Top 12 Breathtaking Secret Travel Destinations

There are spectacular secret travel destinations around the world. Most of these destinations are popular and top of everyone’s must-visit list. However, other breathtaking destinations are unknown. With a bit of planning, one can enjoy such stunning beauty. Visiting such destinations is an adventure of a lifetime. Here are the top 10 secret travel destinations.

Rainbow Mountains, China

The Rainbow Mountains of China, located in the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, are a geological wonder of the world. These popular Chinese mountains are famous for their magical colours that imitate a rainbow painted over the tops of rolling mountains. The Zhangye Danxia National Park lies in the Gansu province in China’s northwest, stretching 200 square miles. The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. The site is a popular spot for many Chinese and international tourists. The Rainbow Mountains consist of red sandstones characterized by steep, colourful cliffs. This landscape has appeared because of specific geological processes, climate and time. There was a lake in this spot millions of years ago. The sandstone deposits and other minerals discharged the water when it went dry. As a result, a unique landscape with enormous caves, glottis, ravens, valleys, columns and towers covering 322 kilometres was created. The red colours dominate, but the shadows and the texture and sizes are still different. Even during the day, the colour may change according to the angle of the sunlight and the place where the shadows drop.

Huacachina Desert Oasis, Peru

Huacachina is located around the Laguna Huacachina, a small lagoon fed by a natural spring and framed by lush green palms. The town is surrounded by picturesque dunes that are ideal for adventure activities like paddle boats, sandboarding and dune buggy rides. Tourism is the only industry in the town. There are many restaurants, tour agencies, and hotels catering to visitors. Many Lima residents go to Huacachina on the weekends to enjoy the sunshine and escape the chaos of city life. It is also a famous stop for travellers visiting Paracas, Nazca or Arequipa overnight. Huacachina’s Weather is always warm and sunny, with very little rain. You can visit Huacachina anytime during the year due to this pleasant weather. You can simply take a bus from Lima to Inca. Then you can take a 10-minute ride to Huacachina.

Huacachina offers various activities that are worth trying during the visit. It is famous for sandboarding. You can enjoy sliding down dunes on a wooden board, which is unique for the sport. It is suitable for all family members, even kids can try out that fantastic experience. You can follow one of the techniques for sandboarding to control your balance. A four-wheel-drive dune buggy is another popular activity for thrill-seekers in Huacachina. Ascend the top of a dune and hold on tight for the descent. Some tourists go up to the top of the mountains with a buggy, then down with the sandboard. It is recommended that you keep cash with you in Peruvian soles. You can also bring in a hat, a sunblock, plenty of water and sneakers for sandboarding. There are also many restaurants with various cuisines to choose from. As for accommodation, there are hostels with basic facilities. However, there are different options to choose from in Inca. 

Enchanted Hinuaten River, Philippines 

It is a majestic river on Mindanao’s island, hidden in the Philippine jungle. It seems to pop out of the ground with its crystal clear blue waters. The Enchanted Hinuaten River lies on the east coast of the southernmost island of the Philippines. It stretches to 648 meters between the Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The river is clear, and its sapphire blue shades resemble solid jewels sparkling in the sun. This magical site features sparkling, crystal-clear blue waters, surrounded by vines, a thick jungle, and orchids. It is one of the significant Touristique spots in this region. 

Underground cave system caverns, cracks, and tunnels have been discovered beneath these crystalline waters. The Hinatuan Enchanted River is a saltwater passage, but no one knows the source of the saltwater. Some expect that the salt water comes from the underground cave system, which has not yet been fully discovered. Fish is another mystery about this magical place. Various kinds of fish in multiple colours are famous attractions. It is not known where they come from or their destination as well. 

The guard rings a bell every afternoon for everyone to go out of the water. Then the tone of  “Hymn of Hinatuan” is played over loudspeakers, so a large school of silver-scaled fish appear out of nowhere on a line. They gather at the mouth of the river, and the staff members feed them shrimp, minced meat, rice, octopus, and other pieces of food. This fascinating show lasts for about an hour. Then, they disappear again. Hinatuan Enchanted River lies outside Hinatuan, on the east side of Mindanao in the Philippines. You can fly to the Butuan City Domestic Airport and then take a van ride to Hinatuan. Finally, a motorcycle ride takes you to the road leading to the river. Visitors are no longer allowed to swim in the deep end of the river but are only allowed to swim in certain designated areas where lifeguards are always available. You can also enjoy a river cruise and explore nearby islands.

You need a life vest to enter the water, and mosquito repellent is recommended. This spot is like paradise.

Isola Bella Gardens and Palace, Italy

Isola Bella is one of the Borromean Islands of Lago Maggiore in north Italy. The island is situated in the Borromean Gulf, 400 metres from the lakeside town of Stresa. It is 320 metres long by 400 metres wide and is divided between the Palace, its Italianate garden, and a small fishing village. In 400 years, the outstanding efforts of painters, engineers, architects, and others transformed it from a rock of the lake into a place of pleasure. 

