1. Switzerland – The Alpine Paradise
Switzerland consistently ranks as the world’s most stunning destination, and it’s easy to see why. As of August 2024, 7.04 million tourists visited Switzerland, with the country welcoming a total of 20.8 million visitors throughout 2023. Tourism revenue increased by 12% in 2023 totalling CHF 18.4 billion, surpassing 2019’s total revenue. The country’s snow-capped Alps, pristine lakes, and charming villages create a fairy-tale atmosphere that leaves visitors breathless. The number of overnight stays in Switzerland rose 2.6% to a record 42.8 million in 2024, with tourism director Martin Nydegger calling it “a rock solid, good year”. Whether you’re skiing in Zermatt or taking a scenic train ride through the mountains, Switzerland offers natural beauty that seems almost too perfect to be real.
2. Italy – The Timeless Beauty
Italy holds a strong 4th position in global tourism rankings, just behind the United States, Spain and France. In 2024, tourists spent a total of over 55 billion euros in Italy, up from the 50 billion spent in 2023. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the dramatic coastline of the Amalfi Coast, Italy offers stunning scenery at every turn. The country continued to be a popular destination in 2024, with January’s visitors growing by 7.4%, from 4.77 million in 2023 to 5.1 million in the same month of 2024. The ancient ruins of Rome, the romantic canals of Venice, and the colorful villages of Cinque Terre create a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. Florence has consistently been named the most walkable city in the world, winning the title again in 2024.
3. New Zealand – The Adventure Playground
New Zealand’s beauty is simply magical. From its 9,000 kilometers of breezy coastlines to its turquoise lakes cutting across mountains, New Zealand boasts some of the most fascinating settings on Earth, with Lake Tekapo possibly being one of the most colorful locations on Earth with beautiful blue glacial waters and never-ending meadows of pink and purple lupins. The country’s diverse landscapes range from snow-capped mountains to pristine beaches, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Milford Sound’s dramatic fjords and Waitomo’s glowing caves create otherworldly experiences that feel like stepping into a fantasy movie. New Zealand is also bursting with many museums and galleries adding to the nation’s artistic and cultural character, with the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa highlighting the rich history of the Māori people.
4. Japan – The Land of Harmony
The 2024 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report ranked Japan 3rd out of 141 countries overall, which was the highest in Asia, with Japan gaining relatively high scores in almost all featured aspects, such as health and hygiene, safety and security, cultural resources and business travel. Japan received a record 36.87 million tourist arrivals in 2024, an increase of over 47% from the year prior. The country seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern innovation, creating a unique visual experience. Visitor numbers in March and April 2024 for the popular cherry blossom season reached over 3 million each month. From the iconic Mount Fuji to the serene bamboo forests of Kyoto, Japan offers a perfect harmony between natural beauty and cultural richness. The country’s attention to detail in everything from gardens to architecture creates an aesthetic that’s both stunning and deeply peaceful.
5. Iceland – The Land of Fire and Ice
Few countries can offer as much raw natural beauty as this tiny island country, which is sometimes known as the Island of Fire and Ice due to its collection of active volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, ice fields, geysers, lava tunnels, and other geological wonders, with Iceland joining Canada as one of the best places on Earth to view the Northern Lights. The remarkable growth trajectory of Iceland’s tourism industry from 2019 to 2024 has solidified the country’s position as a premier global destination, with the country drawing travelers from all corners of the world to experience everything from the picturesque landscapes of the Golden Circle to the mesmerising Northern Lights. Sights such as the Skaftafell Ice Cave, the Dettifoss Waterfall, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach are among the most unique and beautiful anywhere on the planet. The dramatic contrast between ice and fire creates landscapes that seem almost alien in their beauty.
6. Norway – The Nordic Gem
Norway’s fjords are among the most spectacular natural formations on Earth. The country’s dramatic coastline, carved by ancient glaciers, creates breathtaking scenery that draws millions of visitors each year. From the midnight sun in summer to the dancing Northern Lights in winter, Norway offers natural phenomena that are both rare and incredibly beautiful. The Lofoten Islands provide some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the world, rising directly from the sea like ancient cathedrals. Traditional fishing villages nestled between towering peaks create picture-perfect scenes that have inspired artists for centuries. Norway’s commitment to preserving its natural environment ensures that these stunning landscapes remain unspoiled for future generations.
7. Greece – The Cradle of Civilization
Greece could probably make this list based upon the island of Santorini alone, whose iconic white buildings with bright blue domes are virtually guaranteed to appear on any photographic essay of places with beautiful scenery, while mainland Greece is home to architectural sites including the Parthenon, the scenic ruins of Delphi, and the monasteries at Metéora. Beaches are abundant in Greece, and feature sand in a wide range of colors: white, black, pink, or red, all surrounded by jewel blue Mediterranean waters and interesting mountains and rock formations. The country’s combination of ancient history and stunning natural beauty creates an unmatched travel experience. From the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea to the rugged mountains of Crete, Greece offers diverse landscapes that have captivated visitors for millennia. The golden light that bathes the islands during sunset creates magical moments that photographers and romantics dream about.
8. Canada – The Great Wilderness
Positioned just above the United States of America, Canada is one of the world’s largest countries and is known for its notoriously friendly people and ruggedly beautiful wilderness, with the country’s mix of soaring mountains, serene lakes, and deep forests being nothing short of awe-inspiring for visitors who don’t mind a bit of snow during the winter months. As a bonus, Canada is the 11th-safest country globally, home to some of the most notoriously friendly people. The Rocky Mountains provide some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in North America, while the pristine lakes of Banff and Jasper National Parks offer mirror-like reflections of snow-capped peaks. The country’s vast wilderness areas, from the Arctic tundra to the temperate rainforests of British Columbia, showcase nature in its most pristine form. Niagara Falls, though shared with the United States, remains one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders.
9. France – The Eternal Beauty
One of the largest countries in Europe, France is known for both manmade and natural beauty, with Paris offering urban beauty in architecture, art, food, and fashion, while moving out of the city reveals a plethora of beautiful sights from snow-capped mountains to rolling fields of vineyards and lavender to sunny beaches. France has remained the world’s top destination for over three decades, drawing 100 million international visitors in 2023 and holding the top spot as the most visited country globally for more than 30 years. The lavender fields of Provence create purple carpets that stretch to the horizon, while the Loire Valley’s châteaux provide fairy-tale architecture set against manicured gardens. The French Riviera’s glamorous coastline contrasts beautifully with the rugged Alps, showing the country’s incredible diversity. From the Gothic spires of Notre Dame to the natural amphitheater of the Gorges du Verdon, France offers beauty that spans centuries and landscapes.
10. South Africa – The Rainbow Nation
South Africa is a great place for a safari, as the Kruger National Park allows you to observe the “Big Five” African animals, where you can see elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos in their natural environment. Boulder Beach is a unique place on the continent where visitors can meet real penguins, while the natural landscapes of South Africa are very diverse: from the high Drakensberg Mountains to the flower fields of Namaqualand and the Blyde River Canyon. The magnificence and diversity of South Africa are out of this world, with Kruger National Park being a perfect destination to see the Big Five and other wild animals amidst stunning landscapes. Cape Town’s dramatic Table Mountain provides a stunning backdrop to one of the world’s most beautiful cities, while the Garden Route offers coastal scenery that rivals any in the world. The country’s diverse landscapes, from the wine regions of Stellenbosch to the desert blooms of Namaqualand, create a visual feast that changes with the seasons.
What makes these countries truly special isn’t just their individual beauty, but how they each offer something completely different – would you have guessed that such diverse landscapes could all be equally stunning?