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Sam McLoughlin January 2, 2026

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ExploreThere’s something about the colour blue that calls to us. It’s calming, inspiring, grounding, and freeing, all at the same time. So it’s no wonder that the world’s bluest places are also some of the most soul-stirring – from cobalt coastlines and turquoise lakes to sapphire cities and aquamarine icescapes.

To give you some ideas for beautiful, blue destinations you could visit in 2026, we’ve teamed up with small group tour specialists Explore.

Explore’s small group tours venture beyond sightseeing, immersing you in authentic experiences. Their expert tour guides will help you discover truly hidden gems and unearth the stories behind them, while taking you closer to local people and cultures.

Plus, with an average group size of 11, you get the best of both worlds. They’re large enough to help you make new connections with like-minded travellers, but still small enough to stay nimble and embrace those unscripted moments, which are often the most memorable.

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Read on to discover 9 beautiful blue destinations from around the world…

1. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Iceland

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Iceland

Enter a frozen wonderland at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, also known as Iceland’s ‘Crown Jewels’. Here, giant icebergs break off nearby glaciers and slowly float across calm coastal waters and out to sea. Some are snow-white or crystal clear, while others are an electric shade of arctic blue.

You can admire these fantastic formations from the shore or hop on a boat to get closer. Keep an eye out for seals lounging on the icy rafts or search the skies for terns, eiders, and other unique bird species. Nearby, you’ll also find the world-famous Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice wash up on the jet-black sands, glittering like jewels in the sunlight.

2. Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen, Morocco

No one knows exactly why the residents of Chefchaouen began painting their homes blue – but the effect is spellbinding. From a distance, this Moroccan city looks like a torrent of water gushing down the Rif mountain slopes, and strolling through its ultramarine alleyways feels like stepping into a dreamscape.

When you aren’t admiring the azure architecture, browse souvenirs in laid-back souks and haggle with local vendors wearing traditional Rifian garb. Between mint tea breaks, visit the clay-brown kasbah, home to a fascinating ethnographic museum, or hike up to the Spanish Mosque for spectacular sunset views. End your day with a relaxing hammam visit, or head to the maze-like medina in search of tasty tagines.

3. The Albanian Riviera

The Albanian Riviera

You’ll go far to find bluer waters than those of the Albanian Riviera. Strung along this 120km coast, there are countless pearly white beaches lapped by balmy sapphire shallows – and inland, the famous ‘Blue Eye’ spring sparkles amongst tangled emerald vegetation. The region enjoys over 300 sunny days a year, so it’s ideal for a seaside escape without the crowds of hotspots like Greece and Croatia.

Stunning coastal scenes might be what lures you here, but you’ll stay for the captivating culture and history. Explore the gorgeous Old Town of Vlorë, wander through crumbling Greek cities and Roman strongholds, and savour freshly caught seafood in traditional villages. Nearby swathes of dramatic alpine wilderness also offer chances to spot unique wildlife, like wolves and wild boar.

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4. Lake Pukaki, New Zealand

Lake Pukaki, New Zealand

Lake Pukaki’s milky turquoise waters are caused by ‘glacial flour’, a fine silt made when glaciers grind against bedrock. Already an astonishing sight in itself, the lake also offers some of the best views of the soaring Southern Alps, which loom at its far end. Rising highest of all is New Zealand’s tallest peak, Mount Cook, known to the Māori as Aoraki, or ‘Cloud Piercer’.

When you aren’t admiring the luminescent lake from the scattered shoreline viewpoints, explore the wider Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park via winding roads, scenic walking trails, or even by helicopter. Stop at the equally blue Lake Tekapo to see the Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand’s most photographed buildings, and the gorgeous purple lupins that bloom along its banks in spring.

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5. Jodhpur, India

Jodhpur, India

Jodhpur’s Old Town is an oasis of blue amongst the arid landscape of the Thar Desert. As in Chefchaouen, no one is sure exactly why residents began painting their homes this colour sometime around the 17th century. However, theories range from religious devotion and class distinction to the more practical matter of keeping insects at bay.