Until 1630, Isola Bella only featured two small churches and a few vegetable gardens. Fishermen inhabited the place.  It has over 20 rooms, and a fabulous route between art and history leads to these rooms. Isola Bella looks like a vessel sailing the water of the lake. The Borromean Palace occupies most of the island’s service. On the palace’s second floor, there are over 50 rooms used by the descendants of the family. There are only 30 rooms open for visits. The reception floor is the best preserved in the palace. It has a gallery of paintings with over 150 pieces of art. This part is considered the Museum of the Palace. 

The most important monument in the garden of Isola Bella is the Teatro Massimo. The area has the shape of a theatre. Several statues represent the four classical elements: air, earth, fire and water. The unicorn statue is the heraldic symbol of the family. The Garden of Love is a blessing, composed of boxwood fences that create green embroidery, which you can see from the height of the terraces. 

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

The Giant’s Causeway is located on the Northern coastline, about an hour and a half from Belfast. You can easily see the impressive basalt stones in a day by hiring a car or on a coach tour. It opens at 9 AM. This is the most visited attraction in Northern Ireland. You can walk for about 30 minutes to the stones. A free shuttle bus service also takes people with mobility issues down the stairs and back. It was inscribed as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1966. 40000 black basalt columns, some at 35 feet tall, were formed 60 million years ago when volcanic lava cooled quickly when hitting the ocean. However, legend would have you believe it’s the remains of a causeway built by a giant. 

The story goes that the mythical Irish giant Finn McCool was challenged to a fight by a Scottish giant, Benandoner. The causeway stretched from Ireland to Scotland so the two could meet. During the battle, it was partially destroyed, severing the link between the two countries. You can walk over most areas of the stones, but they can be treacherous, not just because of the uneven surface but also because of the incredibly slippery nature of the wet weather.

Monastery of Santa Maria, Italy

The monastery of Santa Maria is known as the “Coast of the Gods”. It is a 4th-century monastery accessible only by ascending a winding flight of steps engraved directly into the cliffside. According to legend, it was founded by Hercules himself. When it was first built, it was on its little island. But over the centuries, a gap was filled in the water between that island and the mainland. The building was used as a simple church in medieval times and also a sacred destination for pilgrims. In 1638, the Virgin from the portrait appeared to the Bishop in Calabria and warned him of an impending earthquake. The church’s main door is decorated with a simple and elegant marble frame with the coat of arms of Sixtus IV and a tympanum with a relief depicting the Virgin and child.

The ancient monastery, with its helical stone path, offers visitors a wide view of the seaside town of Tropea from its top windows. The ocean water is clear and blue, and there are clean beaches and white sand. The views from the monastery in the daytime are also stunning. When the castle is lit at night, the views are breathtaking even more than in the daytime. The garden at the back of the church is also very picturesque. There is also a small on-site store where you can buy souvenirs. 

Vagmon, India

Vagamon is a small hill station that arises from within the borders of the Idukki District. This spot of significant tourist activity was once a quiet land. It is one of the few tourist spots not affected by commercialization. Although it is remote, it is easy to go to. It features a mixture of architectural sights the residents are ready to pay for. The town is suitable for everyone due to the many places to visit. The Pine Forest is the first spot you need to visit in Vagmon. There is a rare manmade wood created during the British Raj. The forest overlooks the gorgeous valley. 

One of the must-see spots to visit in Vagamon is Marmala Waterfall. It lies along the Erattupetta route. It features a 131′ waterfall found amidst thick greenery. It was an unknown place and became one of the most visited tourist destinations. Thangalpara is recognized as a place for the pilgrim. It is also one of the most stunning Vagamon places to visit. Thangalpara refers to a giant rock at the edge of a cliff. It was the resting place of the Hasrath Sheikh Fariduddin Baba, a revered Sufi Saint. 

The Idukki Dam is a geometric miracle. It lies across the spectacular Periyar River. The dam’s construction, a double-curved arch, attracts people from all over the country and is included as one of the Vagamon Kerala tourist sites. It has to be on the top of the must-visit list for those who value nature. This is one of the most famous tourist places in Idukki. You can also join a tour to wander through all the site’s attractions. 

Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect getaway from busy urban life. It is an ideal picnic spot due to its location in the city centre. The sanctuary is home to many animals like elephants and tigers. You can also get on a boat and enjoy a memorable day out. It is indeed one of the most pleasing tourist sites in Vagamon. Although Pine Hill is not famous, it is still one of the best spots to visit. It doesn’t feature many things, but still, a walk in this breathtaking place is enough to enjoy peace of mind. 

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Whitehaven Beach is a pure, award-winning beach on Whitsunday Island, which is the Whitsunday’s largest island among the other 74 islands. Whitehaven Beach extends over seven kilometres. Whitehaven Beach features white silica sand that is among the most pristine in the world. You can enjoy the sand and wet your feet in the warm waves gently touching the shore.

The stunning Hill Inlet lies at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, where the tide shifts the sand and water, causing a beautiful fusion of colours. The scenery at Tongue Point is the best spot to view the whirling sands of Hill Inlet. You can explore the beach in many ways. There are ferries, yachts, and power boats available for day trips. You can also enjoy luxury cruising yachts that leave from Airlie Beach.

