The top destinations for the most scenic views in winter

In first place for its picturesque views is Norway. This destination scored an incredible average score of 10 out of 10 by those who traveled there over winter.

Norway has the longest coastline in Europe at 58,133 km and has thousands of islands scattered throughout. Thanks to its beautiful fjords that draw in plenty of visitors, Norway is home to some of the most stunning and striking scenery in the world.

There are plenty of incredible and unique experiences to be had in Norway. From feeding reindeer in Tromsø to chasing the Northern Lights, there are many bucket-list activities to be had in this wonderful destination.

When to visit

The best time to visit Norway depends on the kind of experience you want to have. If you want the best chance to see the Northern Lights or you want to partake in winter activities like husky sledding or skiing, December-March may be the ideal month for you. If you’re looking to hike through scenic trails or hop on a fjord cruise, the best time to do this would be in the summer months, June-August, for longer days and warmer weather.

Up next in second place is Finland with a score of 9.7 out of 10. Finland is another destination located in the Nordic region that boasts fantastic views for travelers to admire.

Finland is home to 41 national parks, some of which you can arrive at in less than 30 minutes from Helsinki, the vibrant capital city. These national parks are full of stunning scenery that you can see on the various hiking trails and campfire sites.

There’s no shortage of incredible things to do in Finland. You could start by unwinding in a Finnish sauna or by tasting the delicious cuisine, starting with a bowl of traditional salmon soup. You can also experience seeing the Northern Lights in this destination, making it a magical place for a vacation.

When to visit

Similar to Norway, the best time to visit Finland would be from December to March for winter activities and to see the Northern Lights. For hiking, cycling and warm weather, June to August may be the best time to visit.

Tied for third place is the Azores Islands with a score of 9.6 out of 10. The Azores are an autonomous Portuguese archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean.

On São Miguel Island, travelers can explore the 11 lakes in Sete Cidades or visit Furnas Valley and relax in the hot springs. This island offers stunning panoramic views and is sure to take your breath away.

Travelers after crystal clear waters and sandy beaches can look no further than São Lourenço Bay in Santa Maria Island. Home to dramatic cliffs and expansive vineyards, there is plenty of scenery to soak up on this beautiful island.

When to visit

January–March may be the cheapest time of year to visit, and the islands are generally less crowded. April–May may be the best months for whale watching, and the weather rarely dips below 14 °C in winter or goes above 25 °C in summer, making it a great destination to visit any season.

Also tied for third place with the Azores Islands is the Italian island of Sardinia with a score of 9.6 out of 10. Sardinia is Italy’s second largest Mediterranean island, and is known for its unspoilt sandy beaches, granite rocks and crystal clear waters.

If you’re looking for gorgeous beaches to relax on, southern Sardinia has what you’re looking for. Caligari is home to Poetto Beach, which boasts golden sand and crystal clear waters, and happens to be one of the longest beaches in the Mediterranean. Travelers can also visit Castello, the historic old town full of medieval architecture and stunning views.

If you’re planning on visiting Sardinia this year, we recommend hiring a car to easily explore everything this island has to offer.

When to visit

April–June and September–October are ideal times to visit if you’re looking for comfortably warm temperatures and fewer crowds. July and August are great for those after hot weather.

Tied for fourth place is Ireland, as drivers gave this destination a score of 9.5 out of 10. Ireland is known for its luscious green landscapes and rugged coastline, offering travelers remarkable scenery to enjoy.

One of Ireland’s most scenic destinations lies on the western coast of County Donegal. Slieve League is a mountain that is home to some of the highest cliffs in Europe, making it an incredible place to explore.

Other beautiful landscapes to traverse in Ireland include the cliffs of Moher in County Clare, and  Skellig Michael Island near Portmagee, which is a UNESCO heritage site and draws in fans of Star Wars as this beautiful landscape appeared in both ‘The Force Awakens’ (2015) and ‘The Last Jedi’ (2017).

In our views ranking from last year, Ireland came in first place, and remains one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for picturesque views.

When to visit

For those on a budget who don’t mind cold, rainy weather, January–February is a great time to visit. September–October is another ideal time, as there are fewer crowds and some great autumnal scenery to enjoy. The spring months are generally the best time to visit, as there are fewer crowds and better weather.

Also tied for fourth place with Ireland is Réunion, a French overseas department located in the Indian Ocean near Mauritius and Madagascar. Reunion received a score of 9.5 out of 10 for its beautiful views.

