So many beautiful destinations, so little time! Taking photographs of beautiful places allows us to relive those precious travel moments over and over again. However, travel photographers know the struggle of getting that perfect shot all too well. When visiting top attractions and busy cities, getting a picture with no pesky tourists in the shot is almost impossible!
This year, in honour of World Photography Day, why not take the road less travelled and discover some seriously photogenic hidden gems? These gorgeous destinations have all of the beauty without the crowds. Expat Explore has put together a list of some of the most picturesque off-the-beaten-track destinations to help you get that perfect photo!
Feast your eyes on these top 10 gorgeous lesser-known spots for photographers:
1. Nihon-daira, Japan
With its natural beauty, fascinating cultural customs and bustling cities, Japan is a bucket list destination for photographers around the world. There is so much to do and see in Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital city. However, it is also notoriously one of the world’s most crowded cities! You never have to travel too far in Japan to find some peace and quiet though. A one hour train ride from Tokyo is the city of Shizuoka. This city showcases Japanese life at a much slower pace and is home to one of Japan’s most famous icons – Mt. Fuji.
The hill area of Nihon-daira boasts some of the best scenery in the country and panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Mt. Fuji is seen over the tea plantation (Shizuoka’s main export) in addition to the Shimizu harbour, Izu peninsula, and the Japanese Southern Alps also being in full view.
Related: Visit Shizuoka on our Highlights of Japan tour!
2. The Algarve, Portugal
There are few activities more relaxing than lazing on a picture-perfect beach. There are also few things worse than your beach day being ruined by hoards of noisy beach goers! For a scenic sandy location without the crowds, look no further than the Algarve in Portugal.
Often referred to as “Europe’s best kept secret”, the Algarve is Portugal’s southern coastal region which features crystal clear waters, golden sand and striking limestone cliffs. It’s a paradise for surfers, boaters and, of course, photographers! There are so many stunning beaches along the Algarve that even during the busy summer months, you will still find a peaceful spot to enjoy. Visiting in low season is also highly recommended as crowds will be even fewer and the temperature will still be pleasant.
Related: Travel through the Algarve and relax at one of the beautiful beaches when you join our Spain & Portugal Explorer!
3. Pamukkale, Turkey
Turkey, now officially known as Türkiye, is a country full of spectacular colours and textures. The old meets new and east meets west sights of Istanbul as well as its iconic mosques make it a dream city for photographers. The fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, which can be seen from a hot air balloon, are fast becoming another tourist hotspot. These are still excellent choices for a trip and less busy than many European cities. However, if you want to experience something truly unique, head to the town of Pamukkale.
Known for its mineral rich hot springs which flow down white calcium terraces (travertines), Pamukkale is the perfect place to relax. The striking white terraces, known as “cotton castles”, alongside the bright blue water is an otherworldly sight like no other!
Travel tip: To escape the crowds, shoulder season is the best time to travel to Turkey!
4. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
The Balkans are home to some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in Europe! Not to mention the many historic buildings and enchanting old towns you’ll find in this part of the world. While certain Balkan countries, like Greece and Croatia, are incredibly popular with tourists, other countries along the Balkan Peninsula remain largely untouched by international travellers.
One such hidden gem is the city of Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina. This charming town is full of amazing Ottoman architecture and surrounded by gorgeous mountainous scenery. Its most famous attraction is the UNESCO-listed Stari Most (Old Bridge) which crosses over the turquoise Neretva River. The bridge was rebuilt after it was destroyed during the civil war. It now acts as a prominent symbol of reconciliation and the coexistence of Mostar’s diverse cultural, ethnic and religious communities. Stari Most is best viewed from the 17th century Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque. Climb the stairs to the top of the minaret for sweeping views of the city!
5. Alberobello, Italy
Rome, Florence and Venice may be the Italian cities at the top of many traveller’s bucket lists – and for good reason! Venice, with its iconic canals, is certainly one of the most photographed cities in the world. Rome is home to an endless array of architectural wonders and Florence is a Renaissance dream. However, it’s no secret that these are some of Europe’s busiest and most popular tourist destinations! If it’s a slower, more authentic slice of Italian life you seek, venture to the south of Italy. In the “heel of the boot”, or the southeastern tip of Italy, you’ll find the region of Puglia which boasts over 500 miles of coastline and pleasant year-round temperatures.
Alberobello, a small Apuglian town in the province of Bari, appears straight out of a postcard. This whitewashed town is unlike any other place in Italy thanks to its trulli. These 14th century dry stone huts with conical roofs have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around the historic district of Rione Monti houses to see the oldest and largest concentration of trulli!
Related: Spend a night in Alberobello when you join our Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily tour!
