A hidden gem for travelers is a place not yet explored by many but certainly worth visiting. Below, we’ve listed five places we’d recommend to anyone looking to vacation off the beaten path.
Bulgaria has emerged as Europe’s latest tourist destination and has long been a hidden gem. It features one-of-a-kind topography that includes snow-capped mountains in the west and south as well as great white-sand beaches along the eastern coast. Around 70 percent of tourists going to Bulgaria flock to the Black Sea coast and 60 percent of its bed capacity is concentrated on the tourist resorts near the sea. Tourists can enjoy various activities in the beach resorts like fishing, water skiing, surfing, diving and even underwater archaeology. Yachting can be experienced in the ports of Balchik, Varna, Nessebar and Bourgas. Bulgaria is also rich in natural mineral water springs and has a total of 102 balneology, mud-healing and climatic resorts.
Essaouira in Morocco is the site of the most famous beach resort along the Atlantic Coast. This old town dating back in the 18th century has exquisite architecture and a laid-back feel. Did you know that the place was a favorite refuge of rockstars Jimi Hendrix and Cat Stevens in the 1960s and 1970s? Today, it is frequented by surfers and windsurfers from the different parts of the world because of its strong winds and huge waves. After a dip in the waters, you can stroll around and visit art galleries and wood workshops or chat with fishermen and craftsmen on the streets.
The areas of Nefta, Kebili and Douz in southwestern Tunisia have been popular among desert travelers. These so-called oases are situated in the Sahara desert. Nefta has hundreds of springs that allowed the growth of palm and fruit trees. Kebili, the largest oasis, is composed of a group of villages. Douz is known as the “gateway of the Sahara” where nomads trade their goods like camels, blankets and silver jewelry during the weekly “market day” every Thursday. For an ultimate desert experience, some tourist agencies offer camel safaris and sunset camel rides.
Cinque Terre is Italy’s hidden gem also known as the Italian Riviera’s crowning glory. Cinque Terre meaning five lands has five scenic fishing villages situated on a hill. They offer some rare species of flora and fauna as well as awesome views of the sea and hillsides. The villages can be reached by train and ferry. The tranquility of Cinque Terre has remained despite its growing popularity.
The Emerald Sea of British Columbia in Canada is worth discovering. It has been ranked by expert scuba divers including the late Jacques Cousteau as one of the world’s best dive sites. Winter is said to be the best time to explore the Emerald Sea when you can clearly see the vibrant life underwater up to 150 feet. British Columbia’s other top dive sites include the Rivtow Lion, the waters off Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, God’s Pocket Provincial Park and the Sunshine Coast’s Saltery Bay Provincial Park where Canada’s first underwater statue called the “Emerald princess” is located.