The Most Beautiful Places In The World, According To Science

Peyto Lake, Banff National Park, Canada. GETTY

What's the most beautiful destination in the world? With so many incredible places around the globe—both popular and off the grid—it's impossible to come up with one definitive answer.

However, there are some places that are so spectacular that they deserve to be added straight to the top of everyone's bucket list.

In an attempt to discover some of the very best of these destinations, UK-based luxury travel company Kuoni recently conducted a study of over 50 of the world’s most famous natural wonders—using a unique eye-tracking AI technology to find out which natural landmarks the human eye is drawn to the most. Check out the top ten:

#1 Peyto Lake, Canada
This glacier-fed lake located in the Canadian Rockies bagged the top spot as the most eye-catching natural wonder in the world, according to the research. Its pristine turquoise waters look even more stunning contrasted against the craggy mountains and the dark forest that surrounds the shoreline. Besides admiring the glorious views, you can go kayaking, fishing, snowshoeing, hike up to the Bow Summit, enjoy camping at the nearby Mosquito Creek or have a fun picnic in the Icefields Parkway, among other things.

#2 Meeru Island, Maldives
With its white-sand beaches and clear blue lagoons, it's easy to see why this dreamy island destination made it to the top ten.

Accessible only by boat, the small island features a luxurious resort complete with a private beach for al fresco dining, a house reef, water sports center, jacuzzi water villas for visitors to unwind and experience the trip of a lifetime.

#3 Jurassic Coast, England
The 95-mile stretch of coast, running from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, attracts scores of tourists and travelers each year who come to explore, walk, hunt for fossils and take in the stunning views across the English Channel and shores. Along this World Heritage Site, you’ll find rocks preserving over 180 million years of the Earth's history and pinnacles and arches beautifully sculpted by nature—including one of England’s most iconic landmarks, the Durdle Door.

#4 Yosemite National Park, USA
While it may not be the biggest National Park in the U.S, this 750,000-acre park is a bucket list destination for thousands of travelers thanks to its jaw-dropping natural beauty—from the impressive granite rock formations and magnificent waterfalls to the lakes, meadows and the giant ancient sequoia trees. With breathtaking views and dramatic landscapes galore, this place has something for everyone—whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a fun camping trip or a relaxing spot for forest bathing.

#5 Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
New Zealand's Lake Tekapo is the second-largest of the three lakes that run along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin. It's fed by rock flour-infused glacial water from the Southern Alps—giving the lake a mesmerizing turquoise hue. Besides soaking up the scenic views, visitors can go hiking, boating, swimming, fish salmon and rainbow trout or simply take a stroll across the Tekapo Mt John Walkway. Lake Tekapo is also one of the sunniest places in New Zealand, with an average of 2,400 sunshine hours per year, making it a perfect summer getaway.

#6 Niagara Falls, Canada
Made up of three different waterfalls—namely, the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls—Niagara Falls is a spectacular natural wonder that attracts over eight million visitors every year. You can explore its breathtaking beauty up close by taking one of the boat trips that run up to the base of the falls or go for an aerial tour that would take you around and over the majestic sight.

#7 Snowdon, Wales
With an impressive elevation of 1,085 meters above sea level, Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales. Its rugged landscapes and breathtaking views (including all the way up to Ireland on a clear day), make it a hiker's paradise. There are a number of routes to the top of the mountain—with the PYG track being one of the most scenic. If you're a beginner, Llanberis Path would be the best option.

#8 Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines
This ethereal underground river flows directly under Saint Paul Mountain Range. According to UNESCO, "the site contains a full 'mountain-to-sea' ecosystem." Between the pristine white beaches and rich biodiversity, there's plenty to explore, from massive limestone cliffs and impressive cave formations to rare flora and fauna such as the endangered Philippine cockatoo and green sea turtle.

#9 Marble Caves, Chile
The Marble Caves (also known as Cuevas de Mármol) is a beautiful cave system situated in Lake General Carrera in the Patagonian Andes. The magnificent geological formation is the result of sea waves smoothing out the surfaces of the surrounding marble rocks for over 6,200 years—transforming it into beautifully sculpted caverns, tunnels and columns. The walls inside reflect the color of the waves that changes based on the time of the year—from light turquoise in Spring to a deep cerulean during Summer.

#10 El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico
Located in northeastern Puerto Rico, this tropical rainforest spans over 28,000 acres and is home to an eclectic mix of wildlife, including the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot—one of the ten most rare birds in the world. Visitors can go kayaking, swimming, birdwatching, zip-lining, hike to one of its pristine waterfalls or hop on one of the many boat rides, among other things.

You can check out the complete research findings here.

*Written by  Noma Nazish

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