The best views of this cobalt quarter are from the grand Mehrangarh Fort, perched a dizzying 120m above the city. But exploring the labyrinthine alleys, where bazaars brim with colourful lacquer jewellery and beautiful Bandhani textiles, can be equally enchanting. Before you leave, don’t forget to sample street food delicacies like mirchi vada (stuffed chilli fritters), washed down with a creamy Makhaniya lassi.

6. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flats, are very different depending on when you visit. On a dry day, you’ll witness a blinding white crust with mesmerising hexagonal patterns as far as the eye can see. But after rainfall, floodwaters settle on the plains, forming a perfect reflection of the azure sky that’s only separated from the real thing by the spiny mountains on the horizon. 

The best way to explore this dream-like landscape is by 4×4 – and despite the seemingly unchanging topography, there’s plenty to see. For example, there’s Incahuasi Island, the remains of a prehistoric coral reef rising sharply from the plains, where cacti grow up to 12m tall. You can also spot flocks of rosy flamingoes at watering holes like Laguna Hedionda and Laguna Colorada.

7. Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Visiting The Registan, Samarkand’s ancient heart, can feel like stepping into a mosaic. All around, ornate madrasahs (Islamic schools) rise into the sky, their towering arches and minarets covered in intricate designs of cobalt and aquamarine. You’ll find these brilliant blue colours all over the city – from the domes of great mosques to pottery in bustling bazzaars. 

But fabulous architecture and splendid shades of cerulean are only the beginning. Samarkand’s unique past as an ancient Silk Road trading post and part of the Soviet empire makes it a haven for history buffs. At the same time, sizzling shashlik, delectable dumplings, and rich plov (Uzbekistan’s national dish) are sure to win foodies’ hearts.

8. The Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands

Whether you’re hiking through lush green highlands or watching crimson Sally Lightfoot crabs dart across volcanic black-sand shores, the Galápagos Islands are alive with colour. But it’s the shades of blue that stay with you: from blue-footed boobies soaring through clear skies to iridescent sea robins gliding through turquoise waters.

This unique archipelago is a bucket-list destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Among the diverse residents are penguins, iguanas, sea lions, giant tortoises, and over 100 bird species. Between animal encounters, visitors can climb rust-red volcanic peaks, paddle sea kayaks along rugged coastline, and delve into natural history at sites like the Charles Darwin Research Station.

9. Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is world-famous for its resplendent views. From the rim of its half-submerged caldera, visitors can marvel at volcanic cliffs plunging into sparkling seas and white-washed villages accented with turquoise domes and candy-coloured bougainvillaea. Yet, there’s plenty more to experience than sublime scenery.

At Akrotiri, wander through the ruins of an ancient Minoan city destroyed by a volcanic eruption over 3500 years ago. You can also piece together the stories of inhabitants through artefacts at the Museum of Prehistoric Thira. Or day-trip to rugged vineyards to taste the island’s famous assyrtiko wines, before settling into a rooftop restaurant in Oia to watch the sun sink into the Aegean.

Final thoughts…

Whether it’s sparkling tides washing up on Albanian shores, icebergs floating out to sea in the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, or cerulean-footed seabirds waddling over rocks in the Galápagos, nature has impressive displays of blue all over the world. 

That said, some of the world’s towns and cities shine in equally impressive sapphire shades – from Santorini’s cliff-top churches to Samarkand’s splendid mausoleums and Chefchaouen’s labyrinthine medina. 

To experience some of these destinations for yourself, head over to the Explore website to browse over 350 trips across 100 countries. 

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Sam McLoughlin

Sam McLoughlin is a Senior Lifestyle Writer at Rest Less. He joined the editorial team in 2021 after completing his Master’s degree in English Literature, Culture, and Theory at The University of Sussex. He enjoys writing about careers, books, sports, travel, and pretty much anything that his editor will let him have a crack at, but his favourite part of the job is interviewing inspiring people – from activists and CEOs to later life career changers. In his spare time, Sam enjoys climbing, snowsports, and going to see live music.

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