At a time when social media has placed many of our most treasured destinations under siege, as tourists pour into beaches or cities at their recommendation only for the special place they discovered to fade into obscurity one traveler seeks authenticity. These underestimated places allow us to experience traditional lifestyles and history, authentic landscapes rarely touched by mass tourism. But each scoop is a deeper, more personal dive into what remote villages, long-lost ancient ruins or resplendent natural landscapes have to share and the payoff for venturing off the beaten path just can’t taste much better.
This story delves into some hidden cultural gems that will help you find the real soul of a place fold by
ever-charming fold. And for those who prefer to experience life on the land, we even throw in a touch of rural tourism by tractor (yes really) because when it comes to agritourism rental rides can be part of an authentic agricultural exploration prostitution was once called back then.
Turning to Italy, when someone says the name of this country in three cities they probably think: of Rome, Venice, and Florence. But in the southern region of Basilicata is Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases human civilization from long before. Famous for its “Sassi” cave dwellings, which turn homes and churches carved into the rock of limestone making up a maze that stretches back to Paleolithic times.
Because of this alone, Matera is largely ignored by the average tourist; a characteristic that integrates flawlessly with its ancient history to make it one of Italy’s communities most in touch with old ways. Perambulating through the warren of alleyways in Matera is like stepping back into history. The spectacular people can visit caves, underground cisterns, and medieval churches retaining their rustic appeal.
These are some of the cave hotels where you can stay and wonder what makes Matera magical. George Town is a hidden gem, its slow pace allows you to get attached to daily local life so if you are an authentic travel seeker this place should be one of your party.
2. The Forgotten City- Pingyao, China
China: As a huge nation it has so many iconic and splendid places like The Great Wall or Forbidden City. But Pingyao, nestled in the hills of Shanxi Province is still mostly untouched by mass tourism. Known as an ancient fortified city, Pingyao retains its life from the Ming and Qing dynasties with few changes in the laborious architecture of residential houses, plus a traditional layout by an intelligent designer who built a feng-shui town here 2800 years ago.
Walking the streets of Pingyao is like stepping into a living museum. Narrow alleys are adorned with red lanterns, traditional Chinese teahouses beckon you for a calm drink and local artists sell their handmade wares. The walls that once defended the city from invaders now give tourists a great observation point to look out over this lovely destination.
Although this is similar to many tourist cities Pingyao has a more authentic feel. The residents are proud of the culture, and guests feel more like family than just another number. This is a hidden gem for those interested in understanding part of the historical cultural tapestry that China has to offer.
3. Gjirokastër, Albania The Stone City
Albania has frequently been overlooked by its more famous European cousins and is sadly one of the best-kept secrets for those seeking cultural tourism. Gjirokastër is also called the city of stone and is a perfect hidden gem that can give you an idea about Balkan history in terms of building style.
Gjirokastër is a stunning tourist town sitting on the side of a mountain with striking stone houses, which were built during Ottoman Rule and set it apart from many other towns in Albania. The fortress dominating the horizon of this city offers panoramic views over Drina Valley. Explore cobbled streets, browse through local museums, and learn about the city as it is linked to a part of Albania´s national history – perfect for history buffs.
One of the important parts of real travel is living locally. The locals from Gjirokastër are famous for their warm-heartedness and have been known to invite strangers into their homes for traditional meals. If you are visiting historical sites in the city or just enjoying a relaxed life, Gjirokastër has an atmosphere to present exactly everything from culture.
4. Siwa Oasis, Egypt – An Egyptian Desert Gallery
Most travelers have the Pyramids of Giza and the crowded streets of Cairo on their minds when they think about Egypt. But while they scarcely feel relaxed, you can take their word for it that Siwa Oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert near the Libyan border is a profoundly quiet and historic place. This remote oasis is the historic home of the Berber people, their traditions, and their simple way of life surviving for hundreds and thousands more.
The town of Siwa Oasis is famous for its unique mud-brick architecture, verdant palm groves, and crystal-clear springs. There are also remnants of the ancient world, probably most famously the Temple of Oracle for Amun where Alexander the Great consulted an oracle. Edit: The oasis is home to the Great Sand Sea offering some of the world’s finest sandboarding as well as natural hot springs.
That is the thing that makes Siwa different. Most importantly for modern travelers, the town has not been inundated with tourism and visitors can experience traditional Berber daily life. Siwa Oasis is a hidden matation worth checking if you want to experience a peaceful place, away from tourists.
5. Exploring the Rural Agencyscape with a Tractor
Although most people think of tractors as solely farm equipment, they actually work very well in helping visitors experience the countryside and many rural offerings. By contrast, in parts of the world where cultivation is at the very heart of local life as across India’s vast plains; a more singular means to link land and people is tractor tours.
Riding a tractor through the rice paddies of Vietnam or vineyards in Tuscany Image by Sean P on Flickr These tours offer an opportunity to discover traditional farming, a wealth of fresh produce, and the daily life within rural communities. Those travelers that take on these experiences often leave with a new-found gratitude for the bone-breaking work, and dedication it takes (for many villages their very lifeblood) in order to keep the land tended.
Punjab, India In places such as Punjab in northern India where tractors roam and tractor tours give travelers a glimpse of the techniques used to cultivate this fertile land long before Mughal invaders discovered that it was one of those few regions blessed by Mother Nature with soil soft enough to grow rice. Ride through Sitting Gulley Paddock where local farmers guide you through their crops and the ups, and downs pride of growing these products. This is one of those rare moments that builds a bridge to the land, a way into culture and life very few standard tourist activities afford.
6. Kotor, Refined the gem of Adriatic
Kotor is a tiny coastal town in Montenegro, often situated at the end of a fjord-like bay. Croatia may have got a little crowded, but thanks in part to its grand reception by Hollywood Montenegro has flown under the radar for most travelers. MT: Enjoy the day to explore Old Town Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site is an intricate maze of narrow streets that tumble down from ancient 16th-century walls through what Medieval architect described as “the most inhospitable field ever captured by workers hands.
The beauty of Kotor is in its quiet & history. Walker along the city wallsGail Jessop | © Culture TripThe city of Dubrovnik itself offers an even more rewarding leg-stretcher up its steep, but stunningly beautiful (bay views at the top) fortified walls. And if you are a travel enthusiastic please give some time to travel photography. Explore its history through museums and monuments, sit in a café or similar taking it all in. And no you’re not too late come September.– You can read more about what to do on the Metsovo travel guide here.
As opposed to different locations along the Adriatic coast, most of which have become over-commercialized and tourist-heavy in recent years, Kotor is free of mainstream influence. Kotor is a tiny off-the-beaten-path destination that feels like worlds away from Dubrovnik but has so much to offer for those looking for some peaceful relaxation while steeped past and beautiful landscapes.
Conclusion
In a global age when travel has in many areas been so packaged and ADD, going off the beaten path retains its appeal. Destinations buried beneath secretive folds like Matera, Pingyao, Gjirokastër, and Siwa Oasis make people want to travel the world not only for their serenity but also due to a potential deeper connection with local roots.
And by moving off the beaten path, you expose yourself to a different realm of adventure. Whether it be riding through farmlands on an open tractor-they pay very well since industrial breakdown, whether exploring ancient ruins or simply sharing homecooked food with the locals: The hidden gems will add a greater depth and experience to your travels. Hence, when you are planning your next trip- plan something extra (mysterious) and you might even discover the secret element of that place!
