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Travelers and nature lovers, heads up! Based on the results of a reader poll conducted by the British guidebooks Rough Guides, the most beautiful country in the world in 2024 was named New Zealand. It pushed long-time leader Italy off the top spot—Italy now takes second place.
New Zealand draws tourists with its breathtaking landscapes: green mountain peaks smoothly transition into picturesque beaches, creating contrasts you simply can’t find elsewhere in the world. Italy, still holding strong in the top three, continues to attract food lovers and history fans with its unique landmarks and culture.
Rounding out the top three is Canada, celebrated for its impressive scenery and extraordinary wilderness. Together, these countries offer travelers a rich mix of natural beauty and cultural character that can leave no one indifferent.
#1 in 2024: New Zealand leads the Rough Guides reader poll.
Italy is #2: the long-time leader drops to second place.
Canada is #3: praised for epic scenery and wild nature.
What makes it special: dramatic contrasts—mountains, beaches, culture, and wilderness.
Want more details? The full list and descriptions are in Rough Guides.
Why the top three stand out
New Zealand
New Zealand draws tourists with its breathtaking landscapes: green mountain peaks smoothly transition into picturesque beaches, creating contrasts you simply can’t find elsewhere in the world.
Italy
Italy, still holding strong in the top three, continues to attract food lovers and history fans with its unique landmarks and culture.
Canada
Rounding out the top three is Canada, celebrated for its impressive scenery and extraordinary wilderness.
Top 20 most beautiful countries (Rough Guides 2024)
Learn more about what makes each of these countries unique, and plan your next trip inspired by these beautiful places. The full list and detailed descriptions can be found in Rough Guides.
Source: roughguides.com
What to do
Take inspiration from what the poll highlights: seek out contrasting landscapes (green mountains and picturesque beaches), dive into cultural landmarks and history, or plan nature-focused routes around dramatic scenery and wilderness.
1-day itinerary
Start with the core idea of the ranking: the most memorable places often combine different kinds of beauty—mountain views, coastline panoramas, and beach scenery.
Compare the top three and choose your “travel mood”: New Zealand for nature contrasts, Italy for culture and landmarks, or Canada for big scenery and wilderness.
2-day itinerary
Day 1: focus on the top 3—New Zealand, Italy, and Canada—and define what you want most: beaches and peaks, history and culture, or wilderness and panoramic landscapes.
Day 2: expand with alternatives from the top 20—Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Japan, and more—so your plan matches your style of travel and the kind of beauty you’re chasing.
How to get there
Use the Rough Guides materials for the full ranking and descriptions, then build your route around what the poll celebrates—nature contrasts, cultural landmarks, or wild landscapes—so your next journey feels truly “made for you.”
FAQ: Rough Guides 2024 ranking
What is Rough Guides?
It’s a well-known British travel guide publisher; this ranking is based on a reader poll.
Which country ranked #1 in 2024?
New Zealand took first place in the 2024 reader poll.
Which country is #2?
Italy is in second place after leading previously.
Who completes the top 3?
Canada ranks third, noted for scenery and wilderness.
Why is New Zealand described as “unique”?
Because of striking contrasts—green peaks flowing into picturesque beaches.
Why does Italy stay in the top three?
It keeps drawing travelers with culture, history, and unique landmarks (plus food!).
Is the ranking only about nature?
Not only—culture and heritage matter too, as shown by Italy’s position.
How can I use this list to plan a trip?
Pick a destination that fits your “travel mood”: contrasts, culture, or wilderness.
Where can I read the full list and details?
In Rough Guides materials and on roughguides.com.
Which other countries appear in the top 20?
Switzerland, France, Norway, Australia, Iceland, Japan, and many more.
Are France and Greece on the list?
Yes—both appear in the top 20 for 2024.
Why are there related news links at the end?
To inspire your next trip with extra ideas—from beaches to practical travel updates.
