The travel universe constantly changes, with unknown treasures slowly transitioning to thronged hotspots as people learn of their offbeat appeal. While cities like Venice and Barcelona struggle with overtourism, new destinations hang in the balance, poised on the brink of gigantic popularity transformations.
Here are 20 places rapidly gaining popularity that have not yet been fully altered by tourism. Consider including these in your travel itinerary before they are forever changed.
Comporta, Portugal
This sleepy coastal fishing village along Portugal’s Alentejo Coast has successfully avoided the limelight despite lying a mere hour south of Lisbon. Comporta features untouched beaches fringed by dunes and rice fields, creating a surprisingly unspoiled landscape.
Local eateries serve fresh seafood in unpretentious environments, and the general atmosphere remains Portuguese. With luxury developers looking at the area and comparisons to the early Ibiza days becoming the norm, the window to enjoy its relaxed vibe is narrowing.
Bacalar, Mexico
Frequently referred to as the ‘Lake of Seven Colors’ for its vivid blue water in multiple hues, southern Mexico’s Bacalar provides a peaceful counterpoint to the crowded shores of Tulum and Cancún. The freshwater lagoon stretches nearly 26 miles and boasts crystal-clear waters ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking.
Small, family-owned hotels still outnumber chain hotels, and the town maintains its laid-back atmosphere. But with Instagram visibility growing annually and fresh innovations pioneering the way, Bacalar’s days as a secret paradise are limited.
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Kotor, Montenegro
Set in a dramatic bay surrounded by limestone cliffs, Kotor’s old walled town is like stepping back in time. The narrow, winding streets converge on quaint squares and ancient churches without the crushing crowds of other coastal cities in Croatia.
A hike up to the fortress yields stunning views of the fjord-like scenery. Cruise ships have found this Adriatic gem, but there are still few. As Montenegro keeps investing in tourist facilities, Kotor will change quickly over the next few years.
Zhangjiajie, China
The otherworldly landscape of towering quartzite sandstone pillars in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. Glass walkways, the world’s tallest outdoor elevator and impressive cable cars make the area accessible without diminishing its natural wonder.
Domestic tourism is already substantial, but international crowds have yet to arrive en masse.
Svaneti, Georgia
Georgia’s remote Svaneti region is high in the Caucasus Mountains and offers medieval stone towers dotting valleys beneath snow-capped peaks. Due to its isolation, traditional communities maintained their unique culture for centuries.
Only recently have improved roads made this area accessible year-round, allowing visitors to experience local cuisine, hiking trails, and distinctive architecture. The combination of dramatic landscapes and authentic cultural experiences won’t remain undiscovered as Georgia continues its tourism push.
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Siargao, Philippines
This teardrop-shaped island earned its reputation among surfers for its perfect Cloud 9 waves, but Siargao offers much more than surfing. Lush mangrove forests, turquoise tidal pools, and laid-back beach towns create an atmosphere like Thailand twenty years ago.
Local restaurants serve fresh catches at wooden tables set directly on the sand. Despite increasing popularity and a growing expatriate community, development remains relatively small-scale.
Ksamil, Albania
Situated along the Albanian Riviera, with views of Corfu across crystal-clear waters, Ksamil offers Mediterranean beauty at a fraction of the prices of neighboring countries. The small beach town features several tiny islands within swimming distance and seafood restaurants where meals cost half what you’d pay in Italy or Greece.
Albania’s tourism numbers have doubled in recent years as travelers discover its unmatched value and natural beauty. Major hotel chains have begun purchasing prime beachfront property, signaling the beginning of significant changes.
José Ignacio, Uruguay
This former fishing village has become a sophisticated beach destination without losing its unpaved roads and rustic charm. Located east of Punta del Este, José Ignacio attracts a discrete crowd seeking beautiful beaches without the flashiness of more developed resorts.
The summer season brings excellent restaurants that operate only a few months yearly. Luxury boutique hotels have already arrived, but the town’s strict building codes have preserved its character—though increasing prices are rapidly changing the visitor demographic.
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Luang Prabang, Laos
Nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, this UNESCO World Heritage site balances French colonial architecture with ornate Buddhist temples. Morning alms ceremonies and night markets remain authentic cultural experiences rather than staged tourist attractions.
The surrounding countryside offers waterfalls, elephant sanctuaries, and boat trips through spectacular landscapes. With a new high-speed railway connecting Luang Prabang to China now operational, visitor numbers are expected to spike dramatically in the coming years.
Vis, Croatia
While much of Croatia’s coast has experienced tourism booms, the island of Vis—the farthest inhabited island from the mainland—retained its authenticity partly because it served as a military base closed to foreigners until 1989. Ancient stone villages, hidden coves accessible only by boat, and family-run konobas (taverns) serving wine from local vineyards create an atmosphere of unspoiled Mediterranean life.
The island gained exposure as a filming location for ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,’ and ferry services have increased in response to growing interest.
The Faroe Islands, Denmark
This self-governing archipelago between Iceland and Norway features dramatic landscapes of towering sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and grass-roofed houses. The islands have implemented creative tourism management, including a ‘closed for maintenance’ weekend where visitors can volunteer in conservation projects.
