10 Most Naturally Beautiful Countries in Europe to Visit in 2026

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - When you think about Europe, you might picture the glamorous city of Paris or historic cities like Rome. These places are wonderful, but Europe has much more to offer. The continent has amazing natural beauty too. From tall mountains and clear blue lakes to beautiful beaches and green forests, the landscapes are very diverse. The nature in Europe is truly stunning, from the north to the south.

If you enjoy nature, fresh air, and outdoor views, Europe has many great choices. Here are ten naturally beautiful countries in Europe you should visit in 2026.

Iceland is a country with dramatic landscapes that look almost magical. The island sits on top of volcanic areas, creating natural wonders like geysers and hot springs all over the countryside. One of the most popular spots is the Blue Lagoon, where you can swim in warm water surrounded by black lava rocks.

Iceland is also famous for its amazing waterfalls. Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss are two favorites where you can walk right up to the falling water. If you visit in winter, the Northern Lights often appear in the night sky with green and purple colors dancing above you.

Scotland is famous for its green hills, deep lakes, and rough coastline. The Scottish Highlands cover a large part of the country with mountains like Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Britain. And don't forget to visit Loch Ness. Apart from the legend of Nessie, this lake is absolutely beautiful with dark blue water surrounded by forests.

If you love dramatic scenery, the Isle of Skye is a must-see place. The island has incredible cliffs and unusual rock formations like the Old Man of Storr. Glen Coe is another favorite for photographers, with its valley surrounded by tall mountains.

Norway has some of the most impressive landscapes in Europe, especially its fjords. These long, narrow waterways were created by glaciers thousands of years ago and are surrounded by steep cliffs. Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are two of the most beautiful ones you can explore by boat.

For adventurous travelers, Trolltunga is worth the challenging hike. This rock formation hangs over a lake and offers an incredible view that makes the effort worth it. If you travel further north, the Lofoten Islands have fishing villages, white sand beaches, and mountains all in one stunning place.

Switzerland is a country filled with Alpine beauty all year round. The Matterhorn is one of the most famous mountains in the world with its pyramid-shaped peak. Beyond the mountains, Switzerland has stunning lakes too. Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne have crystal-clear water that perfectly reflects the mountains around them.

If you enjoy hiking, the Jungfrau region has trails through green meadows filled with wildflowers in summer. The area also has charming mountain villages where you can experience traditional Swiss culture. Near Schaffhausen, the Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in Europe and creates an impressive sight.

Portugal has diverse natural landscapes from coast to mountains. The Algarve region in the south is famous for its golden beaches and dramatic rock formations. Benagil Cave is one of the most photographed spots, with its natural dome ceiling and turquoise water inside.

Moving inland, the Douro Valley offers a completely different experience with terraced vineyards covering the hillsides along a winding river. If you want to explore islands, Madeira has volcanic landscapes and walking trails that take you past waterfalls hidden in green forests. The Azores are even more remote, with crater lakes, hot springs, and unique plants that grow nowhere else on Earth.

Beyond the beautiful ancient temple ruins, Greece is also famous for its stunning natural landscapes. The country has thousands of islands, each with its own character. Santorini is known for its volcanic cliffs and incredible views of the deep blue Aegean Sea. Zakynthos offers something different with Navagio Beach, also called Shipwreck Beach. This spot has white sand and turquoise water surrounded by tall limestone cliffs.

On the mainland, Meteora is an unforgettable sight with enormous rock formations rising from the ground. Monasteries sit on top of these rocks, creating a unique mix of nature and history. If you love hiking, Crete has Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest canyons.

Italy has varied landscapes from Alpine peaks to Mediterranean shores. The Dolomites are mountain ranges in the north with pink-colored peaks that glow beautifully at sunrise and sunset. The region is perfect for both summer hiking and winter skiing. Moving to the lakes, Lake Como offers peaceful water surrounded by mountains and elegant Italian villas along its shores.

The Amalfi Coast is completely different with its dramatic coastline. Colorful towns like Positano are built on cliffs above the sparkling sea, creating postcard-perfect views. For a quieter experience, Tuscany has rolling hills with cypress trees, vineyards, and sunflower fields that stretch to the horizon.

Croatia has a beautiful Adriatic coastline with crystal-clear water and over a thousand islands to explore. One of the most stunning places in the country is Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park has sixteen lakes connected by waterfalls, and you can walk on wooden pathways right above the water. What makes it special is how the water changes color from bright blue to emerald green depending on minerals and sunlight.

Krka National Park is another beautiful spot with impressive waterfalls. Unlike many parks, swimming is allowed in certain areas here, so you can cool off in the natural pools. Along the coast, Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands are great for kayaking and swimming in the clear Adriatic Sea.

Spain offers diverse natural beauty across its different regions. The Pyrenees mountains along the French border are perfect for mountain lovers, with high peaks, deep valleys, and Ordesa National Park. Moving to the coast, Costa Brava in Catalonia has a completely different feel with hidden coves and clear Mediterranean water.

If you want something truly unique, the Canary Islands have volcanic landscapes that look almost from another world. Lanzarote has black sand beaches and desert-like areas created by past volcanic eruptions. For those who prefer green landscapes, Galicia in the northwest is the place to go. The Ribeira Sacra region has dramatic river canyons with vineyards growing on steep slopes and ancient monasteries built into the hillsides.

Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle because of its green landscapes all over the country. One of the most impressive sights is the Cliffs of Moher on the western coast. These sea cliffs rise over 200 meters above the wild Atlantic Ocean and offer amazing views on clear days. The Ring of Kerry is another popular route that takes you through some of Ireland's best scenery. Along the way, you can stop at Killarney National Park, which has beautiful lakes, mountains, and waterfalls surrounded by ancient forests.

If you go further west, Connemara has wild landscapes with bogs, stone walls, and open grasslands where sheep roam freely. Crossing into Northern Ireland, the Giant's Causeway is a natural wonder with thousands of hexagonal rock columns formed by ancient volcanic activity.