As the world once again opens up its doors, tonnes of travellers are looking for the familiar thrill that can only be found in popular tourist destinations. However, for people who, like us, enjoy going off the beaten route, there are a lot of places which are underrated and hidden treasures that are just waiting to be discovered. Our selection of the top 10 underrated destinations for 2023 includes places that provide remarkable and one-of-a-kind experiences without the usual hustle and bustle associated with tourist hotspots.
Table of Contents
1. Trabzon, Türkiye:
Located on the shore of the Black Sea, Trabzon is a rare gem thanks to the harmonious way in which it combines history and environment. I have to say it is my favourite city in Turkey!
Uzungöl, about an hour’s drive from Trabzon is an extremely beautiful lake surrounded by verdant woodlands, and it’s a must visit place, perfect to relax and take a break! The city offers a genuine taste of Turkiye at its markets and pristine beaches. Turkiye is popular tourist country but most travellers stay close to Istanbul while Trabzon is overlooked. One of the most peaceful cities and an underrated destination!
2. Salento, Colombia:
Salento is a lovely village located beyond the bustling streets of Medellin and Bogota. It is flanked by coffee farms and the towering wax palm trees of Cocora Valley. Another underrated destination that should be on your bucket list!
3. Azerbaijan:
If you’re planning to go to Azerbaijan, you can take day trips from Baku to Gabala or Shahdag, beautiful mountainous areas with lots to do and explore
4. Georgia:
5. Sulawesi, Indonesia:
Sulawesi is at times overshadowed by its neighbouring islands of Bali and Java; nonetheless, this island is home to a variety of ecosystems, including the old Torajan culture that may be found in its hills. When planning a trip to Bali make sure to add a few days to your itinerary for this overlooked and underrated destination!
6. Faroe Islands, Denmark:
Denmark is famous for it unique and colourful cities but underrated Island is not known by many! The Faroe Islands are a group of islands that are found in the North Atlantic Ocean between Norway and Iceland. They are known for their stunning scenery, which include towering cliffs, flowing waterfalls, and tiny coastal communities.
7. Kyrgyzstan:
Those who are eager to explore will find that Kyrgyzstan offers an unrivalled travelling experience thanks to its nomadic customs, untouched alpine lakes, and overnight stays in yurts and a lot more! An amazing and again underrated country in the central Asia that has so much to offer!
8. Bhutan:
Bhutan is a hidden treasure that receives a very low number of tourists while being famous for its Gross National Happiness index. When planning a trip to India or Nepal you can extend your plan to Bhutan as well and explore this underrated destination. The gorgeous Himalayas, several magnificent old monasteries, and learn about the region’s rich culture.
9. Valbona Valley, Albania:
Nestled in the Albanian Alps, Valbona Valley, another greatly underrated destination boasts stunning mountainous landscapes. Relatively untouched by mainstream tourism, it’s a haven for hikers and nature lovers.
10. Pakistan:
One of the most underrated destinations, Pakistan has unmatched natural beauty and a rich cultural legacy. It promises adventure and discovery from the Karakoram Range’s towering peaks and Hunza Valley’s fairy-tale grandeur to Lahore’s mediaeval alleyways and Mohenjo-daro’s ancient monuments. Pakistan is a hidden jewel in Asia with the best hospitality, delicious food, and a rich culture. While you’re in Pakistan don’t forget to try Biryani and have lots of chai!
To conclude, these top 10 underrated destinations are not the ones that receive millions of tourists but offer great experiences, hospitality, landscape, adventure, culture and not to mention absolutely awesome food!
Discovering new places is one of the best parts of travelling. Although well-known attractions are well-known for a reason, there is a special kind of excitement in finding hidden gems. As 2023 progresses, you might want to think about switching up your typical destinations for some of these lesser-known underrated destinations.
You will not only find that there are less people there, but you will also have an experience that is truly unique and will create memories that will last a life