19 idyllic places untouched by mass tourism
The world's filled with fascinating tourist sites and destinations.
But when we head into the unknown, it's often after we've scoured dozens of tourist guides or read a zillion Trip Advisor reviews. The problem is they don't always include places off the usual tourist trail, so we end up spending our vacation trying to navigate hordes of people or using binoculars to admire sites from afar due to view-blocking, camera-snapping groups.
So to help you out, here's our handy list of 19 idyllic places that have avoided mass tourism, but are definitely well worth the detour!
1. The Pula Arena in Croatia
If you loved Rome's Colosseum, then a trip to Pula's amphitheater's a must - plus it's in much better condition than its Italian equivalent! It was first built from wood and then completely re-built in stone in the 1st century BC, in order to accommodate the 23,000 people who flocked to the arena to enjoy its various events. Gladiator fights were banned from the 5th Century onwards, meaning that the arena fell into disrepair and part of it collapsed. Life picked up during the Middle Ages when it was used as a cattle market and hosted fairs and knights tournaments. Today it's used for military parades, big theatrical productions and concerts.
2. The Son Doong Cave in Vietnam
It you want to get off the beaten track, away from the rat race, then head to this cave! It was discovered in 1991 and has only recently been open to the public. The awesome Sondoong Cave is the biggest in the world - over 5 miles long and high enough to house a 40-storey building! The cave was formed when the calcite that clads the cliffs began to erode. Years of being undiscovered allowed an ecosystem to develop - this cave really is a world of its own, with a subterranean river, stunning waterfall and a wealth of plant and animal life. As with many caves, Son Doong is home to some magnificent stalactites, stalagmites and calcite clusters.
3. The submerged clock tower in Reschen, Italy
Lake Reschen is a man-made lake that was created in 1950 after the construction of a dam and hydroelectric plant. The creation of the lake submerged 2 villages, the only visual reminder being a 14th Century clock tower. Water levels depend on the dam and dictate how much of the clock tower can be seen. That said, this crystal clear lake has also seen visitor numbers rise thanks to wind conditions that create waves perfect for water sports. During peak season, you can reach the tower by motor boat and you can skate or walk across during colder months. Legend says that you can still hear the clock tower chime, even though its bell was removed before the village was flooded!
4. The Callanish Stones in Scotland
Most people know about Stonehenge or Avebury, but there are plenty of other Neolithic sites scattered around the world. One of the biggest is found on the Scottish island of Lewis - the mysterious Callanish Stones. Comprising of 13 huge, vertical megaliths, some are 5m high! Viewed from above, the stones form a Celtic Cross with a circle of stones in its center. Some experts believe the stones represent a lunar calendar, whilst others think the site was mainly used for ancient ceremonies and rituals.
5. Pont d'Arc natural bridge in France
A couple of miles from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc in southern France, you'll find the awesome Pont d'Arc bridge. It crosses River Ardèche, which broke through an escarpment to form a natural arch that measures 193 ft. wide and over 100 ft. high! Its peace is only broken by summertime canoeing competitions or visitors exploring the nearby Chauvet Caves - home to some amazing 30,000 year-old cave paintings. Whether you're a nature lover or history fan, we recommend you add this destination your bucket list!
6. Mada'in Saleh in Saudi Arabia
This incredible archaeological site may not be as famous as Petra in Jordan, but it's nonetheless the oldest man-made structure in Saudi Arabia. The site dates from the 1st Century BC and you'll find a series of red-colored stone domes that house 131 tombs, towers, alleyways and hydraulic structures. Formerly known as Hegra, this Nabatean site was once an economic hub and today you can still see inscriptions and low-relief carvings that once decorated its buildings.
7. Lake Elton in Russia
This incredible lake stretches across 93 square miles and is one of the largest inland mineral lakes in the world. Interestingly it's really shallow - about 2 to 3 inches deep during spring and 2 feet during cooler months. Each year it welcomes impressive flocks of migratory birds including woodcocks and cranes. Its unusual landscape does pull in a certain number of tourists, who also come here for the water's famous, therapeutic properties. Further afield, visitors can explore the national park - home to stunning landscapes and a wealth of unusual plants and animals.
8. Cathedral Gorge in the Purnululu National Park in Australia
The Purnululu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and comprises of several lakes, beaches and striking orange/grey banded sandstone domes. The local wildlife is also spectacular and hiking fans will love exploring its vast gorges. The most impressive is Cathedral Gorge, a natural amphitheater with breathtaking views and incredible acoustics.
