From well-known sites of beauty that draw in thousands of tourists to lesser-known hidden gems, the world is full of magnificent sights and scenery to soak up.
But, with a wealth of stunning places, cities and countries it can be overwhelming to decide where to go – and which are the most beautiful of all.
Are you in the market for luscious wine lands? Or are you perhaps after a national park with mountains and picturesque forests to explore?
Whatever your preference may be, it’s certain there will be a place of beauty to feast your eyes upon as Time Out’s ranking of the world’s most beautiful places for 2026 has now been revealed.
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
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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
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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 scrubfowl, 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
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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 John 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.
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4. Douro Valley, Portugal
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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
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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 its south.
It’s also an extremely affluent area: most of Big Sur’s properties sell for $3million (£2.23million) or more.
6. Ullswater, England
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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
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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
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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’.
9. Victoria Falls, Africa
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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
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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
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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
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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 Greenland’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.’
Credit: Dailymail
