New Delhi: Love is a universal emotion of every creature on earth, including humans, but nature has its own romantic expressions. Across continents and landscapes, there are places where nature appears to have shaped its affection into perfect hearts. These heart-shaped destinations, formed through natural processes over centuries, feel especially fitting during Valentine’s week. From coral reefs to lakes and rock formations, each location tells a story of time and terrain. These stunning locations inspire romance, wonder and unforgettable travel dreams.
During Valentine’s week, heart-shaped destinations around the world capture attention for their beauty and rarity. These natural wonders, best admired through photographs and aerial views, offer romantic travel inspiration for those who believe love exists even in landscapes shaped by time. Here is the list of such unique destinations to explore.
Unique heart-shaped destinations on Earth
1. Heart of Voh, New Caledonia
This striking heart-shaped formation lies within a mangrove swamp in the North Province of New Caledonia. It gained global recognition after French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand featured it on the cover of one of his books. Travellers can climb nearly 400 metres to a viewpoint on Mount Kathépaïk for photographs, though the most dramatic images are captured during ultra-light aircraft flights. Pilots often assist photographers by allowing open-door shots, creating postcard-worthy images of this natural heart.
2. Heart-shaped rock near Nakalele Blowhole, Hawaii
Located on Maui, this perfectly formed heart-shaped rock feels almost too precise to be natural. It has become a popular attraction for visitors heading to the nearby Nakalele Blowhole, a powerful natural geyser that sends seawater soaring up to 100 feet. The contrast between the rugged coastline and this gentle heart shape makes it a favourite subject for travel images and romantic photography.
3. Heart Reef, Queensland, Australia
Heart Reef lies within the Great Barrier Reef near the Whitsunday Islands and is best viewed from the air. Travellers often combine snorkelling trips with scenic flights departing from Hamilton Island. These aerial tours reveal the reef’s coral heart in vivid detail, along with sweeping views of Whitehaven Beach. It remains one of the world’s most photographed natural heart shapes, especially popular during Valentine’s week.
4. Antelope Canyon, United States
In Arizona’s Navajo Nation reserve, Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons are carved by flash floods and centuries of erosion. While the region attracts visitors heading to Lake Powell, Lower Antelope Canyon hides a special surprise. At certain moments, sunlight passes through a naturally formed, heart-shaped opening in the sandstone. Photographers often wait patiently to capture this fleeting yet powerful symbol of the American West.
5. Greek Island of Corfu, Greece
On the western side of the Greek island of Corfu lies a heart-shaped lagoon best seen from above. This natural formation remains elusive from ground level, making aerial views essential for capturing its full shape. Only travellers lucky enough to experience a flight over the island can witness this romantic landscape in its entirety, making it one of the most exclusive heart-shaped sights in Europe.
6. Heart-shaped Sam Phan Bok, Thailand
Sam Phan Bok, often called the Grand Canyon of Thailand, is a 10-million-year-old riverbed in Ubon Ratchathani. During the dry season, when the Mekong River recedes, over 3,000 sandstone holes are revealed, including a well-known heart-shaped formation. Visitors can hire local guides and 4×4 vehicles to explore the rugged terrain or take long-tail boat rides for unique river views. The area also features formations resembling a dog’s head and Mickey Mouse, making it visually fascinating.
7. Heart-shaped Lago di Scanno, Italy
Lago di Scanno, set within Italy’s Abruzzo region, appears heart-shaped from elevated viewpoints. Formed by an ancient landslide that blocked the Tasso River over a thousand years ago, the lake is best viewed via the Sentiero del Cuore hiking trail. The route passes the Hermitage of Sant’Egidio and leads to panoramic viewpoints. Images taken from these heights reveal the lake’s deep green and blue tones shaped unmistakably like a heart.
8. Heart-shaped Lake Calvaresc, Switzerland
Lagh de Calvaresc is a heart-shaped alpine lake located at 2,214 metres in Switzerland’s Calanca Valley. Reaching it requires a demanding 6 to 8-hour hike from the village of Rossa, passing mountain huts and steep trails. The heart shape is best appreciated from higher ridges near the lake. Summer and early autumn offer ideal conditions for photography, with blooming alpine flora or golden larch trees framing this remote natural marvel.
During Valentine’s week, these heart-shaped destinations remind travellers that love exists beyond words and relationships. Shaped entirely by nature, each location offers a powerful visual experience best captured through images and aerial views.
