The World's 40 Most Beautiful Countries to Visit in Your Lifetime

Norway

Norway? Yes, way. The Scandinavian country offers a diverse array of breathtaking topography, from green-capped mountains and deep coastal fjords to pebble-lined beaches and sky-slicing glaciers. Its capital of Oslo, surrounded by water and forests, also welcomes wellness-minded visitors from all over the world with opportunities to swim, hike, kayak, and ski—all without having to venture too far from its city center.

Australia

Every day is a g'day if you find yourself Down Under. Australia boasts one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world with a whopping 40 identifiable and distinct eco-regions that range from rainforests and outback deserts to mangroves and the iconic Great Barrier Reef. A stay at the latter may require a boat or helicopter, but even that trip is nothing short of spectacular with over 900 islands to see either from above or among its lapis water-lined cays.

Seychelles

The smallest country in Africa may be its most remarkable with an archipelago of 115 islands, one just as beautiful as the next. But Anse Source d'Argent beach has become the destination’s certified star with chalk-white sand, effortlessly clear water, and granite boulders that practically beg to be photographed. It also makes a fantastic honeymoon spot for any couple who chooses to start or end their trip with a safari.

South Africa

Lions and elephants and rhinos, oh my! Those searching for safari animals (or any wildlife, for that matter) will remain mouth agape by South Africa’s abundance of living things. A trip to Kruger National Park to witness the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and African buffalo) is an itinerary requirement while observing the penguin communities at Boulders Beach proves that every nook and cranny of the country teems with some type of fascinating creature. Cape Town’s Table Mountain and Lion’s Head are equally impressive landmarks, of course, and have become synonymous with the region and the incredible scenery to expect during a visit.

Spain

Whether it's the culture-defining metropolises of Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla on the mainland, the beach towns of Valencia and Malaga, or the ritzy islands of Ibiza and Mallorca, Spain has practically everything you could ever want in a country. It’s also surprisingly mountainous with rolling vineyards, cliffside neighborhoods, and trails at Montserrat—arguably the best day trip you can take from Barcelona with its tiny, monk-inhabited village, impressive art museum, and bouldered, rose-hued peaks.

Indonesia

Southeast Asia’s island paradise is so much more than its most famous province of Bali. Tourists can find rest and relaxation among the wilderness of Sumatra, the ancient ruins of Java, SCUBA diving haunts of Raja Ampat, and the sprawling jungle of Kalimantan. Best of all, the U.S. dollar goes quite far when compared to the local Rupiah, which means you can splurge on private tours and even a personal driver without breaking the bank.

India

Pockets of human-free grandeur can still be found in the world’s most populated country, India. After all, it anchors the Himalayas and vast valleys like Nubra and Yumthang (otherwise known as the appropriately titled “Bowl of Flowers”) that have essentially remained untampered with by people. But a trek to Kerala is a must—the state is famous for its magnificent Arabian Sea shoreline, tea and coffee plantations, and sanctuaries for tigers, elephants, and monkeys.

Brazil

Brazil isn’t just known for producing the world’s most beautiful people; it is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders. Visitors can take in the splendor of their surroundings with kayaks through the Amazon, a dip in Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach, Copacabana, and a trip to Iguazu Falls. These 275 drops—some of the biggest in the world—straddle the borders of Brazil and Argentina, but are nestled by plush greenery that somehow manages to flourish among the water’s violent currents.

Argentina

Beyond the sprawling parks and gardens of bustling Buenos Aires, Argentina is a wonderland of majestic beauty. Patagonia’s Las Glacieres National Park (and its entry point of El Calafate) impresses with oversized glaciers and robin’s egg-blue lakes while its wine region of Mendoza plays host to mountainside vineyards that can be explored by foot or on horseback. But don’t forget the aforementioned Iguazu Falls, which the country shares with neighboring Brazil. The natural phenomenon is worth a flight to South America alone.

Croatia

Unlike any locale in Central and Southeast Europe, Croatia experienced a meteoric rise in popularity after it played a backdrop to scenes in HBO’s Game of Thrones. And rightfully so—the Balkan nation stuns with caves, forests, waterfalls, the Adriatic Sea, and the oldest park recognized by UNESCO: Plitvice Lakes National Park. Punta Rata, which caps the northern end of the Makarska Riviera, consistently ranks as one of the region’s most beautiful beaches with its rocky shoreline and pine tree canopy.

