Top Secret Travel Spots The World Doesn’t Want You To Know About
Have you ever dreamed of exploring hidden gem destinations with few crowds but unbelievable views and activities? With nearly 200 countries worldwide, popular destinations often overshadow some fantastic travel spots. At the same time, others have kept a secret to protect their charm and avoid overcrowding by tourists.
But if you’re like me and enjoy finding hidden gems that are not widely known, I have some perfect destinations to share with you.
1. Sri Lanka
In South Asia, Sri Lanka is a hidden gem for travelers. It’s famous for its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, renowned Ceylon tea, and strong Buddhist culture, which most of its people practice.
Given its nickname, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka offers a rare and amazing travel experience.
If you’re a wildlife lover like me, you’ll be amazed by the animals you can encounter here, including leopards, crocodiles, turtles, birds, elephants, and more.
2. Monastery of Santa Maria dell’Isola, Tropea, Italy
The Monastery of Santa Maria dell’Isola, perched on a rocky cliff in Tropea, Italy, is stunning. This beautiful monastery, built in the 4th century, sits high on a hill.
You’ll need to climb a sharp staircase to reach it, but the effort is worth it for the incredible architecture and panoramic views. It’s a hidden gem worth exploring for its charm, unique appeal, and breathtaking views of the surrounding Tyrrhenian Sea.
3. Mauritius
Another top-secret travel spot worth exploring is Mauritius. This island is known for its pristine beaches, gorgeous lagoons, and vibrant reefs, which make it perfect for a laid-back beach vacation with excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.
Adding to its unique island charm, Mauritius’s interior features mountains and rainforests, including the Black River Gorges National Park, making it ideal for hiking and wildlife adventures.
Though its remote location off the coast of Madagascar can make travel challenging, the diverse experiences Mauritius offers make the journey well worth it.
4. Giant’s Causeway
Giant’s Causeway is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site off the coast of Northern Ireland. It is known for its unique coastal views and scenery, featuring bright green hills and thousands of basalt columns jutting out from the Atlantic Ocean.
The best way to experience Giant’s Causeway is by taking an epic road trip along the Causeway Coastal Route, which offers stunning scenery throughout Northern Ireland. Be sure to visit the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre to learn about its history and the legendary tale of two giants fighting, which explains how the Giant’s Causeway was formed and got its name.
Read more about UNESCO World Heritage Sites That Are Pure Magic
5. Setubal Bay, Portugal
If you’re looking to uncover a hidden gem in Europe, look no further than Setubal Bay in Portugal, just 56 km (34.8 miles) from Lisbon.
Setubal Bay is renowned for its delectable, fresh seafood, offering excellent fish, squid, oysters, and more.
In addition to its incredible location and delicious cuisine, Setubal Bay is known for its dreamy landscape, which combines beautiful Portuguese architecture with vibrant sandy beaches. The stunning Setubal Bay and rugged mountain areas filled with green trees make it the perfect place for various experiences.
6. The Pyrenees
If you love mountains, you must visit The Pyrenees. This mountain range spans over 430 km (267.2 miles) across Spain and France. One of the highlights of exploring The Pyrenees is discovering charming mountain towns such as Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Arreau in France or Besalú and Boí in Spain.
Besides exploring the small towns and enjoying their architecture, culture, views, and cuisine, hiking and snow skiing are popular activities throughout the Pyrenees.
7. Surigao del Sur, Philippines
Have you ever dreamed of escaping to a faraway destination known for being off the beaten path and boasting unbelievable beaches, waterfalls, and tranquil blue waters? I know I have!
Surigao del Sur is part of the Philippines and the Mindanao region, which faces the Philippine Sea. It’s the perfect place to escape from crowds and unwind in the island setting, with plenty of water to cool off in.
While in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to check out Tinuy-an Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall known for its beauty. It’s a great place to take in the view, take photos, and even swim.
Read more about Best Beaches in the Philippines
8. Brasov, Romania
When talking about top-secret travel spots, we can’t leave out Brasov, Romania! The city is famous for its vibrant Gothic and Baroque architecture, and it feels like a fairytale.
