SA ranks 4th in The Telegraph's Best Countries on Earth List!
This follows Cape Town being recognised as the world's best city on Earth in the cities category of the awards!
The 2025 awards for the best country saw New Zealand reclaim the top spot, followed by Japan and India, with South Africa holding strong in the top five, ahead of destinations such as Greece, Australia, and the Maldives.
This year's fourth position maintains South Africa's decade-long streak in the top ten, affirming its place as a world-class destination to visit.
Praised for its breathtaking diversity — from Big Five safaris and dramatic road-trip coastlines to award-winning wine regions and vibrant cities — South Africa was celebrated for offering a full continent's worth of adventure in a single country.
While New Zealand drew votes for its cinematic scenery and adrenaline-fuelled experiences, The Telegraph credited South Africa for its 'unforgettable wildlife, rich cultures, warm hospitality, and astonishing natural beauty — all at exceptional value for travellers.'
This isn't South Africa's first brush with travel glory. In fact, it topped the list just two years ago in 2023, and its continued presence in the global spotlight signals strong momentum for the country's tourism sector, especially as more international travellers seek meaningful, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Whether it's whale-watching in Hermanus, wine tasting in Stellenbosch, hiking the Drakensberg, or simply soaking up the vibe in Cape Town, South Africa remains one of the most captivating places on earth.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
40 minutes ago
- The Sun
Britain's best coastal views revealed in survey from Cornwall to Yorkshire – is your town on the list?
BRITAIN'S best coastal views have been revealed with some surprise locations featuring on the list. St Ives, the Cornish town popular with surfers, topped the list followed closely by Robin Hood's Bay in north Yorkshire. 3 3 3 However, Pwllheli in north Wales, home to sprawling white beaches and a modern marina, came at the bottom of the table. In a new survey, asked 2,000 Brits why they enjoy holidaying in the UK and what they look for in their time off. Each shared their view on the importance of sea views when staying in different parts of the country. Respondents also revealed how far they would be willing to travel and pay for a beach holiday. then compiled all the data and found St Ives to have the best seaside views and Pwllheli, in north Wales to have the worst. Cornwall featured heavily on the list, with the fishing port Padstow securing third spot and Hayle featuring in the top 20. Meanwhile, Devon performed well among respondents with beach views in Illfracombe and Salcombe deemed among some of the best. The research, which was commissioned by holiday site Haven, also found that a sea view is a must-have for 35 per cent of respondents. It also discovered that 87 per cent of surveyed Brits believe being by the coast is important when holidaying in the UK. Many holidaymakers even said they would be happy to travel almost 160 miles from home to spend time by the sea. Scotland's Cheapest & Most Expensive Coastal Towns Some 85 per cent of people would also be happy to pay more for a sea view in their accommodation. Over half said this is because the sea offers an extra source of relaxation, while 57 per cent said it helped with their mental health. And more than two thirds of respondents said coastal views at home rivalled those found abroad. Simon Palethorpe, CEO at Haven, said: "The photo gallery just goes to prove you don't need to go far from home to get picture postcard views and scenery. "Our parks are on some of Britain's most stunning beaches and coastlines making them a great base for exploring the local area and enjoying the seaside. "There's nothing better than starting and ending your day with a sunrise and sunset view over the sea - even more so when it's on home soil. 'Brits are still so surprised by the breathtaking coastline we have in the UK." Top 30 UK coastal views 1. St Ives, Cornwall 2. Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire 3. Padstow, Cornwall 4. Portree, Isle of Skye 5. Tenby, Pembrokeshire 6. Poole, Dorset 7. Ilfracombe, North Devon 8. Portmeirion, Gwynedd 9. Shanklin, Isle of Wight 10. South Downs 11. Salcombe, Devon 12. Weymouth, Dorset 13. Brighton, East Sussex 14. Llandudno, Conwy 15. Bournemouth, Dorset 16. Hayle, Cornwall 17. Filey, North Yorkshire 18. Porthmadog, Gwynedd 19. Southwold, Suffolk 20. Lydstep, Pembrokeshire 21. Stromness, Orkney 22. Berwick, North East 23. Great Yarmouth beach 24. Lochinver, Sutherland 25. Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear 26. Hastings, East Sussex 27. Whitstable, Kent 28. Plockton, Ross and Cromarty 29. Aberystwyth, Ceredigion 30. Pwhelli, North Wales
The Guardian
2 hours ago
- The Guardian
Lionesses greeted by jubilant England fans on return home after Euro 2025 victory
