Fancy getting off the beaten track and exploring somewhere a little different for your next holiday? You can walk, hike and explore your way across the world with our pick of the most stunning outdoor hidden gems on our planet.
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The highs and lows of Namibia
Offering both the highest sand dunes and the lowest canyon in the world, Namibia is a country of unbelievable natural wonders. Its capital, Windhoek, is a great place to see historical buildings dating back to German colonial rule, while quaint desert towns such as Swakopmund combine old world charm with lush green lawns and palm trees.
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The beaches in Japan
Southeast Asia might seem to get all the love when it comes to tropical beaches, but on Japan’s southern islands of Okinawa Prefecture, perfect white-sand beaches are a hidden gem, attracting locals all year round. Yonaha Maehama Beach on Miyako Island stretches out for four blissful, uninterrupted miles.
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Mérida, Spain
Not yet one of Spain’s most popular holiday destinations like Barcelona and the Costa del Sol, you’ll find Mérida, bursting with natural beauty, from olive groves to great rolling plains. Tucked away in the Portuguese border-region of Extremadura, Mérida is not only a charming, medieval-esque town, it’s also home to the most impressive Roman ruins in the country.
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The Ring of Kerry, Ireland
A breathtaking mix of rugged, storm-bashed coast, steep mountains, green fields, historic sites, glacial lakes and welcoming towns and villages, the Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s best-known circuits. The 120 mile route takes the N70, N71 and R562 roads and drives through some of Ireland’s finest landscapes.
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The fjords of Norway
The sublime beauty of the fjord region can’t really be overstated. Jaw-dropping sights of this rugged yet serene landscape, offering views of the enormous, wedge shaped inlets. This is a destination that everyone needs to go to at least once their lives.
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Sumela Monastery, Turkey
With so many things to love about Turkey, not many tourists travel as far East as the Trabzon region, but those who do will be rewarded some stunning views off the beaten track. One of the best of these is Sumela Monastery, an architectural jewel surrounded by mountain landscapes and perched on a 1,000-feet tall cliff.
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Volcanoes and waterfalls, Iceland
Fly into Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik, and you’ll have to travel only a short distance in order to find spectacular natural wonders such as volcanoes and waterfalls, as well as breathtaking mountain views.
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The Azores, Portugal
Take a trip to the Azores, a group of nine islands out in the Atlantic Ocean, and you’ll find utterly breathtaking natural views. These isles combine the climate and lifestyle of island life, with the charm and architecture of Portugal – an incredible blend!
What did we miss off this list? Are there spectacular outdoor destinations that you think deserve particular kudos? Give a shout in the comments and let us know
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