As of January 2026, the travel world is buzzing with a mix of “celebration” destinations—those hosting major events like the Winter Olympics or the Solar Eclipse—and “quiet” escapes that prioritize raw, untouched beauty.
Based on current rankings from National Geographic, Lonely Planet, and TripAdvisor, here are the ten most beautiful places to visit in 2026.
1. The Dolomites, Italy
With the 2026 Winter Olympics centered here, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the year’s crown jewel. The “sculptural” limestone peaks, particularly around Cortina d’Ampezzo, offer some of the most dramatic mountain vistas on Earth. In summer, the snow melts to reveal neon-green meadows and turquoise lakes like Lago di Braies.
2. Naxos, Greece
While Santorini and Mykonos grapple with crowds, Naxos has emerged as the most beautiful “authentic” Greek escape for 2026. It is famous for its long, golden sandy beaches (like Plaka) and the Portara, a massive marble gate that frames the sunset perfectly over the Aegean Sea.
3. The Canadian Rockies (By Rail)
Specifically highlighted for 2026, a train journey through Banff and Jasper National Parks offers unparalleled views of jagged peaks and glaciers. Following the 2024 wildfires, the region is seeing a lush “rebirth” of flora, and the vibrant blue of Lake Louise remains one of the world’s most photographed natural wonders.
4. Snæfellsjökull National Park, Iceland
Iceland is always a top contender for beauty, but 2026 is special because this park will be in the path of totality for the August 2026 Solar Eclipse. It’s a “miniature Iceland,” containing a glacier-capped volcano, black sand beaches, and moss-covered lava fields all in one area.
5. Basque Country, Spain
In August 2026, the solar eclipse will also sweep across northern Spain. The Basque Country combines the rugged beauty of the Bay of Biscay coastline with the rolling green hills of the Pyrenees foothills. The flysch cliffs at Zumaia are a geological masterpiece.
6. Southern Patagonia, Chile
For those seeking “The End of the World,” Patagonia remains the gold standard for raw beauty. In 2026, there is a push toward “remote retreats” in the south, where the granite spires of Torres del Paine and the massive glaciers of the Northern Ice Field offer a sense of scale found nowhere else.
7. Okinawa Islands, Japan
Okinawa is currently 2026’s “trending” beauty spot. Unlike the neon of Tokyo, these islands offer a sub-tropical paradise of emerald waters and white sand. The Kerama Islands are famous for “Kerama Blue” water, which is so clear that visibility for divers is world-class.
8. The Indian Himalayas (Ladakh)
For 2026, the high-altitude desert of Ladakh is being recognized for its stark, spiritual beauty. The contrast between the deep blue of Pangong Lake and the surrounding arid, snow-capped mountains creates a landscape that feels almost lunar.
9. Dominica, Caribbean
Known as “The Nature Island,” Dominica avoids the “resort” look of other islands. It is a vertical landscape of 365 rivers, towering waterfalls, and the world’s second-largest Boiling Lake. In 2026, the opening of the Dominica Sperm Whale Reserve adds a new layer of marine beauty to the island.
10. Bali, Indonesia
Consistently voted the “Best of the Best” by travelers, Bali’s beauty is a blend of nature and culture. The Tegalalang Rice Terraces and the stone temples of Ubud, draped in tropical jungle, provide a lush, spiritual aesthetic that remains unmatched in Southeast Asia.
– SWW RITZ
