There are several countries in the world that are not widely known. Often, these countries are located on islands scattered across seas and oceans. However, some of them are situated on continents as well. In this review, we’ll explore amazing destinations where you can book a flight ticket, and where travelers will find a wealth of exciting discoveries awaiting them.
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Andorra is undoubtedly one of the “Most Fascinating Countries in the World.” This tiny country lies between Spain and France, surrounded by the Pyrenees Mountains, creating ideal conditions for both summer vacations and winter ski tourism.
The climate here is subtropical, thanks to the Mediterranean Sea. For the same reason, autumn and winter are quite comfortable. Winter is mild and sunny, although heavy snowfall can occur at times.
Tourists come here primarily to enjoy the local nature. Ecotourism, especially trekking, is quite popular. Additionally, Andorra is famous for its ski slopes, of which there are many. The quality of service is comparable to Switzerland or France, but the prices are lower. This makes Andorra a favorite destination for European ski enthusiasts.
Moreover, the country is perfect for those who love to stroll through historic sites. There are plenty of streets and buildings with rich histories to explore. Andorra is also a favorite among shopping enthusiasts, with numerous districts offering boutiques where you can find famous brands in a wide range of options. All in all, it’s a fantastic place for year-round travel.
This country is located on the Balkan Peninsula, which means that summers here are not too hot, and winters are mild. People usually visit Bosnia and Herzegovina for outdoor sports and mountain hiking. Travelers will also likely enjoy kayaking and skiing.
However, the country is not as popular in the tourism sector compared to its neighboring countries, Croatia and Montenegro. The number of visitors is still not as high as in the previously mentioned countries.
History enthusiasts can visit the site where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo. Those interested in health tourism can have a great time at the Ilidža resort. Food lovers have the chance to try local beer and authentic ćevapi. For those who enjoy beach vacations, the coastal town of Neum offers a great experience, while skiing can be enjoyed in Igman or Jahorina.
Brunei is one of the smallest and wealthiest countries in the world. In terms of tourism, it is not a very popular destination. It boasts beautiful mosques, the “water village,” and the Jerudong National Park. Beach vacations are available year-round, as the hot and humid weather is due to its equatorial climate.
However, religious restrictions and the alcohol ban are among the reasons why not many visitors intentionally travel to Brunei. Most tourists visit Brunei as part of a trip to Thailand or Malaysia.
In Brunei, beach volleyball, surfing, and ecotourism are widely popular. Visitors can stroll along the coast or explore the beautiful rivers. In terms of food, travelers won’t be disappointed, as there are plenty of fast food options, cafes, and restaurants.
Surrounded by the Himalayan mountains, neighboring India and China, and with Buddhist monasteries on every corner, Bhutan is a kingdom where incredibly beautiful nature and national color reign. The authentic atmosphere is evident even in the fact that locals walk the streets in exotic attire. When searching for “interesting countries in the world” online, Bhutan often comes up due to its authenticity.
Visitors to Bhutan can enjoy hiking through cliffside monasteries and fortresses and walking along mountain trails. Tourists can also experience rafting, unique spa centers with healing Tibetan medicine, and of course, archery.
When in Bhutan, be sure to visit the old Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which is perched 900 meters above the ground. Don’t miss the mountain peak, where, according to local legends, the Thunder Dragon resides. Also, make sure to visit the Sakteng National Park, where, according to folklore, you might encounter the hairy Yeti. In any case, the local territory will leave a strong impression on you due to its colorfulness and uniqueness.
In the southern Pacific Ocean lies the Republic of Vanuatu, consisting of 83 islands. Australia is the closest major neighboring country. The country’s economy is primarily based on agriculture and tourism.
Just 10-15 years ago, the service level here was extremely low. Now, however, tourism has developed significantly. The infrastructure has improved, and conditions for traveling have been upgraded.
Ethno-cultural tourism is prominent here, with visitors being able to visit local villages where they can try living like the indigenous people, for example, by making fire using friction. People also come here for diving and hiking along dormant volcanoes.
This island nation is not popular among tourists due to its remote location. The islands are widely scattered across the ocean, and the distance between them is about 4,000 kilometers along the equator. When we talk about “unusual countries,” Kiribati comes to mind. Paradoxically, it can also be considered one of those “countries few people know about.”
There is practically no tourism infrastructure or services here. Even organized tours to these islands do not exist. People travel to Kiribati privately. It is important to note that there is a risk of contracting intestinal infections, typhoid, or leprosy. The shores are often littered with garbage and waste, and the islands suffer from overpopulation.
Nevertheless, the islands are home to many species of beautiful turtles, and the coastal waters are rich in fish. Visitors can also admire the Jarvis Islands, which are national reserves. The few tourists who come here engage in diving and surfing. There are also several World War II memorial sites here. The islands hold remnants of planes and military equipment from the time when Japanese forces fought against Australian troops. So, it’s possible to encounter a WWII-era plane while walking through the jungle.
The Comoros Islands are located in the Indian Ocean, near Madagascar. There are few tourists here because the country has underdeveloped infrastructure and a weak tourism industry. However, despite this, the area offers warm seas and breathtaking nature. Additionally, the Comoros boasts pristine white sandy beaches. Visitors can enjoy whale watching and explore the numerous remains of ancient fossilized fish. For those who enjoy exotic experiences, there is an opportunity to immerse themselves in the life of the Muslim population of the Comoros and witness how local people live in fishing villages.
