Tag: Locals

  • Forget Barcelona! This Stunning Spanish Beach Town Is Where Locals Escape The Crowds

    Forget Barcelona! This Stunning Spanish Beach Town Is Where Locals Escape The Crowds

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    It’s been well-documented some Barcelonians are giving the cold shoulder to tourists at this point, but Spain is just too good to pass up!

    Like many awesome destinations across the globe, crowds can be a nuisance, but many in Barcelona act like they’re in an exclusive club.

    The reality is they know the allure of their amazing city, but some prefer to keep it all themselves as hordes of travelers have invaded their city.

    Coastline of Tarragona

    Well, Barcelonians aren’t going to be a fan of mine as I reveal their secret getaway to escape their own crowds.

    Spoiler alert: it’s Tarragona – a gorgeous beach city a little over an hour away by train from the busy streets of Barcelona.

    Better yet, tourists will be welcomed here with open arms by locals.

    Direct Flight Or Day Trip: This City Has Been Overlooked Far Too Long!

    Side note: How does Europe have so many airports?!

    Seriously!

    Tarragona road sign

    It’s like every nook and cranny is so much easier to reach than the States. Rant over…

    While it may be tempting to fly to Barcelona with seemingly endless flight options, you can travel to a lesser-known airport instead.

    Those who do choose to come from Barcelona have multiple options too – the most popular being via train, followed by busses.

    Renfe offers straight shots as low as $9. The same goes for Alsa’s buses with tickets slightly lower.

    But those wanting to avoid Barcelona entirely can fly into Reus Airport (REU) with connecting flights all cross Europe, such as notable cities like Paris, Dublin, London, and Brussels.

    Aerial view of Tarragona

    This can potentially save you a decent amount of time rather than hopping a bus or train from Barcelona since the airport is only 20 minutes away from Tarragona.

    Plus, many flights are “budget airlines,” which can save you a lot on airfare, meaning you’ll have more to spend in this slice of paradise!

    Why Barcelonians Love This Place

    To be fair, it’s not only Barcelona pulling out the welcome mat from under tourists’ feet.

    Amsterdam, Venice, and Athens, among others, have been a bit moody when it comes to welcoming visitors.

    Pristine crowd-free beach in Tarragona, Spain

    What these cities fail to realize is there’s still going to be large amounts of people even if one foreigner never visited.

    Barcelona has a population just shy of 2 million people, which isn’t chump change. 2 million people anyway is a large amount, so to solely blame issues just on tourists seems a bit dramatic on the surface.

    Any way you slice it, however, Tarragona has been the secret escape from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona as a less-crowded blue water vacation spot surprisingly packed with intriguing historical sites.

    The Colosseum is cool and all but what about former gladiator fighting grounds hugging the scenic coastline?

    Ruins in Tarragona

    That’s right, there’s a well-preserved Roman theater backdropped by the vast Balearic Sea.

    Tarragona is steeped in history, and it shows in the best of ways exploring the quaint city center.

    Make sure to stop by Catedral Tarragona, a national monument dating back to the 12th century. But nowadays, it’s most popular for live music and wine tastings.

    Ahh, the joys of Spain.

    While Barcelonians certainly know how incomparable Spain’s food and wine scene are, other tourists should definitely arrive hungry and hydrated!

    Tip: Don’t skip the Central Market of Tarragona dating back to 195 for fresh, savory local cuisine.

    Crowd-Free Soft Sand Beaches

    Female tourist visiting Tarragona beach

    Tarragona boasts beautiful coastlines, becoming even more alluring once you realize how much space you have as this picturesque city has long been just a local’s secret.

    There are 3 primary beaches to visit here, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. The pretty soft sand rivals many other popular coastlines.

    The easiest to reach is Playa del Miracle right in town, or else you can head to Platja Arrabassada or Paltja Savinosa.

    The latter being hyped the most for its pristine delicate sand and clear waters. Just be aware you may see more than you bargained for as nudity is welcomed here.

    Platja Arrabassada in Tarragona

    ↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

    Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

    ✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • These Are The Top 3 Most Popular Destinations In Italy According To Locals

    These Are The Top 3 Most Popular Destinations In Italy According To Locals

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    With its Tuscan sunsets, UNESCO-listed Renaissance cities, turquoise coast, and award-winning cuisine, which currently ranks number one in the world, Italy is the quintessential Southern European experience and every American’s dream destination.

    Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Adriatic Coast Of Italy, Mediterranean South Of Europe

    Interestingly, while we tend to flock to Rome, Florence, Venice and the like, drawn to their monument-packed historic centers and invaluable cultural heritage, and understandably so, Italians themselves have other destinations in mind.

    Based on a new study published by Vamonos Vacanze, a tour operator based in Rome, in partnership with Icrm, a lesser-known region on Italy’s sunny Adriatic side is in fact the leading tourist hotspot for domestic tourists in 2024, followed by two Mediterranean islands.

    Trulli Houses In Alberobello, Puglia, Adriatic Coast Of Europe, Mediterranean South Of Europe

    So why are these local favorites, and what are Americans who haven’t yet explored Italy beyond the Venetian canals or the overtouristed Amalfi missing out on?

    As the famous travel saying goes, ‘go where the locals go‘:

    Sardinia

    The third most popular destination for Italians is Sardinia, concentrating 10% of all domestic tourism.

    A large island in the Mediterranean, it boasts almost 1,242 miles of pristine coastline and a sparsely-populated hinterland traversed by mountain ranges.

    Historic Town Of Castelsardo In Sardinia, A Mediterranean Island In Italy, Southern Europe

    Italians love Sardinia for how distinct it feels from the mainland: it has its own ‘Sardo’ language, a unique culture, and rich cuisine, best represented by signature dishes like fregula cun còciula (a type of pasta that’s only found on the island served with clams) and su porcheddu (roasted suckling pig).

    Sardinian autonomy stems from being geographically isolated, as it was historically disconnected from the mainland, so in many ways, it almost feels like a separate country, though everything tourists would expect of an Italian island getaway can be found here:

    Ancient City Of Alghero Pictured During Sunset In The Island Of Sardinia, Italy, Mediterranean Europe

    Sandy beaches hugged by a teal-colored sea, rugged hikes, ancient towns nestled atop limestone hills, and even a culturally-charged regional capital in Cagliari, a bustling port city built across seven hills, as Roman city-building dictated.

    Top attractions in the island include the nuraghi, a series of Bronze Age stone ruins resembling beehives that date back thousands of years, the pale-sand ‘White Queen’ beach, the colorful riverside town of Bosa, where building facades are painted in bright colors, and the walled Alghero.

    Sicily

    View of the Levanzo island, smallest of the Aegadian Islands in the Mediterranean Sea in Sicily, province of Trapany, Italy

    Italy’s second best-loved destination, attracting 11% of Italians, and the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is similar to Sardinia in many ways, having developed a clear dialect, gastronomy, and a culture that’s markedly different from that of mainland Italy.

    It’s been heavily influenced by foreign powers over the centuries, having lived through consecutive periods of Greek, Roman, Arabic, and even Spanish domination.

    Other than being jam-packed with heritage sites, the ace up its sleeve is its breathtaking nature.

    View Of The Greek Theater In Taormina With The Snow-Capped Mount Etna In The Background, Sicily, Italy

    It is home to Mount Etna, the tallest volcano in Europe, and an active one at that, with its occasional spewing of ash providing an unlikely backdrop for the sprawling urban chaos that is Catania, a large city concentrating some of Italy’s most exuberant Baroque art.

    We could write a whole feature article on Sicily and all its architectural gems and natural wonders, but you’re eager to scroll down to the bottom of this page to find out what’s number one, our four best Sicilian spots are:

    Cefalu, medieval village of Sicily island, Province of Palermo, Italy

    Palermo, a vibrant capital teeming with busy street markets, Taormina, the White Lotus-featured, iconic hilltop comune best known for its Greco-Roman theater, the Valley of the Temples, a Hellenic complex that rivals the Parthenon in beauty, and the terracotta-roofed, whitewashed Cefalù.

    Puglia

    With 13% of Italians claiming this is their favorite holiday destination, Apulia (most commonly known by its Italian name Puglia) is officially Italy’s darling, even though it is largely overlooked by foreign visitors, who flock instead to the Amalfi Coast on the opposite side of the peninsula.