Philippines

It can be difficult to pinpoint which of the Philippines’ 7,000 islands is most worthy of the spotlight. Though, visitors can’t go wrong with locales like Palawan, with its instantly recognizable karst cliffs and deep lagoons. But it’s spectacles such as Chocolate Hills—a geological formation of over 1,000 round mountains (not a Willy Wonka-style chocolate factory, unfortunately)—that has been recognized as one of the more modern Wonders of the World.

Sweden

Stepping into Sweden feels like a downright fairy tale. The country strikes a perfect balance between city and nature, providing access to practically any outdoor activity within mere minutes. Though beauty can be found practically anywhere, highlights include Stockholm’s Royal Palace with rows of cobblestone streets, The High Coast for dazzling shoreline hikes, as well as the mountain town of Are for world-class skiing and a robust number of luxury wellness resorts.

Morocco

The seemingly endless Sahara Desert, the blue-tinged city of Chefchaouen, and the laid-back fishing village of Essaouira are just a few of Morocco’s most celebrated areas, but it’s the often overlooked Ouzoud Falls—located only two hours outside of Marrakech—that amazes with its cascading waterfalls that release into swimmable pools below. Carve out time for a half-day trek to avoid the sensory overload of the country’s more active metropolises.

United Kingdom

We’re technically cheating by including a destination with four countries (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), but the scenic quad spellbinds with its vast mountain ranges, glimmering lakes, and oceanside cliffs. There is also an abundance of small, historic towns and villages such as England’s Bibury, Castle Combe, and Bath that are worth quick stops for afternoon tea among blooming gardens and timber-framed architecture. You’ll feel as if you were plopped right into a Disney storybook.

China

As the fourth largest country in the world, it’s no surprise that China would earn a well-deserved spot on this list. The region touts some of the most diversely picturesque spots in the world, including the snowy mountains of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the technicolor foliage of Jiuzhaigou Valley in the fall, and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan—an awe-inspiring cluster of sandstone pillars and uniquely-shaped rock formations with one of the most talked-about attractions: the world’s highest glass bridge, which may be terrifying but offers the best panoramic views of the area’s flora and fauna.

Colombia

Colorful Colombia, dubbed as the “gateway to South America,” benefits from a landscape that can completely change with a turn down a street or a jaunt over a hill. Containing both the Amazon rainforest and Andes mountains, travelers can choose to hike, swim, or simply lie by the ocean in coastal Cartagena. But it’s the Cocora Valley you’ve likely seen in postcards or marketing images with its notable wax palms that stretch up to 200 feet into the country’s sunny skyline.

Nepal

Mount Everest, the highest point above sea level, looks down upon Nepal’s impressively jagged skyline of other massive peaks. But closer to the base level, there is plenty to do and see, such as spotting elusive snow leopards and red pandas and traversing through the Kathmandu Valley to explore one of many monasteries. Nepal is also home to Chitwan National Park—an area in the Terai Lowlands that preserves forests, grassy plains, and, most importantly, the endangered wildlife (such as one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers) that live among it.

Turkey

Perhaps the most unsuspecting country on this list due to the unrivaled popularity of Istanbul (where many tourists only stop for a brief layover), the country of Turkey showcases some of the most unique natural highlights on the planet. The mineral-heavy stacked pools of Pamukkale lure adventurers to decompress in its warm, thermal waters, while Antalya, known as the “Turkish Riviera,” draws in crowds to partake in its flourishing boat culture. The Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia, best observed via a hot air balloon at dawn, also top many travelers’ must-see lists, offering up-close glimpses of the tuff rock created by volcanos.

Tanzania

The natural wealth found in Tanzania is almost indescribable. Over a million wildebeest make the Great Migration across the Serengeti, a protected plain in the northern part of the country, in a phenomenon that happens once a year. Rhinos and zebras mingle in the short-grass plains of the Ngorongoro Crater. And, Tanzania's Indian Ocean-facing coastline offers sparkling white sand beaches and serene views.

