Top 20 Best Countries for Nature Holidays Abroad: Amazing Routes to Explore

For those looking to escape city crowds, walk in fresh air, and explore mountains, forests, lakes, and wildlife, nature holidays abroad offer an unforgettable travel experience.

There are numerous countries around the world catering to nature lovers. Some countries stand out with trekking and mountain hiking, others with national parks and wildlife, while some feature waterfalls, fjords, volcanoes, and tropical rainforests. In 2026 travel trends, hiking, national parks, active vacations, and nature-focused travel are showing strong prominence.

So, which are the best countries for nature holidays abroad? Where should one go for nature hiking? Which countries should be chosen for adventure and nature vacations?

Here are 20 countries you can consider for those seeking experiences of nature holidays, trekking, adventure, camping, and wildlife.

Why Choose a Nature Holiday Abroad?

A nature holiday is not just about resting. It is also a great opportunity to discover new geographies, participate in outdoor activities, and step away from the intensity of daily life.

On a nature holiday abroad:

• You can go mountain hiking.
• You can explore national parks.
• You can try canoeing or SUP on lakes.
• You can see waterfalls and canyons.
• You can discover landscapes formed by glaciers and volcanoes.
• You can observe wildlife on safari.
• You can go camping or caravaning.
• You can dedicate time to nature photography.

Countries like Canada, Switzerland, Italy, and Norway stand out with their trekking and mountain routes; while Costa Rica, South Africa, and New Zealand stand out with their nature, adventure, and wildlife experiences.

Top 20 Best Countries for Nature Holidays Abroad

1. New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most impressive countries in the world when it comes to nature holidays.

In particular, the South Island offers the chance to explore mountains, glaciers, lakes, rainforests, and fjords all in one trip.

Must-see places

• Fiordland National Park
• Milford Sound
• Mount Cook
• Queenstown
• Tongariro National Park
• Wanaka

Best activities

Trekking, nature hiking, camping, canoeing, rafting, and adventure sports.

Regions like Fiordland and Tongariro in New Zealand regularly appear on international nature and active travel lists.

Best time to visit: December–March

2. Norway

With its fjords, mountains, waterfalls, and long summer days, Norway is one of the most impressive options for nature holidays in Europe.

Hiking trails around the Norwegian fjords particularly offer magnificent views for nature enthusiasts.

Must-see places

• Geirangerfjord
• Nærøyfjord
• Lofoten Islands
• Jotunheimen National Park
• Jostedalsbreen
• Tromsø

Best activities

Trekking, hiking, canoeing, skiing, camping, and fjord tours.

National parks like Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen are cited among Europe's top nature hiking routes.

Best time to visit: June–September

3. Switzerland

Located in the heart of the Alps, Switzerland is a favorite for those wanting to enjoy nature holidays, especially for its mountain views and well-maintained hiking trails.

Must-see places

• Lauterbrunnen
• Zermatt
• Interlaken
• Jungfrau Region
• Grindelwald
• Engadin

Best activities

Trekking, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and nature photography.

Switzerland's Jungfrau region and hiking routes around the Alps are among the top choices for nature-focused travel.

Best time to visit: June–October

4. Canada

With its vast forests, lakes, Rocky Mountains, and national parks, Canada is one of the ideal countries for long hikes and wild nature experiences.

In a hiking study published in 2026, Canada was ranked as one of the top trekking countries in the world.

Must-see places

• Banff National Park
• Jasper National Park
• Yoho National Park
• Vancouver
• Canadian Rockies
• Gros Morne National Park

Best activities

Trekking, camping, canoeing, rafting, skiing, and wildlife observation.

Best time to visit: June–September

5. Iceland

Volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and geothermal areas...

Iceland stands out with its natural landscapes that are unlike any other country.

Must-see places

• Vatnajökull National Park
• Golden Circle
• Skógafoss
• Seljalandsfoss
• Reynisfjara
• Jökulsárlón

Best activities

Trekking, glacier hiking, nature photography, camping, and road trips.

Vatnajökull National Park is one of the natural areas highlighted in 2026 international ecotourism lists.

Best time to visit: June–September

6. Costa Rica

Tropical rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, and rich wildlife...

Costa Rica is a very strong option for those who want to combine adventure and nature holidays.

Must-see places

• Arenal Volcano
• Monteverde
• Corcovado National Park
• Manuel Antonio
• Tortuguero

Best activities

Trekking, ziplining, rafting, safari, canoeing, and wildlife observation.

Costa Rica is among the countries highlighted in 2026 active travel assessments for offering multiple adventure activities.

