20 must-see national parks from all around the world

Landscape-wise, Italy is an embarrassment of riches. Cinque Terre National Park is a prime example. There are water, beaches, hiking trails, and villages, each more charming than the last. 

The Galápagos are a group of islands off the coast of Ecuador known for their carefully preserved wildlife. It’s home to some seriously cool species. Trips to the archipelago come with lots of rules and limitations, but it’s worth the trouble to see the national park. 

There are many national parks in the United States, but if you’re only going to make it to one, you might want it to be Yosemite National Park in California. It offers just about everything you could want in a national park, and it’s a place you can visit repeatedly without ever getting tired of it. 

The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is a great place for a classic safari. It’s teeming with beautiful wildlife, and its backdrop is a quintessential African landscape. 

There’s so much beauty to see in Japan, but it’s worth going out of your way to visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It’s home to — you guessed it — Mount Fuji, but the stunning volcano is far from the only gorgeous vista in the park. 

If you want to see the sights Iceland is known for, visit Vatnajökull National Park. It’s got glaciers and waterfalls, and it’s home to blue ice caves, which you’re definitely not going to get at other national parks worldwide. 

Not too far from Petra in Jordan, Wadi Rum Protected Area is the ultimate desert landscape. It’s also fun for movie buffs to visit, as multiple films set in space were shot at the national park. 

Anyone who’s a fan of reptiles will love visiting Komodo National Park. There are thousands of eponymous creatures living there, plus lots of other unique species. Located in Indonesia, this is a can’t-miss stop if you’re visiting the country. 

A beautiful national park in China, Guilin and Lijiang River National Park is awfully picturesque. It’s also a wonderful national park to visit if you don’t want to exert yourself much physically to reap its benefits. A boat ride along the river is one of the best activities for visitors. 

One of Zimbabwe’s treasures, Mana Pools National Park, is an absolute treat for wildlife lovers. It’s got elephants, hippos, lions, and more, and when visiting with a guide, you get an experience you’ll never forget. 

Chile might be the most geographically diverse country in all of South America. To see that diversity on full display, check out Torres del Paine National Park. It has mountains, glaciers, and water, and there’s plenty of cool wildlife to keep on the lookout for. 

Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park is so beautiful, especially in the winter. But no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll be welcomed by beautiful mountains, lots of lochs, and much, much wildlife. 

Triglav National Park in Slovenia is home to Lake Bled, a beautiful and quirky body of water with an islet in the middle that’s awfully reminiscent of certain Disney movies. A visit to Triglav can explore the islet and much more. 

Everyone who’s seen pictures knows that Thailand is beautiful, and there’s a good chance that at least some of those pictures you’ve seen were taken at Khao Sok National Park. It’s known for its waterfalls, bamboo, hidden caves, and wildlife.

Banff National Park in Canada is a fantastic place for everyone. Whether you’re there for the premier hiking and camping or want a luxurious stay with gorgeous views, you can find it at Banff. And the views really are something special. 

Any fans of the beautiful English countryside should venture to Dartmoor National Park. It’s the only national park in England where visitors are allowed to camp, and it’s home to dazzling fields of wildflowers and plenty of trails for all levels of hiking. 

Some national parks feature beautiful tropical landscapes. Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica is one such national park. It’s got jungles and beaches and water and wildlife that you’re definitely not going to see at Corcovado’s international counterparts. 

Croatia is a stunning country, and Plitvice National Park is just a sliver of its beauty. It has about 100 different waterfalls, and its waters boast different hues of blue and green. The water stays especially gorgeous because humans aren’t allowed to swim. 

Fiords don’t just exist in Europe. New Zealand has so many, and one of its national parks is called Fiordland. And it’s breathtaking. There are also mountains and glaciers, and there are plenty of dolphins and some penguins to see, too. 

While you might not be familiar with Sagarmatha National Park, you’re definitely familiar with its most famous asset: Mount Everest. This national park boasts the legendary mountain, and whether you’re there to ascend Everest or just to bask in its glory, you’ll be in awe.