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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.

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Madrid this, and Barcelona that. Throw in Ibiza for good measure…

With overhyped coverage of iconic cities we’re already familiar with and headline-grabbing over-tourism protests, it seems as though travelers are being led in the wrong direction for an epic Spain vacation.

Sure, there’s nothing wrong with visiting Spain’s world-renowned cities, but there’s far more to discover beyond not-so-well-researched guides who seemingly spin a globe and see where their finger lands.

But hey, that’s what we at Travel Off Path are here for — to show you what’s truly trending upwards as the next go-to spot.

Today, with a little help from local experts at Idealista, who know the ins and outs of Spain, we’re collectively revealing where your next beach vacay should be.

Their insightful list of top 10 Spanish destinations for winter sun didn’t include Barcelona or Madrid — just the hidden gems you’ll instantly fall in love with.

Nerja: Spain’s Best Kept Coastal Secret

The big names of Spain are a bit out of sorts right now. Sure, given the sheer size of aforementioned cities, there are pockets you can blend in and don’t have to worry about being called out (right or wrong) for gentrifying someone’s beloved hometown when you’re simply trying to enjoy what was supposed to be an unforgettable vacation.

Even with summer crowds long gone, travelers will surely return for winter sun, and rightfully so.

But don’t feel obligated to follow the path laid before you by copying itineraries that have been recycled time and time again.

Why not take the road less traveled to a welcome postcard town nestled along vibrant blue waters and golden sand?

Nerja is a tightlipped secret in Spain’s sprawling Andalusia region, boasting an inviting whitewashed townscape intermixed with Santorini Blue facades (and yes, Crayola – I’m trademarking that).

For such a small town, this is one of those places where size doesn’t matter, unless you’re on your honeymoon.

In that case, you’re on your own there…

Discover Laid-Back Beaches & Astounding Scenery

If there’s one place to scope out on Day 1, it’s gotta be Balcón de Europa, cliff-top promenade offering sweeping views of the Med’s gleaming blue waters and rolling mountain ranges framing the coastline.

Home to less glitz than nearby Marbella, you’ll feel more like you’re visiting home away from with a charming town easily walkable to a plethora of beaches to choose from.

Though, the Sierra Almijara mountains are so gorgeous you can’t help but want to take a day just to explore them with plentiful hiking trails, but just know it’s best to layer up despite the Mediterranean climate.

But let’s be real — Spain’s Costa del Sol is the real draw for most tourists.

Idealista hypes Playa Borriana for a lazy beach day, which is travelers’ favorite place for sun and sand, according to TripAdvisor.

These are Nerja’s top 5 beaches:

1. Playa Borriana
2. Playa del Canuelo
3. Playa Calahonda
4. Playa Capistrano (not a proper beach; best for elevated views)
5. Playa Torrecilla

Swap Flashy Resorts For Cozy Stays With Local Flair

Walking through the heart of Nerja is truly a delight, so why not start your day there form the get-go?

Unless you stumble upon a seaside beach bar, the best places to eat are typically found where the “action” is in this sleepy hideaway.

For the best views, we recommend Hotel Balcón de Europa. As you likely guessed, yes, it’s a stone’s throw from Balcón de Europa.

But if you’re ballin’ on a budget (and who isn’t nowadays?), we’d opt for HC Calahonda Beach Nerja.

Holding a near-perfect Google rating largely because of its close proximity to Playa Calahonda (listed above), there’s arguably no better place to start and end your day.

How To Reach Nerja

Unfortunately, travelers won’t get to take advantage of Spain’s crazy low fares on trains this winter as there’s no stop in Nerja.

However, as Idealista points out, one of the best ways to get here is by bus from nearby Malaga.

And since Nerja is so delightful to peruse on foot, you won’t need to worry too much about catching a ride to get around.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Last Updated 8 mins ago

Ever travel to a place that’s been hyped up as the ultimate paradise only to discover it’s an unbearable tourist trap?

