Top Destinations for 2026: Three UK Locations Shine Among the World’s Most Beautiful

The world is brimming with stunning landscapes, from iconic tourist attractions to secret spots waiting to be discovered. With so many breathtaking locations, choosing your next destination can feel like an overwhelming decision.

Whether you’re dreaming of lush vineyards or seeking the adventure of a national park with majestic mountains and enchanting forests, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to captivate your imagination.

Regardless of your travel preference, you’re bound to find a destination that will leave you in awe. According to the latest rankings from Time Out, the world’s most beautiful places for 2026 have been unveiled.

The list features 51 extraordinary destinations worldwide, with three locations in the UK proudly making it into the top 20.

The top 51 places around the world have been listed – and the top 20 includes three UK spots. 

Here’s the full list for you to peruse… 

1. Picos de Europa, Spain 

Scenic views are the order of the day across the Picos de Europa park, the top spot

The Picos de Europa mountains in Cantabria is one of Spain’s largest national parks, and ranks as the most beautiful place in the world.

It’s a well-known spot for hikes, offering magnificent views across the Bay of Biscay.

The Picos is also home to Cabrales, the world’s strongest and most expensive blue cheese – wheels of it are matured in this part of the world in caves for months at a time.

2. Komodo National Park, Indonesia

The Komodo National Park is known for its wildlife – and pink sandy beach

In second place is Indonesia’s Komodo National Park, located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores and established in 1980.

It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to the Komodo dragon as well as many other species, such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, and the Timor deer.

The marine environment here is also world-class, with coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays – as well as more than 1,000 species of fish.

3. The Library at Morgan Library and Museum, New York City 

Inside the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City, the third most beautiful place

The Morgan Library and Museum in central New York has long been regarded as one of the best in the world.

It began as the private library of financier Pierpont Morgan. From 1890 he collected manuscripts, early printed books and old master drawings and prints. 

It was designed to be an Italian Renaissance-style palazzo with three rooms epitomising America’s Age of Elegance. 

4. Douro Valley, Portugal

Vineyards in the Douro Valley, Portugal, draw in tourists in their hordes

Wine lovers, attention: the Douro Wine Region Valley, up to Barca de Alva, is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.

Listed as a World Heritage Site, this region in Portugal is one of the most exquisite in the world.

There’s also plenty to do here – from wine tastings to visits to the castle of Numão, as well as many towns and villages to explore.

5. Big Sur, USA

The Big Sur coast in California provides some of the most incredible rocky views

Big Sur is a rugged, mountainous stretch of California’s coast known for its jagged cliffs, ocean views and luxury hotels.

Big Sur’s natural beauty is innately linked to how remote it is, with only one two-lane highway allowing access to Carmel-by-the-Sea to the north and the small towns outside Santa Barbara to it south. 

It’s also an extremely affluent area: most of Big Sur’s properties sell for $3million (£2.23million) or more. 

6. Ullswater, England

Scenic views are everywhere you look in Ullswater in the Lake District

Ullswater is the second largest in England, and provides all the beauty one might expect from the Lake District.

If you’re heading to this part of the UK, pay a visit to Aira Force, a scenic lookout spot, and mountain peak Hallin Fell – which has an impressive 4.9 stars on Google.

One delighted visitor wrote: ‘Takes around 30 minutes to get to the top including short breaks to catch your breath. The reward once you get to the top is amazing views of Ullswater and beyond.’

7. Old Town, Bologna, Italy

As far as pretty European cities and towns go, Bologna’s Old Town is one of the best

Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, makes for a perfect getaway for lovers of la dolce vita.

With ancient squares, magnificent medieval churches, bustling markets and a tower to rival Pisa, there’s plenty to explore – and it’s easy to do so if you’re surrounded by such immense beauty.

Bologna, above all else, is a foodie paradise with delis and restaurants to satisfy the greediest of appetites.

8. Capo Testa, Sardinia

Capo Testa is a beautiful beach in the north of Sardinia with a clear turquoise waters

Capo Testa in Sardinia is known for its incredible views and rocky terrain – and the beach here is adored by all who visit.

One Tripadvisor review read: ‘Truly spectacular! This was just an amazing area to visit. We hiked for hours and around every corner the scenery was even more stunning. I was sad to leave and could have spent hours looking at the rocks and coast.’

Another called it ‘one of the most fascinating beaches in Sardinia’.

The Victoria Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world

Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe ranks ninth on the list, a World Heritage-listed site few miss out when touring southern Africa.

There’s huge amounts to see and do here, not least visiting the Victoria Falls Railway Bridge, once the highest in the world. 

Spanning the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, this colossal steel arch was opened in 1905 – and permits unbelievable views of the impressive waterfall.

