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Top 10 most beautiful countries in the world: Dream destinations to explore for your 2026 holiday

The top 10 most beautiful countries in the world for a holiday: Greece tops the global ranking thanks to its incredible mix of sea and islands.

Most beautiful countries in the world: Architectural Digest used several factors to create its ranking of the 30 most beautiful countries

Most beautiful countries in the world in 2025: Every traveller sees beauty differently; some fall in love with ancient monuments, others with beaches, forests, or even cutting-edge city skylines. But when you look at worldwide opinion, cultural richness, natural scenery, and how well a country protects its environment, a clearer picture emerges.

Architectural Digest used several factors to create its ranking of the 30 most beautiful countries, including the US News & World Report’s 2024 Best Countries list, which surveyed nearly 17,000 people, and the number of Unesco World Heritage Sites in each country. Countries known for sustainability, like Sweden, also scored higher.

India’s rank among the world’s most beautiful countries

India easily earns its place on the list with its mix of architecture, landscapes, and craft traditions. Jaipur, the Pink City, dazzles with forts and palaces, especially Hawa Mahal, a five-storey landmark with 953 tiny windows. And of course, India is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic symbols of love anywhere in the world.

Nature lovers get everything from the Himalayan peaks to the warm backwaters of Kerala, as well as the expansive, golden deserts of Rajasthan. Across the country, centuries-old textile dyeing, weaving, and block-printing traditions continue to thrive.

Top 10 most beautiful countries

Greece

Greece tops the global ranking thanks to its incredible mix of sea and islands. With 6,000 islands and islets spread across three different seas, it’s a dream for beach lovers and adventurers. Popular spots like Santorini can get crowded, but places like Ios still offer quiet beauty. On Ios, the owners of the well-known Calilo hotel have promised to leave 99 per cent of their land untouched, keeping the island natural and peaceful.

Zambia

Zambia is home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, known locally as “the smoke that thunders.” It’s the world’s largest waterfall. The country also has 20 national parks, where elephants, giraffes, hippos, and hundreds of bird species live freely. Impressively, Zambia protects about 30 per cent of its land for wildlife.

Italy

Italy is a mix of world-famous art, ancient history, and stunning landscapes. From Michelangelo’s masterpieces to the Colosseum, Pompeii, and Sicily’s temples, the cultural beauty is unmatched. Nature lovers get everything from the colourful cliffs of Cinque Terre to the calm waters of Lake Como and the snowy Dolomites. No surprise it ranks third on the scenic list.

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Indonesia

Most people know Indonesia because of Bali, with its temples, beaches, and rice terraces. But the country actually has over 17,000 islands, each with its own charm. Sumatra has the massive Lake Toba, while Lombok is famous for its pink-sand beaches, volcano treks, and hidden waterfalls.

Australia

If beauty is measured by national parks, Australia would win easily, as it has more than 500. Highlights include Kakadu National Park, home to ancient rock art dating back nearly 20,000 years, and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, known for its massive red rock formations and sacred Indigenous sites.

Spain

Spain shines with its architecture alone. Barcelona is a design lover’s paradise, and Madrid combines classic and modern styles, from the glass Crystal Palace to the Reina Sofía Museum. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Alhambra in Granada, and the Roman aqueduct in Segovia make Spain one of Europe’s most visually impressive countries.

Peru

Peru is home to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The ancient Inca city features around 200 stone structures, built high on a mountain ridge. Beyond Machu Picchu, one can visit the colourful Rainbow Mountains, the vast Lake Titicaca, and parts of the Amazon rainforest.

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Japan

Japan blends old and new in the most graceful way. Kyoto has 17 Unesco World Heritage Sites, and Tokyo is filled with bold modern buildings like the Nakagin Capsule Tower and Tadao Ando’s underground Shibuya station. Japan also has two Unesco Cities of Design, Kobe and Asahikawa, which showcase its strong creative identity.

New Zealand

New Zealand ranks second on the global scenic list and is known worldwide for outdoor adventure. It’s where bungee jumping was invented. In Queenstown, thrill seekers jump over the beautiful Kawarau River. On the North Island, visitors float through glowworm-lit caves in Waitomo, and on the South Island, people hike across Fox Glacier after being dropped off by helicopter.

Thailand

Thailand is full of natural variety, with 147 national parks. Khao Sok protects some of the oldest evergreen rainforests on the planet, while Khao Yai is home to hundreds of bird species. For elephant sightings, there’s Kui Buri National Park, and for underwater life, like turtles and reef sharks, there’s Ang Thong Marine Park, a group of 42 beautiful limestone islands.