Looking to beat the crowds without going too far off the beaten track? Enter our detour destinations: lesser-travelled, yet all the more enchanting, locations close to tourist-centric hot spots that, let’s face it, everyone on your Instagram has already been to. From Paris alternatives to underrated emirates, let’s discover 11 unforgettable locations that are worth taking the detour for.
Lucca, detour from Florence
Just over an hour away from the historic bridges and picturesque piazzas of Florence lies a hidden gem: Lucca. Wrapped in a fortified embrace of Renaissance-era walls and resting in the shadow of the Apuan Alps, this enchanting town will fool you into thinking you’ve stepped into a fairytale. Europe’s largest silk producer in the 15th century, you simply have to walk around the city to feel the history here; modern shops on charming cobblestone streets even don the signage from the original boutiques that once stood in their place.
And, while Lucca’s fabulous location near famous spots like Florence, Pisa, and Cinque Terre make it the perfect base for exploring a plethora of Tuscany’s most popular gems, the city also holds much to be adored within its historic walls. Along with scenic piazzas and leafy green spaces, you’ll find an array of historic buildings – from ancient churches and Roman amphitheatres to grand, noble residences – as well as a museum dedicated to Lucca-born Giacomo Puccini: the composer of the renowned opera, La Bohème.
Ras Al-Khaimah, detour from Dubai
Naturally, when people think of the UAE, their minds turn to the glamorous destinations of Dubai and Abu Dhabi – rarely does anyone ever think of Ras Al-Khaimah, the UAE’s hidden gem. This Emirate is a triple threat, enjoying a unique location nestled between the impressive Hajar Mountains and the vast Al Wadi Desert, all the while enjoying pristine beaches along the Arabian Gulf coast.
Rooted in its heritage as a wealthy pearl fishing village, Ras Al-Khaimah attracts visitors for its diverse landscape, calmer streets, and significant archaeological sites (currently on UNESCO’s Tentative List). Besides sprawling sand dunes and dazzling shores, this Emirate’s main draw is undoubtedly its proximity to the Jebel Jais: the UAE’s highest peak at 1,934 metres. Mountain-based attractions are in abundance here, and now include an exhilarating toboggan rail coaster and an impressive adventure park with a Guinness World Record-breaking zipline. If you like your relaxation paired with a sprinkling of outdoorsy fun, or you’re just an enthusiastic explorer of lands less travelled, then this is the Emirate for you.
Bacalar, detour from Cancun
Famed for the picture-perfect spots of Tulum, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen, Mexico’s Quintana Roo is a more-than-popular stretch of coast that has no shortage of tourists thronging to its crystal-clear shores. But, if you’re looking for a more authentic slice of Mexican life, paired with breathtaking waters, head four and a half hours south to the small town of Bacalar.
With its cool, Mexican-Caribbean vibe, the town itself offers much to be enjoyed, from artsy streets decorated with colourful murals to ceiba tree-lined bike paths with an eco-friendly feel. There’s a night market teeming with delicate handicrafts, plenty of ruins and archaeological sites to explore, and an array of pinch-me cenotes and vibrant beach clubs within easy reach. Complementing all of this is none other than the 42-kilometre-long Lake Bacalar. Renowned as the ‘Lake of Seven Colours’, Lake Bacalar stuns visitors with its mesmerising kaleidoscope of blue, red, and green tones that are constantly shifting and transforming throughout the day. Though this bohemian town is nothing short of laid-back, the lake offers much to do in the realm of activity – think kayaks, 90-metre deep cenotes, and exhilarating rapids.
Ericeira, detour from Lisbon
Drive 45 minutes northwest of Lisbon and you’ll stumble upon the quaint seaside town of Ericeira. This small city set along Portugal’s Silver Coast has been gaining popularity over the last few years; if you’re looking for a laid-back coastal retreat away from the vibrant energy of Lisbon’s cobblestone streets, Ericeira might be just the ticket.
