Published 28th Feb. 2025
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Crisscrossing through every continent, rivers are a vibrant and vital part of the Earth’s ecosystem. They’re also exceptionally easy on the eye. Cutting through thick forests, flowing through cities and winding around mountains, a river’s route can reveal incredible landscapes just steps from its banks. From the colourful Cano Cristales to the dreamy Danube, read on for our pick of the most beautiful rivers in the world…
Aptly nicknamed the ‘liquid rainbow’, Cano Cristales is one of Colombia’s most colourful creations. From July to October – when the country’s not too wet and not too dry – this 62-mile-long river is painted with pops of bright red, yellow, green, blue and black. Simply put (we’re no scientists), the colours are credited to the Rhyncholacis clavigera, an endemic aquatic plant that changes colour depending on sun exposure. But that’s not all. Flanked by rock formations, waterfalls and the pretty La Macarena National Park, Cano Cristales is worth a visit for more than just its colours.
The river Nile... need we say more? Slicing through Egypt from north to south, this shimmering waterway has nurtured landscapes, shaped ancient cultures and served as a vital artery for trade – not to mention it’s also one of the most beautiful rivers in the world. Ancient temples and iconic pyramids stand proudly on its banks, and nothing beats seeing these riverside spectacles from the water on a Nile cruise aboard one of our elegant boats: the Steam Ship Sudan (a romantic restored paddle steamer) or the Flaneuse du Nil (a traditional dahabieh sailing boat). There’s an abundance of natural beauty, too, with a blend of lush greenery, dry deserts and river-reflected sunsets that are undeniably worth travelling for.
Weaving through a world-record-breaking ten countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the Danube knows a thing or two about diverse views. Follow where it flows and find Medieval castles in Slovakia, cityscapes in Hungary, forests in Bulgaria, pretty towns in Croatia and a whopping eight national parks. Not only is the Danube one of the most beautiful rivers in the world, it’s also one of the most important – a vital source of Central Europe’s fresh drinking water, hydrating an estimated 20 million people. Thirsty work.
The Kenai River runs over 80 miles through the Alaskan wilderness, boasting waters blue enough to rival the Caribbean. Fed by glacial melt, its turquoise depths teem with millions of salmon, attracting eager anglers and hungry brown bears alike. Along with fishing, visits to the Kenai River promise heart-pounding rafting adventures and breathtaking hikes that wind over glaciers, rewarding you with unbeatable views of its glassy surface. You’ll be sharing its beauty with bald eagles, moose and ospreys (to name but a few), so keep your eyes peeled and your cameras poised.
Last up on our list of the most beautiful rivers in the world is the mighty Amazon. Formidable in size (4,000 miles long and up to 24 miles wide), biodiversity (home to one-third of all plant and animal species on Earth) and cultural significance (it’s sustained Indigenous communities for thousands of years), its beauty is a testament to mother nature’s power. Its surroundings are just as impressive, too. The Amazon Rainforest hugs the river in an emerald-green backdrop, forming a dazzling duo of water and wilderness.
Written by Evie Buller. Header Image by boby.
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
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