The most beautiful countries in the world – Reader’s vote

16. India

What you love: “The sheer diversity and culture” 

India sure ticked your boxes when it came to delivering diverse, exhilarating travel experiences. As one respondent told us, “the different areas of India offer different things – lush rainforest in the south and the beautiful Himalayas in the north”.

Jaipur, City Palace © Shutterstock

While it’s true to say that India can be on the overwhelming side for the first-time visitor, it’s also true that once it gets under your skin, it’s very hard to let go. From the floating palaces of Jaipur and the bustle of Mumbai, to beautiful beaches, there’s enough to keep you coming back for years. For more inspiration, check out the most beautiful places in India.

Top tip: love nature and wildlife. Kerala’s Pepper Trail hotel comes hugely recommended.

Planning a trip to India but not sure where to start? Let our local experts create your perfect personalised trip.

Thrissur elephant festival, Kerala, India © Tyshchenko Photography/Shutterstock

15. Croatia

What you love: “It has everything – rivers and sea, mountains and plains, excellent food and friendly people”

Boy, has Croatia captured your hearts. This country had one respondent praising its “islands, mountains, wine, olive oil, history, culture, and THE SEA!”. Another stated: “Croatia is the most beautiful country I have visited”. A quick look at the 10 best beaches in Croatia makes that point perfectly.

In recent years, the emerald wildernesses and mighty mountains of Croatia’s National Parks have seen it emerge as a major adventure destination, while its heritage-rich cities (Dubrovnik, we’re looking at you) offer world-class wining and dining in out-of-this-world surroundings. Croatia has plenty to please culture vultures, too, not least in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital of cool.

Top tip: Many of you mentioned how much you love Croatian cuisine, we recommend taking a food tour whenever you decide to go – from enjoying fine wine and food in Dubrovnik, to discovering Dalmatian delights in Split. 

Curious to discover more? Take the hassle out of planning by checking-out Rough Guides’ tailor-made trips to Croatia. Whether you fancy epic outdoor adventures, or tasting your way round Dalmatia, our local expert can create your ideal trip.

Argentina’s epic Iguazu-Falls © Shutterstock

13. Iceland

What you love: “Black sand beaches with glittering pieces of ice; lunar-like landscapes; the aurora over the snowy fields”

Iceland’s raw and rugged majesty sparked an elemental, poetic response in many respondents. It’s a country you loved for its “unspoilt natural beauty”, “empty and challenging landscapes”, and “tremendous waterfalls”.

With a wealth of hot springs with health-giving properties, the chance to witness the northern lights, and a thriving foodie scene in Reykjavík, Iceland is the perfect place to get back to nature and enjoy a range of experiences in one short trip. What’s more, “the people are kind and fun”, as one of you shared. 

Top tip: for an unforgettable experience,snorkel between North America and Europe at the Silfra Fissure.

Planning a trip to Iceland? Our local expert is on hand to help. Take a look at our suggested Iceland itineraries.

Atmosphere abounds on Easter Island, Chile © Shutterstock

11. USA

What you love: “Its diversity of peoples, geology and landscapes” 

Since the USA is so huge, it’s impossible to cover all its beauty spots here, so you might want to read our overview of the best places to visit in the USA – or check out the weirdest places in the world, quite a few of which are in the USA.

Getting into the wilderness is one way of seeing a range of landscapes (and incredible wildlife). Don’t miss out on highlights like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks. As one reader remarked, “the USA has so many staggeringly beautiful National Parks” (discover our top 40), while another praised “the majesty of the mountains, the vastness of the plains, and the lure of two oceans.” 

Talking of which, the USA has gorgeous beaches galore, spanning the crashing Pacific, the riotous Jersey shore, and the sublime Florida Keys. In between, the cities, deserts, and miles of open highway will stir the soul of any visitor. 

Top tip: planning a sojourn in the Big Apple? Get your bearings by cruising around Ellis Island and Lady Liberty.

For more inspiration, check-out The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places in the USA.

Namaqualand, South Africa © Marie-Anne AbersonM/Shutterstock

9. Greece

What you love: “Everything!” 

The words of one passionate respondent reveal everything you need to know about one of Greece’s greatest lures: “the islands are truly special – the white buildings, blue domes, traditional villages, beautiful Greek beaches, and the high cliffs looking down on the incredibly blue Mediterranean Sea.

Throw in the history, gracious people and we just never want to leave”. High praise, indeed. But there’s more to Greece than its impossibly idyllic islands. Many of our Greece-voting respondents mentioned the “wonderful locally-produced food”, and the fact that it boasts one of the richest collections of historic monuments in the world.

Top tip: read our Greek travel tips to make the most of your experience, and look to stay in a locally-owned hotel, such as Thessaloniki’s Blue Bottle Boutique Hotel. 

