Favignana, Albany and Bled are among the best secret spots in the world

FORGET Paris, Vegas and Bali. Here are the secret spots that need to be on your bucket list right now. They are simply incredible.

SICK of having to elbow your way through the crowds just to get a glimpse at the place you’ve just flown 20 hours in cramped cattle class to see? Not to mention the bus (or taxi, or even boat) rides you endured along the way.

There’s no doubt that no matter how spectacular the location is, it can be tainted by hordes of tourists. So forget the popular tourist drawcards of Paris, Vegas and Bali, here are the secret spots that need to be on your bucket list right now.

1. Favignana, Sicily

The biggest of the Egadi Islands, located off the coast of Sicily, Favignana is an unspoilt European paradise with a low-key vibe. There are no showy tourist attractions or fancy buildings, it’s simply nature and history at its best. There’s even a prison built around a Norman castle.

It has a history.

2. Waiotapu, New Zealand

When you set foot inside this bizarre landscape, you’ll feel like you’re on another planet. Venture past the more well-known area of Rotorua and you should reach Waiotapu in under half an hour. With its psychedelic coloured thermal lakes, geysers and mud pools, you won’t regret it.

Colourful Champagne Lake at Waiotapu.

It’s stunning.

And powerful. This is the Lady Knox Geyser.

Thermal lake in New Zealand

3. Erakor Island, Vanuatu

Off the mainland of Vanuatu lies a spectacular resort on its own island. Even better, it’s not super-expensive to stay there.

Erakor Island Vanuatu. Picture: Erakor Island Vanuatu

4. Leptis Magna, Africa

This is a must-see place for lovers of history, with its incredible Roman ruins which hardly anyone has visited in recent times.

Leptis Magna. Picture: Ben Sutherland

Theatre at Leptis Magna. Picture: Rob Glover

The ruins are remarkable. Picture: Ben Sutherland

5. Little Beach, Albany, WA

Some of the world’s most spectacular beaches are located right here in Australia. And no, I’m not talking about Bondi.

Take a look at this place, it’s arguably the best beach in the world and it’s a very well-kept secret. It’s called Little Beach. Never heard of it? Neither had we, until recently. It’s located in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve near Albany, a town tucked away on the southern coast of Western Australia that’s home to some jawdropping hidden gems.

Little Beach, Albany. Picture: Kate Schneider

It’s a near-empty beach. Picture: Kate Schneider

6. Denmark, WA

And while you’re visiting Little Beach, don’t miss the nearby town ofDenmark, it also has some spectacular spots:

Denmark. Picture: Kate Schneider

7. Bled, Solvenia

OK, this place isn’t totally a secret, but it’s definitely a lot less explored than its European neighbours.

Bled Castle.

8. Red Rock Canyon, Vegas

Everyone knows about The Grand Canyon, but did you know that just outside of the hustle and bustle of Sin City lies a pretty awesome landscape? You can hire a supercar and explore the dramatic cliffs, or take a hike. It will rock your world.

It’s a rocky road ... Picture: rank Kovalcheck

Hold on, buddy. Picture: Woosh2007

9. Le Taha’a, Tahiti

Everyone knows about Bora Bora, but its neighbour Le Taha’a is just as incredible, and a lot less touristy as there’s just one resort. Island hop throughout the day, and relax in your bungalow at night. Bliss.

The bungalows. Picture: Kate Schneider

A nearby shipwreck. Picture: Kate Schneider

10. The Pyrenees, France and Spain

Located in the south of France and north of Spain, this is the perfect area for tourists who love to relax in the mountains and enjoy some delicious cuisine.

The Pyrenees. Picture: BrightonPiers

11. Trinidad, Cuba

This description by Lonely Planet says it all: “Trinidad is one-of-a-kind, a perfectly preserved Spanish colonial settlement where the clocks stopped ticking in 1850 ... the riches of the town’s pre — War of Independence heyday are still very much in evidence in illustrious colonial-style mansions bedecked with Italian frescoes, Wedgwood china and French chandeliers.”

Trinidad. Picture: Anymouse1

What a sight. Picture: Tom Godber

12. The Trulli, Italy

Yes, they are real, people do live in them. These cone-topped fairytale dwellings are not populated by Hobbits but the inhabitants of the Itria Valley in Apulia, southern Italy. Dating back to 1500, the Trulli (one of them is a ‘Trullo’) are adorned with symbols that range from the Christian to the bizarre.

Trulli. Picture: Jan de Boer

It’s worth a look. Picture: Maggie Stephens

13. Quang Binh, Vietnam

We’d go here just to see this incredible cave, called Thien Duong.

Thien Duong cave is near Quang Binh, Vietnam. Picture: Learningexecutive, Flickr Source: Flickr

14. Latvia

Praised as Europe’s best-kept secret, Latvia is a place that will satisfy nature lovers, culture buffs and urban explorers, and, of course, it’s breathtakingly beautiful.

Lovely Latvia.

15. Zenith Beach, Port Stephens, NSW

We can see why they called this beach “zenith”, it really is a slice of heaven, right here in Australia. And it’s a lot more secluded than other beaches in the area.

Zenith Beach is a slice of heaven. Picture: Tim J Keegan

The writer was a guest of Le Taha’a resort.