Recently, a survey published by Rough Guide drew on reader votes around the globe to determine the most beautiful countries in the world.
Also read: Exciting activities for solo travellers in Cape Town
Among countries that ranked highly in the survey, New Zealand claimed the top spot with its stunning scenery and landscapes. Italy, known for its rich cultural heritage and great natural beauty, secured second place, followed by Canada in third, celebrated for its dramatic scenery and wildlife.
France, with its provincial charm and varied attractions, claimed the fifth spot, while Switzerland, renowned for its spectacular scenery and pristine lakes, ranked fourth.
South Africa earns its spot
South Africa earned its spot as 10th on the list of the world’s most beautiful countries and as the only African country to make the top 20 (though Namibia did receive a fair share of nominations).
Readers praised SA’s diversity of scenery, its raw natural landscape, roads and ocean. Of course, Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain earned a mention, with penguin-packed beaches less than a stone’s throw away. Naturally, the wine-growing valleys of the Western Cape also contribute to our country’s beauty, along with South Africa’s world-renowned safari experiences.
Here’s the full list of the world’s most beautiful countries, as voted by readers of Rough Guide:
20. Japan
19. Slovenia
18. Portugal
17. Indonesia
16. India
15. Croatia
14. Argentina
13. Iceland
12. Chile
11. USA
10. South Africa
9. Greece
8. Australia
7. Norway
6. United Kingdom
5. France
4. Switzerland
3. Canada
2. Italy
1. New Zealand
Also read:
Africa Travel Week celebrates a decade of tourism growth in Cape Town
Picture: Damian Patkowski / Unsplash
Words: Savanna Douglas
