Choosing the most beautiful countries in the world sounds almost impossible – until you listen to the people who’ve actually been there. This list of the 10 most beautiful countries on Earth is built on real travel experiences: from hikers who’ve crossed glacier valleys to city lovers who’ve wandered cobbled streets at sunset.
If you are planning your next vacation or want to go to some of the enthralling places of the world, these are the destinations that you should visit and never think of missing.
1. New Zealand is best known for its natural beauty
New Zealand regularly tops global rankings of most beautiful countries, and travellers are almost unanimous: it feels like a real-life movie set.
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It has two main islands stretching about 1,600 km, New Zealand tourism offers everything from fiords and glowworm caves to alpine lakes and golden beaches – often within a single road trip. On the South Island, stunning passes like Haast and Lindis link glacier valleys to turquoise lakes, while the North Island brings volcanic national parks, geothermal pools, and rich Māori culture.
It’s also the legendary backdrop to the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies – and you really do feel that “Middle-earth” magic when you’re standing in front of those snow-capped mountains or driving along the wild coastline.
2. Greece – Ancient Beauty Meets Mediterranean Magic
Greece combines ancient history with sun-kissed islands and blue-green seas, making it a favourite for both beach holidays and cultural trips.
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Travellers rave about Santorini’s sunsets, the iconic white-and-blue buildings of Oia, and the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Aegean. But Greece’s beauty goes far beyond the islands: rugged mountains, quiet lakes, and winding rivers create a landscape perfect for nature lovers and romantic getaways.
On top of that, the Mediterranean climate delivers long summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine. From the ruins of Athens to the pink and black sand beaches spread across the islands, Greece feels like a postcard come to life. All-inclusively, Greece is considered to be the most beautiful country in Europe due to its best beaches in Greece.
3. Italy: UNESCO’s Treasure Trove
When it comes to European beauty, Italy is in a league of its own. It leads the world with 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which means you’re almost guaranteed to stumble across something historic and stunning in every city.
Think of Rome’s Colosseum, Florence’s cathedrals and Renaissance art, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the romantic canals of Venice. And then there’s the landscape: the dramatic cliffs and colourful houses of the Amalfi Coast, the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, and the jagged peaks of the Dolomites.
Many travellers build their Italy itinerary around train routes linking Venice–Florence–Rome, adding side trips to places like Cinque Terre or Puglia’s unique trulli villages. Whether you’re into food, art, architecture, or scenery, Italy feels like a curated collection of the world’s best experiences.
4. Japan – Where Tradition Meets Natural Splendor
Japan merges futuristic cities with timeless traditions and some of the most elegant landscapes on Earth. Travellers are drawn to its cherry blossom season, peaceful temples, and dramatic mountains.
In spring, Kyoto’s shrines and parks are covered in soft pink sakura, while autumn shows a transition from temple gardens into a mix of red, gold, and amber. Mount Fuji dominates the skyline around Shizuoka, and the Japanese Alps offer incredible hiking, hot springs, and snow sports.
Japan also ranks among the top countries in travel readiness, which means trains run on time, cities are extremely easy to navigate, and it’s surprisingly simple to merge megacities like Tokyo and Osaka with quieter spots like Nara, Kamikochi, or bamboo forests near Kyoto.
5. Switzerland – Alpine Perfection
If you are thinking of or imagining snowy mountains, crystal lakes, and cute wooden villages, Switzerland might be your personal paradise.
This small European country offers some of the most polished alpine scenery in the world. Summer brings wildflower meadows, emerald valleys, and famous hiking routes, while winter turns the same landscapes into perfect ski territory around places like Zermatt and Lauterbrunnen.
Panoramic train journeys like the Glacier Express Train tie it all together, letting you glide past glaciers, rivers, and high passes without ever needing to drive. With multiple UNESCO sites, clean cities, and efficient public transport, Switzerland is built for scenic, stress-free travel.
6. Norway: Famous for Fjords and Northern Lights
For many travellers, Norway defines pure, untouched nature. The country is famous for its fjords, steep cliffs, deep blue water, and powerful waterfalls.
The Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often described as one of the most beautiful fjords in the world, with dramatic rock faces and cascading streams dropping straight into the water. In winter, northern Norway becomes one of the best places on Earth to see the Northern Light Norway, turning the sky into a swirling show of greens and purples.
Even the capital, Oslo, feels close to nature, which is surrounded by forests and water where you can hike, kayak, or ski without going far from the city centre. For travellers who love wide open spaces and quiet, wild landscapes, Norway feels like a dream.
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7. Indonesia – Tropical Paradise Across Thousands of Islands
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers a completely different kind of beauty. This is a place of coral reefs, rice terraces, volcanoes, and hidden beaches.
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Most visitors start with Bali, known as the “Island of the Gods” for its temples, cliffs, and spiritual retreats. But seasoned travellers say the real magic continues in places like Komodo (with pink sand beaches and the famous Komodo dragon), Raja Ampat Diving (a diving paradise with some of the world’s most biodiverse reefs), and Flores, where green hills slide into quiet coves.
From jungle wildlife and manta rays to cultural villages and surf spots, Indonesia feels endless. Each island has its own character, making it one of the world’s best countries for island-hopping adventures.
8. Canada: Vast Wilderness and Natural Wonders
As the second-largest country in the world, Canada is a playground for anyone who loves to visit wide open spaces and dramatic landscapes.
It has the longest coastline on Earth, more lakes than any other country, and national parks that look like they were designed for epic travel photography. Think turquoise lakes in Banff and Jasper, rugged Pacific shores in British Columbia, fiery autumn forests in Quebec and Ontario, and the cliffs of the Bay of Fundy. Banff National Park is one of the best parks of Canada.
Canada also blends this natural beauty with diverse cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, where food, culture, and festivals reflect influences from all over the world. For road trips, wildlife watching, and outdoor adventures, Canada is hard to beat.
9. Iceland: Famous for Fire and Ice Wonderland
Few places feel as otherworldly as Iceland. Often called the “Land of Fire and Ice”, it’s packed with volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, geysers, lava fields, and black sand beaches.
Highlights include the Skaftafell Ice Cave, Dettifoss Waterfall, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – all of which look like they belong on another planet. Iceland is also one of the best countries for Northern Lights tours, drawing travellers in winter who want quiet nights and big skies.
Despite its wild landscapes, the country is famous as one of the world’s most peaceful nations, making it ideal for slow, reflective travel. Soaking in the Blue Lagoon or a natural hot spring after a long day of exploring has become a bucket-list experience in itself.
10. Thailand: Famous for its beautiful Islands
Let’s check why Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason. Thailand’s beaches are widely known in the world for their beauty.
Travellers love its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, friendly locals, and incredible food. From the buzzing streets and temples of Bangkok to the laid-back islands of Koh Samui, Phuket, and Koh Kood, Thailand offers something for every kind of traveller. Moreover, Thailand’s islands are the most beautiful places to visit.
The country is good to visit for various places, such as elephant sanctuaries, yoga retreats and ancient temples in places like Chiang Mai. Whether you’re backpacking, honeymooning, or on a family vacation, Thailand is considered to be the best choice as it is affordable with picture-perfect scenery and warm hospitality.