69 - 7 Hidden Gems in Spain that You Must Add to Your Bucket List

7 Hidden Gems in Spain that You Must Add to Your Bucket List

In 2019, over 82 million people visited Spain, making it the second-highest visited country in the world. With 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to know. Not just the UNSECO Sites but this country is littered with countless beaches, rich cultures and cuisines, and thousand more castles.

While most the tourists visit the famous cities such as Barcelona, and Madrid, this beautiful country has been highly underestimated for its unseen gems. Travel Gooru brings you the top 7 hidden gems that you might not be aware of but surely need to add to your bucket list the next time you plan a trip to Spain.

1. Alcalá del Júcar

This beautiful village is located on the rocky slope of the Jucar river. When we talk about its rich fertile land, unique location, and the location of the river, this really is a gem of a place. The small town is a beautiful site with a castle/fortress perched atop a massive rock, elegant white dwellings carved out of the rock, and a Roman bridge spanning the river below.
Aside from taking a stroll through the winding alleyways, one of the more intriguing sites to visit, is the Cave El Diablo, a makeshift museum/bar. You can tour different rooms and objects to get a sense of the history and everyday life in Alcalá del Júcar. Visit the 12th-century castle to cap off the day and take in the expansive views of the town and surroundings.

2. Babia

The Babia region, which includes the towns of Cabrilanes and San Emiliano, is situated in the northwest of Castilla y León and was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 2004. The Cantabrian Mountains, which divide Asturias from León and have peaks higher than 2,000 meters, including Pea Ubia at 2,417 meters, mark the reserve’s northern boundary.
This region is a paradise for ardent hikers and mountaineers thanks to its distinctive environment of snow-covered peaks, rock fields, wide valleys, and glacial lakes.

3. Carmona

Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla, a Moorish stronghold, is the most impressive structure in Carmona. The Prisoners’ Hall is currently all that is left of the palace that had existed inside the Alcázar. The stronghold itself is still worthwhile to see, and the Tower of Gold offers stunning views of Carmona.
Another must-see in Carmona is the Gothic church, Iglesia de Santa Mara de la Asunción. Although it doesn’t seem very spectacular from the outside, I’m sure you’ll be astonished once you go inside.

4. Cazorla

Cazorla is one of Andalucia’s most eye-catching communities. It is located within Sierra de Cazorla, a UNESCO biosphere reserve and the largest protected natural area in Spain. The community is encircled by olive groves and has a rough mountain backdrop.
The Upper Guadalquivir Museum of Arts and Popular Customs is housed in the Castle of la Yedra, sometimes referred to as the Ivy Castle, which towers over the whitewashed homes. Other notables are Las Cadenas Palace, Plaza de Santa Maria, and the Town Hall, which is housed in the stunning former Padres Mercedarios Convent built in the Renaissance style.

5. Cudillero

Cudillero is a historic fishing community located on the untamed Asturian coast, sandwiched between jagged hills and sandy bays. A small inlet is encircled by a semicircle of pastel-colored homes that fall down the slope. On top of the hill, there are many vantage spots from which to take in the breathtaking panoramas and Cudillero’s ancient old town.
The Chapel of Humilladero, the lighthouse, the fishermen’s taverns, the Plaza de la Marina, and Quinta de Selgas, a 19th-century mansion with a strong Italian and French architectural influence, are all noteworthy locations in Cudillero. I strongly advise taking a trek up to Cudillero’s lighthouse.
With these places on your list, Travel Gooru assures you that these locations will for sure create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So the next time you book your tickets to Spain, make sure to add these 5 places for the best experience!

Happy Traveling!
59 - 7 Secret Travel Destinations in France

7 Secret Travel Destinations in France

France is the most popular travel destination in the world, with Paris bagging the place as ‘most visited city in the world’. While every part of France is beautiful and scenic in its own unique way, larger masses usually plan to visit the same old places that have been repeated in travel lists for god knows how long.
Travel Gooru is here to help you plan an offbeat experience for your next trip to France. Worry not as these locations are equally beautiful and as these may not be as crowded as the hot spots of France, you can enjoy your time and wouldn’t have to wait to get that perfect click.