To experience Greece in all its glory, take a look at our tailor-made itineraries.

Uluru, Ayers Rock, Australia © Uwe Aranas/Shutterstock

7. Norway

What you love: “The breath-taking nature and unassuming people”

From the ethereal fjords mentioned by tonnes of readers to the compact capital Oslo, and “Lapland with its magical atmosphere”, there’s so much to discover in Norway. As one of you said, Norway’s “landscape is fantastic.

There are mountains, fjords, waterfalls, and breathtaking views, and everything is so clean and beautiful!” Tromsø in the Arctic Circle is emerging as one of the country’s top cultural hubs, and also a great place to start your northern lights excursion in the winter months.

leave some space in your itinerary for Trondheim, the country’s former capital and third-largest city, with Scandinavia’s largest medieval building, rocking nightlife, and museums.

Come summer, the glow of the midnight sun bathes everything in golden red. Norwegians have you under their spell, too. In the words of one of our readers, “people are caring and rich in culture”. 

Top tip: surrounded by mountains in a UNESCO-listed town, Røros Hotell is a stunning place to stay.

Explore this enchanting country on a tailor-made trip to Norway – contact our local expert to customise every detail.

The picturesque Pembrokeshire coast in Wales © Shutterstock

5. France

What you love: “Cultural heritage and loving people” 

The largest country in the EU, France is also one of the most varied – a country you frequently acclaimed for its “amazing landscapes”. Consider the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps, the lushness of the Pyrenees in summer, Provence’s purple lavender fields, the golden stone chateaux, beautiful beaches, and sublime food.

Up four places from our previous poll, it’s clear that France’s allure remains as powerful as ever, with plenty of secrets to be explored – it’s perfectly possible to get off the beaten track in Paris for example in charming France’s youngest city – Montpellier. For more French food for thought, discover 20 facts about France.

Top tip: located in the heart of Paris, the Résidence Charles Floquet is an elegant place to lay down your head.

From luxury Paris, to the wine traditions of Bordeaux, to the romance of the French Riviera, our France itineraries can be tailor-made to fit you like fine couture.

The jaw-dropping beauy of Switzerland’s Jungfrau region © Shutterstock

3. Canada

What you love: “Dramatic, awe-inspiring scenery and incredible wildlife” 

Firmly in your top five most beautiful countries in the world for two consecutive polls, Canada sure offers a wide range of unmissable travel experiences.

Many of you remarked on its epic landscapes and the vastness of its “wide-open spaces”. If you think Canada’s “mountain scenery is amazing”, as one as one respondent enthused.

B.C. mountains draw skiers and snowboarders in their thousands, while the East Coast cities of Toronto and Montreal charm with their world-class restaurants and cosmopolitan vibe.

Then there’s the otherworldly Bay of Fundy, hailed as one of the most remarkable places on earth. Talking of offbeat attractions, Canada’s Spotted Lake features in our gallery of seriously weird places around the world.

Top tip: for an experience you’ll talk about for years, try your hand at ziplining at the Niagara Falls.

To enjoy Canada in all its exhilarating wonder, take a look at our tailor-made trip itineraries – curated by local travel guides and fully customisable.

Sunlit cypress trees – a typically soul-stirring Tuscan scene, one of many that holds Italy in a top position as the most beautiful country in the world © Shutterstock

1. New Zealand

What you love: “The contrast in scenery and beauty to be found in the people and culture”

Nudging Italy from the top spot, New Zealand’s “amazing scenery” had big impact on big numbers of you. The same goes for the “diversity of landscapes” in New Zealand, especially the “contrast in scenery between the mountains and beaches”.

These stunning landscapes play host to thrilling outdoor adventures and awe-inspiring alternative treks. Given that so many of you loved the “wide open spaces”, you might want to read up on New Zealand’s best road-trip routes. Then there’s welcoming Wellington, the laidback capital of New Zealand that offers visitors a satisfying slice of beach-city life with added art and adventure.

Top tip: Looking for peace and panoramic views? We love Trinity Wharf Tauranga hotel in the beautiful Bay of Plenty.

Book a tailor-made trip to New Zealand to discover why it’s captured the hearts of so many Rough Guides’ readers.

Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand © Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

For more opinion and insight from the Rough Guides’ community, read the results of our sustainable travel survey. And remember, whenever you’re thinking of heading, there’ll be a Rough Guide to inspire and support every step of your journey.

If you’re inspired to seek out more beautiful places, take a look at our guide to the most beautiful places you’ve never heard of. And, if you’re travelling with kids, you might want to discover the most magical places to visit with children before they grow up.

Interested in beautiful global culture? View our gallery of traditional dress from around the world.

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Header image: magical Milford Sound, New Zealand © Shutterstock

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