    Aerial View Of Bari, The Capital Of Puglia, Adriatic Coast Of Italy, Bounded By The Mediterranean Sea, Southern Europe

    Puglia is what we’d call the heel of Italy, referring to the country’s boot-like shape, and it’s characterized by its whitewashed towns, hugged by a rugged Adriatic shoreline, and impressive wealth of Baroque monuments.

    Lecce, one of the Puglia gems Italians love best, is called ‘Florence of the South’ for a reason, with its ornate duomo and winding Roman-era streets; Alberobello, on the other hand, is distinct for its distinctive trulli, Puglian houses topped with conical roofs.

    The Iconic Conical Houses Of Alberobello, A Puglian Town That Is A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Italy, Southern Europe

    In Polignano a Mare, a white-pebble beach flanked by low cliffs awaits vacationers, while in Bari, the metropolitan capital and cultural heart of Puglia, the ocher-colored winding alleys of the Old Town and picture-perfect hidden courtyards make the trip worthwhile.

    According to the survey, 13% of Italians will pick Puglia over any other Italian destination, and it’s not like it doesn’t face tough competition from other regions: I mean, this is probably Europe’s most historically-charged nation, literally littered with both manmade and natural wonders.

    Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italy, Southern Europe

    We’re normally suspicious of unofficial surveys ourselves, however…

    Based on the fact that this one derives from a sample of 4,000 individuals, equally split between men and women, aged 18-65 and distributed across Italy, and how Italian families have always chosen the Adriatic side over American-ridden Amalfi, we’re inclined to say it paints a pretty accurate picture.

    ↓ Join Our Community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

    Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • These Are 5 Hidden Gem Destinations In Texas According To Locals

    These Are 5 Hidden Gem Destinations In Texas According To Locals

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    Austin has hogged the Texas tourism spotlight for too long. 

    Home to famous music festivals like SXSW and ACl, Austin has long enjoyed a reputation as Texas’ trendy, quirky capital and top tourist destination. Unfortunately, crime rates are skyrocketing almost as quickly as prices, while an influx of tech workers from California alter the social fabric and soul of the city.

    So where should travelers go instead?

    From saloon-spotted ghost towns to the rolling hills of Texas wine country, there are countless off-path destinations to headline a terrific Texas adventure.

    Here are five hidden gem destinations in Texas, according to locals:

    Barton Creek Austin Texas

    Denton

    We’ve all heard of “Keep Austin Weird.” But it’s about time for the Lone Star capital to make room for the next big thing in seriously quirky Texas towns: Denton.

    Denton’s idyllic downtown square manages to embody old-school Texas charm and embrace the fresh creative energy of its two university campuses. 

    For a taste of the traditional, cool off with some retro ice cream from Beth Marie’s on the steps of Denon’s 19th-century courthouse before entering its museum. If the time is right, you can join friendly locals on their monthly wine walks around town. 

    When the old Denton spell has sucked you in too deep to leave, stay a few nights in the Brownlow House, a 1912 historic landmark Victorian home converted to a bed and breakfast.

    denton texas historic courthouse

    Most things in Denton don’t fit neatly into an “old” or “new” box. 

    Ghost-hunting retirees and curious college kids cross paths at the legendary Old Alton Bridge. At the intersection between down-home and on-trend sits Paschall Bar, a trendy speakeasy with dark wooden bookcases and time-honored classic cocktails that draws a seriously eclectic crowd. 

    For a more youthful itinerary, enjoy a specialty coffee at Jupiter Coffee House, browse the books & records store on the corner of Locust Street, and try out the local vegan favorite Spiral Diner. When the sun goes down, hang out at Eastside or Harvest House for craft beer and food trucks, or go bar hopping on Fry Street. 

    Visitors don’t even have to go as far as the Denton Wall of Art and Union Art Gallery to enjoy this town’s artistic soul (although you definitely should). A simple stroll around the historic center offers enough street art to give travelers a genuine sense of Denton’s unique character.

    Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

    denton texas old converted theater

    Terlingua

    Who doesn’t love a funky ghost town? 

    Terlingua, Texas sits just a stone’s throw from both the Mexican border and Big Bend National Park. Often overlooked in favor of its more Instagrammable neighbor, Marfa, this historic Lone Star town is the definition of a hidden gem. 

    Terlingua got its start as a mining town in the early 1900s, but was left in the dust when its residents packed up for greener pastures.

