Are you tired of "classic" destinations? You plan holidays but want to avoid the hordes of tourists? It's time to go out of the beaten tracks to discover places that are still unknown or unknown, which yet really worth the detour! Here are the twenty strokes of the Little Futé. Do not hesitate to enrich this list!
Sarajevo, Bosnian Pearl
Still tempered by the painful war that struck the former Yugoslavia in the 1990 s, Sarajevo was able to rise to become an enchanting city. In this multi-ethnic city, Muslims, Orthodox and Christian are together in peace. The churches therefore succeed mosques in a often contrasted decor which seeks to forget the traces of a painful past. As you will have understood, Sarajevo is living more than it is visiting.
The Principality of Liechtenstein, the Alpine Treasure
Nestled between Austria and Switzerland, this very small country is often the great forgotten traveler! Besides, did you know that his capital was Vaduz? However, this 160 m 2 territory is a real paradise for lovers of hiking or mountain biking. It is a luxuriant nature that awaits you, with its streams, mountains and lakes.
Albarracín, the breathtaking medieval city
In eastern Spain, south of Barcelona, is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe: Albarracín. Built on the flanks of a mountain, it is surrounded by red walls and houses suspended at 1,200 m above sea level. It is thanks to its cathedral, its towers and especially its narrow streets that the village is now part of the network of «most beautiful villages of Spain».
Reggio Calabria, the amazing calabria
If southern Italy is increasingly visited, Pudlia in Sicily, it is a region that escapes tourists: the Calabria. Reggio Calabria is the last town in the region and is the last city on the peninsula, at the end of the boot. Destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1908, the city was able to recover and enhance its territory. Its promenade along the sea was defined as «more beautiful km of Italy» by the writer Gabriele D 'Annunzio. The unique panorama on the Strait of Messina and Etna is breathtaking at sunset.
Albania and its Wild Riviera
We are familiar with the Italian Riviera, even more so the French Riviera, but why are they getting on its beaches while the Albanian Riviera has everything to seduce us? Between Vlora and Saranda, south of the country, there is still a wild coastline where fabulous beaches with transparent waters follow. On the road you will cross many coves that inspire bathing in an idyllic setting.
Kerguelen Islands, France from the end of the world
The Kerguelen Islands are part of the TAAF, the French and Antarctic lands. These overseas territories are still very poorly known for travelers, because relatively difficult access. Located at the gates of Antarctica, at the extreme south of the Indian Ocean, the Kerguelen Islands offer a unique, almost lunar landscape that will seduce adventurers seeking wild and wild land.
S são Tomé and Principe, unknown Africa
São Tomé and Principe is one of the smallest countries on the African continent. Often unknown - even unknown - travelers, this tiny archipelago offers wild and deserted beaches, crystal clear waters and lush nature. Moreover, we call São Tomé and Principe «chocolate island» as one of the first producers in the world of cocoa. In short, a small piece of paradise waiting only to be explored… Well, not too fast! Let us keep secrecy as long as possible!
Sartene, the Corsica of all Corsica
Merimée said that she was the «Corsica of the Corsican cities», so here we have to go to find the soul and the island culture. In the heart of the island, Sartene is located 300 m above sea level and securely attached to the rocky spur of Pitraghiu from the Middle Ages. The old town is a maze of very picturesque narrow streets and small shady squares where it is cool to refresh the summer.
Chefchaouen, this blue dream
Morocco is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Outside Marrakech or Agadir, do not hesitate to discover more typical villages such as Chefchaouen. Located in the northwest of the country, at the foot of the Kelaa and Meggou mountains, this village is distinguished by the blue colour of its walls. Its narrow streets and idyllic setting make it a charming and authentic city.
Colle di Val d 'Elsa, Secret Tuscany
Italy is beautiful. Tuscany is sublime. Did you ever think you'd been around the area? Know that the peninsula is all more astonishing than the usual tourist paths. This is the case of Colle di Val d 'Elsa. This charming little Tuscan village has nothing to envy its big sister: Siena. With fewer tourists, we fall even faster. The historic center, «Colle Alta», is a medieval jewel.
