( CNN ) -- There are thousands of football stadiums around the world , ranging from multi-million-dollar , all-seater arenas to traditional old grounds that could probably do with a bit of TLC and a lick of paint . Everyone knows about iconic structures such as Brazil 's Maracana , the mark II Wembley in London and Spain 's Santiago Bernabeu and Camp Nou , but many quirkier venues are also worth a visit . CNN has picked out eight that offer something slightly different to the norm . Tell us what you think , is your favorite ground missing off the list ? 1 . Estadio da Madeira , Portugal At first glance this 5,500-capacity stadium is not at all unusual , although two ends of the ground are wire fencing with no seats . But the location , high above Madeira island 's capital of Funchal , qualifies this venue for attention . Games are often called off for fog and it is no wonder . The only road up to the ground is a narrow twisting track , easy to miss with just a single makeshift sign to indicate the right direction . Driving up the narrow road it is hard to believe you are heading to a ground which has hosted Europa League football , until after a couple of kilometers you can spot the floodlights , high above the tree line like a scene from the film `` The Field of Dreams '' and its imaginary baseball ground . This stadium is for real and boasts good facilities , including the Cristiano Ronaldo football academy , but its surreal setting takes some beating . 2 . Braga Municipal Stadium , Portugal . Portugal 's second entry in our list was designed by famed architect Eduardo Souto de Moura , winner of the 2011 Pritzker Architecture Prize , and is unique for its rugged beauty . Built in 2003 , in time to be one of the venues for Euro 2004 , Moura carved the stadium into the face of the adjacent Monte Castro quarry which overlooks the city of Braga . And , since it was built , the team 's fortunes on the pitch have improved as well , culminating in them reaching the final of the Europa League last year . Moura received his Pritzker prize this year from a well-known statesman , who said : `` This is Eduardo 's most famous work -- he took great care to position the stadium in such a way that anyone who could n't afford a ticket could watch the match from the surrounding hillside . '' That statesman ? U.S. President Barack Obama . 3 . Stadion Kantrida , Croatia . Situated in the Croatian city of Rijeka and home to the club of the same name , this stadium might be small , holding only 10,000 fans , but is perfectly formed . Like Braga 's ground , one side of the arena is dwarfed by a giant cliff face . However , the Kantrida offers visual beauty on the other side as well , being perched alongside the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic Sea . The setting is so beautiful that since 1990 it has hosted some of Croatia 's home international matches . 4 . Allianz Arena , Germany . No apologies for the inclusion of Munich 's new stadium . In an age when impressive new arenas are being built every year , this one takes the breath away for its unusual exterior . Despite the controversy that surrounded its huge cost ( reported to be in the region of $ 400 million ) and allegations of corruption and underhand dealings in its construction , this makes the list for its magnificent tire-shaped design that dominates its surroundings . But what really sets it apart is the paneling that makes up the facade , which can be independently lit with white , red , or blue light depending on which team is playing there -- something no other arena in the world can do . The Allianz Arena hosted the 2006 World Cup semifinal between France and Portugal and is the setting for the 2012 Champions League final . 5 . Estadio Hernando Siles , Bolivia . Although not officially the highest stadium in the world -- that honor goes to a ground in Peru -- this one makes the list because of its national importance and controversial history . Situated in the capital city La Paz , at 3,637 meters ( 11,932 feet ) above sea level , it is Bolivia 's national arena and plays host to three club teams , including the appropriately named The Strongest . For years , international opponents claimed Bolivia had an unfair advantage playing there , and it 's hard to argue with some of the results it has spawned . Just two years ago , the mighty Argentina were humbled 6-1 there -- the two-time world champions ' worse defeat for six decades -- while Brazil suffered their first World Cup qualifying reverse in 40 years when losing 2-0 in 2003 . FIFA has made attempts to ban the stadium from hosting such matches in the past , but the Bolivians fought tooth and nail to fight the suspension and -- in the end -- football 's world governing body relented . 6 . Stade Velodrome , France . Love it or hate it -- and most people hate it -- Marseille 's famous old arena is just plain odd . It 's the largest club ground in French football , holding 60,000 fans , and has hosted two World Cup semifinals ( in 1938 and 1998 ) as well as numerous top rugby matches . Yet , despite its location on the windy Mediterranean coast , and repeated proposed renovation projects , spectators must suffer everything that nature has to offer , as the stadium has no roofing on the stands . Finally , work is now in progress to provide spectators with some respite from the elements , with work expected to be completed in plenty of time for when France hosts Euro 2016 . 7 . Svangaskard Stadium , Faroe Islands . This is a real gem of a stadium . Situated in the village of Toftir , it used to be the permanent home for all Faroe Islands home matches , although it has now been usurped as the national team venue by a newer ground in the capital Torshavn . The Svangaskard holds just 6,000 fans but once been , never forgotten . From afar it looks like it is perched precariously on the edge of rugged rocks and once up close , you realize just how near it is to the sea . Breathtakingly beautiful views surround the ground , so take a camera , and also some very warm clothing because you really will be at the mercy of the north Atlantic Ocean . 8 . Cape Town Stadium , South Africa . Possibly the most beautiful stadium in the world for a variety of reasons . Built at a cost of $ 600 million in time for the 2010 World Cup , not only is it pleasing on the eye , but its location is simply stunning . With the landmark Signal Hill on one side , the Atlantic Ocean on the other and Table Mountain also in the background , it is a stadium that shows off Cape Town 's natural beauty with sumptuous effect . And , as if it did n't have enough going for it , the stadium also played host to some of the best matches during the World Cup , with Germany beating Argentina 4-0 and the five-goal semifinal thriller between the Netherlands and Uruguay just two of its highlights .
CNN takes a look at some of the world 's most unusual football stadiums . Portugal 's Madeira island has a ground which is partly built into a cliff face . One of the grounds highest above sea level can be found in the Bolivian capital La Paz . South Africa 's Cape Town Stadium has the scenic Table Mountain for a backdrop .