There are plenty of lists of the world’s most beautiful places—but they’re usually subjective. Britain-based travel company Kuoni recently put science to work to make an official ranking of the world’s most beautiful travel destinations.
The company’s eye-tracking study analyzed the world’s most well-known natural wonders. The goal: to rank the locations that are most attractive to the human eye, thereby qualifying them as the most beautiful travel destinations in the world.
In the scientific study, participants viewed a series of images from 50 of the world’s most famous natural landmarks, from the Grand Canyon to the Maldives. The participants’ eye movements were tracked using AI technology, showing which images captured the eye the longest. This eye-catching data was then analyzed to reveal the world’s most beautiful places.
According to the study, the most beautiful place in the world is Peyto Lake in Canada. This natural wonder is known for its neon blue water surrounded by dazzling mountains. The second most beautiful place in the world is Meeru Island in the Maldives, which captivates travelers with its white sands and tropical blue waters. Other destinations topping the list include the Jurassic Coast in the U.K., Yosemite and New Zealand’s Lake Tekapo. Read on to see the full list of the most beautiful places around the world.
💢The World’s Top 15 Ranked Most Beautiful Places
👉Peyto Lake, Canada
In Alberta, Banff National Park is famous for Peyto Lake, which gets its stunning color from the glacier water feeding the lake. “It’s a popular sightseeing destination for tourists who also want to explore the local mountain area, with plenty of hikes and impressive driving routes.
Peyto Lake is a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. The lake itself is near the Icefields Parkway. It was named for Bill Peyto, an early trail guide and trapper in the Banff area.
The lake is formed in a valley of the Waputik Range, between Caldron Peak, Peyto Peak and Mount Jimmy Simpson, at an elevation of 1,860 m (6100 ft).
During the summer, significant amounts of glacial rock flour flow into the lake from a nearby glacier, and these suspended rock particles are what give the lake a unique bright, turquoise colour. Because of its bright colour, photos of the lake often appear in illustrated books, and the area around the lake is a popular sightseeing spot. In 2021, Parks Canada completed improvements to the lake viewpoint, trails and parking areas. The lake is best seen from Bow Summit, the highest point on the Icefields Parkway.
The lake is fed by Peyto Creek, which drains water from Caldron Lake and Peyto Glacier (part of the Wapta Icefield). Peyto Lake is the origin of the Mistaya River, which heads northwest from the lake's outflow.
💕Overlooking Canada's Peyto Lake, the most beautiful place in the world.
👉Meeru Island, Maldives
This dreamy bucket-list destination is only accessible by boat and is home to just one luxurious resort that has beach and overwater villas. “It’s easy to see why this destination was the most eye-catching beach, with crystal clear blue waters and white sands—it really does look like it’s in paradise,” says Wong.
Meeru Island (also known as Meerufenfushi) is an island on the easternmost tip of North Male Atoll (Kaafu Atoll) in the Maldives. It is located South West of Sri Lanka on the equator, some 50 kilometers from the capital Male.
The island is formed above peeks emerging from the depths of the ocean, upon layers of both living and dead coral, and remnants of other marine life. Coconut palms towering above dense shrubs and hardy plants protecting the shores from erosion are natural features. The island is 1200 meters long by 350 meters wide, about 32 heactares. A speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport is a 55-minute ride.
💕Meeru Island in the Maldives, the second most beautiful place in the world.
👉Jurassic Coast, U.K.
Stretching from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, this 96-mile (154km) stretch of coastline is a World Heritage Site with stunning views across the English Channel. “Along the stretch of coast, you’ll find stack rocks, pinnacles and arches, including one of England’s most iconic landmarks, Durdle Door,” says Wong.
The site spans 185 million years of geological
history, coastal erosion having exposed an almost
continuous sequence of rock formation covering the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
At different times, this area has been desert, shallow tropical sea and marsh,
and the fossilised remains
of the various creatures that lived here have been preserved in the rocks.
Natural features seen on this stretch of coast
include arches, pinnacles and stack rocks. In some places the
sea has broken through resistant rocks to produce coves with
restricted entrances and, in one place, the Isle
of Portland is connected to the land by a barrier
beach. In some parts of the coast, landslides are
common. These have exposed a wide range of fossils, the different rock types
each having its own typical fauna and flora, thus providing evidence of how
animals and plants evolved in this region.
The area around Lulworth
Cove contains a fossil forest, and 71 different rock strata
have been identified at Lyme Regis, each with its own species of ammonite. The
fossil collector Mary Anning lived here and her major discoveries
of marine reptiles and other fossils were made at a time when the study
of palaeontology was just starting to develop.