With just over 50,000 residents and increasing flight connections, the delicate balance between sustainable tourism and overcrowding remains precarious as more travelers seek remote, photogenic destinations.
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Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina
This UNESCO-listed valley in northwestern Argentina dazzles visitors with multicolored mountains, pre-Inca ruins, and traditional Andean culture. Small towns like Purmamarca, with its famous Seven Colored Hill, offer authentic experiences of local markets and regional cuisine.
The improved highway from San Salvador de Jujuy has made the region more accessible, attracting more day-trippers from larger cities. Boutique hotels have begun appearing in previously overlooked villages, signaling the area’s transition toward more mainstream tourism.
Battambang, Cambodia
While most visitors to Cambodia focus on Angkor Wat and Siem Reap, Battambang offers French colonial architecture, a thriving arts scene, and rural experiences without crowds. The quirky bamboo train and countryside tours reveal authentic glimpses of Cambodian life, from rice production to traditional crafts.
The city’s relaxed atmosphere and growing collection of boutique hotels make it increasingly attractive to travelers seeking alternatives to Cambodia’s more frequented destinations. Improved transportation links to Thailand and major Cambodian cities will inevitably boost visitor numbers.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
This Arctic archipelago combines jagged mountain peaks with picturesque fishing villages where red cabins (rorbuer) perch on stilts above crystal waters. Summer brings midnight sun, which is perfect for hiking dramatic ridges, while winter offers northern lights viewing with remarkably mild temperatures due to Gulf Stream influences.
Social media has propelled these islands to bucket-list status, transforming some villages into photography hotspots. Local concerns about over-tourism have already emerged during peak summer months, with infrastructure struggling to handle increasing visitor numbers.
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Koh Rong, Cambodia
Just a 45-minute boat ride from Sihanoukville, Koh Rong is an island that balances development and pristine nature. The main village features beachfront bungalows and barefoot bars on powdery white sand, while much of the island remains an undeveloped jungle with empty beaches.
In certain bays, bioluminescent plankton create magical nighttime swimming experiences. With neighboring islands seeing increased resort development and a new airport in Sihanoukville bringing more international flights, Koh Rong’s low-key character faces significant transition pressures.
Salina, Italy
This verdant volcanic island in the Aeolian archipelago north of Sicily has escaped the fame of its neighbors, Stromboli and Lipari. Rolling hills covered in wildflowers and caper plants lead to black sand beaches and charming fishing villages.
Local wineries produce Malvasia, a sweet wine with growing international recognition. The island was the filming location for Il Postino and recently gained exposure through A Bigger Splash.
With Sicily’s tourism numbers climbing steadily, overflow to less-visited islands like Salina seems inevitable.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mostar is famous for its reconstructed 16th-century bridge, which arches over emerald waters and balances Ottoman, Mediterranean, and European influences. The historic center features cobblestone streets, copper workshops, and traditional restaurants serving local specialties.
Day-trippers from Dubrovnik and Sarajevo visit the bridge, but few explore beyond or stay overnight to experience the city when tour buses depart. As Balkan tourism grows and improved infrastructure connects the region, Mostar’s identity as a living city rather than a museum piece faces challenges.
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Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
Straddling the border between North Macedonia and Albania, this ancient lake is one of Europe’s deepest and oldest. It has unique ecosystems and crystal-clear waters.
The town of Ohrid combines natural beauty with cultural significance through its numerous medieval churches and Roman ruins. Beaches and restaurants remain refreshingly affordable compared to Mediterranean alternatives.
EU-funded infrastructure projects and increasing flight connections to Skopje have placed Lake Ohrid on more travelers’ radars, and development is accelerating along previously untouched shorelines.
Flores, Indonesia
While Bali contends with over-tourism, this island in East Nusa Tenggara offers volcanic landscapes, traditional villages, and spectacular marine environments without crowds. Komodo National Park offers world-class diving with manta rays and reef sharks, while inland attractions include spider-web-shaped rice fields and color-changing crater lakes.
Limited flight connections and accommodations have kept visitor numbers manageable, but new airports and improved ferry services are dramatically changing accessibility. Several international hotel chains have announced development plans targeting Flores’s emerging tourism potential.
The Gili Islands, Indonesia
In recent years, this trio of small islands off Lombok’s coast has transformed from backpacker havens to mainstream destinations. However, they maintain a no-cars, no-motorcycles policy that preserves their laid-back character.
White sand beaches surround each island, with sea turtles commonly spotted while snorkeling offshore. Gili Trawangan offers nightlife, Gili Meno provides seclusion, and Gili Air strikes a balance between the two.
Post-earthquake reconstruction has attracted new investment, with luxury developments replacing some of the original simple bungalows that established the islands’ appeal.
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Finding Balance in a Changing World
These destinations highlight the delicate equilibrium between discovery and preservation in modern travel. Each location stands at its unique tipping point—having gained enough recognition to improve tourism infrastructure but not yet experiencing the full impact of mass commercialization.
Both travelers and local communities are responsible for managing growth sustainably. By approaching these places with respect for local cultures and environments, perhaps we can help them avoid the pitfalls that have transformed other beloved destinations into places that locals no longer recognize.
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