Travel destinations all have a unique appeal, but some evoke a special sense of wonder and adventure and almost transport visitors to another world.
Whether they have other-worldly natural beauty or are part of ancient local myths and legends, these destinations captivate the imagination.
But which of these fairytale destinations are the most loved? To find out, the team at Slingo have analysed each based on their popularity on Instagram and Google.
What are the most magical destinations overall?
1. Porto, Portugal - 9.69 out of 10
Instagram posts: 12.4 million
Annual Google searches: 37.6 million
Rated the most magical destination with a score of 9.69, Porto offers a blend of ancient charm and vibrant cultural life. Known for its historic Ribeira district, iconic Dom Luis I Bridge, and its world-renowned port wine, Porto's allure is enhanced by the Douro River that gently flows through the city.
2. Budapest, Hungary - 9.63 out of 10
Instagram posts: 16.3 million
Annual Google searches: 25.7 million
Scoring 9.63, Budapest is a city of thermal baths, stunning architecture, and the majestic Danube that splits it into Buda and Pest. With attractions like the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge, Budapest offers a picturesque escape into history and relaxation.
3. Seville, Spain - 9.57 out of 10
Instagram posts: 12 million
Annual Google searches: 33 million
Seville scores a 9.57, enchanting visitors with its Gothic cathedrals, vibrant flamenco dancing, and the charm of its orange tree-lined streets. The city’s historical and cultural richness, including the Real Alcázar and the Plaza de España, make it a compelling destination.
4. Jaipur, India - 9.32 out of 10
Instagram posts: 17.2 million
Annual Google searches: 10.3 million
Known as the 'Pink City' for its distinctly coloured buildings, Jaipur received a score of 9.32. This city is a gateway to India’s most flamboyant state, Rajasthan, offering remnants of palaces, bustling bazaars, and the awe-inspiring Amber Fort.
5. Kyoto, Japan & Santorini, Greece - 9.26 out of 10
Instagram posts: 8 million/21.8 million
Annual Google searches: 22.3 million/9 million
Two destinations scored 9.26. Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is beloved for its classical Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. On the other hand, Santorini is famed for its dramatic views, stunning sunsets, and white cube-shaped houses perched on cliffs above an underwater caldera (crater).
Which countries are home to the most magical destinations?
We looked at over 80 “magical” destinations, but which countries came up the most often?
1. United Kingdom - 7 magical destinations
The country most represented on the list is the United Kingdom, with seven destinations. The UK is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a top choice for travellers worldwide. Some of its most magical destinations include the Cotswolds, the Isle of Skye, and Cumbria, home to the Lake District.
2. Germany - 5 magical destinations
With its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning natural landscapes, Germany comes in second with five magical travel destinations. From fairy-tale castles perched on rugged hills to vibrant cultural scenes in its bustling cities, Germany offers many experiences that cater to all types of travellers, like Bavaria, the Black Forest, and Neuschwanstein Castle.
3. United States - 4 magical destinations
The United States, with its vast and varied landscapes, offers a plethora of magical travel destinations that captivate visitors from around the globe. Four US destinations are featured, most notably the Zion and Arches National Parks. Both parks are located in Utah and are part of the Colorado Plateau, known for its rugged terrain and dramatic vistas.
3. Italy - 4 magical destinations
Also with four destinations is Italy, celebrated for its rich history, stunning architecture, and unparalleled cultural heritage. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the historic streets of Rome, Italy offers a diverse array of enchanting locales. They include Apulia (also known as Puglia), Matera, Alberobello, and Villnöß.
Methodology
A list of ‘magical’ destinations was created using the following sources:
- https://www.thediaryofanomad.com/fairytale-destinations-magical-places/
- https://www.earthtrekkers.com/fairytale-destinations-around-the-world/
- https://www.projectinspo.com/2016/09/12-magical-destinations-witness-in-your-lifetime/
- https://www.plumguide.com/journal/fairytale-destinations
Each destination was then analysed on the following factors:
- The number of Instagram posts that mention the destination using hashtags as of April 16th, 2024.
- The number of global Google searches for the destination between April 2023 and March 2024, sourced using Google Ads Keyword Planner.
Each destination was given a normalised score out of 10 for both factors before an average of the scores was taken.
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