Réunion is known for its active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, which travelers can witness erupt. This volcano is one of the most active on earth, and provides travelers with extraordinary views. Visiting this volcano is generally safe, as the eruptions are non-explosive and activity is monitored by the OVPF observatory.

The mountainous landscapes provide travelers with the opportunity for amazing hikes. The collapse of Piton des Neiges, the volcano that created Réunion Island, now forms three calderas called cirques that travelers can explore. The Cirque de Mafate is an especially popular cirque to hike, and is only accessible on foot.

As well as dramatic landscapes, volcanoes and waterfalls, Réunion is also home to tropical beaches where travelers can relax on the white and black sandy beaches to enjoy some winter sun.

While travelers can snorkel and explore the vibrant marine life, swimming is only safe at beaches where there are nets to keep out sharks!

When to visit

May–November is the best time to visit, as these are the driest months, full of sunshine, but aren't too hot. Although cyclones are rare, the season when they are most common is between January and March, meaning you might prefer to visit Réunion at a different time.

Also in tied for fourth place is Puerto Rico, which scored 9.5 out of 10. Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island and a U.S territory known for its tropical landscapes, sandy beaches, and historic sites.

Nicknamed La Isla del Encanto, which means the island of enchantment, Puerto Rico is home to some spectacular views. From its white sandy beaches, tropical rainforest and bioluminescent bays, there’s a diverse range of wonderful things to do and see in this vibrant destination.

Travelers can visit the world-famous Flamenco beach, which stretches for a mile. This stunning beach boasts white sands and turquoise waters, which are perfect for taking a dip. The beach resides in front of Flamenco Lagoon and is accessible by boat or plane from the island.

When to visit

December–April is the peak tourist season, when travelers can enjoy the warm tropical climate. June–November is hurricane season, but wit ill be less crowded. If you decide to go during this period, make sure you check the weather forecast.

Up next, tied for fifth place, is Brazil, which was given a score of 9.4 out of 10. Brazil is famous for its vibrant culture and striking scenery that leave travelers in awe.

Home to most of the Amazon Rainforest, which is nicknamed the lungs of the world, Brazil has no shortage of breathtaking natural scenery for travelers to experience. Iguazu Falls is another awe-inspiring natural attraction that consists of two national parks, one in Brazil and the other in Argentina.

Brazil’s famous city, Rio de Janeiro, is full of culture and not to be missed. Travelers who visit this lively city at the time of Carnival can witness week-long dancing, samba, music and festivities. This city also has some of the best beaches and travelers can even book a tour to hike up to the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and experience the natural beauty of Tijuca National Park along the way.

When to visit

December–March may be the best time to visit, as you can expect hot and sunny weather. Also, Carnival festivities take place in either February or March, with incredible street parties and parades to experience.

Also tied for fifth place with Brazil is Chile, also scoring 9.4 out of 10. Chile is the southernmost country in the world and is known for its incredibly diverse landscapes.

Located in the north is the Atacama Desert, which is famous for its salt flats, rock formations and lagoons where you can see flamingos. This Mars-like landscape makes for some stunning views, and attracts stargazers from across the globe thanks to the approximately 300 clear nights a year this desert gets.

All the way in the south, travelers can experience a totally different landscape. In Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, travelers can explore huge mountains, glaciers and pristine lakes, which offer some extraordinary views.

When to visit

December–February are Chile’s summer months and are arguably the best time to visit. However, the prices may be higher and it may be more crowded. March may be better for hiking in South Patagonia when the weather is typically dry. And the winter months (August) may be best for places like the Atacama desert, where travelers can experience cloudless night skies.

Also in joint fifth place and rounding up our list is Canada, which also received a score of 9.4 out of 10.

Canada has some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world. From mountains and glaciers to waterfalls, forests and wildlife – there’s plenty of spectacular scenery to soak up.

One of the most iconic things to see in Canada is Niagara Falls, which consists of three waterfalls and offers visitors a remarkable view. Travelers can go on a boat tour to explore this natural wonder up close.

Adventurous travelers could explore Banff National Park, which is home to some spectacular views. Travelers can discover glacial lakes and mountains in Banff, which is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage site.

When to visit

Canada has very vibrant seasons, so it depends on what activities you would like to do. January–March is great for winter activities like skiing, and May–October offers lovely warm weather. May and September are ideal for warm weather and fewer crowds.

We hope you enjoyed our roundup of some of the most breathtaking views in the world. From wintry Northern Europe to tropical destinations in the Caribbean, our list encapsulates some of the most stunning natural scenery on Earth.

If you’re planning your next scenic vacation, please consider booking with us. We can help you find the right rental car for you in 164 countries.