If you have ever wanted to go somewhere just a little different, this list of some secret tourist destinations might help you find what you are looking for. Don’t follow the crowds to the usual destinations try one of these lesser known locations instead. You will be amazed what these top secret tourist destinations have to offer and how much fun you will have telling your family and friends about the exotically different vacation you have had.
1. TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA
Whilst Australia certainly isn’t one of the world’s secret tourist destinations, the island of Tasmania off the southern coast is. You will love the beautiful landscape of Tasmania. With its many national parks packed with unspoiled beauty you will have no problem finding something to see or to do. With vibrant and picturesque cities and towns, a strong sailing tradition and a very on-trend foodie scene, Tasmania is a charm.
2. THE PYRENEES
The Pyrenees serve as a natural border between Spain and France. This unspoilt location flourishes with an abundance of native flora and fauna and is recognised worldwide for its wild natural beauty. A visit here away from the hustle and bustle of life will put you on the path of relaxation. To explore the Pyrenees fully though could take a lifetime as there is just so much to see. Andorra, a tiny principality in the mountains, is one of Europe’s best kept secret destinations.
3. BARTOLOME ISLAND, GALAPAGOS
Bartolome Island is famous for Pinnacle Rock, a towering spearheaded obelisk that rises from the ocean’s edge and is the best known landmark in the Galapagos. Just east of the pinnacle is a perfectly crescent sandy beach that sea turtles use as a nesting site. You might also see the Galapagos penguins, the only penguins found north of the equator, not to mention sea lions and a multitude of tropical fish, even sharks. There is a pathway with boardwalks and stairs leading to Bartolome’s summit where you are rewarded with spectacular views of the island and nearby Santiago Island. It’s a little secret slice of paradise.
4. MANO DEL DESIERTO, CHILE
One of the little known secret destinations for tourists is “Mano Del Desierto.” This huge 11 meter tall sculpture of a human hand protrudes from the desert about 75 km south of the town of Antofagasta. It is the work of the Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrazabal and was built in the 1980s. It is so surprising to see as there is nothing else around but sand.
5. LEPTIS MAGNA, LIBYA
This is one of the only completely preserved Roman cities in the world. It is a great place to soak up the history of an ancient civilisation. Like a typical Roman city there is a gigantic Amphitheatre with a seating capacity for hundreds. Other sites to see are the Hadrianic Bath which has steps leading into these large rectangular pools and the Severan Basilica which is made of red stone. One of the great things about this being one of the lesser known tourist attractions is that there a fewer visitors than in places like Rome, Egypt and Caesarea – means you get to explore ancient ruins at your leisure.
6. WRANGELL-KLUANE WILDERNESS, ALASKA
This huge wilderness in Alaska is a wonderful place to visit. There is copious wildlife such as timber wolves, bear, caribou and moose to mention a few. Here you can hike, kayak, go white water rafting, mountain climbing or for something a little less strenuous, take a bush plane flight. A secret treasure in this busy world.
7. MOSES BRIDGE, NETHERLANDS
Have you ever wondered what it would have felt like to be Moses and walk through the parting in the Red Sea? Well wonder no more! In the Netherlands, they have a unique attraction, the Moses Bridge where you can feel what it would have been like. Created by RO and AD Structures Group and made completely out of waterproof wood, it lays like a trench through the water, parting it.
8. PANTANAL WETLANDS, BRAZIL
The Amazon and the magnificent cities of Rio and Brasilia are always quoted as being amazing places to visit, but one of the best and secret tourist destinations in Brazil is the Pantanal Wetlands – especially for wildlife lovers. The massive ponds and vast grasslands make wildlife viewing much easier than in the Amazon and this is reputedly the best place in the world to see jaguars.
9. GRUNER SEE, AUSTRIA
This amazing place is probably one of the lesser known tourist destinations because it only exists for part of the year. In winter, the Gruner See (Green Lake) is a shallow lake, often frozen over, surrounded by the gorgeous snow covered Alps. Come summer, however, the lake has been swelled by the flood waters of melted snow and ice, and in some parts the water is 30 feet deep. The summer lake becomes a diving playground and as well as seeing fish and water life, divers can swim past road signs, under bridges and past benches that are visible above ground on winter hikes.
10. TUAMOTU ISLANDS
It’s good that you’ve probably never heard of the Tuamotu Islands – that makes it one of the best secret tourist destinations. Part of French Polynesia, these islands are a massive series of atolls and it surely deserves the title paradise on earth. Who is going to love this place? Lovers of stunning beaches – absolutely. Divers and snorkelers – definitely. Completely unspoiled, uncrowded and unpolluted, the waters around the coral atolls are crystal clear and packed with tropical fish, sharks and rays.
If you’re looking for something a little different or off the beaten track for your next vacation, maybe some of these secret tourist destinations have inspired you?