For me, that was Albufeira, supposedly one of the Algarve’s magical ‘hidden gems’.

Picture bland, overpriced food, tourist-overloaded beaches, and what should be captivating streets completely void of authenticity, with souvenir shop owners pestering you at every turn to “come take a look.”

Was Albufeira gorgeous from its numerous elevated viewpoints? Yes.
Are there much better places to visit? Yes.

One being the city of Faro, capital of Europe’s sunniest region. The other is one gatekeepers have done a masterful job remaining hush-hush.

I was fortunate to score a great deal at 5-star Hilton Vilamoura Golf & Spa Resort last month, and in the process, learned lesser-known Quarteira is a secret hideaway for budget-friendly resorts and seaside serenity, boasting a panorama of whitewashed buildings and beautiful crowd-free beaches.

Not A Beach Crowd In Sight

You can’t come all the way to the Algarve without taking time to visit the gleaming golden beaches dotting the Vitamin D-rich region.

Some are better than others, and a lot has to do with crowd control.

Fortunately, Quarteira’s lovely coasts have been off the traditional tourist path, which was confirmed by my visits to Albufeira and Faro.

Quarteira lies in between both destinations, but I’m here to tell you this aesthetically picturesque town is the perfect Algarvian base.

Just don’t confuse the Marina for the town’s best waterfronts. Here, you’ll find anything from Irish pubs to hole-in-the-walls serving traditional Portuguese fare.

No beaches, though. Just great food, cold beer, and postcard-worthy sunsets over dozens of docked boats and high-end hotels.

Quarteira’s beaches are where you’ll discover pure paradise, especially with such mild winters.

There are a multitude of beaches to choose from, including Praia do Almargem, Praia da Falesia (absolutely stunning!), and my personal favorite, Praia Alegre.

In the latter, you’ll find no crowds and half-empty beachfront wine and tapas bars to score a front-row seat to an almost private sunset show like the one I had at Teixeira.

Affordable Luxury: Ample Upscale Stays At Your Fingertips

Circling back to where I stayed (Hilton Vilamoura Golf & Spa Resort), I can’t recommend it enough.

Just a 5-minute free shuttle ride to the delightful Marina and an easy Uber or Bolt to beaches, the location, the service, and the angelically comfortable rooms rank high in the upper echelon of my years of various resort stays.

Not to mention six pools on-site, including a heated indoor pool and flowing waterfalls to cap off a serene atmosphere.

While I can’t speak to the experience of other resorts, I can tell you Quarteira’s luxe stays are incredibly wallet-friendly, mostly located in the ritzy side of the area, Vilamoura.

Take a look for yourself:

4-star stays:
Browns Sports Resort ($85)
Aquashow Park Hotel ($158)

5-star stays:
Pestana Vila Sol ($99)
Hilton Vilamoura Golf & Spa Resort ($122)
Domes Lake Algarve, Autograph Collection ($147)
Anantare Vilamoura Algarve ($152)

Know Before You Go: Hilton Vilamoura Golf & Spa Resort is closed for remodeling December 1, 2024 – February 8, 2025

Arrive Hungry, Leave Happy: Quarteira’s Never-Ending Wine & Tapas

The Algarve is not only the sunniest region in Europe, it’s also the cheapest beach getaway.

If you thought Spain was the place to take advantage of wine and tapas, think again!

Between $3 glasses of wine and multi-page menus offering a smorgasbord of cheap, savory tapas, you may not want to show off what ya mama gave ya at the resort pool after all.

Ranging from Albufeira to the city of Faro, there were seemingly never-ending wine and tapas bars to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors that make the region come alive.

My personal favorite was one I discovered my last night in Quarteira and ironically the only place I saw any semblance of a crowd beyond the Hilton’s numerous pools.

Social is a must-visit. Do yourself a favor, let the servers work their magic pairing the perfect wine with your selection of tapas.

Whatever you do, don’t skip out on the Flamed Black Pork Chorizo served on an open flame followed by a Drunk Pear for dessert.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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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.