Exploring Hidden Gems: As much as tourists love to explore new destinations globally, it is always exceptional to go to unique places that are different from the usual tourist destinations.
In a world filled with overcrowded attractions that tourists are rushing through with a map in their hands, there is a list of underrated places to visit. Such places allow traveling to places that have not been tourist-trampled, to see virgin beauty while getting acquainted with people in a different, more personal way that large-scale attractions can’t provide. Perhaps it is time to walk through some of these places that are interesting but are not quite famous around the world.
1. Chefchaouen, Morocco
Chefchaouen is a beautiful town in the Rif mountains located in the northwestern part of Morocco and it is famous for its blue which is used to paint the walls of the buildings. Everything seems to be small and arranged chaotically as if it has been borrowed from a fairy tale. Thus, the blue color is interpreted as the sky and heaven, which helps create a peaceful ambiance in the space. In addition to the colorful architectural design, there is so much more to see in Chefchaouen with its markets, handicrafts, and people. Do not miss the opportunity to go in for a trek through the nearby mountains to imbibe the scenery and mentally connect with nature.
2. Jiufen, Taiwan
Jiufen is a picturesque village which is situated on a mountain terrace, that directly looks at the Pacific Ocean. This used to be a rich town due to the gold mining business but it transforms its guests with small streets, red lamps, and teahouse buildings. The surrounding atmosphere of the towns is used as a setting for such animated movies as “Spirited Away,” the local architecture still hides the tea houses for the Taiwanese tea and snacks, so Jiufen offers a few hours of escape from the postmodern era.
3. Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is a group of islands which can be located between the primary land of Norway and the pole of Coldness. This snow-covered region is characterized by glaciers/fjords and is inhabited by polar bears/reindeer. But it is also full of wonderful experiences, snowmobiling, sledding with the dogs, cave exploration, and the incredible aurora borealis sightings. The feeling of being detached and so remote gives Svalbard the air of a wild and unspoiled treasure that can be cherished the brave travelers.
4. Matera, Italy
Matera: This is a city in the province of Basilicata in the southern part of Italy and is famed for Sassi, which are cave dwellings hewn from the tufa stone, and are some of the oldest inhabited human constructions that indeed put Matera as one of oldest inhabited cities in the world. The living maze of streets and the ‘cave’ orthodox churches give the place a rather unbelievable touch shocking for the time. The architectural style and history of Matera made the city the European Capital of Culture in 2019, however, they still don’t attract numerous tourists.
5. Gjirokastër, Albania
Gjirokastër is another such town in Albania that deserves the status of a World Heritage site as it is a unique town in the Balkans. Rustic and rather small, this town presents a clear picture of the Ottoman-style houses, some in the evening light, the cobblestoned roads, and the castle on a hill overlooking the entire town. He noticed the traditional houses which have been turned into museums due to the important history that Gjirokastër has. Culture and tradition are demonstrated in the collection of festivals and local handicrafts that the town offers about Albania. Walking through Gjirokastër makes one feel like one is in a living documentary of people and culture from the past till the present.
6. Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Colonia del Sacramento is a colonial city on the shore of the Río de la Plata which has a historic center and a laid-back vibe. They include well laid out paved roads, colourful buildings, and a well-lit historic lighthouse making it a perfect place for a sightseeing tour. Colonia which is situated on Uruguay’s coast was established in the 17th century by the Portuguese and has a historic quarter that is recognized by UNESCO. Tourists can walk through the seafront, go to the museums, and taste the local dishes in cozy restaurants. It is joined by Portuguese and Spanish, which together give the town a very distinctive look.
7. Luang Prabang, Laos
Situated in the north of Laos hidden in the mountains, Luang Prabang is a quiet town with many Buddhist temples, colonial houses, and beautiful nature. To boost the religious overlay of the town, alms are given every morning where monks march around the town in a procession to collect their breakfast from homes and tourists. Tourist hubs like the night market at Luang Prabang, a wide-ranging discovery of the local art in the form of handicrafts and local flavor of local food is available. Adjoining waterfalls at Kuang Si with their greenish water are perfect for a break in the natural environment.
8. Faroe Islands, Denmark
The Faroe Islands is a group of islands situated in the North Atlantic Ocean and is the perfect destination for nature lovers. They have big cliffs, great waterfalls, and rough coastlines, so great scenery is seen wherever one goes. The parenthesis, Faroe Islands, secluded, few people around, beautiful because of this. Such activities as hiking, bird watching, and visiting small secluded villages are possible allowing one to get to know the islands’ topography well.
Visiting those off-beat places allows one to see the world in a more up close and personal manner. They are acts of liberation from the ordinary due to the desire to discover a new society, unheard-of landscapes, or pristine surroundings, something akin to the patrimonial ‘blue’ alleyways of Chefchaouen or the frigid expanses of Svalbard. Therefore, come on, if you will, let loose the bonds of the mundane and travel the world to find the world’s wonders.
