Rather than city breaks or quick getaways, more and more travellers are seeking experiences connected with nature and the great outdoors that offer an authentic, unspoilt experience. In this context, national parks declared World Heritage Sites have become some of the most sought-after destinations.
A recent review by the TUI Musement website, based on Google reviews, has shortlisted the world’s highest-rated national parks, which also includes an entry from Spain.
Plitvice Lakes (Croatia)
Plitvice Lakes National Park leads with 124,455 reviews and an average score of 4.8 out of 5. Its success is not surprising: 16 lakes interconnected by waterfalls form a network of turquoise waters that change colour depending on the light and the season.
Wooden walkways allow visitors to explore the park at water level, while small electric boats cross the larger lakes. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1979, it receives over a million visitors annually and offers routes adapted to different time levels and difficulty levels.
Iguazu (Argentina)
The Argentinian side of the falls boasts 106,934 reviews and a rating of 4.9 out of 5, one of the highest on the list. Here, the experience is immersive: visitors venture into the jungle and walk along walkways that lead to the breathtaking Devil's Throat.
The park protects a rich subtropical biodiversity and allows visitors to explore different trails – upper, lower, and Devil's Throat – in just one day or over two days. It is notable for its proximity to the water and the constant roar of the waterfalls.
Iguazu (Brazil)
From Brazil, the same falls offer a panoramic perspective that has captivated 69,843 users on Google, with an average rating of 4.8. The main route culminates in a walkway that plunges into the mist in front of the largest waterfall in the complex.
Iguaçu National Park is also an Atlantic Forest sanctuary and home to endangered species. Its infrastructure is designed to facilitate access via shuttle buses that connect the main viewpoints.
Grand Canyon (United States)
Grand Canyon National Park, in the state of Arizona, is the first US location on the list. It boasts 63,042 reviews and a score of 4.8 out of 5. Its colossal dimensions – more than 440 kilometres in length – make it one of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet.
The South Rim is the most popular area and features iconic viewpoints and marked trails. You can also hike down to the Colorado River or take scenic flights to appreciate the magnitude of this geological wonder sculpted over millions of years.
Yosemite (United States)
With 54,771 reviews and a 4.8 rating, Yosemite remains one of North America's most admired national parks. Its granite walls, such as El Capitan and Half Dome, are world-renowned climbing destinations.
The valley boasts spectacular waterfalls in spring, while the giant sequoia forests offer another of the park's iconic images. The alpine landscapes and vast meadows explain the enduring popularity of this California park.
Great Smoky Mountains (United States)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee is among the highest-rated, with 50,036 reviews and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5. The mist that blankets its mountains creates an ethereal landscape that changes with each season.
Located in the eastern part of the country, it is the most visited national park in the United States and is known for its more than 1,300 kilometres of trails. In autumn, the foliage transforms the area into one of the most sought-after destinations in the country to witness the changing colours of the forests.
Cinque Terre (Italy)
Cinque Terre National Park is the only Italian representative and has 46,691 reviews, with a score of 4.7. Its uniqueness lies in the unique fusion between nature and cultural heritage, so typical of the transalpine landscape.
The five villages perched above the sea – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – connected by footpaths and train, offer unique Mediterranean panoramas, with terraced vineyards and steep cliffs.
Yellowstone (United States)
Yellowstone, in the northwest of the state of Wyoming, has 44,651 reviews and an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. Established in 1872, it is considered the world's first national park.
Its geysers – like Old Faithful – and intensely coloured hot springs make the landscape almost surreal. It's also one of the best places in the United States to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
Lake District (United Kingdom)
The Lake District National Park, in northwest England, has 42,825 reviews and a rating of 4.8. Its appeal lies not in its spectacular scenery, but in the harmony between lakes, mountains and traditional villages.
It's an ideal destination for hiking and rural getaways. Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England and Scafell Pike, the highest point in England, are just some of the highlights. These are some of its most famous landmarks, in an environment that inspired generations of British writers.
Teide (Spain)
Spain appears on the list thanks to Teide National Park, which has accumulated 39,319 reviews and a rating of 4.8 out of 5. The country's highest volcano dominates a landscape of lava flows and rock formations that look like they're from another planet.
The cable car takes visitors to the summit, while various trails allow them to explore the volcanic surroundings. Declared a World Heritage Site in 2007, it is also one of the best spots in Europe for stargazing.
How the best-rated national parks are shortlisted
The TUI Musement report is based on analysing the total number of reviews posted on Google for each national park named a World Heritage Site. This criterion allows us to measure the level of engagement and popularity among travellers.
In addition to the total number of reviews, users' average ratings are also taken into account. The result is a list that factors in the number of visits, international reach and the level of satisfaction.
