Hidden treasures are some of the most beautiful sites on the planet. They are the lesser-known cities around the world that do not receive the same level of attention as tourist destinations, even though they deserve it. These unusual travel destinations offer crystal blue lakes, expansive mountainscapes, a plethora of culture and art, and historical architecture. There are numerous places you may not be familiar with yet want to explore.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip around the world, we’ve compiled a list of unusual travel destinations you should check out. Whatever your experience level, you’ll want to schedule a time to see these lesser-known unusual travel destinations.
1. Niue
One of the world’s smallest countries is the first unusual travel destination. Niue is around 1,000 miles northeast of New Zealand in the South Pacific. Its rich history allows it to offer sights such as a sculpture park, art gallery, and church, which are must-sees for visitors.
You’ll want to spend all of your time outside visiting this remote island. Niue is one of the most beautiful spots in the world for adventurers and environment enthusiasts, with scenery that includes:
- Beaches
- Reefs of coral
- Caves and caverns are two types of caves.
- Cliffs of limestone
If you’re looking for some excitement, try biking, hiking, snorkeling, golfing, fishing, and more while surrounded by stunning landscapes. Fill your day with island tours or go on a safari to see the local wildlife.
The island is also ideal for people looking for a relaxing vacation. Niue has a beautiful environment and kind natives who will draw you closer to everyone you meet. Visit during a village festival to get a flavor of the local art and culture. Niue, as a lesser-known country, provides stunning scenery that you won’t have to compete with other tourists to enjoy.
2. Taormina
You think of Rome, Venice, Florence, and other well-known cities when you think of Italy. Of course, these are all lovely places to visit, but Taormina offers something special.
Whether you’re traveling through Sicily, Italy, or Europe, Taormina is worth a visit. As you travel to places like these, walk the cobblestone streets and soak in the sights.
- The Teatro di Taormina is the most important monument in the city. Take a step back in time and be amazed by the old buildings. The theater also offers some of the most breathtaking views of Sicily, with a tranquil expanse of land and sky visible.
- The Palazzo Corvaja is a medieval palace that today houses a museum dedicated to the art and culture of the region. On your trip to Taormina, take in the picturesque courtyard and the palace’s architectural elements.
- Saint Pancrazio’s Church: Saint Pancrazio is Taormina’s patron saint, making this landmark an important element of the city’s culture and history. The church was built in the 1500s and is an example of the Baroque style.
Taormina is one of the ideal sites for any traveling with a variety of interests, especially cultural and historical ones, with palaces, churches, theaters, and beautiful natural scenery.
3. Monemvasia
The history of this former garrison town is fascinating. Monemvasia is a stunning unknown destination on an island off the coast of the Peloponnese in southern Greece. It still has the coastline vista and roads that snake between light- and terra-cotta-colored residences that you’d expect to see on a trip to Greece. It is not as popular with tourists as other parts of Greece, but it is just as charming.
Monemvasia, despite its image as a secret city, has a lot to offer. Along with the many beautiful beaches, you can also go to:
- A Byzantine fortress
- Kastania Cave
- Velies Folklore Museum
- Talanta Watermill
- Monemvasia Archaeological Collection
The settlement has spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs. The island has a fortification that protects it against previous invaders in addition to natural defense. The city gained its name from this protection, which means “one entry” in Greek.
In this island community, you’ll feel protected from the stresses of everyday life. On your journey to Monemvasia, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city’s tourist traps. Athens and other major Greek sites are fantastic, but this island is one of the best off-the-beaten-path holiday choices.
4. Giant’s Causeway
Giant’s Causeway is a geological wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy peace and quiet while being surrounded by vibrant natural colors. The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site, is a historic site that requires more attention.
Visit the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Center to discover more about the causeway’s tale. With its magnificent hexagon-shaped pillars and structures that date back over 60 million years, it’s no wonder that myths surround the place. Unique natural designs like this are hard to come by anywhere else. The following are some of the rock formations:
- The Organ, or tall columns that function as “organ pipes,”
- Honeycomb, or hexagonal shapes that are precise
- Ancient lava flows and cliffs can be seen from the Amphitheater.
While this off-the-beaten-path holiday site is a naturalist’s dream, history buffs will like it as well. For a glimpse into nautical history, visit the Spanish Armada shipwreck site. The ship, named La Girona, sank in 1588, taking a large number of riches with it. Witness history unfolding along Northern Ireland’s gorgeous coast.
5. Yirrkala
Yirrkala is an Aboriginal city in the Arnhem Northern Territory in northern Australia. It is one of the best unknown destinations in the world for those fascinated in art and culture as an artisan city.
The Yirrkala Arts Centre and Mulka Project, also known as the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre, is one of the city’s primary assets. View Aboriginal art up close for a closer look at local culture and history, created by locals. These works of art, from didgeridoos to bark paintings and weavings, illustrate Aboriginal life in Yirrkala. Learn about the Yolngu’s WWII duty as well as their traditional spiritual rituals that they still follow today.