The Lionesses have been greeted by cheering crowds after landing in Southend airport on Monday, with fans eager to give the squad a triumphant homecoming after their Euro 2025 victory. The team landed back in the UK on Monday afternoon after defending their Euros title in a penalty shootout win over Spain in Basel, Switzerland, on Sunday. Many supporters had dressed for the Lionesses' return, wearing England kits and holding flags. They erupted into cheers at Southend airport in Essex as the plane approached the runway and again as the team emerged from the airport to walk along a red carpet waving at fans. The team's captain, Leah Williamson, led the squad out of the private terminal just before 5pm, carrying the European Championship trophy. Among the fans were the twins Poppy and Daisy Macdonald, 11, from Benfleet, Essex, who were holding a sign asking for a photo with the star striker Alessia Russo. Poppy said: 'We're so proud. They've won it two times in a row and they've worked so hard for it. They've had a lot of injuries and setbacks but they've done really well.' Daisy admitted she struggled to watch the penalty shootout, adding: 'I couldn't watch, I was very nervous, but very happy that they won.' In a post on X, the team shared a photo of the Euros trophy draped in an England flag on a seat on the plane. The team arrived for a celebratory reception at Downing Street, hosted by Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, and Stephanie Peacock, the sports minister, just before 7pm. No 10 was decorated for the occasion, with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. 'It was amazing, I just burst out crying just in pure emotion,' said one fan waiting outside the black gates in front of Downing Street. 'Just that little girl inside of me watching football when I was younger and seeing how far the game has grown since then, it all just kind of got to me.' Another fan waiting to get a peek of the team had only just come back from Switzerland to watch the team romp to a final. Izzy said seeing the players arrive at Downing Street was an opportunity that could not be missed. 'For me there wasn't really a doubt that they were going to win, but it was still really stressful,' said the 30-year-old, who asked not to share her surname, after calling in sick to work to celebrate the Lionesses' victory. As a former player herself, she travelled to London alone and is staying in the capital for Tuesday's open-top bus tour. She said the growth in support since the team's 2022 win was evident by having to queue online for tickets to watch Sunday's match at a London screening. 'That wouldn't have happened a few years ago,' she added. 'It's great to see everyone supporting them.' Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Despite some players being lined up for MBEs after the victory, and congratulations from Keir Starmer and King Charles, it is understood that Downing Street has no plans for a bank holiday to mark the Lionesses' triumph. 'If we had a bank holiday every time the Lionesses win, [we] would never go to work,' the PM's spokesperson said on Monday, as the prime minister met with Donald Trump, the US president, in Scotland. Earlier on Monday, Williamson was seen smiling and holding the Euros trophy as the team left their hotel in Zurich and began their journey home in the rain. Other team members, wearing their medals, smiled as they high-fived supporters waiting outside the building and signed autographs. On Tuesday the team will do an open-top bus procession along the Mall and a ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace. A trip to Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle may be on the cards for the winning squad in autumn as royal aides are understood to be exploring the possibility of a reception at a royal household.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Lionesses arrive at No 10 to meet with Angela Rayner after touching down in the UK to heroes' welcome after their history-making second Euros victory
The Lionesses have arrived at Downing Street for a celebratory reception hosted by , after touching down in the UK to a heroes' welcome from Euros victory. Sarina Wiegman and her team walked up the gated street in central London towards No 10 for the reception – fresh from their nail-biting Euros victory. The building has been decked out for the girls arrivals with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. Earlier today the team stepped off their private jet at Southend Airport to rapturous applause and a sea of fans chanting 'It's coming home', as captain Leah Williamson clutched the coveted European Championship trophy. Sir Keir Starmer is notably absent, currently north of the border meeting with Donald Trump during his Scotland visit. Supporters – many draped in England flags and holding up handmade banners for stars including Alessia Russo, Lucy Bronze, Lauren James, and Williamson - screamed with excitement as the stars walked past. Even though the players didn't stop for selfies or autographs, fans didn't miss a beat, with over 