You’re a travel bug who has been to many famous natural landscapes. OR you’re just starting to travel and living in the nature. Either way, for anyone wanting some quiet time out in the wild, a list of underrated nature spots is a goldmine. Because not-so-crowded natural escapades are the doorway to a calming otherworldly, ethereal destinations like no other. Also, not to say that you should skip the popular tourist spots, but you should experience it all. And we love a good balance, don’t we?
Now, read the list, book your flights and back your bags! Never the other way around… 😀
Chile
This South American country is blessed with diverse nature wealth. If you go up the north, you’d find a fresh oasis in the middle of sand mountains. And to the south, the temperature drops as you are embraced by the dense forests.
The breathtaking Atacama Desert is where you could go on Dune hikes, bike rides, hot spring baths, magical sunset. And get lost in the beauty of the pristine skies in South America. Also, do you know there is almost no rainfall in this part of the country, so this dessert kind of looks like Mars.
Then, let’s say you love the beaches and want a summer holiday here, you can visit the central zone. The cool blue waters along with the company of authentic seafood is the best thing you can ask for.
While you’re there, don’t forget about the mesmerizing 8th wonder of the world, Torres del Paine National Park. It’s so surreal with the rocky mountains, turquoise lakes and it’ll feel like wandering the middle of nowhere. That’s kind of a best feeling ever!
Besides these spots, the marble chapes along the General Carrera is one the great picturesque and underrated nature spots to visit. Also, travel to the south to visit Tierra del Fuego aka the land of fire and ice. It’s where you could hike and trek through the indescribable natural beauty during hotter months. And during winter, the temperature drops to zero, so get cosy with the glaciers. Also, the wildlife you’d witness here is quite fascinating too.
Slovenia
Another nature lover’s paradise and this Central European country is green, clean and is ready to welcome you with an eco-friendly system.
If you’re into soothing, less-rough water expeditions, Slovenia is the place to be with around 27,000km of water bodies like lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Lake Bled has a stunning island to which you could arrive in a pletna boat. There, you could stroll against the beauty of the misty Julian Aps and gaze into the pretty glacial lake.
Following that, the Triglav National Park is the next best thing. It’s untouched, preserved and is home to 7,000 animal and 1,600 plant species. And if you’re into caves, check out the Škocjan Caves, this UNESCO site has some of the largest underground sites in the world. The tours here at this majestic cave will take you through rocky paths, terrifying slender bridges, lush greenery and walks along the gorgeous Reka river.
Romania
Located in the coastline along the Black Sea, Romania has a lot to offer as one of the underrated nature spots. Here, you can have one of the most adventurous roadtrips of your life in Transfăgărășan. Just like its name, it’s terrain will have you startled yet so amused. All thanks to its maze-like structure. Also, the Top Gear presenter, Jeremy Clarkson, called it ‘the best road in the world’.
And if you’re an expert hiker, you must head to Vârful Omu for the ideal panoramic views! Then, let’s say you want to feel you’re in a different planet, check out the muddy volcanoes in Vulcanii Noroioși. Afterwards, take a plunge into the waterfalls at the Bigar Waterfalls, which look like an oil painting. It’s the prettiness of the moss-covered rocks, hundreds of mini falls and the way it reaches the glass-like Mina River. *chef’s kiss*
Spain
Newsflash for those who thought Spain is just a party hotspot. Well, you could have it all here. Let’s say you just want to be surrounded by something relaxing and uniqe, head to the the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia. This has so many secluded and underrated nature spots away from the crowded beaches and loud towns. And here you’d find many quiet medieval towns filled with local food and cultural attractions.
The Castellfollit de la Roca is a scenic village mounted on a ciffside at the meeting point of two rivers. That’s a perfect atmosphere to clear your mind. And it’s quite refreshing to watch volcanic-stone houses from the middle ages and a wonders like the 11th-century Sant Salvador Church clings to the cliff edge.
