Torre del Friero, Picos da Europa.
In the north of Spain there is “a wonder of geography, a scene of extraordinary beauty, stunning landscapes, sparkling glacial lakes.” Here are the 51 most beautiful places in the world, according to the magazine.
Time Out magazine recently chose the 51 most beautiful places in the worldand the winner is right here next to Portugal, in northern Spain.
Os Peaks of Europe They are, according to the British magazine, the most beautiful place in the world on its annual list. Much because of the rare combination of mountains, gorges and villages with the sea, Cantabrian.
The mountain range, located just around 20 kilometers from the coast, reaches an altitude of 2650 meters at Torre de Cerredo, the highest point in the Picos. According to the magazine, what distinguishes this national park is precisely the contrast between the rocky peaks, the gorges carved into the mountain, the panoramic trails and the views that combine rock, beaches and sea.
Among the most emblematic places in the region are Naranjo de Bulnes, the villages of Sotres and Caín, the Lakes of Covadonga and the well-known Rota del Cares. The walking trail, measuring around 23 kilometers, was carved into the rock and crosses an impressive gorge between peaks, waterfalls and steep slopes. It has been one of the most popular trails for hikers and nature lovers for years.
Time Out also highlights the way of life of local communities. In small mountain villages, livestock farming, cheese production and rural tourism continue to mark daily life. Living in the Picos de Europa means facing harsh winters, mountain roads and a demanding relief, but also enjoying tranquility, fresh air and a strong connection with the territory.
The magazine’s list also includes destinations close to the Iberian Peninsula. Starting with Douro Valleyin Portugal, which appears in fourth place, distinguished by the terraced vineyards and the winding course of the river. The region that “continues to produce some of the highest quality wines on the planet.”
“Its slopes were carved into hundreds of horizontal steps, each planted with centuries-old vines, which gives the valley its unique combination of stripes, curves and textures. Contemplating the undulating hills that disappear into the sparkling river, far below, is like contemplating a work of art: the more you look, the more details you discover”, the magazine, which leaves a tip for readers:
“Try stomping grapes at one of the local wineries. Stomping in concrete tanks, or ‘lagares’, is a tradition passed down from generation to generation in Port wine production, and although most producers now opt for mechanical alternatives, there are still a few – like Quinta da Pacheca – that are keeping the tradition alive.”
Vila Nova de Foz Coa, Douro Valley
Also nearby, in Italy, the historic center of Bologna occupies seventh position, thanks to its arcades, medieval towers and university atmosphere, while Head Headin Sardinia, comes in eighth, due to the rock formations shaped by the wind and the crystal clear waters.
In the top ten places on the list are Komodo National Park, in Indonesia; the Morgan Library & Museum library in New York; Big Sur, in the United States; Ullswater, England; the Victoria Falls, in Africa; and the Punakha valley in Bhutan.
Let’s go complete list from Timeout of the 51 “most beautiful places in the world”:
1. Picos de Europa, Spain
2. Komodo National Park, Indonesia
3. The Library at Morgan Library and Museum, Nova Iorque
4. Douro Valley, Portugal
5. Big Sur, EUA
6. Ullswater, England
7. Old Town, Bologna, Italy
8. Capo Testa, Sardinia
9. Victoria Falls, Africa
10. Punakha Valley, Butão
11. St John’s Co-Cathedral, Malta
12. Disko Island, Gronelândia
13. Brecon Beacons, Wales
14. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, EUA
15. Choquequirao, Peru
16. New Forest, England
17. Ha Giang, Vietnam
18. Lakeland, Finland
19. Lillafüred, Hungary
20. West Cork, Ireland
21. Altiplano, Bolivia
22. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
23. Sky Lagoon, Iceland
24. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croácia
25. Highlands, Scotland
26. Dakhla, Saara Occidental
27. Kotor Bay, Montenegro
28. Zhangye National Geopark, China
29. Storms River, South Africa
30. Elephant Rock, Iceland
31. Bacalar Lagoon, Mexico
32. Stelvio National Park, Italy
33. Lord Howe Island, Australia
34. Janjske Otoke, Bósnia e Herzegovina
35. Erg Chebbi, Morocco
36. Three Whale Rock, Thailand
37. Paradise Bay, Antarctica
38. Milford Sound, New Zealand
39. Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia
40. Ella, Sri Lanka
41. Maria Island National Park, Tasmania
42. Ocho Rios Blue Hole, Jamaica
43. Puglia, Italy
44. Cavendish Beach, Canada
45. Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
46. Kinkaku-ji, Japan
47. Registan Square, Uzbekistan
48. Savannah, USA
49. Jaipur, India
50. Hormuz Island, Iran
51. Hoi An, Vietname
