The Green Thirteen: The Lushest Landscapes in the World

Located in central Italy in the region of Tuscany, the Val d’Orcia is known for its iconic green hills. These captivating landscapes captured the creativity of countless Renaissance painters and modern cinematographers who have made the region famous worldwide. Climb these rolling hills on a Tuscany bike tour and coast back down into the verdant valleys. Visit Tuscany from November to mid-June to gaze at fields of green vines, groves of green olive trees, and rows of cypress trees juxtaposed with miles of golden wheat fields.

Vibrant green tea plantations carpet the rolling hills of Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands, located in the state of Pahang. The Cameron Highlands are one of the country’s most extensive hill stations, with towns at higher elevations than the surrounding land. The region is the size of Singapore, and over 70 percent of it is forested. Visit the highlands to admire the verdant tea estates, orchards, and farmlands. Follow jungle trails to waterfalls or hit the green at Kelab Golf Sultan Ahmad Shah (SAS) Cameron Highlands.

The Central Coast of California is located on the Pacific between Los Angeles and San Francisco. San Luis Obispo, pictured here, has retained its rural character and features miles of coastal hills. Go hiking or mountain biking in the San Luis Mountains, stop at farm stands and markets along the way, and enjoy the county’s 315 days of sunshine per year. Or head to Santa Barbara and cycle through miles of bountiful green vineyards and farmlands, sampling some of the region’s world-famous wines.

Just eight miles from the town of Canela, Brazil, Horseshoe Valley Park (or Ferradura Park) is home to 500 acres of pinhão (pine) forests that attract wildlife like capuchin monkeys, striped-tailed coati, and azure jays. Explore the park’s trails along the Arroio Cacador and Cai rivers and take in lovely views of the park’s numerous waterfalls. Hike this hilly, lush park by day and return to the German towns of Canela and Gramado nearby to sample their European-inspired favorites like German chocolate, raclette and apfelstrudel.

Mainly located in Austria, the Central Eastern Alps extend to Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, and Slovenia. Visit one of Austria’s six national parks, 60 nature preserves, or 20 alpine gardens to take in the country’s greenest and most verdant landscapes. Head to Tirol and hike one of the 33 stages of the 256-mile-long Eagle’s Walk, offering a wide variety of hiking levels. Explore the Lechweg (pictured above), a 77-mile hiking trail along the River Lech and Formarinsee Lake, for idyllic and bountiful backdrops. Or experience the abundant beauty of Austria on a Czech Republic + Austria Bike Tour.

The Hunan Province is located on 82 square miles in South Central China, 80 percent of which is covered with mountains or hills. The region is home to the Xiang River, Lake Dongting (the second largest lake in China), and the gorgeously green Wulingyuan, an area that was designated as a scenic and historic UNESCO site in 1992. Wulingyuan is comprised of several national parks and is known for its sandstone pillars, ravines, gorges, streams, waterfalls, and caves. Visit in the fall for cooler temperatures and lighter rainfall, and be sure to stop by Furong Ancient Town’s waterfalls.

When you think of the greenest country in the world, the first to come to mind is probably Ireland: the Emerald Isle. Ireland owes its greener pastures to the warm climate from the North Atlantic Drift and the 150-225 days of rainfall that the island receives each year. Perhaps the greenest region in Ireland is County Kerry, which receives almost twice as much annual rainfall as Dublin in the east (40-50 inches per year). Explore the Lakes of Killarney, Killarney National Park, and the Dingle Peninsula on an Ireland bike tour to take in the infinite beauty of the island.

Tucked in central-southern Peru is the green, pastoral region of Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire. Visit Machu Picchu, the most famous icon of the Inca civilization, and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Sacred Valley is home to 38 miles of fertile farmland and colonial villages, and the Urubamba River flows through the valley. Stop by Pisac’s Sunday handicraft market and hilltop Incan citadel in the Sacred Valley or visit the Anta plains, located 10,000 feet above sea level, where communally cultivated fields cover the verdant landscape.

The bucolic region of Gorenjska is arguably the greenest and most beautiful part of Slovenia. Gorenjska is home to the gorgeous alpine lakes Bled and Bohinj, the peaks of the Julian and Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and quaint historic towns like Kranj and Skofja Loka. Visit Triglav National Park and explore its river gorges, chasms, and alpine pastures on foot, by bike, or on horseback. Head up to Jezersko to encounter grazing sheep, chase waterfalls, and enjoy unspoiled mountain scenery. Try a Slovenia bike tour and explore this gloriously green travel destination from the seat of a bicycle.

Kauai, one of the westernmost islands of Hawaii, is nicknamed “the Garden Isle” for the proliferation of tropical rainforest. To absorb the dense greenery and fresh floral environment, kayak to cascading waterfalls, drive along the picturesque Na Pali Coast, or take in the stunning views of Waimea Canyon. Or head to Nounou Forest Reserve (pictured here) on the eastern side of Kauai to hike or bike through tropical green forest trails.

It’s difficult to choose just one region of the United Kingdom for this list. We could take you to Lancashire, England or the Lleyen Peninsula in Wales. But we’ve chosen the most saturated destination in the UK: Scotland. Glen Etive receives around 130 inches of rainfall annually! Spend your time golfing on one of the Highlands’ manicured links, or join a Scotland bike tour to explore the rural farmlands and serene landscapes of this remote, idyllic region by bike.

Cartago is located in central Costa Rica. Though it is one of the smallest provinces, it is one of the richest in Spanish colonial sites. The region is also home to Irazu Volcano National Park, where you can explore the active volcano and its craters, including Diego de la Haya—a green crater lake! Head to the city of Cartago for some Spanish colonial history and architecture and stop by Lankester Botanical Garden for even more greenery.

The entire country of New Zealand—land of Lord of the Rings—is blessed with a blanket of green. But North Island, home to three-quarters of New Zealand’s population, offers some of the most stunning and verdant views, from sprawling farmlands to emerald forests. Hike through the native bush to Wairere Falls, follow the Gisborne wine trail in Eastland, or visit the Maungatautari Ecological Island reserve to explore some native flora and fauna. Head to the Hamilton-Waikato region to take in the fertile pastures of The Shire. Mountain bike on the Waikato River Trail, or enjoy some scenic cycling on the island’s miles of quiet country lanes.