5 Whitewashed Destinations Everyone Should Visit At Least Once

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Gleaming hillsides, luminous townscapes, and photo ops at every turn.

That’s what you can expect most often when visiting a beautiful whitewashed destination.

Of course, what instantly comes to mind are Greece’s numerous islands, especially Santorini.

But the Travel Off Path team decided to pull off a classic switcheroo for this one by revealing 5 must-visit whitewashed getaways that aren’t in Greece.

That’s right — you don’t have to follow the crowds to hotspots like Mykonos as there are plenty of other vibrant postcard escapes well worth the adventure, scattered across the globe.

We handpicked 5 we truly believe you have to visit at least once in your life — but first — remember to always check Travel Alerts and Entry Requirements no matter where your travels take you.

5 whitewashed destinations everyone should visit at least once:

PLUS: We’ve built an interactive quiz for you at the end of this article to find your perfect match!

1) Bozcaada: Turkiye’s ‘Greek’ Island 🇹🇷

If you crave Greece vibes but want to check off another country from your list, Bozcaada makes perfect sense.

Located a stone’s throw from Corfu, this Turkish island with a funny name is almost a spitting image of its Greek neighbors.

Formerly known as Tenedos, this map-dot island from Turkish mainland has become a summer hotspot for locals, but relatively unknown to the masses.

Boasting picturesque townscapes, and official “Greek Quarter”, and blissful wine country away from the cobbled town sharing the same name, Bozcaada is one of Turkiye’s best kept secrets — and that’s perhaps because it blends in with more notable islands, yet still offers gorgeous blue-water beaches and sensational cuisine blending Greek and Turkish staples.

The Vibe: A breezy, wine-sipping Aegean island with colorful streets, clear water, and a laid-back feel far removed from Antalya and crowded Greek islands

3 Must-Visit Attractions:

• Bozcaada Castle
• Ayazma Beach
• Bozcaada’s Vineyards & Wineries

Here’s how travelers feel about safety in Turkiye (also still spelled “Turkey”):

2) Sidi Bou Said: North Africa’s “Santorini” 🇹🇳

Tunisia may not be on your Bingo Card, but North Africa’s smallest country is more paradisal than you might suspect.

In the capital of Tunis, you’ll find remarkably preserved ruins. But on the coastline are gorgeous Mediterranean seaside towns that may captivate you even more.

Sidi Bou Said is as close as it gets to Santorini without being in Greece.

Boasting cobalt-blue accents and a maze of whitewashed passageways, this elevated town perched on a clifftop is a mesmerizing coastal charmer.

Better yet, Tunisia’s most renowned destination is remarkably more affordable than Santorini too, but at this point, isn’t everywhere?

The Vibe: Sidi Bou Said feels tailor-made for wandering, with artsy nooks, cliffside cafes, and sweeping Mediterranean vistas.

3 Must-Visit Attractions:

• Ennejma Ezzahra Palace
• Cafe des Delices
• Dar El Annabi

Here’s how travelers feel about safety in Tunisia:

3) Manzanillo: Discover Mexico’s Trending Resort Town 🇲🇽

“Diamond in the rough” can be off-putting for some, but Manzanillo has embraced the title.

Located in the no-go zone of Colima — at least according to the State Department — Manzanillo is the one bright spot.

Known as the “Santorini of Mexico”, this growing resort town is not only the Sailfish capital of the world, but a great all-inclusive destination for those who crave a sense of real Mexico.

Those concerned with Manzanillo’s safety issues shouldn’t bat an eye, however. There’s a reason there are more flights from Canada and the U.S. than domestic flights to Manzanillo’s Playa de Oro International Airport.

That’s because it’s welcoming and safe for tourists. Without ensuring safety here, the state of Colima’s economy would tank.

The Vibe: A laid-back Pacific beach city with sunny shores, bay views, and a local feel.

3 Must-Visit Attractions:

• El Tapo de Ventanas
• Playa La Audiencia
• Centro Histórico & Monumento del Pez Vela

Here’s how travelers feel about safety in Mexico:

4) Alberobello: Italy’s Secret Quirky Village 🇮🇹

Sure, the Amalfi Coast is one of the Italy’s undeniably beautiful destinations. Remember, we’re focusing on places well worth traversing even if it’s just one time.

That’s where Alberobello comes in — a UNESCO-protected time capsule known for its unusual cone-shaped trulli townscape with over 1,500 distinctive homes.

The entire village is beaming white marvels with your typical cobbled maze of narrow alleyways and sidewalk cafes, especially in the charming Rione Monti district.

The Vibe: A whimsical whitewashed village that feels like stepping into another world without sacrificing Italian flair

3 Must-Visit Attractions:

• Rione Monti
• Casa Pezzolla
• Trullo Sovrano

Here’s how travelers feel about safety in Italy:

5) Algiers: The Ultimate Adventure For Culture Seekers 🇩🇿

Algiers isn’t a name that rings a bell, but it’s a vibrant whitewashed capital of Africa’s largest country.

No, not safari-Africa.

We’re talking North Africa’s desert and unspoiled Mediterranean side largely unspoiled by mass tourism.

We won’t sugarcoat it — Algeria isn’t the easiest country to visit for Americans since a visa is required.

However, Algiers is the perfect gateway with a whitewashed UNESCO-listed Casbah and sweeping azure-water views.

You might feel like a sore thumb in its bustling streets, but many travelers rave about Algeria’s hospitality in a classic case of the old adage that “people are not their governments”.

Though some pockets feel a bit gritty, largely Algiers is equal parts centuries-old history and coastal splendor without the resort town fluff, boasting grand palaces and mosques instead of poolside cocktails.

The Vibe: A culture-packed capital that still feels undiscovered, blending Old World streets and sweeping Mediterranean views

• 3 Must-Visit Attractions:
• The Casbah
• Palais des Rais
• Notre-Dame d’Afrique

Here’s how travelers feel about safety in Algeria:

Now take this quiz to find your perfect match!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 44 countries and written over 1500 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.