Exotic fauna and ancient relics can be found in the Arnhem Northern Territory. To expand your understanding of Aboriginal life in the area, travel outside Yirrkala. While engaging with this piece of history and culture, you’re bound to learn something new about the world surrounding you.
6. Canal of Corinth
This canal is too narrow for larger ships to pass through, making it a unique and exclusive tourism destination. If you’re taking a boat through, go up on deck to see the limestone walls of the Corinth Canal. The canal is 25 meters (80 feet) wide, limiting the types of boats that can go through it.
The Gulf of Corinth is connected to the Saronic Gulf off the coast of Greece via the Corinth Canal. Those seeking adventure in Greece can bungee jump from the bridge that spans the Corinth Canal, connecting the mainland and the peninsula.
Ancient Romans had to carry their boats along the path to access navigable waterways around Greece before the canal was built. Today, private yachts, mail ships, and other small boats use the Corinth Canal as a convenient bypass. As you cruise through the small tunnel, you will be surrounded by amazing intrigue.
7. Ullapool
Ullapool is the gateway to the Northern Highlands. This Scottish fishing village is located on the banks of Loch Broom, making it a cultural and natural hotspot. Discover the history of this fishing community as well as other interesting places.
- Wildlife: The Highlands are home to beautiful deer, soaring eagles, and famous highland cows, among other majestic wildlife. At Ullapool Harbor, take a photo of the local seals or go birdwatching. You may witness a variety of Scottish wildlife at the nearby Inverpolly National Nature Reserve.
- Nature: Anyplace in the Scottish Highlands offers a getaway to nature, but Ullapool offers a unique combination of mountain and sea scenery. Take a stroll around the beaches to see the nearby coasts, mountains, and peaks.
- Visual art: Ullapool has several galleries and studio facilities where beginners and professionals can take workshops. Local art can be found at An Talla Solais art center, or you can buy ceramic marvels at Highland Stoneware, where you can also see artisans at work.
This charming community offers cultural and ecological attractions. Ullapool is one of the most appealing secret holiday locations, with its lovely offerings and breathtaking landscapes.
8. Costa Maya and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is a natural treasure that you may snorkel through from Costa Maya, Mexico. In addition to Mexico, the reef reaches the beaches of Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Turtles, dolphins, and sharks can all be found in plenty on the vast reef.
The reef is 600 miles long, half the size of Australia‘s Great Barrier Reef. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is just as stunning as the Great Barrier Reef, bursting with colorful critters and swaying aquatic plant life. The reef is a fantastic diving or snorkeling destination for anyone interested in seeing what happens beneath the water’s surface.
The reef might be anywhere from a few hundred yards to 20 miles away, depending on where you are on the coast. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is easily accessible and extremely valuable to residents because it is much closer to land than other reefs. Explore this reef to learn about a meaningful but unusual travel spot that allows you to connect with nature.
9. Elba
Elba is one of Italy‘s most spectacular destinations. After Sicily and Sardinia, this island is the third-largest in the country and the largest in the Tuscan Archipelago.
Although Elba is a relatively unusual tra location, you may have heard of it in history class. The island is best known for housing Napoleon during his exile, making it a must-see for history buffs. The Villa di San Martino on Elba, one of Napoleon’s homes, is a must-see for anybody interested in history.
This Tuscan island is also ideal for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. You can do the following things the around Elba:
- Visit a coral reef and go scuba diving.
- Enjoy the vista of the crystal-clear ocean.
- Wander along beaches with sand, gravel, and pebbles.
- Enjoy the sweeping hills and lush greenery.
- Examine a variety of plant and animal life.
For a chance to reconnect with nature, visit any of the island’s eight municipalities. You can also explore some of the following locations during your trip.
There is lots to see and do on this massive island. Add Elba to any European or Italian vacation to make it more memorable.
10. The Inland Sea of Japan
The gorgeous ride through Japan’s Inland Sea, commonly known as the Seto Inland Sea, brings you through approximately 3,000 islands. Because of its moderate climate, many people compare this Japanese sea to the Mediterranean, but it is less well-known.
Although the sea itself is an unusual travel spot, it passes through various well-known destinations, together with:
- Osaka
- Hiroshima
- Takamatsu
Those spots, as well as other gorgeous Japanese coasts, can be seen depending on your path. Sail beneath three major bridge systems that connect various sections of Japan, as well as ferry systems that run over the water. Engage in a route that has been serving the community as a shipping channel and transportation for years. As you cruise through the tranquil waters of the Seto Inland Sea, take in the scenery.
Conclusion
You’ll have interesting stories to tell and unusual travel images to share from these obscure yet magnificent destinations. BNESIM can help you stay connected without breaking the bank, thanks to affordable eSIM data plans. BNESIM will ensure you can always stay connected to your loved ones back home for up to 95% less than your current mobile provider.
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