10. Punakha Valley, Bhutan

Bhutan’s Punakha Valley rounds out the top 10 on the list

Punakha valley, located at 4,265ft, is considered one of Bhutan’s most scenic destinations with fields and forested hillsides. 

It’s also one of the world’s most beautiful spots according to this ranking, and is famous for rice faming.

Punakha town is also known for the Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress located in the region.

11. St John’s Co-Cathedral, Malta

The ornate interiors of the St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta add to its appeal

No trip to Valletta would be complete without a visit to St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which takes the next spot on the list.

The breathtaking Baroque building was the first complete work of its kind with intricately carved stonewalls.

It also boasts an awe-inspiring painted ceiling and is often regarded as one of the world’s most precious sights to see. 

12. Disko Island, Greenland

Disko Island in Greenland is next up on the list of most beautiful places in the world

Disko Island in Greenland, taking 12th place, is the second largest island of Greenland, and one of the 100 largest islands in the world.

It’s one of Greeland’s biggest attractions, described by visitors as ‘like nothing else’ and ‘wonderful’.

One Tripadvisor review said: ‘This is Greenland’s attraction number one… Very much enjoyed this natural spectacle without the most fantastic weather conditions, because it can be quite foggy here.’

13. Brecon Beacons, Wales 

Breathtaking views in the Brecon Beacons include the Black Mountain

The Brecon Beacons National Park is popular for a reason – it boasts some of the most beautiful views the UK has to offer.

Covering more than 520 square miles, the national park features sandstone peaks, moorland, green valleys, waterfalls and gorges dressed in ferns.

It’s paradise for lovers of the outdoors.

14. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, USA 

Joining the list is the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado

Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an open-air stage set in the 738-acre Denver Mountain Park.

The acoustics are amazing, and it’s a fantastic venue for concerts and events.

It’s hosted events featuring many music acts, from rock bands to Weird Al Yankovic.

15. Choquequirao, Peru

Choquequirao is an Incan site in south Peru with spectacular views

Choquequirao is a 16th-century Incan site, often dubbed the ‘sister city’ of Machu Picchu.

Trekking to the site is a challenge, and covers 39.6 miles (64km) in four to five days – but it’s well worth the effort.

One visitor said: ‘Incredible. From the view to the site and the people. Choquequirao is a well organised and intimate gateway through history in a humbling landscape. 

‘I would 100 per cent recommend everyone visiting the Cuzco Region to go there. The land of the perfect sunsets and where friendships become timeless bounds.’

16. New Forest, England

Natural views and wildlife contribute to the beauty of the New Forest in Hampshire

The New Forest National Park is a dream for hikers, offering a mix of ancient woods, vast heathlands, and scenic trails. 

Hampshire’s thousand-year-old royal hunting ground – named ‘nova foresta’ in the Domesday Book of 1086 – is an outdoorsy person’s paradise.

You’ll likely cross paths with the local ponies if you visit, since they roam freely.

17. Hà Giang, Vietnam

Vietnam’s Hà Giang province joins the list – and photos make it easy to see why

Hà Giang is one of Vietnam’s most impressive regions, and is adored by travellers who visit on road trips to the province.

The best way to explore? On a motorbike.

Navigate the remote towns and villages on two wheels, stopping at majestic sites such as Heaven’s Gate, the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark and H’Mong King Palace.

18. Lakeland, Finland

Finnish Lakeland or the Finnish lake district is also extremely picturesque

Taking spot number 18 is Lakeland, also known as the ‘Finnish lake district’.

Finland’s Lakeland promises Scandi-chic hotel suites, luxurious log cabins, sunny swimming beaches and saunas with stunning views.

Also called ‘the land of a thousand lakes’, Finland’s lake district is the biggest in Europe, so it’s easy to escape the crowds, even in the height of summer. 

19. Lillafüred, Hungary

Lillafüred is a town in Hungary often described as a ‘must-see’ or ‘hidden gem’

Budapest is perhaps the best-known spot in Hungary – but missing out the tiny town of Lillafüred is a mistake.

Located within the Bükk Mountains, it’s home to the Lillafüred Waterfall, Hungary’s tallest.

A visit would also be incomplete without a trip to the Hanging Gardens of Lillafüred and the St Stephen Stalactite Cave.

20. West Cork, Ireland

West Cork, Ireland is home to many picturesque chocolate box villages

Rounding out the top 20 on the list is West Cork in Ireland, with colourful towns to explore and nature to uncover.

Some of the best things to do here include a road trip, allowing you to admire the scenery at length.

You can also explore charming villages and towns for the best of Irish hospitality and gastronomy, such as Union Hall, Glengarriff and Baltimore.