    Today, this ghost town is getting a second wind from creative small businesses. Some, like the funky Starlight Theater saloon and Holiday Hotel, have been around for decades; while others, like Basecamp Terlingua glamping, are part of a newer (dare we say hipster?) wave of tourists. 

    Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

    terlingua texas old starlight theater

    Visitors can enjoy hiking Santa Elena canyon, kayaking the Rio Grande, soaking in hot springs, and stargazing in some of the lowest light pollution in the country.

    For adventurous travelers willing to get a bit off-path, a budget-friendly double-destination mission is in store – so pack your passport. The Mexican town of Boquillas awaits you just across the river, with a little help from the on-site U.S. Park Ranger and friendly Boquillan guides rocking “Your Ride To The Other Side” t-shirts and tiny rowboats.

    After filling up on margaritas, stacked enchiladas, and the wonders of Area Natural Protegida Maderas del Carmen state park, you can take that 30-second “ferry” right back over to Terlingua to continue your Lone Star adventure. 

    terlingua texas ghost town sign

    Gruene 

    Pronounced “green”, the historic district of Gruene is a true hidden gem with a few more tricks up its sleeve than just its spelling. 

    This storied town is technically part of the city of New Braunfels, an 1840s German cotton farming settlement that is best known today for its Schlitterbahn waterpark. 

    Visitors in Gruene should explore:

    • Gruene Hall – The oldest dance hall in Texas, built in 1878 and frequented by stars like Willie Nelson.
    • Gruene Coffee Haus – The heart and soul of social life in town, plus some darn good coffee.
    • The Birdhouse Fancy Chicken & Fine Wine – What more could you ask for?
    • Tubing – Grab a friend, a beverage, and an inner tube. Now you’re ready to float down the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, affectionately known by locals as “the Hill Country Coast.”
    • Gruene Antique Company – With thousands of items in 6,500 square feet, this is more of a museum of central Texas life than a typical antique shop. 
    tubing on the guadalupe river west texas

    Fredericksburg 

    Fredericksburg shares its German roots with Gruene, but stands out for its unique reputation as Texas’s wine country. With more than 100 vineyards in the area, you can’t go wrong with any of Fredricksburg’s wine tastings.   

    Timing a trip to Fredericksburg on the first Friday of the month means a special after-hours experience in the art galleries along Main Street. 

    Visitors can also explore the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area just a few minutes from town. This pink granite monument gets its name from the 19th-century legends of the Tonkawa, Apache and Comanche tribes, who believed it was imbued with mystical powers. 

    enchanted rock texas

    West

    To an outsider, West doesn’t seem like much. With only about 3,000 residents and no major tourist attractions to speak of, why would visitors go out of their way to see it?

    But ask any born-and-raised Texan about the town of West, and you’ll surely hear the reason – kolaches.

    In the 1880s, a wave of Czech immigrants settled in this tiny pocket of north-central Texas, and brought with them the delicious buttery goodness of recipes from the old land. In the 1960s, Interstate 35 put West on the map as a highway stop, and Lone Star travelers first got a taste of Czech gold. 

    Today, The Czech Stop is genuinely a Texas institution. Travelers from all walks of life meet at the highway intersection connecting Dallas, Waco, Austin, and San Antonio for a beloved one-of-a-kind snack. The bakery offers all kinds of Eastern European inspired treats, including its infamous kolaches. 

    Welcome-to-Texas-Sign

    Adapted from the Czech koláč, a puffy dough pastry traditionally made with fruit jam or poppy seeds, today’s most popular kolaches are cream cheese flavored. Since local Texas tastes lean heavily on the carnivorous side, jalapeńo sausage klobasnek and “hot chubby” sausage and cheese rolls are crowd favorites. 

    The city of West has also been recognized as the “Czech Heritage Capital of Texas,” and hosts an annual Westfest celebrating Czech culture and traditions. Visitors can learn more at the History of West Museum.

    For spending the night or taking a multi-day trip, it’s best to make it an extended stop on an epic road trip or combine it with a trip to nearby Waco. This university town is home to unique historic inns, modern hotels, quirky coffee shops, and plenty of southern comfort food. 

    Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

    ↓ Join Our Community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

    Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • These Are The Secret Off The Beaten Path Tours In New York That Even Locals Love

    These Are The Secret Off The Beaten Path Tours In New York That Even Locals Love

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    If you’ve ever been to New York City before, chances are you’ve visited top spots like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park. While many top attractions are well worth a visit, there is so much more to explore.

