Travelers Have Spoken: These Are the Top 10 UNESCO National Parks

More and more travelers are opting for nature over crowded city breaks, and the numbers are here to back it up. A recent report published by Phocuswright and Arival LLC in February 2026 (The Outlook for Travel Experiences 2019–2029) shows that outdoor experiences are among the fastest-growing parts of the travel industry. Another study by TUI Musement found that half of travelers want to spend time in natural settings or take part in outdoor activities while on holiday.

To reflect this shift, TUI Musement put together a global ranking of UNESCO-listed national parks based on the number of Google reviews they’ve received. The result is a list of destinations that continue to attract visitors from around the world, not just for their beauty but for the experiences they offer.

At the top is Plitvice Lakes National Park, with more than 124,000 reviews and an impressive 4.8 rating. The park is known for its chain of 16 lakes connected by waterfalls, all linked by wooden walkways and scenic trails.

Iguazu National Park..Photo: TUI Group

Second place goes to Iguazú National Park in Argentina, followed closely by Iguaçu National Park in Brazil.

Iguacu National Park..Photo: TUI Group

Together, they form one of the most dramatic natural landscapes in the world, home to the famous Iguazú Falls, a vast system of cascading waterfalls deep in the rainforest.

In the United States, Grand Canyon National Park ranks fourth, drawing visitors with its massive cliffs carved over millions of years.

Grand Canyon National Park. Photo: TUI Group

Yosemite National Park follows in fifth place, known for its waterfalls, giant sequoias, and iconic rock formations like El Capitan.

Yosemite National Park. Photo: TUI Group

Cinque Terre National Park. Photo: TUI Group

Other notable entries include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, famous for its biodiversity and extensive hiking trails, and Cinque Terre National Park, where colorful coastal villages are linked by scenic paths overlooking the Mediterranean.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Photo: TUI Group

Rounding out the list are Yellowstone National Park, with its geysers and geothermal features, Lake District National Park, known for its peaceful landscapes, and Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak and striking volcanic terrain.

Yellowstone National Park. Photo: TUI Group

Lake District National Park. Photo: TUI Group

Teide National Park. Photo: TUI Group

Complete ranking

1. Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia) – 124,455 reviews (4.8/5)
2. Iguazú National Park (Argentina) – 106,934 reviews (4.9/5)
3. Iguaçu National Park (Brazil) – 69,843 reviews (4.8/5)
4. Grand Canyon National Park (USA) – 63,042 reviews (4.8/5)
5. Yosemite National Park (USA) – 54,771 reviews (4.8/5)
6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (USA) – 50,036 reviews (4.9/5)
7. Cinque Terre National Park (Italy) – 46,691 reviews (4.7/5)
8. Yellowstone National Park (USA) – 44,651 reviews (4.8/5)
9. Lake District National Park (United Kingdom) – 42,825 reviews (4.8/5)
10. Teide National Park (Spain) – 39,319 reviews (4.8/5)