The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre provides
information on the heritage coast, and the whole length of the site can be
visited via the South West Coast Path.
💕The Milky Way over the U.K.'s Jurassic Coast.
👉Yosemite
Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, this 750,000-acre national park is known for its giant sequoia trees, waterfalls and granite cliffs. “With its breathtaking views and dramatic landscapes, this place has something for everyone—whether you’re looking for challenging hikes or gentle strolls through the forest,” says Wong.
The geology of the Yosemite area is characterized by granite rocks and remnants of older rock. About 10 million years ago, the Sierra Nevada was uplifted and tilted to form its unique slopes, which increased the steepness of stream and river beds, resulting in the formation of deep, narrow canyons. About one million years ago, glaciers formed at higher elevations which eventually melted and moved downslope, cutting and sculpting the U-shaped valley that attracts so many visitors to its scenic vistas today.
Yosemite was critical to the development of the national park idea. Galen Clark and others lobbied to protect Yosemite Valley from development, ultimately leading to President Abraham Lincoin signing the Yosemite Grant of 1864 which declared Yosemite as federally preserved land. It was not until 1890 when John Muir led a successful movement which had Congress establish Yosemite Valley and its surronding areas as a National Park. This helped pave the way for the National Park System. Yosemite now draws about four million visitors each year, and most visitors spend the majority of their time in the seven square miles (18 km2) of Yosemite Valley.
The park set a visitation record in 2016, surpassing five million visitors for the first time in its history. The park began requiring reservations to access the park during peak periods starting in 2020 as a response to the rise in visitors.
💕A hiker enjoying the view toward Half Dome at Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park.
👉Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Lake Tekapo is fed by snow melt from the Southern Alps, which gives the water a distinctive turquoise tint. “Lake Tekapo is also one of the sunniest places in New Zealand, with an average of 2,400 sunshine hours per year,” says Wong.
The lake is fed at its northern end by both the braided Godley River and Macauley river, which have their sources in the Southern Alps to the north. The snow melt from the Southern Alps is tinged with a light turquoise colour from the glacial silt. This gives Lake Tekapo its distinctive colour. To the east of Lake Tekapo lies the Two Thumb Range with Mount Toby (2222m); Braun Elwert Peak (2086m)l Dobson Peak (2095m); and Mount Maude (1797m) amongst the mountains over looking Lake Tekapo.
The average water temperature of the surface of the lake varies between a low of between 5.8 and 5.9 degrees Celsius in September and a high of 17 degrees Celsius in January. The lake is popular tourist destination, and several resort hotels are located at the township of Lake Tekapo at the lake's southern end. The Lake Tekapo Regional Park, administered by Environment Canterbury, is located on the southern shore of the lake. State Highway 8 runs past Lake Tekapo at its Southern end.
💕New Zealand's Lake Tekapo with snow covered Mount Cook in the background.
👉Niagara Falls
Straddling the Canadian and American borders, Niagara Falls is made up of three different waterfalls that attract 8 million travelers a year. “Most people take to the water to get as close as they can, with boat trips running visitors up to the base of the falls to fully experience the landmark,” says Wong.
Formed by the Niagara River, which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, the combined falls have the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America that has a vertical drop of more than 50m (160ft). During peak daytime tourist hours, more than 168,000 m3 (5.9 million cu ft) of water goes over the crest of the falls every minute. Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America, as measured as flow rate. Niagara Falls is famed for its beauty and is a valuable source of hydroelectric power.
Niagara Falls is 27km (17 mi) northwest of Buffalo, New York, and 69km (43 mi) southeast of Toronto, between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York. Niagara Falls was formed when glaciers receded at the end of the Wisconsin glaciation (the last ice age), and water from the newly formed Great Lakes carved a path over and through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean.
💕Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls.
👉Mount Snowdon, Wales
The highest mountain in Wales has views across Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire, Anglesey and Ireland, luring thousands of visitors a year. “There are a number of routes to the top of the mountain, with paths suited to most abilities looking to take on the climb,” says Wong.
Snowdon is the busiest mountain in United Kingdowm and the third most visited attraction in Wales; in 2019 it was visited by 590,984 walkers, with an additional 140,000 people taking the train. It is designated as a national nature reserve for its rare flora and fauna. The rocks that from Snowdon were produced by volcanoes in the Ordovician period, and the massif has been extensively sculpted by glaciation, forming the pyramidal peak of Snowdon and the aretes of Crib Goch and Y Lliwedd. The cliff faces on Snowdon, including Clogwyn Du'r Arddu, are significantly for rock climbing.
The summit can be reached by a number of paths and by the Snowdon Mountain Railway, a rack railway opened in 1896 which carries passengers the 4 3⁄4 miles (7.6 kilometres) from Lianberis to the Summit station.
