Sometimes we scan the other ends of the world for unique landscapes without realising that some of the most breathtaking places are much closer to home. You don't always need to cross oceans to admire majestic mountains, glacial lakes or picture-perfect trails. In fact, the British magazine Time Out has chosen a Spanish destination as the most beautiful place in the world in its annual list of 51 destinations.
The most beautiful place in the world, according to Time Out
The British magazine Time Out has chosen the Picos de Europa as the most beautiful place in the world. This mountain range in northern Spain, considered one of the most compact on the planet, rises to an altitude of 2,650 metres – with Torre de Cerredo as its highest point – and is located just 20 kilometres from the Cantabrian Sea.
What has most fascinated the Time Out chroniclers is its unique combination of elements: mountains that rise steeply out of the sea, deep gorges, sharp peaks and views that mix rock, beaches and the North Sea.
Within the national park, highlights include the Naranjo de Bulnes, the traditional villages of Sotres and Caín, the Lakes of Covadonga and the popular Cares Trail, a 23-kilometre hiking trail carved into the rock that crosses a spectacular canyon between peaks and waterfalls.
Living in the Picos de Europa
Beyond their scenic beauty, the Picos de Europa are a region where small mountain villages maintain a way of life closely tied to nature. Livestock farming, cheesemaking and rural tourism are all part of daily life in these communities, where the landscape dictates the rhythm of the seasons.
Living in this area means enduring harsh winters, mountain roads and challenging terrain, but also enjoying tranquillity, fresh air and a community deeply connected to its environment. The villages maintain their traditional architecture and a strong cultural identity.
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Other interesting destinations near Spain
Time Out's list also includes other destinations near Spain, which don't require long journeys to visit. For example, the Douro Valley in Portugal, which borders the country, comes in fourth place. This region is famous for its terraced vineyards and the meandering river.
In Italy, the list also includes the Bologna's old quarter and Capo Testa in Sardinia. Bologna is ranked as the seventh most beautiful destination by the magazine and is praised for its endless arcades, medieval towers and vibrant university life.
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Meanwhile, Capo Testa, at the northern tip of the island of Sardinia, ranks eighth and surprises with its rock formations sculpted by the wind and its crystal clear turquoise waters.
The 10 most beautiful places in the world
Time Out's list includes 51 unique natural spaces, cultural sites and urban landscapes. Here is the British magazine's list of the ten most outstanding destinations:
- Picos de Europa (Spain) – Rugged mountains next to the Cantabrian Sea and spectacular landscapes.
- Komodo National Park (Indonesia) – Volcanic islands and beaches of white, black and pink sand.
- The Library at Morgan Library and Museum (New York City) – One of the most impressive historic libraries in the world.
- Douro Valley (Portugal) – Terraced vineyards and one of the great wine landscapes of Europe.
- Big Sur (United States) – Steep cliffs above the Pacific Ocean.
- Ullswater (England) – Lake surrounded by green hills in the heart of the Lake District, in the north of the country.
- Old town, Bologna (Italy) – Medieval architecture and kilometres of arcades.
- Capo Testa (Sardinia) – Rocks shaped by the wind and crystal clear waters.
- Victoria Falls (Africa) – One of the most impressive waterfalls on the planet.
- Punakha Valley (Bhutan) – Mountains and monasteries nestled in a privileged natural environment.
