15 Fabulous Secret Locations Most Tourists Don’t Know About

While all of the world’s well-known wonders are definitely worth visiting, it’s sometimes nice to get off the beaten path and experience secret places that are also cultural and natural wonders of the world – especially if it means fewer crowds. Some of the best places to visit in the world aren’t limited to the same old hotspots that have been mentioned in guidebooks for centuries. So, instead of going to that place you’ve heard a million people talk about, go to one of these secret places in the world and discover unique experiences all your own.

#1 St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall, England

You’ve probably heard of Mont Saint Michel, but have you heard of its English cousin? St. Michael’s Mount is a beloved Cornish gem, with its castle and gardens rising proudly from the waters of Mount’s Bay.

#2 Kakslauttanen Hotel, Finland

The Arctic is typically associated with cold, barren landscapes, but even among secret locations, this should come as a pleasant surprise. This hotel has created these beautiful glass igloos in the middle of a forest, ideal for viewing clear Northern nights and their dancing lights.

#3 Green Lake, Austria

During the winter, this valley is mostly a park with a small lake, but when spring arrives, the valley fills with the clearest of water, creating a fleeting underwater kingdom and one of the world’s great secret places.

#4 Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

None of the waterfalls in the world are as spectacular as those at Plitvice. Of course, I should say “series of waterfalls,” because this incredible natural ensemble is made up of 16 terraced limestone lakes with crystal clear water flowing from one to the next.

#5 Citadelle Laferriere, Haiti

This early 19th century fortress, perched atop the mountains of Northern Haiti, offers stunning views of the surrounding mountainous terrain as well as the not-too-distant Atlantic Ocean.

#6 Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Maldives

This underwater restaurant sits beneath the Indian Ocean and thrills visitors with everything from schools of colorful fish to graceful sharks, easily making it one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit.

#7 Dambulla Cave Temple

This temple complex, which dates back over two millennia, houses some of the most beautiful and intricately carved Buddhist statues and decorations in Sri Lanka, all spread out over five extraordinary caves, making it one of the world’s most unique secret places.

#8 Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Samarkand, one of the most amazing places to visit, weaves history, legend, and beauty together like a magical mirage. This city exemplifies the wonders of the Silk Road, with ancient mosques and the mausoleum of the famous Tamerlane, and is designated by UNESCO as the Crossroads of Culture.

#9 Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

From the towering red rocks that dot the landscape to the Desert Oaks, wildflowers, and sporadic pools of water that crisscross this stunning natural wonder, this semi-arid land creates a dazzling display for the senses.

#10 Al-Hijr Archeological Site, Saudi Arabia

While its northern neighbor and fellow Nabataean city, Petra, is far more well-known and visited, this beautiful site is made up of more than 100 elaborately carved tombs dating back over 2,000 years, making it one of the best secret vacation spots.

#11 Mons Klint, Denmark

Although the White Cliffs of Dover are more famous, there is every reason to believe that these Danish cliffs are far more beautiful. This is about as beautiful as it gets, with the pristine whiteness of the verdantly capped cliffs and the sparkling azure waters of the Baltic.

#12 The Dazu Rock Carvings, China

These extraordinary rock carvings, which stretch across the mountainous domain of Dazu County, pay homage to multiple religions, ranging from Buddhism to Taoism, and date back over 1,000 years.

#13 Socotra Island, Yemen

This archipelago, like Madagascar, broke away from the supercontinent Godwana and never looked back, becoming its own pocket of isolated biodiversity – so isolated, in fact, that many species are only found here.

#14 Ruins of San Ignacio Mini, Argentina

San Ignacio, built as a Jesuit mission in the early 17th century, lasted about two centuries before being destroyed by locals. The ruins are among several that stretch across Argentina and Brazil, and they are regarded as the best.

#15 Ruins of Volubilis, Morocco

The hauntingly beautiful basilica, with its graceful arches and rows of columns, dominates these ancient ruins, which date back over 2,000 years to the Phoenicians and later the Romans. Aside from this building complex, the area is also well-known for its exquisite Roman mosaics.

Found something amazing? Spread the wonder and share it with your friends! 🥰