“Most beautiful” is a popularity contest, and that’s part of the fun. One person falls for jagged mountains, another for coastlines, and another for quiet villages and big skies. So instead of pretending there is a single objective answer, this ranking sticks to what travelers actually voted for.
The upside is that it reflects real-world reactions, not a marketing brochure: places that consistently make people stop, stare, and immediately start planning routes in their heads. The downside is that it’s still subjective, which is why it works best as inspiration rather than a final verdict.
The list below comes from Rough Guides’ Reader’s Vote feature, updated on December 2nd, 2025.
1. New Zealand
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New Zealand tops the reader vote for one simple reason: variety packed into a compact map. Fiordland delivers moody fjords and waterfalls, while volcanic zones add steam, craters, and hot pools. When weather shifts, the scenery changes with it, which keeps road trips feeling fresh.
Planning-wise, you can build a trip around two anchors and still feel like you covered a lot. The South Island is the classic “wide-open” pick, and the North Island layers in geothermal areas and lively cities. Budget extra time for driving, because viewpoints will keep stealing your schedule.
2. Italy
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Italy lands near the top because it offers dramatic natural backdrops plus cultural density. The Dolomites look carved, the lakes feel cinematic, and the coastlines are built for slow evenings. Even short distances can deliver completely different atmospheres.
A smart route pairs one landscape-heavy region with one city-heavy base. Alpine trails and vineyard roads do well with shoulder seasons when crowds thin out. Book key museum slots ahead, then keep the rest loose for markets, beaches, and small-town detours.
3. Canada
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Canada’s appeal in the vote is scale, with wilderness that feels genuinely vast. The Rockies bring turquoise lakes and glacier views, while coastal rainforests and northern light zones add different kinds of magic. Wildlife sightings are a real part of the experience in many provinces.
Logistics matter here more than in smaller countries. Distances can be enormous, so pick one region and go deep instead of trying to “see it all.” National parks reward early starts, especially in peak summer weeks.
4. Switzerland
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Switzerland’s scenery is almost unfair, with alpine peaks, clean lakes, and storybook villages stitched together by trains. The country’s transport network makes it easy to reach viewpoints without heroic planning. Many travelers love how quickly you can switch from city streets to mountain air.
For a satisfying trip, choose one lake area and one highland region. Cable cars, cog railways, and hiking paths offer layers of access for different fitness levels. Prices are high, so a mix of picnics and a few memorable restaurant meals can keep budgets steady.
5. Mexico
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Mexico earns its spot through its range, from deserts and canyons to jungles, cenotes, and coastline. Travelers often mention how quickly a day can pivot from archaeology to beach time. Food culture also plays a huge role in how people remember the place.
To keep things smooth, pick a single corridor for each trip. The Yucatán works well for ruins and water, while the Pacific side leans into sunsets and surf towns. Use reputable transport options and keep an eye on local guidance as you move between areas.
6. Norway
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Norway makes the list on the strength of fjords, cliffs, and long summer light. Even a ferry ride can feel like an attraction when peaks drop straight into the water. In winter, the north adds aurora possibilities that pull photographers from everywhere.
Expect high costs and plan around weather. Scenic drives are incredible, but they are slower than they look on a map. If you want fewer crowds, smaller fjord towns can feel calmer than the best-known gateways.
7. Madagascar
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Madagascar is the wild-card entry that makes people do a double take, and that’s exactly why it stands out. Baobab landscapes, unusual wildlife, and varied coastlines give it a look that does not feel interchangeable with anywhere else. Nature lovers tend to rate it highly because the biodiversity is so distinctive.
Traveling here works best with patience and a realistic pace. Roads can be rough, and internal flights may be limited, so overstuffed itineraries backfire fast. Focus on one or two regions, then add a few extra days as a buffer.
8. Greece
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Greece scores big with travelers who want sea views paired with history. Islands bring white-and-blue scenes and clear water, while mainland sites add ancient ruins and mountain villages. It is easy to build a trip that blends beach time with cultural stops.
Season choice matters more than people expect. Late spring and early fall often feel better than midsummer, especially for walking and ferry schedules. A simple plan is one city base plus one island, rather than trying to bounce across too many ports.
9. South Africa
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South Africa rounds out the top nine with a mix of coastline, mountains, and wildlife areas. Many travelers love how a single trip can include ocean drives, vineyards, and safari experiences. Photogenic variety is the recurring theme.
It pays to plan routes carefully and stay aware of local safety advice. A guided option can simplify national parks and long drives, especially for first-timers. Build downtime into the schedule so the trip does not turn into a constant transit marathon.