10 Beautiful Secret Towns You (Probably) Didn’t Know Exist

Giethoorn, Netherlands

With hand-dug canals lined with colorful flower boxes, traditional wooden bridges (nearly 180 of them), and thatched-roof cottages, Giethoorn is idyllic and inviting. Nicknamed “the Venice of the Netherlands,” this small town has no roads—and, therefore, no cars—so the best way to get around is by boat. Hop on a canal cruise, rent your own electric whisper-boat, or head shore to explore the footpaths and bike trails. Day trips from Amsterdam often also include a visit to the famous windmills and clog workshops of Zaanse Schans.

Alcalá del Júcar, Spain

The whitewashed towns of Andalucia are a popular diversion for travelers exploring southern Spain, but the unknown town of Alcalá del Júcar is unlikely to have made it onto your itinerary. Located between Albacete and Valencia, the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town boasts a striking backdrop, with its whitewashed buildings and narrow lanes overlooked by a towering rock.

Cordes-sur-Ciel, France

If you’re looking for charming hidden gems, France has its very own list of cultural heritage villages, “The Most Beautiful Villages in France.” Cordes-sur-Ciel, which means Cordes “in the sky,” is as atmospheric as it sounds—this medieval town is literally tucked behind the clouds in the morning, which is the most magical time to visit. Combine a tour of Cordes-sur-Ciel from Toulouse with a visit to nearby Albi, known for its UNESCO–listed town and magnificent Gothic cathedral.

Srebrenik, Bosnia and Herzegovina

There’s no doubt that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most popular attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage site and town of Mostar, but this mountainous Balkan country has plenty of other photo-worthy villages. Tucked in the northeastern highlands, Srebrenik boasts a 12th-century hilltop fortress, a 17th-century mosque, and glorious mountain views.

Gásadalur, Faroe Islands

It doesn’t get much more remote than the tiny cliffside village of Gásadalur in the Faroe Islands.

Perched on a windswept sea cliff on the island of Vágar, the small settlement had a population of just 18 people at last count and is notoriously tricky to reach—you can either hike several hours along the mountainous coastline or hitch a ride through the mountain tunnel to reach it by road. The most beautiful views are from afar, showing the smattering of houses on the clifftop and a plunging waterfall cascading down into the ocean.

Ushuaia, Argentina

Whether you fly into the world’s southernmost international airport, ride the End of the Worldtrain, or take an epic road trip through Patagonia, reaching Ushuaia is an adventure in itself. Perched on the southernmost tip of Argentina and hemmed in by the snowy peaks of the Tierra del Fuego National Park, Ushuaia is ground zero for glacier hikes, Beagle Channel excursions to see penguins and seals, and Antarctica cruises.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Laos’ ancient capital sits at the meeting point of the Mekong River and Nam Khan River. The town’s riverside skyline of golden-roofed temples and distant mountains is spectacular at sunrise and sunset. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is known for its 33 temples, vibrant night market, and distinctive French-Lao heritage, as well as the nearby Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Shirakawa-go, Japan

Japan has no shortage of fairy-tale landscapes and surprising architecture, but few visitors make their way to the hidden towns of Shirakawa and Gokayama.

Concealed in the mountains of the Showgowa River Valley, the towns are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are renowned for their gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. The quirky thatched-roof A-frame houses do indeed resemble praying hands, and they’re even more enchanting beneath a coat of winter snow.

Stone Town of Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar’s oldest neighborhood is a jumble of cobbled lanes, towering minarets, and charming old houses, brimming with bustling bazaars, cafés, and restaurants. Traces of the islands’ European, African, Arabic, and Asian heritage can be noted in the rich architecture of the Stone Town, which is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a mosque, a Catholic cathedral, an Omani fort, and a palace-museum.

Wanaka, New Zealand

While the attention and accolades go to Queenstown, adrenaline junkies won’t be able to resist New Zealand’s other adventure capital:

 Wanaka. Those who make the about 1-hour journey from Queenstown to the southern shore of Lake Wanaka can explore its glacial wilderness, forested peaks, and glittering lakes. This lesser-known destination is just as exciting for thrill seekers: Wanaka boasts four ski areas, the world’s highest waterfall via ferrata, plus glacier hiking, canyoning, and jet boating at Mount Aspiring National Park.