If you're considering your next vacation or simply wondering about exploring the globe, there are so many off-the-beaten-path places full of wonderful activities, amazing landscapes, spectacular food... and few visitors. And though there aren't many stunning places left in the globe undiscovered by mass tourism, there are still few that are well guarded secrets, particularly among travel photographers.
These are some of the most incredible undiscovered destinations on earth, from breath-taking beaches to medieval towns you've probably never even heard of. The fact that these locations are so extraordinary makes it difficult to understand why they are still mostly unknown.
Roatan, Honduras
This island, one of Central America's most underrated tropical getaways, is rarely seen on beach lovers' vacation wish lists, but that's only because the majority have never heard of it.
A haven for snorkelers and divers, it is home to the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean, as well as a plethora of tropical resorts and picture-perfect beaches that are surrounded by warm, cerulean waters.
It is home to thousands of marine life, canyons, and the greatest variety of coral and sponges in the area. There are several other activities available, such as playing golf while surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth, adrenaline-pumping zip line adventures through the jungle, and stunning parks with waterfalls, rare birds, and even monkeys.
Puglia, Italy
A rural region with a patchwork past influenced by Norman, Spanish, Greek, and Byzantine cultures, Puglia is the heel of Italy's fashionable boot. It has a truly unique charm. This area, which provides a window into authentic Italian traditions and values, is increasingly challenging Tuscany for the gastronomic crown.
This unspoiled region produces some of the greatest, frequently unknown wines and olive oils in the nation. It has miles of fertile coastline, abundant with lush vistas of olive trees and vineyards. The cream-colored estate here has romantic suites and villas that are attractively furnished with all modern conveniences and decorated in soothing tones.
Ladakh
Ladakh, sometimes known as the "Land of the High Passes," is one of the most breathtaking regions in the Indian Himalayas. It is one of the few locations on Earth that is still mostly undiscovered. Ladakh, which is located at an average elevation of 11,500 feet, is surrounded by the Great Himalaya, the Ladakh, the Zanskar, and the Karakoram mountain ranges.
Take in the breathtaking vistas, tranquility of the pure mountain air, and the area's extensive Buddhist tradition. Visitors to Ladakh have a choice between secluded luxury tented camps and stunning homestays like the Shakti Village Homes in uncharted villages of the Indus Valley.
Faroe Islands, Denmark
The undiscovered Faroe Islands are only a short flight away from the UK, yet the average traveler has never ever heard of them. This enigmatic 18-piece jigsaw puzzle of islands is adrift in the north Atlantic and is both very old and very new. The grandly bleak, treeless moorlands are brought into sharper focus by colorful homes and wooden churches with grass roofs.
Adventurers are just beginning to learn about the archipelago's high cliffs, hiking paths, waterfalls, and rugged coasts. Music aficionados may already be familiar with the area for its festival scene—it regularly holds five live music festivals throughout the year. And for Instagram users, there are plenty of places to keep you taking pictures.
Georgia
Beneath this largely rural nation is a distinctive European culture that most tourists are unaware of, where kindness and friendliness are valued as "gifts from God" for visitors and guests. Georgia should be proud of its delicious regional cuisine, which gives cheese and wine a distinctive identity.
The Caucasus Mountains, wine districts with charming hilltop villages evocative of Tuscany, stretches of lush green valleys, deep woods, and beach resort cities along the Black Sea are just a few examples of how similar its range of magnificent landscape is to that of Italy. Georgians are incredibly kind, open, enthusiastic, and outspoken.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Andaman Islands, a remote refuge renowned for immaculate coastlines and stunning marine life, are a hidden gem off the west coast of India. After spending time on the Indian subcontinent, the quietest (and very ideal) way to end a journey is in the tropical jungles and isolated islands.
The remote Andaman Islands are the ideal Indian getaway with their beautiful turquoise seas bordered by ancient rainforest, superb diving, and sugar-white, sun-toasted beaches melting beneath flame-and-purple sunsets.
Lofoten Archipelago, Norway
You can't go wrong with a vacation to Lofoten if you want to experience some of Norway's most stunning scenery. This spectacular Arctic archipelago provides breathtaking landscape with craggy mountain peaks, Arctic fjords, little fishing villages, lovely beaches, and a diverse wildlife.
Take a stroll through the majestic mountains that dominate the area and enjoy the breathtaking views of the ocean and the sharp, jagged peaks of the icy wilderness. Ski down pristine snow slopes to the water's edge, where an old sailing ship is waiting, for a show-stopping adventure.
Cape Verde
Cabo Verde is a magnificent island chain that protrudes into the Atlantic, about 311 miles (500 km) west of Senegal. It is home to a compelling mix of mountains, beaches, and tranquil seaside communities. This ought to be on every traveler's list only from an aesthetic standpoint.
However, the island country's multicultural features are what deserve to be at the very top of that list. Mindelo, the cultural center of the islands, is located in So Vicente and is a hive of pubs and nightclubs. Unspoiled beaches with fine, white sand can be found on Sal and Maio, where sloping, wind-swept dunes meet indigo-blue oceans.
Far-flung Fogo and Brava in the southwest, meanwhile, provide their own allurements, from dazzling coves flanked by high hills to strange volcanic landscapes.
Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Mostar, a little ancient hamlet in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a photographer's and nature lover's paradise. Visitors can watch locals display their courage by jumping off Stari Most Bridge, admire stunning old Turkish homes from above, and cool off in the nearby Kravice waterfalls, which span a deep valley of the Neretva River.
The blue river, elegant minarets, and sparkling white stone of this city are its most striking features, yet bullet-riddled walls and bombed-out buildings tucked in amid the stores and cafés serve as a stark reminder of its violent history.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia has a rich history and a nuanced sense of national identity. It is a country that is both Balkan and Mediterranean in nature, rich in Greek, Roman, and Ottoman ancestry. While North Macedonia is a small nation, it is rich in natural beauty, as seen by the glittering Lake Ohrid and its storied town.
Impressive mountains offer riding options, lakes, and gloriously calm strolling routes. If you want to venture off the beaten path in Europe, head to one of the national parks in Mavrovo, Galica, or Pelister. These beautiful locations are still under-traveled and are home to some fantastic cultural and culinary tourism projects.