Are you tired of lifting for hours under the scorching sun just to take a photo of the Eiffel Tower? Do you dream of a holiday far from the hordes of tourists with selfie stick? We have good news for you: there are hidden paradises that offer the same charm of the most popular destinations, but without the crowds. Here are the secret alternatives recommended by travel experts who will make you live an authentic experience, also saving on the wallet.
The alternative to Iceland: the Faroe Islands
Iceland has become the victim of its own success, with millions of tourists who invade its views every year to photograph the northern lights. But there is a more remote, spectacular and uncontaminated alternative: the Faroe Islands.
This autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark still remains wild and not very popular, offering that true solitude that is now only a memory in Iceland. Here you can immerse yourself in nature in an almost total isolation, with cliffs overlooking the sea, emerald green mountains and fjords that dive directly into the Atlantic. The Mulafossur waterfall, which falls directly into the ocean, is just one of the natural wonders that is worth seeing at least once in life.
Instead of Barcelona: Girona
While in Barcelona the residents protest against Overurism with water pistols and the authorities limit short rents, there is a city in the north-eastern corner of Spain that deserves all your attention: Girona.
If a city is defined by its monuments, green spaces, museums, cultural offer and gastronomic experiences, then Girona is the perfect destination. The traditional colorful houses that are reflected in the river and the majestic Gothic cathedral create a unique atmosphere that conquers at first glance. The advantage? It is decidedly cheaper than Barcelona, its perfectly preserved medieval architecture will make you feel like in an episode of the throne of swords – not surprisingly, some scenes have been shot right here!
The new Provence: Transylvania
Do you dream of the lavender fields and the picturesque villages of Provence? Instead, it focuses on Transylvania, in Romania. This region offers sweet hills and medieval villages just like the French countryside, but with a much wilder and more authentic atmosphere.
Transylvania has a much more uncontaminated air, with the carpathy mountains offering a spectacular background. And that’s not all: you can visit it by spending a fraction of how much you would spend in Provence, enjoying medieval castles of fairy tale, genuine meals at zero kilometer and excellent local wines that have nothing to envy to the famous French red.
Beyond the Maldives: Fuerteventura
The crystal clear waters of the Maldives seem to come out of a screen, but it is not the only place in the world with dreamy beaches. For those looking for sun and relaxation on the sand, Fuerteventura is perfect, it is the second largest island of the Canaries.
Its soft white sandy beaches and mild climate all year round have made this island an ideal destination for those who want to tan or ride the waves on a surfboard. Playa de Morro Jable, with its green palm trees and turquoise water, has nothing to envy to the Maldivian atolls, but with a decidedly more accessible cost and without the jetlag.
The alternative to Machu Picchu: Ciudad Perdida
The Machu Picchu became so popular that the Ministry of Culture of Peru had to limit the number of daily visitors. Instead of franting to book with months in advance, an alternative idea could be Ciudad forgidated in Colombia.
Ciudad Perdida attracts much less crazy thanks to its relative inaccessibility: it can only be reached with a trekking in the jungle of several days. This ancient archaeological site of the Machu Picchu of about 650 years, offers a more authentic and adventurous experience, making it one of the latest truly remote archaeological sites in the world.
The effort will be widely rewarded by the emotion of discovering a place where time seems to have stopped, away from the beaten paths of mass tourism.
The next time you plan a holiday, consider these alternatives less known but equally fascinating. Not only will you avoid crazy and stress, but you will also contribute to more sustainable tourism, distributing tourist flows in less overcrowded places.
And then, let’s face it: there is something magical in being among the first to discover a jewel hidden before it becomes the next trend destination on Instagram
