Pamukkale Travertines, Turkey

The World Heritage-listed, steppingstone-like travertines (terraces) of Pamukkale in Turkey are by far one of the strangest places in the world. Deep below this snow-white hillside lies volcanic lava which acts as a natural kettle, heating water below the surface resulting in an excess of calcium cascading down the hillside. After two millennia of this occurring, the calcified pools are now a tourist hotspot and a sight your eyes might not let you believe is real. The chalk-coloured pools are filled with translucent turquoise water and are perfect for a relaxing wallow, much like Egyptian Queen Cleopatra once did (supposedly!).