In a world where Instagram-famous landmarks draw millions of visitors annually, there's something magical about discovering places that haven't yet made it to most travelers' bucket lists. These hidden gems offer authentic experiences, meaningful cultural exchanges, and the rare joy of exploration without the crowds. While overtourism threatens the character and sustainability of many popular destinations, these underrated treasures provide a glimpse into what travel used to be—and what it still can be when we venture beyond the familiar. Join us as we explore seven remarkable places that deserve much more attention than they currently receive.
Comporta, Portugal: Europe's Best-Kept Coastal Secret
Marrakech:
Just an hour south of Lisbon lies Comporta, a stretch of pristine coastline that locals have managed to keep relatively secret from international tourists. Unlike the Algarve's developed resorts, Comporta offers miles of untouched white sand beaches backed by wind-swept dunes and pine forests. The region maintains its authentic charm with traditional thatched-roof houses, working rice fields, and a laid-back atmosphere that feels worlds away from Portugal's tourist centers.
Fez:
The area has attracted a discerning crowd of designers, artists, and celebrities seeking privacy, resulting in a handful of stylish yet understated boutique accommodations and restaurants. Visitors can spend days exploring the beaches, horseback riding through the nature reserve, or sampling fresh seafood in simple beachside restaurants where fishermen deliver the catch directly from their boats. Despite its growing popularity among in-the-know Europeans, Comporta remains blissfully uncrowded, especially outside the peak summer months.
Chefchaouen:
Famous for its blue-washed buildings and laid-back atmosphere.
Svaneti, Georgia: Time-Capsule Villages in the Caucasus
To truly experience Morocco, dive into its rich culture. Here are some highlights:
Culinary Classes:
Nestled high in Georgia's Caucasus Mountains, the remote region of Svaneti feels like stepping back several centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its medieval stone tower houses (koshkebi) that rise dramatically against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. These defensive structures, built between the 9th and 13th centuries, protected local families during the region's tumultuous history and stand today as remarkable examples of mountain architecture.
Music Festivals:
The journey to Svaneti is part of the adventure—winding mountain roads lead to villages where traditions remain largely unchanged for generations. The main settlement, Mestia, serves as a gateway to higher, more isolated communities like Ushguli, one of Europe's highest continuously inhabited settlements at 2,100 meters. Hiking between these villages offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Europe, with glaciers, wildflower meadows, and pristine forests. Despite Georgia's growing tourism industry, Svaneti's remoteness has preserved both its cultural authenticity and natural beauty.
Artisanal Workshops:
Participate in pottery, leatherwork, or carpet weaving workshops.
Kep, Cambodia: The Riviera's Elegant Ruins
Plan your visit around one of Morocco's vibrant festivals to experience the culture at its best:
Before Cambodia's civil war, the seaside town of Kep was the glamorous weekend retreat for French colonials and Cambodian elite—the St. Tropez of Southeast Asia. Today, it offers something uniquely atmospheric:
jungle-reclaimed modernist villas from the 1960s stand as haunting reminders of the country's cosmopolitan past, while a revitalized food scene and developing hospitality sector signal its quiet renaissance.
Fez Festival of World Sacred Music:
Unlike the party beaches of Sihanoukville or the tourist-filled streets of Siem Reap, Kep moves at a gentler pace. The town is famous for its fresh crab market, where the day's catch is prepared with local Kampot pepper in simple waterfront restaurants. Nearby, Rabbit Island offers rustic beach huts and swimmable shores without development, while Kep National Park provides jungle hiking trails with sweeping ocean views. With most travelers bypassing Kep for more famous Cambodian destinations, visitors can experience an authentic slice of coastal Cambodian life that feels surprisingly untouched by mass tourism.
Gnaoua World Music Festival:
An annual event in Essaouira that blends traditional Gnaoua music with international genres.
Guanajuato, Mexico: A Kaleidoscope of Colonial Splendor
Traveling sustainably ensures that Morocco's beauty is preserved for future generations. Here are some tips:
- While San Miguel de Allende receives international acclaim, neighboring Guanajuato remains relatively under-visited by foreign tourists despite its equal—if not superior—beauty. Built into a narrow valley using wealth from colonial silver mines, this UNESCO-listed city is a labyrinth of colorful buildings, winding alleyways, and underground tunnels originally built to prevent flooding but now serving as roads.
- The city's unique topography means many streets are too narrow for cars, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment where plazas buzz with activity and street musicians serenade passersby. Guanajuato's cultural offerings are exceptional: the annual Cervantino Festival draws artists from around the world, the mummy museum offers a macabre glimpse into local history, and the birthplace of artist Diego Rivera has been preserved as a museum. Despite these attractions and its picture-perfect appearance, Guanajuato maintains an authentic atmosphere where everyday Mexican life continues around the tourists, rather than catering exclusively to them.
These seven destinations represent just a sampling of the extraordinary places that remain relatively undiscovered by mass tourism. Their obscurity is both their charm and their protection—allowing visitors to experience authentic cultures, pristine environments, and the true spirit of adventure that originally inspired many of us to travel. As responsible travelers, we can help preserve these hidden gems by visiting respectfully, supporting local businesses, and perhaps keeping our favorite discoveries just a little bit secret. After all, some places are special precisely because not everyone goes there.