United States

The geographic and cultural diversity of the United States is unlike any other in the world. From the snow-capped mountains in Mount Rainer National Park to Hawaii's lush Napali coastline, there's natural beauty found in almost every corner of the country. Even the cities, both big and small, are home to some of the most magnificent examples of historic and modern architecture in the world.

Peru

Many have heard about the monumental Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, but consider that just the sliver of the wonders Peru has to offer. In the heart of the Ica desert lies the quaint oasis of Huacachina where guests can explore the neighboring dunes behind settling in the small village at night. Not too far from the green peak of Machu Picchu sits the rainbow-colored mountain, Vinicunca. And a trip to Peru is not complete without a trip to Lima, the country's capital city filled with Colonial-era architecture and plenty of pre-Columbian art.

Japan

No country possibly balances the excitement of the city with nature's calmness as seamlessly as Japan. Fragrant cherry blossoms and the Arashiyama bamboo forest provide refuge in Kyoto, while at night the city comes to life with people packed into restaurants to try culinary masterpieces. Centuries-old shrines and temples dotted throughout the country provide lessons on the nation's past. Meanwhile, Tokyo continues to prove itself as a leader in innovation.

Thailand

Across its nearly 1,43o islands, Thailand presents a wide range of attractions, from the bustling city of Bangkok to the mangrove shores and lush forest of Koh Kood. Chiang Mai's golden temples, lively markets, and budding culinary scene blend the thrill of a modern city with historic charm and importance, perfect for those city dwellers. Those dreamy white sand beaches with crystal-clear waters and geometric rock formations can be found along the curvaceous coast of the Krabi province. The country's thriving capital offers a taste of both authentic Thailand cuisine and experimental creations at its award-winning restaurants and vendors.

Italy

Praised for its mouthwatering cuisine, picturesque pastel villages, and lasting appreciation for the arts, it's hard to know where to start when talking about Italy and its beauty. For the city dwellers and history buffs, Rome stands as the birthplace of Western civilization, with numerous ancient sites to discover. The Cinque Terre village of Vernazza calls for romantics to stroll throughout the candy-colored streets before settling on the harbor. And no vacation in Italy is complete without a day trip to Tuscan wine country, where vineyards extend as far as the eye can see.

Vietnam

Vietnam's ever-evolving cities, mountains of seemingly endless green, and idyllic coastlines have brought it to the top of every traveler's bucket list in recent years. Its staggering temples and heritage sites—the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Complex of Hué Monuments, and many more—shine a light on the complex history and cultural significance of this Asian country. Growing cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City showcase how the country is quickly becoming a capital for style and design. One of the natural jewels of Vietnam is Ha Long Bay, which consists of 1,600 islands and islets with spectacular limestone pillars and wave-eroded grottoes.

Switzerland

Often viewed of as a winter wonderland, Switzerland has been attracting visitors for centuries for its powdery mountains and clean, crisp air. Ski enthusiasts often flock to the quaint villages, such as hidden Zermatt in the Swiss Alps, to hit the slopes and take in the views. However, Switzerland is just as stunning during the warmer months, with lush valley forges and emerald lakes. The country also has some of the most impressive examples of Medieval and Renaissance architecture found in the old city of Bern.

Canada

As the world's second-largest country, Canada poses as one of the most diverse places on the planet both culturally and environmentally. The verdant coastline and cliffs of the Bay of Fundy make it a one-of-a-kind, natural attraction on the country's eastern side. Head over to the French-speaking province of Québec, where cities like Montréal and Québec City embody the charm of Europe. On the western side of the country, Alberta's serene town of Banff offers unparalleled views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and emerald waters of Lake Louise.

Oman

Upon first thought, one may think Oman may only have desert-like terrains due to its location on the Arabian Peninsula. However, this seafaring nation has a bit of everything, from towering mountains, and sandy coastlines to striking city centers. The traditional and contemporary blend in the coastal city of Muscat, which is home to one of the most renowned masterpieces of Islamic architecture, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It's here in the country's capital that you'll also find a rising food scene that reinterprets traditional Omani cuisine. Venture out of the city toward the Jabal Akhdar mountains for fragrant hiking trails filled with green olive trees and apricot trees.