More and more travellers are looking to reconnect with nature during their holidays. According to The Outlook for Travel Experiences 2019–2029 by Phocuswright, outdoor experiences are among the fastest-growing segments in the travel industry.
In line with this trend, a recent study by TUI Musement, 50% of respondents say they are interested in enjoying experiences in natural settings or taking part in outdoor activities while travelling.
In response to this growing interest, TUI Musement, TUI’s subsidiary providing tours and activities, created a global ranking of UNESCO World Heritage national parks based on the number of Google reviews these natural sites have received. The ranking was compiled based on the total volume of reviews accumulated by each park, collected in March 2026.
From spectacular waterfalls to dense forests and volcanic landscapes, the list highlights ten destinations renowned for their extraordinary natural beauty, biodiversity and geological richness.
Top 10 Ranking
- Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia) – 124,455 reviews
- Iguazú National Park (Argentina) – 106,934 reviews
- Iguaçu National Park (Brazil) – 69,843 reviews
- Grand Canyon National Park (USA) – 63,042 reviews
- Yosemite National Park (USA) – 54,771 reviews
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (USA) – 50,036 reviews
- Cinque Terre National Park (Italy) – 46,691 reviews
- Yellowstone National Park (USA) – 44,651 reviews
- Lake District National Park (United Kingdom) – 42,825 reviews
- Teide National Park (Spain) – 39,319 reviews
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia tops the ranking. This natural gem is famous for its 16 interconnected lakes linked by waterfalls, which visitors can explore via an extensive network of trails and wooden walkways.
Iguazú National Park in Argentina, ranks second, followed by neighbouring Iguaçu National Park in Brazil in third place. This is a unique case in the ranking, as both parks are part of the same vast natural area and share one of the world’s most spectacular sights. Their main attraction is the iconic Iguazú Falls, made up of 275 waterfalls cascading from different heights in the heart of the subtropical rainforest.
In fourth place, Grand Canyon National Park with impressive cliffs and rock formations carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. Among the most popular experiences are helicopter tours, which offer a unique aerial perspective of the canyon.
Yosemite National Park ranks fifth. It is renowned for its waterfalls, giant sequoia forests and dramatic granite cliffs.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is sixth, boasting a diversity of trees comparable to that of all Europe. Hiking enthusiasts have more than 1,300 km of trails to explore the beauty of its mountains.
In seventh place is Cinque Terre National Park in Italy, which forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Portovenere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. A network of scenic trails connects the five colourful villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Riomaggiore and Manarola, offering spectacular views over the Mediterranean.
With more than half of the world’s active geysers, Yellowstone National Park (USA) ranks eighth and is famous for its remarkable geothermal phenomena. Among them is Old Faithful, one of the world’s most famous geysers, which erupts regularly and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Lake District National Park ranks ninth, with its rolling hills, lakes, and picturesque scenery. Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, is a popular destination for hikers.
Rounding out the top 10 is Teide National Park in Spain, whose volcano is also the highest peak in the country. Its lava flows, craters and striking rock formations create a unique landscape that can be explored via numerous hiking trails or admired from the cable car that climbs close to the summit.
Photo credit: TUI Musement