Isla del Sol, on the highest lake in the world
If you hear about Copacabana, you think about Brazil right away, don't you? Don't get me wrong! It is also a small Bolivian town from which you can reach Isla del Sol. This island is the largest in Lake Titicaca and is home to many pre-Columbian remains and white sand coves. Be careful, since April 2017, we can no longer access the north for internal conflicts
Montenegro, the hidden jewel of the Adriatic
Montenegro has everything to please! Independent since 2006, this young country is still spared from the major tourist flows. It offers an immersion in a preserved nature, for a stay between sea and mountains to discover a very rich heritage. Its medieval towns such as Koto and Budvar are remarkably well preserved and allow you to combine cultural discovery and relaxation on the beach
Algeria, a land to discover
Much less visited than the other Maghreb countries, Algeria nevertheless has a good number of exceptional historical sites. We are impressed by the incredibly well preserved Roman remains of the beautiful Djemila, in the middle of the mountains, or by the ruins of Tipasa, which reflect the importance of the city under the Roman Empire. To the delight of adventurers, Algeria is also home to the most mythical desert in the world: the Sahara
Galicia, Spain on the green side
Spain is a first-class tourist destination and welcomes a large number of visitors every year. Far from these great tourist flows, Galicia and its natural landscapes seduce lovers of greenery and tranquility. Facing the Atlantic, its rugged and windy coastline has often frightened sailors, so much so that it has been renamed "Coast of Death". It is also a land of folklore: the Carnival of Verin will give you the most beautiful example of this!
Minsk, mysterious and welcoming
Since February 2017, Belarus has been accessible without a visa for a stay of less than 5 days. So it's perfect for a city break or a stopover before reaching Russia. At first glance, Minsk shows an apparent austerity in its imposing Stalinist architecture. You have to enter the suburb of La Trinité to see its narrow streets and typical houses, and take part in its festive evenings to capture the atmosphere of this mysterious capital.
The Scilly Islands, the incredible England
With its fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters, the Scilly Islands may well blend into a Mediterranean landscape. Yet they are well located in England, 48 kilometres from Cornwall, in the Celtic Sea. Here, the richness of the seabed delights divers while hikers enjoy the preserved natural landscapes. A stopover at the Tresco Abbey Garden is necessary to admire the 20,000 species of tropical plants that are preserved there
Bratislava, along the Danube
Between Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic, Bratislava is often considered as a travel stopover. However, the Slovak capital alone is a prime destination! Its historic centre contains exceptional monuments such as the Gothic cathedral of Saint-Martin or its castle overlooking the Danube. We also like its festive nights and its many museums such as the Slovak National Gallery where the great names of national painting are exhibited
Leeuwarden, a cultural discovery
European Capital of Culture 2018, Leeuwarden has been in the spotlight since January. It is the capital of the Dutch province of Friesland and is surrounded by gentle meadows where cows graze quietly. Beware of this bucolic image, Leeuwarden is also a dynamic city with a rich heritage! Its Oldehove is the symbol of the city. This 16th century leaning tower is often compared to the famous tower of Pisa
Transylvania, in the heart of the Carpathians
Its picturesque atmosphere never ceases to awaken the soul of the man who made this Romanian region famous: Dracula. In the middle of the Carpathians, Transylvania's mountain landscapes form a sumptuous backdrop. Bran Castle, better known as Dracula Castle, is a good starting point to capture the atmosphere of the place. You should also visit Sighişoara, Sibiu and Braşov, medieval cities that are very well preserved
Belize, a tropical paradise
Open to the Caribbean Sea, Belize is home to one of the largest coral reefs in the world: it is the perfect destination for diving enthusiasts! 250 km of sublime coastlines are also available for those who prefer to laze on the beach. Still protected from mass tourism, the country has all the natural beauty to compete with the Bahamas. In terms of culture, we will discover the Mayan site Lamanai, in the middle of the jungle