzling examples of nature’s splendor.

If you’re down for visiting UNESCO sites that are slightly off the beaten path on your next international adventure, keep this list handy and be ready to be amazed!

Valletta, Malta

Sometimes hailed as an “open-air museum,” Valletta on the island of Malta is one of the sunniest destinations in Europe, filled with historic limestone buildings that soak up the rays. Its forts, bastions, batteries, and sea walls are amazing displays of Baroque-style architecture, and many of them have a fascinating military history, too. When you’re done soaking up the rich history of these time-honored sites, feel free to check out other, more modern attractions in Valletta, Malta’s capital, including gardens that look like something out of a fairy tale storybook. There’s even a palace dating back centuries.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Covering more than 700,000 acres, Plitvice Lakes National Park is the largest park in Croatia…but, somehow, it’s still something of a hidden gem. Its lush landscapes will make you feel like you’ve fallen back in time to the days of unspoiled jungles. Prepare to climb canyons, cross lakes, explore caves, and gawk at waterfalls. Depending on where you go, the minerals of the water might make it appear vividly green or brilliantly blue. It’s a destination that’ll fill up your camera roll for sure, so give yourself plenty of time to explore and discover it all.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil

Another unmissable destination for waterfalls fans, Iguazu Falls actually consists of 275 individual drops that stretch for almost two miles. All together, they make up the largest waterfall system in the world, so much so that they cross the border into both Argentina and Brazil. The basalt formations date back millennia and have been smoothed into a staircase shape over time. It’s said that, when Eleanor Roosevelt visited them, she declared, “Poor Niagara!” because she knew when our domestic falls been outclassed. You’ll definitely understand why Iguazu Falls are a UNESCO site once you witness their thundering power in person.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

A world of fun awaits you at Ha Long Bay! Here you can go hiking, caving, scuba diving and rock climbing among many other things to do. There are literally thousands of islets scattered throughout the bay — which means “descending dragon” in Vietnamese, by the way — and many tourists like to hop from adventure to adventure to take in as much of the scenery as they can. Some destinations even offer boozy seaside towns that are just perfect for that laid-back, tropical vacation you’re looking dor. Other spots are so remote that you can peer off the edge of a waterfall and feel like you’re the only person in the world. Either way, Ha Long Bay is a fantastic UNESCO destination that you won’t want to miss. 

Wieliczka Salt Mines, Poland

Hailed as the “Sistine Chapel of Salt,” the Wieliczka Salt Mines are a fun and unique destination for travelers eager to try something new. They date back to the 13th century, stretch for more than 178 miles, and plunge some 1,073 feet below the earth. But fear not! Despite these quite terrifying stats, they’re an orderly, well-lit tourist destination with many attractions carved right into the rock. For example, you can visit several different underground chapels with saints and angels chiseled into the walls. You can also view an underground lake or take a tour through maze-like corridors and shafts. The mines only recently stopped production for brine and salt, so see if you can spot leftover equipment in the labyrinth, too.

Lake Turkana National Parks, Kenya

Have you ever wanted to go on safari in Africa? Consider a trip to the Lake Turkana National Parks. There are actually three parks (South Island Park, Sibiloi National Park, and Central Island National Park) covering some 400,000 acres in total, and their beauty is outdone only by their biodiversity: Lake Turkana alone is home to over 60 species of fish. You can swim in beaches; you can trek through deserts; you can follow along the erosion lines of long-forgotten lava fields. The land is rich with fossils, and the wildlife ranges from tiny, colorful birds to jaw-snapping Nile crocodiles. It’s also home to the one and only Jade Sea.

Do you have a favorite underrated UNESCO site? Tell us about it in the comments below!