As the home to the world’s largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Europe has a staggering 231 sites listed as natural wonders.
Emerald Cruises has used Google Search data to determine the popularity of these locations, identifying the natural sites with the highest positive sentiment, but lowest search volumes.
To combat overcrowding and overtourism, the cruise line has compiled a list of beautiful natural locations with lower footfall to recommend to clients.
| Rank | Site | Country | Weighted Rank | Keyword Count | Sentiment Score | Avg Monthly Search Volume |
| 1 | Prehistoric Pile dwellings around the Alps | Switzerland | 95.0 | 117 | 83 | 20 |
| 2 | Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch | Switzerland | 86.7 | 106 | 73 | 5400 |
| 3 | Sintra-Cascais Natural Park | Portugal | 79.1 | 74 | 68 | 390 |
| 4 | Jostedalsbreen National Park | Norway | 78.0 | 72 | 66 | 390 |
| 5 | Teide National Park | Spain | 77.9 | 75 | 65 | 1600 |
| 6 | Thingvellir National Park | Iceland | 76.6 | 71 | 69 | 5400 |
| 7 | Lauterbrunnen Valley | Switzerland | 75.9 | 46 | 80 | 590 |
| 8 | Donana National Park | Spain | 75.5 | 75 | 57 | 880 |
| 9 | Picos de Europa National Park | Spain | 75.2 | 78 | 53 | 590 |
| 10 | Plitvice Lakes National Park | Croatia | 75.0 | 79 | 58 | 5400 |
Top picks
Both of the top two picks are in Switzerland. Ranking first is the Prehistoric Pile Dwellings, an archaeological site of cultural and historical significance. It has a positive sentiment score of 83, with 117 mentions of its beauty, despite being searched for just 20 times per month on average.
Second on the list are the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, with the mountain’s grandeur mentioned by over 100 visitors.
With a popularity score of 79.1 and only 390 monthly searches, Portugal’s Sintra-Cascais Natural Park ranks third for its lush landscapes and striking coastal precipices.
Best for scenic views
Leading the list of the most scenic sites are the Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps in Switzerland, garnering 117 mentions of breathtaking views amongst visitor reviews.
With almost 100 mentions of its beauty, Italy’s Cinque Terre takes third place, with its brightly coloured houses and distinctive fishing boats.
Most loved hotspots
Google’s Search data also reveals the top heritage destinations based on visitor interest. Loch Ness in Scotland tops the list with over 70,000 average monthly searches. As the UK’s largest freshwater body, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers.
With 40,500 monthly searches, Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway has captivated travellers for over 300 years with the legend of giant Finn MacCool.
Tied in search volume with the Giant’s Causeway, is Slovenia’s Lake Bled, with its glacial backdrop, snow-capped mountains, and rich folklore.
