TOP 10 Magical Places Almost Nobody Knows About, but Everyone Should See

I’ve always liked discovering and exploring new places.

I get a buzz from jumping in a car early on a Saturday morning, armed only with a map and a packed lunch, finding a deserted place and simply enjoying the view.

Of course, it’s even better to explore places outside your own country’s borders.

Here’s a list of 10 places almost nobody knows about. Don’t let that put you off though – they’re places you should definitely aim to visit during your lifetime.

My personal favourite is number 6 … magical.

1. Rainbow Mountains: China

First on our list are the stunning rainbow mountains of North West China. Located within the Zhangye Danxia Geopark in Gansu province, these geological formations are composed of colourful layers of sandstone and minerals and are over 24 million years old. When viewing this amazing spectacle, you can marvel at the glorious colours (which resemble the scene from a childhood storybook) and savour the chance for some great photography. While in the vicinity also ensure you visit Bingdou Danxia Landform Scenery area which is adjacent to the Rainbow Mountains. Although less popular with tourists the area has a charm all its own, with a diversity of intriguing landform shapes such as tall columns and stone pillars.

2. Monastery Of Santa Maria: Tropea Italy

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a medieval castle which sits atop a rocky cliff? This fairy-tale like scenario can be experienced by visiting Italy’s “Coast of the Gods” which is a charming seaside town on the Calabrian coast. The ancient monastery with its winding stone path offers visitors a sweeping view of the seaside town of Tropea from its top windows. The ocean water is azure blue and there are pristine beaches and creamy white sand as far as the eye can see. The views from the monastery in the daytime are also breathtaking, even more so at night when the castle is up in lights. The garden at the back of the church is also very quaint and one can purchase refreshments and souvenirs from a small on-site store.

3. The Great Blue Hole – Belize

The name whilst perfectly self explanatory, doesn’t do it justice.  The great blue hole is the world’s largest sea water hole located in the coast of Belize in Central America. Known for its circular shape and strikingly deep blue colour, the Great Blue Hole is a 1,000-foot-wide sinkhole in the middle of Belize’s Lighthouse Reef. It is a world heritage site protected by Belize Audubon Society and is one of the bucket list ideas of any avid scuba divers list.

4. Antelope Canyon – Arizona

Antelope Canyon is the world’s most photographed slot canyon. Located in the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park you can only visit with an authorized tour guide. It is worth the effort of arranging a tour to see this truly amazing hidden wonder.

5. Ashikaga Flower Park – Japan

Ashikaga’s wisteria trees bloom brilliantly for only a few weeks every spring, turning the park into a vision of pastel pinks and purples. If timing allows try and align your trip for spring – you absolutely won’t regret it.

6. Waitomo Glow-worm Caves – New Zealand.

The Waitomo Glow-worm Caves house a species of glow-worm that can only be found in New Zealand. These stunning caves, filled with glow-worms, will take your breath away. A tourist attraction since the 1880s, the caves remain a source of wonderment for visitors.

7. Islas Marietas, off the western Mexican coast

Visit two of the most iconic coastal locations along the Banderas Bay during this half-day, two-for-one shared excursion from Puerto Vallarta. First, enjoy free time to swim or sunbathe along stunning Playa del Amor. Then head to the Marietas Islands for the chance to spot birds and snorkel in the crystalline waters. Snorkeling gear, admission fees, and a picnic lunch are all included.

8. Huacachina Oasis, Peru

The Huacachina Oasis is the only natural oasis in South America and is located just 5 hours away from Lima and 15 minutes away from the city of Ica, in southern Peru. Home to the biggest sand dunes in the continent, Huacachina is a MUST when traveling Peru! It’s the perfect place to do the famous sandboarding and dune buggy tour, or enjoy other variety of tours in the town or nearby.

9. Isola Bella island, Lake Maggiore, Italy

Much of the island is occupied by Palazzo Borromeo and its gardens, from the seventeenth-century. The palace is characterized by a T-shaped plan and welcomes visitors with its imposing 80-meter façade. The visit offers different scenographic environments: the Hall of Honor, which is spread over two floors and with a domed roof, is beautiful, as is the enchanting ballroom.

Noteworthy is the Gallery of tapestries, and even more the Gallery of paintings (or of General Berthier, from the name of the collector) which can count on 130 canvases of the highest value, with works by Raffaello, Tiziano, Correggio and Guido Reni. On the ground floor, finally, one is enchanted by the “caves”, that is the rooms entirely covered with black and white stones, shells and splinters of tuff.

In short: do you want to know what to see at Isola Bella on Lago Maggiore? You start from Palazzo Borromeo to take a dip between nature and art.

10. Poço da Alagoinha, the Portuguese island of Flores

Nestled in the heart of the Azores, Flores Island is often lauded as a natural masterpiece. This untouched Eden is brimming with breathtaking waterfalls that cascade into emerald pools, creating a spectacle that is both dazzling and enchanting. Aptly named ‘Flowers’, Flores Island more than lives up to its name, serving as nature’s own meticulously curated garden. So, let’s embark on an adventure and explore the myriad attractions this island has to offer during your vacation in the Azores. From its verdant landscapes to the crystalline waters, each corner of Flores Island offers a unique experience, promising an unforgettable journey amid nature’s grandeur.