💕The view of Mount Snowdon and Snowdon Massif from Capel Curig in Snowdonia National Park in Wales.
👉Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines
This otherworldly underground river has rich biodiversity and impressive cave systems. “The cavern itself features eye-catching rock formations and visitors are able to experience the stunning surroundings up close and personal,” says Wong.
There are Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park that located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western cost of the island of Palawan, about 80 kilometers (50mi) north to the city of Puerto Princesa, and contains the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (also known as the Puerto Princesa Underground River). It has been managed by the Puerto Princesa city government since 1992.
💕The cave entrance to Puerto Princesa subterranean underground river in the Philippines.
👉Marble Caves, Chile
In the Patagonian Andes bordering a remote glacial lake, you’ll find the Marble Caves (also known as Cuevas de Mármol). “The unique geological formation, made of solid marble, has been worn away by water for over 6,200 years—making this one of mother nature’s natural beauties,” says Wong.
The main marble caves are accessible from Puerto Tranquilo, a small town right on the Carretera Austral, making it an easy stop-off for those doing a self-drive adventure down the famous road. From Puerto Tranquilo, you can take a kayak or boat trip right into the maze of marble caves, spending around an hour exploring.
With good weather, the Marvle Caves are an unmissable feature of this part of Carretera Austral. If you're in the area, it's certainly worth stopping off for a few hours to explore them, or even spending a day taking a boat out to the more hidden caves and islands. However it's worth mentioning that the whole Aysen region is packed full of sweeping valleys, crashing glaciers, verdant forest, turquoise lakes and river torrents.
💕The Marble Caves in Chile.
👉El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico
With a jungle-like forest, waterfalls and rivers, El Yunque National Forest spans over 28,000 acres and is home to over 200 species of trees and plants. “It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in [Puerto Rico], with both locals and visitors exploring the many hiking trails,” says Wong.
It is the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest System and the United States Forest Service. El Yunque National Forest is located on the slopes of the Sierra de Luquillo mountains, encompassing more than 28,000 acres of land, making it the largest block of public land in Puerto Rico.
Ample rainfall (over 20 feet a year in some areas) creates a jungle-like setting - lush foliage, crags, waterfalls, and rivers are a frequent sight. The forest has a number of trails from which the jungle-like territory's flora and fauna can be appreciated. El Yunque forest is also renowned for its unique Taino petroglyphs. It is said that indigenous people believed that El Yunque was the throne of their chief god Yucahu, so that it is the Caribbean equivalent to Mount Olympus in Greek mythology.
💕Hiking in the beautiful jungle of the El Yunque national forest in Puerto Rico.
👉Aurora Borealis, Iceland
Iceland is one of the best places on the planet to see the northern lights, making the country one of the most beautiful places in the world. The Aurora Borealis takes its name from the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek word for the north wind, Boreas. From September to April, Iceland is a hotspot for this magnificent light show.
The Aurora Borealis, more commonly referred to as the Northern Lights, is a natural phenomenon created when solar wind particles interact with the Earth's magnetic field. This excites the particles that release energy, causing peculiar luminous green and purple streaks across the skies.
On clear winter nights, sightseeing trips are organized around this spectacular - though fickle - natural phenomenon. The ideal location for sightings varies and excursion leaders are skilled in "hunting" the lights, finding locations where conditions are best for seeing them on any given night.
There are no guarantees that you will see the Northern Lights during your stay, but in most cases, sightings are greatly improved outside populated areas, especially away from the light pollution of the capital. A number of hotels in the countryside offer a special Northern Lights wake-up service.
💕A stunning aurora shaped like a phoenix bird appears above the landscape of Godafoss waterfall in
💕A view from Salto San Martin, part of the Iguazu waterfalls complex in Misiones Province, Argentina.
💕New Zealand's Lake Matheson.
2 bay in the Strait of Malacca between the island of Phuket and the mainland of the Kra Isthmus of southern Thailand. Since 1981, an extensive section of the bay has been protected as the Ao Phang Nga National Park.
Phang Nga is the modern Thai transliteration of the Malay word pangan, literally 'heathen, pagan, primitive people,' or as proper noun, Pangan in reference to a generalised tribe or people typically inhabiting jungle areas of the Malay Peninsula and its offshore islands. Limestone cliffs with caves, collapsed cave systems, and archaelogical sites are found about Phang Nga Bay. Around 10,000 years ago, when sea levels were lower, it was possible to walk from Phuket and Krabi.
💕An aerial view of the beautiful Phang Nga Bay in Thailand.
💕Sunset over Cape Royal on the Grand Canyon's North Rim.
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