Best time to visit: December–April

7. Slovenia

Despite its small size, Slovenia offers diverse natural beauties ranging from lakes to the Alps and from forests to river valleys.

Must-see places

• Lake Bled
• Lake Bohinj
• Triglav National Park
• Soča Valley
• Logar Valley

Best activities

Trekking, rafting, canoeing, cycling, and nature hiking.

Slovenia is among Europe's top nature countries in 2026 ecotourism assessments.

Best time to visit: May–September

8. Australia

Thanks to its vast size, Australia offers completely different natural ecosystems together.

Must-see places

• Great Barrier Reef
• Blue Mountains
• Daintree Rainforest
• Tasmania
• Uluru
• Great Ocean Road

Best activities

Trekking, diving, snorkeling, camping, safari, and nature photography.

In particular, the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests offer significant experiences for nature lovers.

Best time to visit: Varies by region.

9. Italy

Italy offers rich options for nature holidays not only with its historical cities and cuisine but also with the Dolomites, Tuscany, and lake regions.

Must-see places

• Dolomites
• Lake Como
• Lake Garda
• Cinque Terre
• Tuscany
• Gran Paradiso National Park

Best activities

Trekking, hiking, cycling, camping, and nature photography.

The Dolomites are among Europe's most popular regions for active travel and trekking.

Best time to visit: May–October

10. Japan

Don't think of Japan as only Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

The country's mountains, forests, volcanic regions, and hiking trails offer a different Japanese experience for nature holidays.

Must-see places

• Mount Fuji
• Kamikochi
• Yakushima
• Hokkaido
• Japanese Alps
• Kumano Kodo

Best activities

Trekking, hiking, forest walks, cycling, and nature photography.

Yakushima is one of the natural destinations highlighted in 2026 ecotourism lists.

Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn

11. Scotland

Green valleys, mountains, lakes, and dramatic coastlines...

Scotland is one of Europe's most characteristic nature routes, especially for those wanting to do trekking and road trips.

Must-see places

• Scottish Highlands
• Isle of Skye
• Cairngorms
• Glencoe
• Loch Ness

Best activities: Trekking, hiking, camping, and road trips.

Best time to visit: May–September

12. South Africa

For those who want to combine nature holidays with safaris, South Africa is a very impressive option.

Must-see places

• Kruger National Park
• Table Mountain
• Garden Route
• Drakensberg
• Blyde River Canyon

Best activities

Safari, trekking, nature photography, and water activities.

South Africa is also highlighted among countries with a high share of tourism spending in national parks.

Best time to visit: Varies by region.

13. Peru

Peru appeals to those who want to combine adventure and nature holidays with its high mountains, ancient paths, and impressive valleys.

Must-see places

• Machu Picchu
• Sacred Valley
• Colca Canyon
• Cordillera Blanca
• Lake Titicaca

Best activities

Trekking, mountain hiking, camping, and nature exploration.

In particular, trekking routes in the Andes are very impressive for experienced hikers.

Best time to visit: May–September

14. Austria

Thanks to the views offered by the Alps, Austria is one of the important destinations in Europe for nature hiking and mountain holidays.

Must-see places

• Hohe Tauern National Park
• Innsbruck
• Surroundings of Salzburg
• Zell am See
• Tyrol

Best activities: Trekking, hiking, cycling, skiing, and camping.

Hohe Tauern is among Europe's important national parks.

15. Croatia

When Croatia is mentioned, the Adriatic coast comes to mind first, but the country's national parks are also very impressive.

Must-see places

• Plitvice Lakes National Park
• Krka National Park
• Paklenica
• Hvar
• Dalmatian Coast

Best activities: Trekking, hiking, canoeing, swimming, and nature photography.

Plitvice Lakes is also highlighted among international nature destinations in 2026.

16. Bhutan

Located in the Himalayas, Bhutan offers a different nature experience for those who want to stay away from crowded tourist routes.

Must-see places

• Paro Valley
• Phobjikha Valley
• Jigme Dorji National Park
• Tiger's Nest

Best activities: Trekking, mountain hiking, culture, and nature exploration.

Bhutan is among the countries ranking high in 2026 evaluations focused on nature and ecotourism.

17. Portugal

Portugal is not only about Lisbon and Porto.

In particular, the Island of Madeira is one of the most striking regions of the country for nature holidays and trekking.

Must-see places

• Madeira
• Azores
• Peneda-Gerês National Park
• Algarve Coast

Best activities

Trekking, hiking, canoeing, diving, and nature photography.

Madeira and the Azores are among island destinations in Europe that attract attention for active travel.

18. Greece

When Greece is mentioned, sea and beach holidays usually come to mind. However, the country is also very suitable for trekking, especially with the Island of Crete and mountainous regions.

