There’s something deeply restorative about being surrounded by pure, untouched nature. With over 6,500 national parks around the world, these protected places invite you to slow down and fully appreciate their wonders. From soaring mountains and crystal lakes to golden savannahs and hidden waterfalls, they offer vistas that linger long after you’ve left. Here are five of our favourites – perfect if you’re craving adventure, tranquillity or just a seriously scenic escape.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Tucked away in the wilds of Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine is the ultimate destination for nature lovers with a taste for the extraordinary. The park’s centrepiece is a trio of granite towers rising sharply above glacial lakes and sweeping valleys. You’ll find trails winding through lenga forests, across suspension bridges and past glaciers so blue they seem otherworldly. Whether you’re trekking the iconic ‘W’ route or soaking in the scenery from a luxury eco-lodge, this is a place where nature is raw, real and unforgettable.
Banff National Park, Canada
Banff is Canada at its most breathtaking. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, it’s a place where the air is crisp, the peaks are snow-capped and the lakes shimmer in every shade of blue and green. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are so stunning they almost don’t seem real – but they are, and they’re even more beautiful up close. Banff effortlessly blends wilderness with comfort, offering everything from elegant mountain lodges and indulgent spas to world-class ski slopes and hiking trails. If you’re here to explore, unwind or do both, Banff delivers all the drama of the wild without sacrificing an ounce of style or comfort.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
For a safari that combines adventure with luxury, Kruger is the gold standard. Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, it’s one of Africa’s largest game reserves and home to the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, hippos, giraffes and over 500 bird species. The beauty of Kruger lies in its contrasts: vast open plains, lush woodlands and dramatic sunsets. Stay at a private lodge and you’ll enjoy morning game drives, gourmet dinners and evenings spent by the fire under a sky full of stars. It’s a chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat, but with the comforts and charm of a five-star retreat. Kruger doesn’t just show you Africa, it immerses you in its rhythm.
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
A dramatic land of cliffs, waterfalls and ancient forest, shaped by glaciers and cloaked in mist, Fiordland is New Zealand’s most spellbinding wilderness. Milford Sound is the best-known spot, and it’s every bit as magical as the postcards suggest: sheer rock faces rising from dark waters, dolphins playing in the wake and waterfalls cascading from seemingly impossible heights. But there’s more to explore, from the quiet beauty of Doubtful Sound to the famous Milford and Routeburn Tracks. Cruising the fjords or exploring on foot, you’ll find Fiordland invites you to slow down and experience nature at its most powerful and peaceful.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Located in the heart of Croatia, this UNESCO-listed park is pure fairytale with its network of 16 shimmering lakes, all linked by waterfalls that tumble over mossy rocks and travertine terraces. Wooden boardwalks weave through the landscape, allowing you to wander just above the water’s surface, with fish darting below and birdsong echoing above. The colours shift with the seasons, from emerald green in summer to fiery reds and golds in autumn and snow-dusted blues in winter. Peaceful, mesmerising and completely unique, it doesn’t matter if you are visiting for a few hours or lingering for a few days, Plitvice is the kind of place that stays with you.