Botswana
You may have heard gem exporters talk about this African land. Little do so many know that this is a gemstone for any and all safari lovers. Currently, this is one of the bests in the world yet not many people talk about it.
You’d find well-preserved national parks and reserves with a diverse range of unique animals and birds including the big five (the African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, lion and rhinoceros). Also, there are no fences, just an open camp where you could witness the raw wildlife experience, within safe guidelines, of course. And the reserves are so big, you won’t be queuing anywhere so it will be just like a thrilling jungle adventure!
Mongolia
It’s a big country and one of the least crowded places on earth. Therefore, its empty-looking landscapes are perfect for those looking for some solitude in nature. Also, one of the main livelihoods revolve around farming so you’d find many steppes, mountain forests, and even deserts. Including the picturesque Gobi Desert, ragged wild mountains and clear lakes. What a great place to get lost in nature!
And take the experience one level ahead by exploring sites related to Chinggis Khan, staying with nomadic families in their traditional ger tents, and horse riding. Another important part of visiting Mongolio is the biodiversity—you will come across around 136 species of mammal, more than 500 species of birds, 76 species of fish, 8 types’ amphibians and 22 reptiles. And even close to 1000 species of rare plants. This list includes endangered mammals are the Gobi bear, Mongolian Argali sheep, ibex, Snow Leopards, wolves, antelopes, wild horses and black tailed gazelles.
Vietnam
A Southeast Asian treasure for those who are looking to travel to underrated nature spots on a budget. You will forget that the rest of the world exists with its cloud forests, jungles, limestone hills, and wetlands. Some of the dreamy destinations include the UNESCO sites such as Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Hoi An Ancient Town.
Imagine staring into the ocean from one of the hilly islands of Ha Long Bay and watching your worries fade away. Or even a tour at Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park means hiking, underground camping and relaxing by the river and more.
New Caledonia
This is a French territory that doesn’t fall under Europe. The biodiversity hotspot of New Calendonia has been around for many millions of years and here you’d find 20 endemic bird species, including the unique Kagu. The beautiful lagoon around New Caledonia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and if you’re thinking of a world-class snorkeling experience, you’d love it here.
Also, the beaches here are incomparable; the sandy shores that feel soft as flour, the calming cobalt blue lagoon and emerald greenery. From families, honyemooners to solo travellers, everyone would find this island as one of the rarest, underrated nature spots. There’s something refreshing in every corner with the deserts in the north, grassy plains on the west coast and the dense forests on the east coast.
Taiwan
70% of Taiwan is covered with dense forests and massive mountains, including hiking-friendly cliffs that are high as 30m. Therefore, there are several spots to engage in cliff diving or rock climbing. For instance, Longdong is a large bay, you could so much including snorkeling, scuba diving, rock climbing, hiking. Or even go for a relaxing dip at the rocky coastline or waterfall. Also, proceed with caution as the water can be rough and there are rocks are everywhere.
Another place to hike here is the Taroko Gorge, aka the Grand Canyon of Taiwan and snowy Snow Mountain during Jan-Feb. Besides the mountain exploring, you could also go kayaking in Hualien or cycling in remote places like Orchid Island. Also, you could experiences one of the rarest saltwater hot springs in the world here at Green Island!
Scotland
If you’re thinking of somewhere colder and with a diverse range of natural landscapes, consider Scotland. The Three Sisters Mountains is a nice less-crowded geographical wonder to get carried away by. They are known to be formed millions of years ago from sedimentary and volcanic strata.
Then, Fingal’s Cave is one of the mindblowing and underrated nature spots. Here you could cruise, spot puffins and listen to the unique acoustics echoing from the cave. Then, feel like you’re on a private beach while at Luskentyre Sands. It’s quiet, stunning and is elevated with the backdrop of Norris Hills. Moreover, you could go stargazing at one of the darkest places in the world, Galloway Forest Park. Speaking of colour, visit Lochan Uaine for emerald-tinted waters and the icy-brown snowy wilderness of Ranooch Moor.
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