10,000 users tracking the team's plane via Swedish website Flightradar24, desperate to witness their heroes' every move. The aircraft was met with a dramatic water cannon salute by two fire engines as it taxied in – a fitting tribute to England's football queens. Despite a gruelling few days on and off the pitch, the Lionesses showed no signs of slowing down as they prepared for a jam-packed schedule of celebrations – including a blockbuster open-top bus parade through The Mall tomorrow. The windows and railings at the entrance to No 10 Downing Street, London, are adorned in St George's Cross flags ahead of the reception Kicking off at 12.10pm, the parade will roll on to the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace for a star-studded ceremony hosted by former England ace Alex Scott. Fans who missed out on today's welcome are being urged to join the festivities tomorrow instead. The FA said in a statement: 'Our history-making Lionesses will return home this afternoon. But due to limited space at the airport, we would advise fans not to travel there today. 'Instead, we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Central London tomorrow for the homecoming celebrations.' The directive was issued to prevent chaos at already stretched airports and ensure the safe arrival of the national heroes. Tuesday's celebrations are expected to rival the scenes at Trafalgar Square three years ago – though this year's journey to glory was undeniably more nail-biting. Though dramatic, England's success that time around was comparatively less tense that the one achieved on Sunday night at the St. Jakob-Park. But they were still ultimately grateful for the contribution of Chloe Kelly, the match winner against Germany at Wembley, who scored the decisive penalty to sink Spain. Kelly's introduction midway through the first half changed the momentum of a game that Spain dominated and looked set to win. The 27-year-old, who, like her Gunners team-mates, adds Euros glory to Champions League success, assisted Alessia Russo's 57th-minute equaliser after Mariona Caldentey's 25th-minute opener. The Lionesses have touched down in England less than 24 hours after their Euro 2025 triumph Even a one hour delay to the returning flight did not dampen spirits among the fans in attendance Former England star Jill Scott signed autographs for fans after arriving with the team England skipper Leah Williamson was in possession of the trophy as the squad returned The two sides could not be separated after 120 minutes of action, leading to the dreaded penalty shootout. England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton produced two saves and saw another go wide of the post in the 3-1 shootout win. England stars celebrated long into the night after their dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Spain. Players joined family and friends to let their hair down. Ella Toone sang karaoke as England manager Sarina Wiegman and captain Leah Williamson cut a celebratory cake together. Players were still partying into the early hours of the morning, with Toone's partner Joe Bunney posting a picture at 4.10am on Monday morning. Celebrations began in earnest swiftly after their title defence was assured, with the Lionesses performing a musical number as they left the field. Led by captain Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, England's players belted out 2010 hit Dancing On My Own by Robyn as they exited down the tunnel. The team would later return to the field armed with several boxes of pizza and cans of beer. Friends and family also joined in the celebrations. Lauren James was seen posing for a group selfie with a large squad of loved-ones, including Chelsea men's captain Reece James. Ella Toone celebrated with her medal as the party continued into the night in Switzerland Keira Walsh (left) and Alex Greenwood (right) are among the Lionesses stars to claim their second title Sarina Wiegman has become only the second women's manager to win three successive Euros Lauren Hemp celebrated her second European Championship crown by wrapping her arms around girlfriend and former footballer Ashley Hodson. Inside the England dressing room, Grace Clinton, Aggie Beever-Jones and Jess Park shared a selfie with their medals. Beever-Jones had an extra reason to celebrate as Sunday was her 22nd birthday. The Chelsea star captioned an Instagram post: 'BEST BIRTHDAY EVER.' Maya Le Tissier later uploaded a selfie of herself and Beever-Jones flaunting their medals while on the team bus. It was not only the players in the party mood. Indeed, manager Wiegman discussed her plans for the rest of the evening during a post-match interview. 'I'll do some more dancing,' she said. 'I'll have a drink but I don't think I'll drink as much as the players will do.' By late morning, the squad was seen boarding the coach that would take them to the airport ahead of their trip back. Hemp was seen holding a Lego set based on the Disney movie 'Beauty and the Beast' as she left the team hotel in Zurich.