Known for its popular surfing scene, this coastal gem attracts avid surfers from near and far, and its wide range of surfing schools makes it the ideal spot for learning how to ride some gnarly waves. Naturally, a strong surfing community makes beautiful beaches a guarantee, and Ericeira is brimming with sandy shores that are worth detouring for. If it’s surfing you’re after, hit up the popular sands of Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas – renowned as one of Europe’s top surfing spots – or Foz do Lizandro, ideal for beginners. Elsewhere, the family-friendly beaches of Praia dos Pescadores and Praia do Sul promise unlimited sun-kissed serenity. Of course, it’s not all about surfing; Ericeira is an extremely walkable and charming city, with an irresistible laid-back vibe, an array of fantastic restaurants and bars, and a lively nightlife scene. What more could you ask for?
Rosario Islands, detour from Cartagena
While a visit to Cartagena is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience – imagine vibrant streets lined with colourful buildings, fruit sellers, and historic salsa bars – an hour-long boat ride off the coast will take you to the Rosario Islands: a slice of untouched paradise in the Caribbean Sea. An archipelago consisting of 27 separate islets, this tropical oasis is a must-visit, and promises a revitalising respite from the stresses of the everyday with its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and stripped-back, rustic-chic accommodation.
Many travellers explore these islands on a day tour from Cartagena, but we recommend staying at least one or two nights on these breathtaking shores to really switch off and immerse yourself in island life. The best island to visit is Isla Grande. Despite being the largest of the Rosario Islands, this sleepy sanctuary can still be easily explored on foot, and has a small population of approximately 1,000 people who live in the island’s village – attributing to its all-in-all peaceful vibe. Plus, it’s surrounded by stunning coral reefs that are perfect snorkelling spots, one of which being Laguna Encantada: a popular lagoon for marvelling at mesmerising bioluminescent plankton under a Colombian night sky.
Malmö, detour from Copenhagen
Just a 50-minute drive from Copenhagen is the charming city of Malmö. Cobbled streets, green spaces, and a unique blend of both the medieval and the modern – Malmö truly has it all. And, with the marvellous Øresund Bridge providing the perfect connection between Sweden’s third-largest city and Denmark’s trendy capital, a dreamy detour has never been easier.
The vibrant squares, Michelin-recommended restaurants, and lively shopping streets tucked between the timber-beamed houses of Malmö’s Old Town – known locally as the Gamla Staden – are enough to charm your socks off. Meanwhile, the bohemian neighbourhood of Möllevången (known as Möllan to locals) is the city’s multicultural hub, and offers a completely different vibe from its historic counterpart with its vibrant, diverse districts, buzzing nightlife, and endless array of mouth-watering food. Of course, with coffee and cake holding a special place in Swedish culture, you’ll find cafés and bakeries on every corner. Beyond delicious eats, top sights include the 16th-century Malmö Castle and the Moderna Museet Malmö. And, with its miles of bike paths, hopping between tourist attractions, cafés, and delicious local eateries proves both quick and blissfully easy.
Fukuoka, detour from Tokyo
A comfy ride aboard Japan’s speedy bullet train will take you from the bright lights of Tokyo to arguably the country’s most underrated city: Fukuoka. The sixth-largest city in Japan, Fukuoka is underrated to say the least, and is definitely a spot worth visiting if ditching Tokyo’s busy crowds is on your agenda.
With its mix of cosmopolitan buildings and natural scenery, plus its blend of history and a fabulously-diverse food scene (the city has actually been coined as a top foodie destination by Lonely Planet in the past) a detour to Fukuoka is sure to delight – plus, it’s more affordable than Tokyo, too. In fact, Fukuoka is famous for its delicious ramen, and is known as the birthplace of one of Japan’s most-loved ramen variations: Hakata ramen. The perfection of this pork-bone broth put Fukuoka on the ramen map, and this rich and creamy dish is even better enjoyed at Yatai street food stalls for that extra-authentic, local feel. Other top sights include Nanzoin Temple – home to the largest reclining Buddha statues in the world – the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, Dazaifu Tenmangū shrine, and more.