Must-see places

• Crete
• Samaria Gorge
• Meteora
• Zagori
• Mount Olympus

Best activities

Trekking, hiking, canyon walks, and nature photography.

Crete is among destinations attracting the interest of travelers who prefer less-known active travel routes recently.

19. Finland

Forests, lakes, silence, and northern lights...

Finland is one of the ideal options for those seeking a quiet and peaceful nature holiday.

Must-see places

• Finnish Lakeland
• Lapland
• Nuuksio National Park
• Oulanka National Park

Best activities

Nature hiking, canoeing, camping, northern lights viewing, and winter activities.

Finland's national parks are among nature areas that attract attention in terms of international travel spending.

20. Brazil

Brazil's natural beauties extend from Amazon rainforests to waterfalls and national parks.

Must-see places

• Amazon
• Iguazú Falls
• Lençóis Maranhenses
• Pantanal
• Chapada Diamantina

Best activities

Amazon exploration, trekking, safari, canoeing, and nature photography.

Natural areas like the Amazon conservation areas and Iguazú Falls in Brazil are among the regions highlighted in international nature destination lists.

Comparison of the Best Countries for Nature Holidays Abroad

Which Are the Best Countries for Trekking?

If your main goal for your trip is nature hiking and trekking, you can particularly evaluate these countries:

🥾 New Zealand – Long and scenic trekking routes

🥾 Canada – Rocky Mountains and national parks

🥾 Switzerland – Alps and regular hiking trails

🥾 Norway – Hiking with fjord views

🥾 Slovenia – Compact and diverse nature routes

🥾 Italy – Dolomites

🥾 Japan – Mountain and forest routes

🥾 Peru – Andes Mountains and long trekking routes

The prominence of countries like Canada, Switzerland, Italy, Norway, and New Zealand in 2026 active travel trends also aligns with these preferences.

Best Nature Vacation Countries for Safari

If you want to see wildlife during your nature holiday, different countries stand out:

🦁 South Africa

Safari and national park experience.

🦜 Costa Rica

Rainforests and tropical creatures.

🐘 Kenya and Tanzania

Safari and African wildlife.

🐊 Australia

Unique animal species and diverse ecosystems.

🦜 Brazil

Amazon and Pantanal region.

What Is the Best Season for a Nature Holiday?

There is no single ideal season for a nature holiday. The period must be chosen based on the country you are visiting and the activity.

Spring:

Slovenia, Italy, Japan, Greece, Portugal

Summer:

Norway, Switzerland, Canada, Iceland, Finland

Autumn:

Japan, Greece, New Zealand, Bhutan

Winter:

Costa Rica, some regions of South Africa, some regions of Australia

Therefore, when planning a trip, you need to decide not only based on the country but also on the weather conditions of the region you are going to and the activity you want to do.

What Should Be Considered When Planning a Nature Holiday Abroad?

When planning a nature holiday, you must definitely evaluate the following points:

1. Check the season

Rain, snow, temperature, and trail conditions can directly affect your trip.

2. Learn the difficulty level of the trail

Not every trekking route is suitable for beginners.

3. Plan transportation in advance

National parks and natural areas may be far from city centers.

4. Choose the accommodation area correctly

If you are trekking, choosing an accommodation point with easy access to the trails saves time.

5. Evaluate travel insurance

It is important to check the coverage of travel insurance, especially for adventure sports and long trekking routes.

6. Travel respectfully towards nature

Do not leave trash, stay on marked trails, and do not disturb wildlife.

Which Country Should You Choose for a Nature Holiday Abroad?

Mountains and trekking: Switzerland, Norway, Canada, New Zealand

Fjords: Norway, New Zealand

Glaciers and volcanoes: Iceland

Rainforests: Costa Rica, Brazil

Safari: South Africa

Alps: Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Slovenia

Islands and trekking: Portugal, Greece, Japan

Himalayas: Bhutan

Lakes and forests: Finland, Canada, Slovenia

Adventure vacation: New Zealand, Costa Rica, Peru

Plan Your Nature Holiday Now

When planning a nature holiday abroad, add not only popular cities but also national parks, mountains, lakes, forests, and natural beauties to your travel list.

Whether you want to trek in the Alps, explore Norwegian fjords, walk among glaciers in Iceland, or see rainforests in Costa Rica; with the right route, you can plan an unforgettable nature-focused vacation.

Don't Delay Your Dream Nature Holiday!

Set your vacation date → Choose your country and route → Compare flight and hotel options → Plan your activities and transfers → Complete your reservation.

Start planning your trip now to explore the most impressive routes of nature!