Nature lover's heavens - the most inviting naturally beautiful cities

While most cities are happy to have patches of greenery within their borders thanks to the ever increasing demand for living space, some cities on the other hand are blessed with a landscape that’s nothing but a picture from a fairy tale book. Surrounded by lush green sceneries, and breath taking views, these cities are truly heaven of earth. Here we take a look at top such beautiful cities. 

 

 

The hiker’s paradise

 

Hikers never really get to experience any challenging outdoors when living in a big city, but Portland, Oregon begs to differ. Surrounded by hills, forests, and lakes on all sides, the city is not just one of the most naturally beautiful places in the US, but a hiker’s paradise as well. Take a stroll down through the scented pathways lined with outdoor flowers, or hike across the Columbia George of Mount Hood on the weekend, or take a day off and go rafting in the lakes, or just get the gear out and go for camping; truly there is no limit to the amount of outdoor fun you can have with the city. 

 

 

The Tropical Paradise

 

Rio di Janeiro requires no introduction for the seasoned traveler, but to those who don’t do much or travelling, here is preview of the sight you will be landing to. A bustling street in the middle of nowhere where people seem to emerge from every corner, street food and entertainment that can tickle the curiosity of anyone, strange sounds of exotic birds that just seem to appear on   tree   tops like pigeons, a subtle but rhythmic sound of the waves crashing on the shores, and the ever imposing view of the Christo Redentor statue; no wonder that people of Rio believe that god spent an entire day just to create the city. To catch the true beauty of the city, get on top of the Sugarloaf Mountain and bask in the beauty of the crystal blue ocean, the exotic sky filled with brilliant colors and the endless expanse of tropical forests. 

 

Enter Atlantis

 

Ancient Greeks, though in no way as sophisticated as we are, sure knew how to live the good life. And the cities left over from their past stand epitome to it; Santorini for one is a brilliant example of it. Overlooking the mighty Aegean, this white marbled rectangular lagoon is no regular city but actually a remnant of a volcanic eruption that occurred thousands of years ago. The island city looks as if it’s just a narrow strip of hills in the middle of the ocean, but that’s what makes it so spectacular. Covered by brilliant white tiled buildings on both sides, and a never ending array of greenery thanks to the volcanic activity, the city commands one of the best views in the world – the panoramic view of the blue lagoon. With the sun gently gleaming on the radiant volcanic rocks and the white marbles of the city as it settles down in the Aegean, it builds a view that’s worth a lifetime.