National Geographic released its annual list of the best travel destinations for 2026. Among the highlights are two Italian locations: Milan and the Dolomites.
See all the cities and photos at the end of the article.
The capital of Lombardy was included because it hosts, alongside Cortina d'Ampezzo, the 2026 Winter Olympics. The event will be the “most geographically distributed edition in history,” according to the publication.
Like Milan, the Dolomites are included in the selection because they host several Olympic events. The Alps are considered a must-see destination for lovers of winter sports and natural landscapes.
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Other European cities in the spotlight
In Europe, National Geographic also highlighted Guimarães, Portugal, as the European Green Capital of 2026. The city was recognized for its extensive network of cycle paths and investments in green spaces.
The Basque Country was remembered for being in the path of the rare total solar eclipse that will occur on August 12, 2026. Oulu, in Finland, will be one of the European Capitals of Culture.
Hull in the United Kingdom and the Black Sea in Turkey complete the European list with alternative historical and tourist appeal.
Americas, Asia and Africa also appear
In the United States, four destinations stand out: Badlands National Park, the city of Pittsburgh, the island of Maui, and historic Route 66.
Canada features Vancouver, Quebec, and Banff, the latter known for its mountainous landscapes and crystal-clear lakes.
In South America, Rio de Janeiro is recommended as an unmissable destination in 2026, highlighting its combination of lush nature and intense cultural life.
In Uzbekistan, Khiva is gaining attention for its new investments in tourism infrastructure. In Asia, other highlights include Tokyo, Seoul, Manila, and the Caribbean island of Dominica, where the world's first sperm whale reserve will be opened.
Among African locations, Akagera National Park in Rwanda is the top recommendation.
See the photo gallery of the cities chosen by National Geographic as destinations for 2026:
National Geographic chooses 2026 destinations
- Milan will be one of the venues for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Dolomites, in the Italian Alps, will host several Olympic events in 2026.
- Guimarães, in Portugal, will be next year's European Green Capital.
- Basque Countries will be in the path of the total solar eclipse of August 12, 2026.
- Oulu, in Finland, will be one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2026.
- Hull, in the United Kingdom, will celebrate its centuries-old maritime tradition.
- Black Sea, in Türkiye, is recommended as an alternative to the beaches of the Aegean and the Mediterranean.
- Badlands, in the USA, is home to unique geological formations and vast prairies.
- Pittsburgh hosts the Carnegie International exhibition, a cultural highlight of 2026.
- Maui, in Hawaii, is once again attracting visitors with its nature and local culture.
- Route 66, in the USA, will be revitalized to receive tourists in 2026.
- Vancouver, in Canada, remains among the most sought-after destinations in North America.
- Quebec, in Canada, opens Nibiischii Park, managed by the Cree community.
- Banff, in Canada, is known for its lakes and mountainous landscapes.
- Khiva, in Uzbekistan, invests in infrastructure to enhance the Silk Road.
- Beijing, in China, is on the list as a strategic Asian destination.
- Medellín, in Colombia, launches international urban art festival in 2026.
- Fiji, in the South Pacific, is recommended for its beaches and marine biodiversity.
- Costa Chica, in Mexico, represents Afro-Mexican cultures in Oaxaca.
- South Korea will open the Dongseo Trail, connecting Uljin to Anmyeondo Island.
- Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, stands out for its fusion of nature and urban culture.
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta Park, in Australia, preserves Aboriginal heritage in the desert.
- Yamagata, in Japan, attracts with hot springs, mountains and ancient traditions.
- Akagera Park, in Rwanda, promotes sustainable wildlife tourism.
- Manila, in the Philippines, is growing as an urban and cultural center in Southeast Asia.
- Discount, in Morocco, combines history, Islamic culture and modern infrastructure.
- Dominica, in the Caribbean, will open the first natural reserve for sperm whales.
