The World's Most Beautiful Mountains, According To New Eye-Tracking Study

• New eye-tracking research reveals Canada's Rocky Mountains are the highest-scoring mountains in the world with 99.3 out of 100
• The United States dominates the top 10, accounting for almost half of the highest-ranked mountain ranges
• Ireland features three times in the global top 15, with Slieve League (4th), Errigal Mountain (5th), and Ben Bulben (13th)

As travellers get ready to plan adventures for the year ahead, mountain landscapes continue to rank among the most inspiring destinations. But which ranges truly capture our attention?

Irish travel insurance specialists at JustCover have revealed the world's most beautiful mountain ranges, using eye-tracking technology to measure which are the most visually captivating. The study analysed 56 mountain ranges from around the globe, scoring them based on which landscapes capture participants’ attention the quickest, and which held their gaze for the longest.

Canada's Rocky Mountains Take Top Spot as World's Most Eye-Catching Range

The Canadian Rockies rank as the mountain range that captivates our attention the most, with a near-perfect score of 99.3 out of 100. Beyond this, Europe stands out for some of the world's most spectacular mountain scenery, with seven of the top 15 most beautiful ranges located across the continent.

The World’s Top 20 Most Beautiful Mountain Ranges

1. Canadian Rockies (Canada) 
‘Eye-catching’ score: 99.3 
Taking the top spot, the Canadian Rockies scored the highest overall and also held participants' gaze for the longest of any landscape. Stretching across Alberta and British Columbia, this iconic range is known for its picture-perfect scenery, including the mirror-like waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, as well as the Icefields Parkway.

2. El Capitan, United States 
‘Eye-catching’ score: 84.9 
El Capitan in Yosemite National Park places second, with an ‘eye-catching’ score of 84.9 out of 100. The 900-metre granite monolith is one of the most recognizable rock formations in the world, drawing in rock climbers and nature photographers from across the globe. For visitors wanting to admire the view without the climb, there are plenty of vantage points throughout Yosemite Valley where visitors can take in California's iconic landmark.

3. Torres del Paine, Chile 
‘Eye-catching’ score: 83.2 
Wrapping up the top three, Torres del Paine in Chile offers the most eye-catching mountain scenery in South America. Granite towers rise sharply, creating an unmistakable silhouette against the Patagonian sky. Around it are glaciers, lakes as blue as the clear skies, and a vast wilderness that makes it a must-see destination on many traveller’s lists.

4. Slieve League, Ireland 
‘Eye-catching’ score: 82.9 
Scoring 82.9 out of a possible 100, Slieve League in County Donegal ranks fourth overall and is Ireland's highest-ranking mountain. Rising nearly 600 metres directly from the Atlantic Ocean, the sea cliffs are among the highest in Europe. With views across Donegal Bay, the mountain is accessible via walking routes, but the clifftop paths can be challenging, especially through winter.

5. Errigal Mountain, Ireland 
‘Eye-catching’ score: 75.8 
In the Derryveagh Mountains of County Donegal, Errigal Mountain is Ireland's second entry in the top five. The distinctive cone-shaped peak is the highest point in the county and visible from miles around. The way light plays across its white-grey slopes throughout the day make it one of Ireland's most photographed mountains and a popular choice for hillwalkers. The climb takes around two to three hours, or a little longer depending on your fitness levels.

Letitia Smith, Head of Communications at JustCover, said:

“Whether it's a wish-list trip to the Canadian Rockies or a weekend exploring the Donegal coastline, our research shows that our eyes can’t seem to stop being drawn to mountain ranges across the globe and naturally inspiring our travel plans.

“If you're planning to explore any of these mountain ranges in 2026, particularly in remote or high-altitude areas, we'd encourage you to research conditions in advance, check weather forecasts, and pack appropriate gear. It's also important to have the right travel insurance in place: mountain environments can be unpredictable, and having proper cover means you can focus on admiring these incredible landscapes with full peace of mind.”

For the full findings of which mountain ranges people find most captivating to view, visit: https://www.justcover.ie/blog/worlds-most-beautiful-mountains

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