    New York City is massive, and you could spend a lifetime discovering the history, neighborhoods, food, and culture found around every corner.

    a moody shot of a street in Tribeca NYC

    But with so much to explore, many visitors don’t know where to turn once they’ve checked off all the top sights.

    Luckily, seasoned NYC visitors, locals, and even first-time visitors have a great option to discover more off-the-beaten-path treasures within the city limits.

    Founded by an NYC Local, the New York Adventure Club runs tours with something different to offer, and it has everyone buzzing.

    Belvedere Castle in Central Park NYC

    New York Adventures For Locals And Visitors

    Regardless of background and interests, visitors are bound to find something exciting within New York Adventure Club’s extensive portfolio of over 100 tours.

    The company runs 20 different excursions each week, and categories include food and drink tours, factory tours, theatre tours, and tours of mansions and private clubs. Some of the notable events include:

    Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

    the streets and signs of Little Italy NYC
    • Secret Eats of Chinatown Food Crawl
    • Exploring Greenwich Village’s Music History: From Dylan to Springsteen
    • A visit to the Victorian Mansions and Japanese House in Prospect Park
    • Tours of the members-only New York Society Library
    • A behind-the-scenes tour of a 1920s mansion and its underground speakeasy
    • An “Around The World” food crawl in Astoria, Queens
    • After-hours tour of the world’s largest cathedral
    St. John the Divine, World's Largest Cathedral in NYC

    Some of the tours with the New York Adventure Club feature places you probably never knew existed.

    For instance, did you know New York has an unofficial museum full of vintage tableware, or that you can visit a waterfront army fort in Queens that dates back to the 1800s?

    Additionally, if you have a particular interest in one of NYC’s neighborhoods, there are tours that explore the history, culture, and secrets of each one.

    How Much Are The Tours?

    Each tour is priced differently. However, the majority last one hour and range between $32 – $35 per person.

    The exception is food tours, which cost more but include food and last longer. Most are between 2-3 hours long, and prices range from $50 – $80.

    All tickets can be purchased through the New York Adventure Club website and must be booked in advance.

    Central Park NYC fountain with angels and reflection

    Insider Access To NYC’s Best-Kept Secrets

    The company aims to be more than just a provider of interesting tours. Instead, they are building a community of curious-minded people who are eager to learn more about New York City.

    The New York Adventure Club is perfect for locals but also a great option for tourists who want a more authentic view of NYC. Additionally, it is a great option for solo travelers and can be a good way to meet fellow like-minded tourists.

    NYC waterfront army fort

    In addition to the in-person tours, New York Adventure Club also has other offerings. Visitors can join in on fun activities like team puzzle adventures, drum workshops, and tea ceremonies.

    There are also regular virtual events that are accessible to any New York enthusiast, and the company can organize private group events, perfect for a girl’s weekend or a get-together with friends.

    New York City Skyline - NYC - NY - USA

    Adventurous Beginnings

    Founded by Corey William Schneider in 2013, the New York Adventure Club has really taken off. After moving to the city for a job in 2011, Schneider realized that after a full year of living there, he still knew nothing about the city.

    So he began exploring and encouraged others to follow suit. The New York Adventure Club started as a Facebook group and has now grown into a full-fledged $ 1 million/year business with a massive following.  

    Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

    ↓ Join Our Community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

    Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • These Are The Top 10 Most Sought-After Magical Towns In Mexico By Locals

    These Are The Top 10 Most Sought-After Magical Towns In Mexico By Locals

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    There are 132 Magical Towns in total in Mexico, and defining the perfect road map to begin exploring can be a challenging task. Lucky for us, local travel magazine Despegar has ranked the ten most popular within the country, based on the preferences of Mexicans themselves. The list, which comprises ten pueblos, includes some old favorites… and a few surprises.

    Pueblo Magico, Magical Town Of Tequisquiapan, Queretaro State, Mexico

    These ‘Pueblos Magicos‘ are among the trendiest destinations south of the border right now. Packed with centuries-old monuments and home to a rich heritage, they are recognized by Mexican authorities for being sites of outstanding cultural beauty and for their contribution to Mexico’s national identity.