While exploring, don’t miss the Black Church and Piața Sfatului, the town square. Along with these top attractions, you’ll love the city’s cobblestone streets and cafe culture. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy a dreamy town.
For the ultimate day trip excursion, don’t hesitate to go to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle, which sits 30 minutes away from Brasov!
Read more about Bran Castle, one of the Europe’s Haunted Castles
9. Jiuzhaigou National Park, China
If you love discovering beautiful national parks, Jiuzhaigou National Park in China should be on your bucket list. This national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a World Biosphere Reserve, which means it is well cared for in conserving its beauty, plants, and animals.
Here, you’ll be able to explore mountainous landscapes, beautiful water features, many different bird species, and some of the best-untouched views of China! The park is full of waterfalls and hiking trails, making it a dream for outdoor enthusiasts looking to take in the natural landscapes.
10. Hitachi Seaside Park, Japan
When many people think of Japan, they imagine hordes of tourists and busy streets, but I know just the place to escape the crowds and enjoy the country’s natural beauty. Hitachi Seaside Park, located along Japan’s coast, is renowned for its stunning flowers, including nemophila, tulips, kochia, and many other varieties. It’s perfect for flora and fauna lovers.
While many are familiar with the cherry blossoms in Showa Memorial Park and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, this seaside park is about 2 hours from Tokyo. It offers a beautiful and serene local ambiance that’s well worth the visit.
11. Isle of Anglesey, Wales
If you are interested in exploring a lovely small island off the coast of Wales, be sure to check out the Isle of Anglesey. Its beautiful beaches and ancient sites—some of the most popular being the Beaumaris Castle and the South Stack Lighthouse—make it a great place to visit.
Besides the tourist attractions and ancient sites, the island has excellent beaches, making it the perfect summer seaside escape! Benllech Beach is among the most popular, known for its golden sand, and is perfect for sunbathing.
12. Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is one of those under-the-radar towns that is starting to catch people’s attention, and I totally understand why. This fortified town on the Adriatic Coast offers some of the most beautiful views, blending history, architecture, and stunning scenery.
Known for its Romanesque churches, lush green mountains, and medieval coastal charm, Kotor is perfect for various activities. From hiking and swimming to exploring the Maritime Museum, you’ll never get bored discovering this adorable town’s appeal.
Read more about Kotor Montenegro Cruise Port
13. Bay of Fires, Tasmania
If you’re looking to escape to a destination with white sand beaches, clear blue waters, orange boulders, and rugged terrain, the Bay of Fires is a must-visit spot.
Its main beach, Binalong Bay, is famous for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and many other seaside activities.
The clean atmosphere, relaxed ambiance, and breathtaking scenery will captivate you. This hidden gem is one of the top secret travel spots few people talk about, but it’s worth visiting.
14. Ketchikan, Alaska
Alaska is on many people’s bucket lists. Still, while most travelers head to destinations like Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, or cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks, these places can be crowded. Instead, consider the hidden gem of Ketchikan.
Ketchikan is a city along the Inside Passage, a popular cruise route. It’s renowned for its numerous Native American totem poles and abundant wildlife, including black bears and bald eagles.
It’s an excellent place to learn about Native American history and enjoy wildlife watching. Additionally, you can soak in the mountainous seaside views and try activities like hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
Read more about Things to do in Ketchikan Alaska
15. Wahiba Sands, Oman
If you want to truly escape the touristy destinations, head to the Wahiba Sands in Oman. This desert is famous for its breathtaking sand dunes, ideal for adventure, camping, and immersing yourself in nature.
Be sure to have a 4WD vehicle before venturing into the dunes, but once you do, the surreal scenery of gorgeous orange sands makes it all worth it. Watch for camels, as you will likely encounter them in the area.
16. Sambro Island, Nova Scotia
Sambro Island is a laid-back community off the coast of Canada’s Halifax Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia. The island is best known for its tall red and white striped lighthouse, Sambro Lighthouse, one of the oldest in North America.
If you enjoy exploring lighthouses and their history or simply want to visit a lesser-known island off the coast of Canada, Sambro Island is the perfect destination. It offers fabulous coastal views.