Kapiti Island, New Zealand

Kapiti Island is one of the oldest islands in New Zealand. It is also one of the most critical natural resources and is a place full of human history. 

You can take a day trip to Kapiti or explore the island. You can also reserve to spend the night on Kapiti, listen to the island’s stories, and get introduced to the real beauty of New Zealand as it was.

A trip to Kapiti Island depends on the sea and weather conditions. Depending on the demand, you can book a daily sailing trip from October to May and Friday to Sunday in September. Prices vary as well. You can also enjoy the ferry operating for day trips only, apart from on Christmas Day & New Year’s Day.

Ice Caves, Chile

​Chilean Patagonia is home to the most impressive caves in the world. The Marble Caves, which are a 6,000-year-old spectacular cave network known, lie on the peninsula. It consists entirely of marble and is submerged in the deep blue waters of the glacial Lake General Carrera on the border between Chile and Argentina. The area is lovely in early spring during the ice melt when the water colour is amazingly turquoise, and also in summer, which has fantastic deep blue shades. You can get to the site only by boat, but this impressive sight is worth your effort.

You can ride a boat or kayak for a tour of one of the most secret natural treasures of the world, the iconic Marble Cathedral at the Marble Chapel Nature Sanctuary. As you float through the beautiful tunnels, marvel at fascinating colours and layered surfaces and capture spectacular images of this wonder, an outstanding highlight of Chilean Patagonia. The marble itself isn’t a bright blue, but it dances with cerulean collections of colour when the water reflects its light. The mineral impurities in the marble have changed into beautiful calligraphy whirls of rosy pink and robin’s egg blue across the walls.

Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia. It is located within the Bohinj Valley of the Julian Alps and part of Triglav National Park. It’s split into the Higher and Lower valleys and is marked by 24 small villages and 5,118 residents. It’s filled with beautiful green glacier water and a unique green colour. In the summer, people go swimming and do other water sports. In the winter, the area is a hotspot for snowboarding, skiing, and ice climbing. There are three ways to get to Lake Bohinj from  Lake Bled: by car, bus and train. You can drive your car or rent one to go to the lake. It is a 30-minute ride. It is a 45-minute bus ride to reach the lake as well. The last option is the train, which takes 35 minutes.  

Many people visit Slovenia for Lake Bled without exploring the area around it. Lake Bohinj is quieter and less crowded than Lake Bled, one of the top attractions in Slovenia. Bohinj is the right spot for outdoor activities like biking, hiking, paragliding, and waterfall trekking, with stunning scenery. You can enjoy the snow-capped mountaintop views. It is picturesque, with the reflective lakes as a background.

Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

Located on the northern tip of Wisconsin, the Apostle Island consists of 21 islands and a shoreline on Lake Superior. These 70000 acres are best known for their stunning coastal beauty, sandstone, sea caves, old-growth forests and several historic lighthouses. Glaciers once covered North America, when they melted, waves from lakes superior caused erosion resulting in the formation of these red sandstone islands. Native Americans, followed by French fur traders, were the island’s early inhabitants. 

This area was officially established as a national lakeshore in 1970 by President Nixon. It is featured as one of America’s beautiful quarters while some points of interest are on the mainland. The moniker of islands holds. Apostle Islands are only accessible by boat. You can take your boat onto Lake Superior or try one of the many available charters and tour boat options. Sea kayaking around the island is popular, too. You can head out for a day trip or do some island hopping. Camping is available on 19 of the 21 islands and one campsite on the mainland. There is also a range of hotels, resorts and cosy cabins on the mainland. You can also rent a lodging cabin on the islands.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has more lighthouses than any other national park, with eight historic lighthouses on six islands. Six of these lighthouses are listed as a group on the National Register of Historic Places. The two lighthouses on the site of the Michigan Island lighthouse are joined by a Raspberry Island lighthouse, Outer Island lighthouse, sand lighthouse, and Devils’ Island lighthouse to round out the historic register. 

The Apostle Island National Lakeshore is a nature reserve, so no car traffic is allowed on the islands. Madeleine, the largest island, is the only island with cars, but you must use the ferry. It is just a 20-minute ride to get there. Bayfield, located on Wisconsin Highway 13, is the main starting point for exploring the lakeshore. One of the best ways to learn about the area is to take a heritage tour. They also have a famous ghost walking tour, which is a crowd favourite.

This area is a prime location for fruit picking, particularly apples in fall. They boast more than 50 varieties of apples. There are some fabulous apple dishes to enjoy during this time of year. There is also a port city for the Apostle Island crew service. These tours offer several hours of a narrated trip and drive you around caves, shipwrecks, and lighthouses or head out on a sailboat to explore the islands and waters around them. There are many activities to try to make the most of your time at this national lakeshore. With over 50 miles of trails on the Apostle Islands, this is an outstanding place to hike, with gorgeous views accompanying you to historical sites, abandoned quarries and many lighthouses.