9. The Labyrinth Park of Horta in Spain
This is the oldest park in Barcelona - a neoclassic garden designed at the end of the 18th Century. This hidden gem is a trail of bushes, flowers, pavilions and canals, making it a popular venue for a variety of public and cultural events. Visitor numbers are currently restricted: by sticking to a daily limit, its fragile plants remain protected, whilst visitors have the time and space to fully explore its delightful maze.
10. The Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe Chapel in France
A national treasure in the heart of the small town of Puy-en-Velay in southern France, this little chapel was built in 969. It's perched on a rocky outcrop that's 278 feet high! Before the chapel was built, the summit housed a dolmen and Roman sanctuary, whilst numerous legends claim it's a sacred place. This chapel's not just famous for its lofty location but also its amazingly well-preserved frescoes, mosaics and paintings.
11. The Blue Pond in Biei, Japan
Close to Hokkaido, Blue Pond in Biei is a man-made lake built after the construction of a dam designed to prevent erosion and protect the town from volcanic mud flows. Its striking blue color comes from numerous minerals that change tone depending on the weather and viewing angle. The trees that pierce its surface only add to its mysterious air. This magical place was closed to the public for much of its history, but luckily for us the site's been open to visitors for several years.
12. Cape Reinga in New Zealand
Cape Reinga is on the northern coast of Aupouri in New Zealand. Huge waves crash against the rock, overlooked by a lighthouse that flashes every 12 seconds. Its light can been seen from 21 miles away. To the east of this impressive cliff, you'll find an isolated beach with unusual pale pink sand. Local Maoris believe that the spirits of dead people leap off this cliff to reach the underworld. Being a sacred spot, eating is not allowed on the site, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying the incredible scenery. Access is a bit tricky with a path that leads through rocky outcrops and quicksand, so we advise visitors to find an experienced guide to lead the way.
13. Tin Mal Mosque in Morocco
This beautiful mosque was built in 1156 to commemorate the founder of the Almohad Dynasty. The site became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and is one of only two mosques open to non-Muslims. It's only 50 miles or so from Marrakech and nestled in a small, secluded mountainside town - hence its tourist-free appeal!
14. Meroë in Sudan
Meroë is an 8th Century BC Sudanese town that was once the capital of the Nubian Royal Kingdom of Kush. This awesome site is dotted with pyramids that house the tombs of high-ranking inhabitants. The site was abandoned in the 3rd Century BC but the walls of its ancient temples, baths and palace remain to this day. Despite its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, it's overshadowed by its Egyptian counterparts meaning little tourist information is available - good news for those of us who enjoy discovering unusual sites at our leisure!
15. Las Pozas in Xilitla, Mexico
This one's straight out of a fairy tale - an idyllic garden built in the 60s and 70s by the English poet and sculptor, Edward James. Huge, almost surrealist sculptures sit amidst tropical flowers, waterfalls and ponds, overlooked by an intricately detailed stone construction. A timeless ambience in beautiful, lush surroundings.
16. Giola Lagoon & and Marble Beach in Thasos, Greece
Only a rocky strip separates the sea from the lagoon - an out of this world landscape with a crystal-clear pool known as 'Aphrodite's Tears'. It's one of numerous breath-taking sites on the Aegean island of Thasos and the lagoon was said to have been built by Zeus for Aphrodite to bathe in. It's a great cliff diving spot, but be warned that the water's less than 10ft deep! The lagoon's hard to find, so get your map to the ready if you want to spend an evening admiring its mind-blowing sunset.
Thasos is also home to Marble Beach, famous for its crystal clear water and marble-white sand. Another tricky place to access as the beaches here are untouched and difficult to navigate, but trust us when we say it's well worth the effort!
17. Elliðaey in Iceland
Situated off Iceland's southern coast, this one's for nature-lovers. The island only has one building and not a single resident... Perfect if you enjoy hunting, fishing, saunas or want to admire its numerous puffin colonies.
18. Macquarie Island in Australia
This tiny island's between New Zealand and Antarctica. Being at the farthest reaches of the planet didn't stop it from becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The reasons? It's the only place on Earth where rocks from our planet's mantle are exposed at sea level. Secondly, it boasts an incredible biodiversity with a landscape dotted with grasses and lichen that's home to penguins, seals, petrels and albatross. Its untouched countryside is ideal for anyone who wants a relaxing vacation in an unusual setting that's far away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
19. The real Atlantis
Over the centuries, dozens of explorers claimed to have found the legendary Atlantis, an island supposedly submerged around 9,000 years ago. At least 50 sites have been put forward but all remain unproven. That said, there's nothing to stop diving fans from setting out on their own quest to find this mythical island!
By Straker Julia
Writer
Passionate about writing, I write articles on the subjects that I love. Creativity and Animals themes are my favorites!
