While travelers flock to Paris, Bali, and Rome, the world is filled with incredible yet overlooked destinations waiting to be discovered. These hidden gems offer stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable experiences—without the overwhelming crowds. If you’re looking for your next great adventure, here are seven underrated locations that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
1. Kotor, Montenegro – The Adriatic’s Best-Kept Secret
Montenegro may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of a European getaway, but Kotor is a must-visit for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Nestled between towering mountains and the deep blue Bay of Kotor, this medieval town is a fairytale come to life.
Wander through the Old Town’s labyrinth of narrow streets, where you’ll find hidden courtyards, centuries-old churches, and cozy cafés. One of the highlights is the San Giovanni Fortress, a challenging but rewarding hike that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the bay. For a different perspective, take a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, a picturesque artificial island with a fascinating history.
With its well-preserved medieval architecture and stunning natural surroundings, Kotor is a dream destination without the heavy tourist traffic of nearby Dubrovnik.
2. Salento, Colombia – Coffee, Culture, and Colorful Streets
While most visitors to Colombia head straight to Cartagena or Medellín, Salento is a true hidden paradise that offers a different kind of charm. This small town in the heart of the Coffee Triangle is surrounded by lush green hills and is famous for its world-class coffee farms.
Visitors can tour traditional coffee plantations, where they’ll learn about the coffee-making process from bean to cup—and, of course, taste some of the best coffee in the world. Beyond coffee, Salento is the gateway to the Valle de Cocora, home to the world's tallest palm trees. These sky-high wax palms, set against misty mountains, create a breathtaking and surreal landscape.
For a true local experience, head to the town square and try trout with plantains, a regional specialty, and challenge locals to a game of tejo, a traditional Colombian sport involving gunpowder-laced targets.
3. Luang Prabang, Laos – Southeast Asia’s Tranquil Treasure
Tucked away in the mountains of Laos, Luang Prabang is a cultural and spiritual haven. This UNESCO-listed town is where golden Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture, and stunning waterfalls come together to create a magical atmosphere.
One of the most unique experiences here is the almsgiving ceremony, where hundreds of saffron-robed monks walk the streets at dawn to receive offerings from locals and visitors. It’s a humbling and spiritual tradition that has remained unchanged for centuries.
For nature lovers, the Kuang Si Waterfalls offer turquoise-blue pools perfect for swimming, surrounded by lush jungle. If you’re up for a short trek, hike to the top of Mount Phousi for a breathtaking sunset view over the Mekong River.
Unlike its bustling Southeast Asian neighbors, Luang Prabang offers a serene and authentic travel experience—perfect for those looking to slow down and immerse themselves in local culture.
4. Faroe Islands – A Nordic Wonderland Off the Radar
Between Iceland and Norway lies the jaw-dropping beauty of the Faroe Islands—a remote Nordic paradise filled with dramatic cliffs, roaring waterfalls, and tiny grass-roofed villages.
For those who crave outdoor adventure, the hiking trails here are unparalleled. One of the most iconic hikes leads to Drangarnir, the stunning sea arch that juts out of the Atlantic Ocean. Another must-see is the Múlafossur Waterfall, which cascades straight into the sea from the cliffs of Gásadalur.
Unlike Iceland, which sees millions of visitors annually, the Faroe Islands remain blissfully untouched. You’ll often find yourself completely alone in some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Plus, with only about 50,000 residents, the warm hospitality of the Faroese people makes the experience even more special.
5. Matera, Italy – The Ancient City of Caves
Italy is packed with stunning cities, but Matera is one of the country’s most unique and underrated gems. Known as the "City of Caves," Matera’s ancient stone dwellings, or Sassi, have been continuously inhabited for over 9,000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world.
Visitors can explore these fascinating cave dwellings, which have now been transformed into museums, boutique hotels, and even Michelin-starred restaurants. The city itself is a maze of winding alleys, hidden staircases, and stone churches carved directly into the cliffs.
For an unforgettable stay, book a cave hotel and enjoy a candlelit dinner in a centuries-old setting. While Matera has been gaining recognition, it still remains far less crowded than Florence or Venice, offering an authentic and enchanting Italian experience.
6. Raja Ampat, Indonesia – The Last Paradise on Earth
If you think Bali has the best beaches in Indonesia, think again. Raja Ampat is a remote archipelago with crystal-clear waters, lush islands, and some of the most biodiverse marine life on the planet.
Often referred to as the "Last Paradise on Earth," Raja Ampat is a diver’s dream. Its coral reefs host more marine species than anywhere else on the planet, including manta rays, sea turtles, and even rare walking sharks.
Even if you’re not into diving, the beauty of Raja Ampat is unmatched. Picture pristine, empty beaches, limestone karsts rising from turquoise waters, and breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in shades of pink and orange.
It’s not the easiest place to reach, but that’s part of its charm—this paradise remains unspoiled and uncrowded, making it a once-in-a-lifetime destination.
7. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic – A Fairytale Town Frozen in Time
Prague may get all the attention, but Český Krumlov is where the magic truly happens. This UNESCO-listed town looks like something straight out of a storybook, with its cobblestone streets, charming bridges, and a stunning 13th-century castle overlooking the Vltava River.
Take a rafting trip down the river, wander through medieval streets lined with pastel-colored houses, and explore the castle, which features one of the last remaining Baroque theaters in the world.
At night, when the day-trippers leave, Český Krumlov transforms into an even more magical setting, with lantern-lit streets and cozy taverns offering traditional Czech cuisine and locally brewed beer.
Time to Discover the Undiscovered.
Why follow the crowds when you can have these breathtaking destinations (almost) to yourself? Whether you’re seeking history, adventure, or natural wonders, these underrated locations prove that the world is full of surprises.