Suncheon-si, detour from Seoul
Dubbed South Korea’s “ecological capital”, Suncheon-si is the green alternative to the vibrant capital of Seoul. Although this detour is on the lengthier side (Suncheon-si is approximately a three-hour journey from Seoul via high-speed train), a getaway to this scenic city will charm both nature lovers and culture vultures alike.
Boasting a captivating concoction of history, natural beauty, and ecological heritage, this leading environmentally-conscious city dons a small-town feel that allows visitors to gain a captivating insight into traditional Korean culture. The city’s UNESCO-listed wetland is a must-see, featuring an iconic S-shaped waterway, reed beds, and tidal flats that provide an ideal habitat for migratory birds. Elsewhere, you’ll find the first national garden in Korea – Suncheon Bay National Garden – and the beautiful Seonam-Sa Temple: often thought of as one of the most picturesque temples in South Korea. If you’re a nature enthusiast looking to sample a slice of authentic Korean life, Suncheon-si might just be the place for you.
Cuenca, detour from Quito
While all the gringos flood to Quito to explore its famous Old Town, marvel at the Cotopaxi Volcano, and most likely battle the unfortunate ailment of altitude sickness, head south to Ecuador’s hidden gem: Cuenca. Around 300 metres lower in altitude (although you’ll still probably feel it), Cuenca is a fabulous city with all the charming quirks of an Ecuadorian town, plus the fantastic amenities of a cosmopolitan city.
With the rising peaks of the Andes as its forever neighbour, Cuenca is a city teeming with colonial history and artistic flair. The city is famed for being the producer of Ecuador’s iconic Panama Hats, and you won’t have to search far to find a local artisan shop selling one. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its historical centre boasts everything you would expect from a South American city with colonial roots: flourishing courtyards, scenic plazas, and stunningly-restored buildings with historic grandeur. And, beyond the town’s many historic attractions and relaxing vibe, its fabulous location surrounded by the Andes ensures unforgettable moments with nature are never too far away. In fact, the nearby Cajas National Park will no doubt answer all nature lovers’ prayers with its breathtaking range of high-altitude landscapes – ideal for a challenging hike, or two.
Bath, detour from Bristol
Whilst many may flock to the creative hub of Bristol for a weekend away, drive 45 minutes southeast and you’ll arrive at Bath: a quintessential English city brimming with Georgian character and charm. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s no wonder why it enjoys this renowned status; Bath’s idyllic concoction of picture-perfect streets, history, and stunning architecture is worth leaving Bristol for.
The city’s impressively-preserved Roman Baths are of course its crowning jewel, and a tour of these historic springs is a must-do activity for both weekenders and day-trippers alike. Elsewhere, you’ll find a stunning mix of Roman, Georgian and Gothic architecture. From the Bridgerton-esque townhouses of The Circus and the Royal Crescent (fun fact: Bridgerton was actually filmed in Bath) to the striking grandeur of the Pulteney Bridge, and the stained-glass windows of Bath Abbey – a trip to Bath promises a wonderful step back in time. It comes as no surprise that this historic city fuelled the creative genius of famous writers, such as Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.
Reims, detour from Paris
Located just an easy hour or so from Paris on the train, Reims is the City of Love’s champagne-centric alternative that you didn’t know you needed. The city boasts all the best-loved bits that Paris has to offer – think stunning architecture, historic sites, and that oh-so-cool je ne sais quoi that makes France’s iconic capital so irresistible. Plus, it’s known as France’s unofficial champagne capital, famed for the territory-specific grapes that sprout from the region’s chalky soils. Tours of centuries-old champagne cellars are popular here, and many visit from Paris on day trips simply for a taste of the world’s finest sparkling wine.
But, Reims has much more to offer than a quick-stop tasting session, including its Michelin-starred restaurants, and the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Reims: one of Europe’s most beautiful Gothic cathedrals and the host of many royal coronations (dating as far back as the 11th century). To truly revel in the city’s history, olde-worlde charm and, of course, famous bubbly, a weekend getaway here is not to be missed.
