TUI Musement, a leading provider of tours and activities, has created a global ranking of UNESCO World Heritage national parks based on the number of Google reviews these natural sites have received.

More and more travellers are looking to reconnect with nature during their holidays. According to the latest report by Phocuswright, outdoor experiences are among the fastest-growing segments in the travel industry. In line with this trend, a recent study by TUI Musement, 50% of respondents say they are interested in enjoying experiences in natural settings or taking part in outdoor activities while travelling.

In response to this growing interest, TUI Musement, a leading provider of tours and activities, has created a global ranking of UNESCO World Heritage national parks based on the number of Google reviews these natural sites have received. From spectacular waterfalls to dense forests and volcanic landscapes, the list highlights ten destinations renowned for their extraordinary natural beauty, biodiversity and geological richness.

With more than 124,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.8 out of 5, Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia tops the ranking. This natural gem is famous for its 16 interconnected lakes linked by waterfalls, which visitors can explore via an extensive network of trails and wooden walkways.

Iguazú National Park, located in Argentina’s Misiones province, ranks second, followed by neighbouring

Iguaçu National Park in Brazil in third place. This is a unique case in the ranking, as both parks are part of the same vast natural area and share one of the world’s most spectacular sights. They were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984 and 1986 respectively. Their main attraction is the iconic Iguazú Falls, made up of 275 waterfalls cascading from different heights in the heart of the subtropical rainforest.

In fourth place, Grand Canyon National Park has accumulated more than 63,000 reviews. From its many viewpoints, visitors can admire the impressive cliffs and rock formations carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. Among the most popular experiences are helicopter tours, which offer a unique aerial perspective of the canyon.

Yosemite National Park, also in the United States, ranks fifth. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, it is renowned for its waterfalls, giant sequoia forests and dramatic granite cliffs. Its most iconic rock formations include Half Dome, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks and Three Brothers.

Still in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes sixth place in the ranking. In addition to being home to numerous endangered animal species, the park boasts a diversity of trees comparable to that of all Europe. Hiking enthusiasts can choose from more than 1,300 kilometres of trails to explore the beauty of its mountains.

In seventh place is Cinque Terre National Park in Italy, which forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Portovenere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. A network of scenic trails connects the five colourful villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Riomaggiore and Manarola, offering spectacular views over the Mediterranean.

With more than half of the world’s active geysers, Yellowstone National Park (USA) ranks eighth and is famous for its remarkable geothermal phenomena. Among them is Old Faithful, one of the world’s most famous geysers, which erupts regularly and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Lake District National Park ranks ninth. Its rolling hills, lakes and picturesque valleys create a bucolic landscape that has inspired poets and writers for centuries. Numerous walking routes start from towns such as Windermere and Ambleside, while Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, is a popular destination for hikers.

Rounding out the top 10 is a Spanish representative: Teide National Park, whose volcano is also the highest peak in the country. Its lava flows, craters and striking rock formations create a unique landscape that can be explored via numerous hiking trails or admired from the cable car that climbs close to the summit.