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National Geographic editors, photographers, and explorers have announced their picks for the most remarkable destinations to visit in 2026. The list blends world-famous sites with less-traveled gems that reflect natural beauty, cultural depth, and emerging sustainability trends. Türkiye’s Black Sea Highlands stand out as one of the year’s most intriguing travel destinations.
While regions like Türkiye's Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines attract millions of visitors every year, the Black Sea plateaus remain far less crowded. Their remoteness, mist-covered valleys, and traditional wooden villages offer travelers a rare sense of authenticity and serenity—a striking contrast to the country’s more commercial coastal zones.
The region’s lush green landscapes and highland pastures, known locally as yaylalar, are ideal for hiking, photography, and cultural immersion. These areas have preserved a slower rhythm of life where local customs, folk dances, and mountain cuisine continue to thrive.
The Dolomites in Italy lead the 2026 list, drawing attention as the host of the Winter Olympics. Their towering cliffs and meadows of alpine flowers make them a year-round paradise. National Geographic also spotlighted Banff in Canada, a lakeside town framed by glaciers and hot springs, and Yamagata in Japan, known for its temple towns and the extraordinary ice-covered trees called juhyo, or “snow monsters.”
Other featured locations include Rabat in Morocco, which will serve as UNESCO’s World Book Capital 2026 and blend medieval architecture with modern landmarks like Zaha Hadid’s Royal Theatre; Khiva in Uzbekistan, a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its mosaics, minarets, and melon festivals; and Guimaraes in Portugal, named Europe’s Green Capital 2026 for its sustainable urban initiatives.
The list further extends across continents—from Akagera National Park in Rwanda, offering a peaceful safari experience with Africa’s “big five,” to Dongseo Trail in South Korea, a coastal hiking route connecting fishing towns and islands.
Costa Chica in Mexico, located along the Oaxaca coastline, was also recognized as an emerging alternative for travelers seeking quiet beaches, surf culture, and authentic coastal life.
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