    We could certainly spend a lifetime traveling along the ‘magical route’ and unearthing all of its treasures, and the list below is an indication of where to start:

    Mexico’s Top Magical Town Is A Small Town On The Pacific Coast

    Pueblo Magico, Magical Town Of Mazunto, Oaxaca

    No one knows Mexico better than Mexicans themselves, and according to Despegar Mexico, whose editors have compiled a top ten of their favorite Pueblos, the number one town isn’t the colonial jewel of Taxco, nor Baja California Sur’s charming Todos Santos: instead, an unfamiliar, off the beaten path coastal village took the crown.

    Check out the full list below:

    1. Mazunte, Oaxaca
    2. Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
    3. Sayulita, Nayarit
    4. Taxco, Guerrero
    5. Valle de Bravo, Estado de México
    6. Tequila, Jalisco
    7. Bacalar, Quintana Roo
    8. Tepoztlán, Morelos
    9. Tequisquiapan, Querétaro
    10. Xilitla, San Luis Potosí

    Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

    Travel Off Path Recommends These 5 Fast and Easy Travel Insurance Plans To Sign up For Now

    Plans starting at only $10 per week

    Turtle Pictured On The Beach In The Pueblo Magico, Magical Town Of Mazunte, Oaxaca, Pacific Coast Of Mexico

    With the exception of Taxco, Tequila, and perhaps the up-and-coming Bacalar, these tourism centers would rarely feature on the average American’s Mexico bucket list. A prime example of that is Mazunte, the leading destination situated on the Southern Pacific Coast and known for its sandy, over-development-free beaches.

    Here, guests who are also surfers can catch some of the most epic waves in Mexico, visit a turtle sanctuary, where conservation and rehabilitation work is carried out, and even whale-watch. Unlike others ranking lower on the list, Mazunte’s strongest assets are its pristine nature and laid-back atmosphere, qualities the rivaling Tulum no longer enjoys.

    Young Woman Relaxing At The Pool, Beach Vacation

    In fact, Tulum, perhaps America’s best-loved Magical Town, misses the list entirely. At number two, Pátzcuaro has attained prestige as an ancient hub, founded as early as the year 1320 by the Purépecha people. Naturally, from the arrival of the Spaniards, the aboriginal civilization and its structures were toppled in favor of colonial architecture and Christian symbols.

    Today, this city in Michoacán is still home to a well-preserved historical district, with your usual cobblestone streets, Iberian-inspired churches, and red-tile roofs. Rounding out the top three, the Pacific village of Sayulita is famous for its surfing scene – much like Mazunte – marine wildlife, and the indigenous Huichol people.

    Pueblo Magico, Magical Town Of Patzcuaro, Michoacan State, Mexico

    Colonial Cities Make Up Most Of The Top Ten

    As expected, the rest of the top ten is dominated by colonial settlements and landmarks, some dating as far back as the 1500s, such as the number ten-charting Xitlita. The aforementioned Taxco and Bacalar are the fourth and seventh most popular, respectively, while the equally renowned Tequila in Jalisco enters at number six.

    Young Female Tourist In A Pink Dress Wearing A Straw Hat Posing For A Picture As She Holds The Hand Of Her Partner, Viewing Point In Taxco, A Pueblo Magico In Mexico

    Looking at this selection, one thing is clear to us: Mexicans are going where foreigners have not yet taken over and that have managed to retain their unique character. As Despegar reports, these 132 Magical Towns comprise 13% of the tourism offer in Mexico: they have up to 4,675 accommodation providers and 110,697 rooms available collectively.

    The alpine town of Arteaga, established following the Spanish Conquest, illustrates this phenomenon: a fast-growing domestic destination, it has earned the nickname of ‘Mexican Switzerland’ due to its quaintness, the snowy peaks that surround it during the winter period, and its wooden cottages – yet many Americans don’t even know it exists.

    Magical Town, Pueblo Magico Of Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Latin America

    In the words of Despegar‘s country manager Alejandro Calligaris, ‘it is interesting to see how Mexican travelers seek to explore national destinations that are not necessarily the traditional ones’. Mr. Calligaris believes this helps national tourism ‘diversify’ amid the ongoing threat of over-tourism and promotes Mexico’s ‘cultural richness’.

    Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

    ↓ Join Our Community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

    Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    [ad_2]

    Source link