Coming up with a comprehensive list of the most beautiful countries in the world truly depends on the kind of traveler you are—maybe you’re a good food devotee journeying for a taste of local cuisine, or perhaps you’re an architecture geek making pilgrimages to all the modern wonders of the world. As the old adage goes, there’s plenty to swoon over depending on the beholding eye, which is why we like to revisit this list every year to shine a light on some new favorites and blow the dust off timeless classics.
Our picks for the most beautiful countries in the world make up a bliss montage through the best sights to see in every continent (with countries, that is) across the globe. Whether you fancy paying tribute to humanity’s earliest feats in engineering at a UNESCO World Heritage site, or gazing out into gin-clear cerulean seas while standing on sink-your-toes-soft sand, we’re certain you’ll fall in love with our greatest hits too.
But if you find yourself missing the White Continent and want to sink into the specifics of individual sites, look no further than our list of the most beautiful places in the world.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