Divers have flocked to Mayotte Island, where tourists from around the world visit. The island of Njwani also deserves attention, with its exotic jasmine groves and beautiful waterfalls. One can stroll along vast plantations of ylang-ylang palms, from which essential oil is extracted.
Located off the western coast of Africa, the Cape Verde archipelago is not widely known, but it is quite popular among tourists. It is a unique destination combining primitive nature and high-class service.
Cape Verde is considered one of the top five global centers for windsurfing and also a hub for sport fishing.
The local beaches are wide and sandy, and they are surprisingly less crowded compared to Mediterranean resorts. Visitors can also enjoy vibrant February carnivals, which are considered some of the most colorful in Africa.
This tiny country is nestled between Switzerland and Austria. To visit, one can only travel by bus or car, as Liechtenstein lacks both an airport and a railway station.
Liechtenstein impresses tourists with its medieval architecture. Stone castles, moss-covered chapels, and old homes rise up everywhere, all surrounded by picturesque valleys and snow-capped peaks. It’s a great spot for skiing, strolling through authentic streets, and enjoying wine and cheese tastings.
History and architecture enthusiasts will certainly appreciate a visit to the St. Luke Monastery, which is a pilgrimage site for Catholics. You can also find ruins of defensive walls from the time of the Roman Empire.
Marshall Islands
If you miss the tropical climate and want to wander along white sandy beaches, the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean will surely delight you.
Tourism is well-developed here, attracting visitors with beautiful beaches like Laura Beach and Ailinglapalap. The Marshall Islands are a true paradise for divers and snorkelers. There’s also history to explore, as the islands host military marine cemeteries that can be visited with a guide and diving gear. And of course, the Marshall Islands are perfect for surfing. It’s an ideal place for carefree beach vacations.
Nauru
Perhaps the smallest island nation in the world, Nauru is a coral island in the Pacific Ocean. It’s for those who prefer “off-the-beaten-path” travel. The infrastructure is underdeveloped, but the natural beauty is quite remarkable. Visitors can enjoy diving, snorkeling, yachting, and windsurfing. There are also caves and a small underground lake.
In the center of the island, tourists can visit the quarries where phosphate used to be mined. These now serve as a strange lunar landscape that has drastically altered the island’s ecosystem. Additionally, the World War II battles left their mark on the local nature. Nauru rightfully belongs to the list of “unusual countries for travel.”
São Tomé and Príncipe
If you enjoy peace, romantic idyll, and tropical settings, São Tomé and Príncipe are the perfect destination for you. The islands, located in the Gulf of Guinea, are often included in tour packages. Their pristine nature is characterized by untouched beaches. The tropical jungles here are home to exotic birds, and the unique plant life will surely captivate visitors.
Diving in the Atlantic Ocean is also an exciting activity for many. Moreover, São Tomé and Príncipe feature an ancient dormant volcano. Unlike other tropical islands, these are also rich in historical architecture. Visitors often explore colonial mansions from the Portuguese era.
Additionally, the islands attract those who enjoy hiking and exploring pristine nature. The tropical forests and green valleys are hallmarks of São Tomé and Príncipe. It’s also worth noting that the islands still have numerous cocoa plantations and waterfalls.
An excellent destination for diving, these islands are rich in reefs and offer a unique opportunity to explore the underwater world. It’s easy to spot sea turtles or sunken ships in the water. For instance, more than 200 ships rest on the seafloor near the harbor of Basseterre.
Another exciting activity here is spelunking snorkeling. Off the coast of Nevis, there are underwater caves, where tourists can explore the underwater world at a depth of 15 meters. In addition, visitors will enjoy the beaches, which are perfect for family vacations. Children can play with dolphins and local musical instruments, and there are sailing schools designed for young learners.
An added bonus of these islands is eco-tourism. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that lead to the Black Rocks cliffs. You can also see the Nevis Peak Hike volcano. And for those who want to view the islands from a bird’s-eye perspective, helicopter tours are available.
Undoubtedly, the coldest islands on our list, the Faroe Islands are located in the North Atlantic but are still quite attractive to travelers. People come here for the breathtaking landscapes that this cold and often harsh land has to offer.
The nature here is unique and incredibly beautiful, with rocky shores that one can gaze at for hours. One of the most notable attractions is the Enniberg cliff, which is the highest in Europe. Every year, thousands of tourists visit to conquer it, as it is truly hard to reach.
Fishermen will love the island of Streymoy, where they can catch not only salmon and eel but also large halibuts in the local lakes. Near the village of Gásadapur, there is a rocky cliff offering a stunning view of the raging sea and picturesque rocks.
You can also shop for high-quality warm woolen garments. Tourists should definitely take a walk through the local markets, where they can find dried and cured meat and fish snacks. Vendors even offer samples of whale meat, which is cured in a dozen different ways here.
This is perhaps the most famous country on our list. Malta enjoys a mild subtropical climate, making the island perfect for beach vacations. There is a lot to talk about when it comes to diving and other sea-based activities in Malta – the island offers plenty of them.
Moreover, Malta boasts remarkable, centuries-old architecture. The island is truly rich in historic buildings. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit every year for its resorts and walking tours.
The nightlife here can even surprise experienced party-goers. You can visit a casino, and if that gets boring, there are numerous bars and clubs just across the street. Craving Mediterranean cuisine? Malta offers restaurants for every taste.
In short, Malta is unique because it offers almost everything for a comfortable vacation, all located quite compactly – essentially within walking distance. Therefore, Malta can confidently be included in the category of “interesting countries to travel to.”
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