More and more travellers are seeking close contact with nature on vacation

International

These National Parks are the public favourites

According to the latest Phocuswright report, outdoor experiences are among the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry. In line with that, a TUI Musement study shows that half of respondents are interested in experiencing nature or taking part in outdoor activities while traveling.

Against this backdrop, TUI Musement, a leading provider of tours and activities, created a global ranking of UNESCO World Natural Heritage national parks. The ranking is based on the number of Google reviews these natural sites received***. The list includes ten destinations known for their exceptional scenic beauty, biodiversity, and geological diversity—from impressive waterfalls and dense forests to spectacular volcanic landscapes.

With more than 124,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.8 out of 5, Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia takes first place. This natural gem is famous for its 16 interconnected lakes, linked by numerous waterfalls and accessible via a wide network of hiking trails and wooden walkways.

In second place is Iguazú National Park in the Argentine province of Misiones, closely followed by the neighboring Iguaçu National Park in Brazil in third place. Together, the two parks form a cross-border natural area and share one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders. They were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984 and 1986, respectively. Their main attraction is the Iguazú Falls, with a total of 275 individual cascades plunging from different heights into the subtropical rainforest.

The Grand Canyon National Park ranks fourth with more than 63,000 reviews. From numerous viewpoints, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the immense rock formations and cliffs shaped by the Colorado River over millions of years. Helicopter tours are especially popular, offering unique aerial perspectives.

Yosemite National Park in the United States follows in fifth place. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, it is known for its striking waterfalls, giant sequoia groves, and distinctive granite formations. Among the best known are Half Dome, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, and the Three Brothers.

Also in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes sixth place. In addition to numerous endangered species, the park is home to an extraordinary variety of tree species comparable to that of the entire continent of Europe. More than 1,300 kilometers of hiking trails invite visitors to explore the diverse mountain landscape.

Seventh place goes to Cinque Terre National Park in Italy, which together with Portovenere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. A network of scenic hiking trails connects the five colorful villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, and Manarola, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

With more than half of all active geysers worldwide, Yellowstone National Park in the United States ranks eighth. It is especially famous for its exceptional geothermal phenomena, including the Old Faithful geyser, which erupts at regular intervals and draws many visitors every year.

Lake District National Park comes in ninth. Gentle hills, sparkling lakes, and idyllic valleys define a landscape that has inspired poets and writers for centuries. Popular starting points for hikes include Windermere and Ambleside, while Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, is a frequent destination.

Spain’s Teide National Park takes tenth place. Its namesake volcano is also the country’s highest peak. Vast lava fields, crater landscapes, and striking rock formations create a unique setting that can be explored via numerous hiking trails—or more comfortably by cable car to near the summit.