6. Bocas del Toro, Panama
South America is teeming with an impressive diversity of natural landscapes. From rugged mountains and lush forests to towering waterfalls and magnificent beaches, nature photographers will be in their element! Panama is one of the top Latin American countries for adventure seekers with a wide range of water sports and outdoor activities on offer. One of the best places to enjoy these activities is in the Bocas Del Toro province.
Bocas del Toro is an island archipelago on Panama’s Caribbean coast. It’s an absolute tropical paradise full of picturesque islands and beaches. Bocas del Toro’s most famous beaches are the Starfish Beach and Red Frog Beach – yes, both are home to many starfish and red frogs respectively! You’ll also be able to spot dolphins, turtles, capuchin monkeys and sloths. The crystalline waters are ideal for snorkelling and the tranquil beaches are just waiting to be explored! A resort in Bocas del Toro has just as much to offer as a fancy Maldives resort, at a fraction of the price.
7. Kazbegi, Georgia
The Caucasus Region, which comprises Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, is full of little known gems and untouched beauty. From mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan and Georgia’s ancient wine growing region to the lakeside sights of Armenia, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do and photograph in the Caucasus Region! There is a deep-rooted history in these parts and relics from multiple centuries can be seen. The landscapes are awe-inspiring with snow-capped mountains, unspoiled forests and tropical beaches being just a few of the impressive geographical features.
One of the best places to admire this region’s mountainous scenery is the small town of Kazbegi in Georgia. This village is best known for its arresting 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church. Perched on a hill, set against the backdrop of Mt. Kazbek and surrounded by the Caucasus mountains, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better view! The church can be reached by a hike or by 4×4 vehicle.
Related: Admire the Gergeti Trinity Church in Kazbegi on our Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia tour!
8. Mpumalanga, South Africa
With game drives, pristine beaches, massive mountains and much more, South Africa offers some of the most glorious landscapes in the world. Cape Town and the Garden Route are particularly popular destinations thanks to their splendid coastlines and lush greenery. However, there is so much more to explore in this beautiful and massive country! One of the country’s best kept secrets is the Mpumalanga province. This area is well-loved by locals but largely unknown to international tourists.
While you may not have heard of Mpumalanga, you’ve almost definitely heard of the Kruger National Park – one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant), the Kruger is a nature photographer’s paradise! However, many tourists will only visit the Kruger and skip the many other wonderful sights of Mpumalanga. It is also home to the Blyde River Canyon – the third largest canyon in the world and the largest green canyon in the world – and the Sudwala Caves – the world’s oldest dolomite caves. All in addition to numerous waterfalls and mountain vistas!
Related: Embark on a safari in Kruger National Park and marvel at the Blyde River Canyon on our South Africa Escape!
9. Norway
Scandinavia offers travellers rugged wilderness complete with forests, lakes and glaciers as well as efficient, modern cities and quaint villages. Norway is a top Scandinavian destination for travel and nature photographers thanks to its magnificent fjords, many mountains and the Northern Lights! Oslo, Norway’s capital city, is effortlessly cool and compact while Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage city and known as “the gateway to the fjords”.
While Norway is home to a total of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the west Norwegian Fjords of Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are Norway’s only natural additions to this list. The Nærøyfjord was actually a source of inspiration for Arandelle in Disney’s Frozen! It can be viewed from the town of Gudvangen and easily reached by ferry or car. When visiting the Nærøyfjord, marvel at its many waterfalls, hanging valleys and traditional farms along the water.
Related: Along with the west Norwegian fjords, these are the 10 Most Beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe!
10. Connemara, Ireland
Visit Ireland to discover some of the most dramatic landscapes and attractive cities in the world! Dublin’s vibrant nightlife, the rugged Cliffs of Moher and the scenic Ring of Kerry drive are just a few of the exciting sights around Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is made up of 26 counties while Northern Ireland is made up of 6 counties. This means that there are plenty of lesser known gems to discover! One of Ireland’s prettiest and largest counties is Galway County, home to Galway city and the Connemara region.
Connemara is like something out of a fairytale! It has been a filming location for many movies and has inspired a number of poets, artists and photographers. Oscar Wilde once described Connemara as “savage beauty” and with its wild scenery of bogland, coastline and mountainscapes, we can certainly see why! Some unmissable sights in this area include the Kylemore Abbey – a grand 19th century castle – and Derryclare Lough which is a freshwater lake surrounded by red moorland and mountains.
Related: Discover Ireland’s unrivalled beauty on our Irish Explorer tour!
Ready to take the road less travelled and discover these photogenic destinations? Have a look at Expat Explore’s upcoming tours and start planning your next adventure!