What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear about the most beautiful country in the world? Destination, beautiful landscape, artistic and historic legacy, captivating views of nature or the structures, buildings and designs engineered by people? Whatever it is, your opinions are very valid.
All of that is to say, beauty is subjective and largely dependent on your preference. One of my favourite sayings is “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” I love how that encapsulates beauty.
All of the 195 countries in the world have that special spark that gives them an edge over others. However, based on the limit of one post and differing standpoints of beauty, let’s take a look at 10 of the most beautiful countries in the world. Have it at the back of your mind, however, that the list is not limited to these ten.
10 Most Beautiful Countries in the World
1. Greece
2. Italy
3. Australia
4. South Africa
5. Canada
6. New Zealand
7. Seychelles
8. Maldives
9. UAE
10. France
10 Most Beautiful Countries in the World
1. Greece
Greece is widely considered the cradle of Western civilisation. It was on its pillars that democracy, Western philosophies and literature, theatre, the Olympic Games, and many others were founded.
How a country that has been in existence since the 1800s (modern Greece) still manages to remain beautiful never ceases to amaze me. Greece is known for its beautiful beaches and thousands of islands, one of which is Santorini, one of people’s favourite dream destinations.
Greece is especially special because of its combination of clear blue waters, mountain views and exquisite islands. Basically, it is an ageless natural beauty. More than its myths, Greece is a place to experience for yourself.
Fun fact you probably didn’t know, its official name is Hellenic Republic.
2. Italy
Home to Rome, Sicily, the Vatican City (home of the Catholic Pope since the 14th century), Venice, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Bernini and Milan. Italy has ancient wealth!
Somehow, one nation has managed to cut across every imaginable field, from arts and fashion to gelato and pasta. Italy’s beauty is not specialised in one aspect; there is something you’d especially love there.
Whether you’re there in honour of architecture or the great artists who have walked that land, food and wine, Pompei or the Roman ruins, there’s beauty in everything Italy. I mean, it’s the home of the Renaissance; the rebirth of a new age.
When you see the mountains, beaches, lakes, galleries, artworks that have been around for centuries and islands, you’ll understand why Italians live by the La Dolce Vita philosophy. Life indeed is sweet over there.
Fascinating Wildlife
3. Australia
You know how pure the heart of a country can be for it to be the home of endemic animals? Australia is a land of amazing wonders, from its massive hot deserts to its rainforests and its lively cosmopolitan cities.
Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, alongside its Great Barrier Reef, which is said to be so large that it can be seen from space. How about the Uluru monolith that is said to hold spiritual heritage?
Sydney gives Australia that sparkle that Los Angeles gives America. It is the home of the Opera house, which is a sight for tourists and the Harbour Bridge.
4. South Africa
South Africa has layered beauty; the more you look, the more you see. Its beauty cuts across nature, wildlife, adventure, culture and urban charm.
For adventure lovers, there are mountains for hiking, bays for surfing and even cage diving with sharks if you want to go that far.
Cape Town is one of the most renowned places in South Africa, and it is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Do we want to dwell on flora or fauna? Everything’s just perfect.
The best part you’re probably waiting for is the wildlife and Safari. From the coasts where you can find African penguins to the Kruger National Park, where you’ll see “the big five” (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo), South Africa is the destination that makes you one with Mother Nature.
Vast Beauties
5. Canada
Canada has fast become a haven. It is a vast country that affords you space to enjoy. It is amazing how the country changes across seasons. While autumn paints Ontario and Quebec red and gold, winter brings out the play areas from the mountains, and summer brings out campers.
In the north, the Northern Lights are a sight to behold as polar bears waltz around like they have a mortgage. It will amaze you to know that Canada has more than two million lakes for your pleasure.
My favourite of all is the Niagara Falls, which shares a border with America. I love how the waterfall chose to be a view for two nations. Canada’s vastness reminds us that sometimes beauty is in size, affording you the luxury of sight to feed your eyes.
6. New Zealand
New Zealand is in its own league. All in one country, we have mountains covered in snow and sandy beaches, lakes and glaciers, fjords and volcanoes. How better does it get?
Little wonder we find animals that we can’t find anywhere else, like the flightless kiwi bird and the tuatara reptile.
One particular reason you should visit New Zealand is its low population density. This gives you more breathing space compared to other nations.
Islands of Escape and Bliss
7. Seychelles
Seychelles brings to life greatness from a small place. The smallest country in Africa, but its beauty is so unbelievable that it looks AI-generated. Don’t we all love to spend our money on our own destination spots in Africa?
This island nation is crowned with the beauty of nature, from its beaches filled with white sands and clear waters to islands formed with ancient granite and tropical forests.
Are you a wildlife enthusiast? In Seychelles, you’ll find an array of uncommon animals, from special species of birds to the most incredible lives underwater to feed your eyes.
8. Maldives
Maldives is another one of people’s favourite islands. It is enchanting, with its luxurious villas and bungalows situated on the water. Most of the resorts here are on private islands, giving tourists maximum exclusivity.
Maldives is the lowest-lying country in the world, that is, it is just a little above sea level. This gives a sight of life under water. This must be why it is one of the most sought-after honeymoon destinations. You just wake up and dive into a whole new world.
Glamour
9. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE is the home of luxurious living. From its architecture, like Burj Khalifa, the highest skyscraper, to its resorts and high-end shopping and entertainment, only a few countries can match its standard.
From its capital, Abu Dhabi, to Dubai, the favourite destination location, Dubai is a beauty to behold. They offer many attractions to tourists, like world-class five-star hotels, shopping malls, and the Arabian desert. For Muslims, you really should see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi!
Even if you’ve not yet visited Dubai, you can attest to everything I’m saying based on popular opinion and all of those things we see on social media.
10. France
When I think of France, I think of it along the lines of romance. Paris, the capital of France, has been on my radar ever since I played the “Paris Nights” game on my cousin’s phone as a child.
I had understood that not just any random name could become a game’s name, so I took a liking to Paris.
What’s special about France? Aside from its natural beauty, it is also the home to Paris, the city of lovers and history, like the Louvre museum, home to gigantic historical pieces like the Mona Lisa. From its language to its food and views, France has the feel of a new home.
Conclusion
Whether beauty for you is glamour or wildlife, beaches or mountains, escape or landscape, this list of ten of the most beautiful countries has one that will be to your liking.
Which country is your dream destination, and which have you already visited?