Clos Montmartre

This is indeed a hidden gem when compared to the famous Eiffel Tower. Clos Montmartre is an actual vineyard that is right in the middle of the French capital. Those who have actually been able to include this place in their itinerary have expressed that this is one location that should not be missed. So the next time you are in or around Paris, make sure to spend a delightful walk in this hidden vineyard!

Gorges du Verdon

This beautiful canyon is formed by the Verdon river. The deep blue water here is just too relaxing and appealing. Just by spending some time among the white limestones and blue waters in the backdrop, we assure you to have a very calm and relaxing visit.

Viaduc de Millau

An architectural paradise for those who bridge, the Viaduc de Millau is the tallest bridge in the world. Looking at this bridge in the photos and then looking at it in real life has a huge difference. The pictures don’t do the real structure any justice. Cruise down this bridge and enjoy the experience of driving on the world’s tallest bridge.

Etretat

Etretat or The white cliffs of Etretat are along the Alabaster Coast of France. This 80-mile stretch of beautiful coastline with a height of 300 feet is something that you should experience at least once in your life. The beauty of this place is such that it has attracted many artists from the 20th century and continues to do so.

St Malo

This historic walled city was famous among the pirates in the olden days so pull out your pirate hats and visit this city to know more about its rich culture and maybe live the private’s way for some time. The tranquil streets of this city are lined with small eateries and cafes where you can enjoy a good glass of wine and a few pieces of cheese.

Honfleur

Impressionist painters such as Monet and Boudin enjoyed Honfleur, a Normandy harbor. They were inspired by the changing light and gorgeous quays, and even today, if you take a photo in the same area every day, you’ll notice that no two are alike. Visit the town’s vibrant market on Saturday and stock up on local cheese. A word of advice if you are to visit this picturesque town is to carry a blank canvas and paint your heart out. The panorama is just too beautiful and ever-changing.

La Camargue

The vast Rhone River splits south of Arles, France, on its final push for the Mediterranean, creating the Camargue, a triangle of wetlands, grasslands, dunes, and salt flats. Long-horned bulls and white horses gallop semi-free in this wide, marshy environment, flamingos fly overhead, and gardians—cowboys—work on their manades (ranches) in France’s version of the Wild West.

These were seven secret travel destinations that we feel you should include the next time you plan a trip to France. If this has sparked your interest in exploring places that are still underrated and hidden from the masses, make sure to check out other blogs.

Happy Traveling!
9 Stunning Places to Visit in South Korea in 2021

9 Stunning Places to Visit in South Korea in 2021

South Korea is becoming a rapidly attractive travel destination for tourists from across the globe. Rich with culture, history, and tasty cuisine, the East Asian nation is packed with beautiful scenery.  Museums and galleries? Check. World-class dining? Check. Nightlife that never stops? Best party places ever! The only question is: where to begin? Here is our guide to the most stunning towns and cities of South Korea.

  1. Seoul

South Korea’s capital is a whirlwind of action, a high-energy hub of 10 million people who fully embrace the work hard, play hard mentality. And since South Korea is small, with Seoul a mere four-hour train ride from even the farthest-flung city, it’s easy to go full vacation mood and explore the country at large. We recommend that you spend at least a week here so that you can really explore Seoul and also take a day trip or two. Every Seoul neighborhood has a different vibe. Itaewon, Hongdae, and Gangnam are some of the most popular neighborhoods, but Insadong, Jongno, and Dongdaemun have their own attractions around. Seoul is contemporary, prosperous, and full of cafes and pubs; but it also has many historic places to visit, like the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces, for admirers of traditional architecture.

  1. Damyang

This charming place is located towards the southern tip of South Korea and is a small country containing many small towns and villages. Tourists visit Damyang for its treasure of bamboo, including a bamboo theme park and a museum. Tourists use bamboo kitchen materials and other potential gifts, as well as taste unusual bamboo wine or ice cream. One can also explore the nearby hiking opportunities around the mountains of Chuwolsan and Byeongungsan.

  1. Yeongam Gurim Village

As well as being a historic South Korean village, this charming place is close to the Wolchulsan national Park. The place is abundant with many historical stories and features, offering plenty of cultural tourism resources. It includes 12 pavilions including Gukamsa Shrine and Hoesajeong Pavilion, stone walls, traditional houses, and old oak trees. The Wangin Cherry Blossom Festival and Chrysanthemum Festival are held here every year.

  1. Jinhae

Japan may be famous as being the iconic destination for seeing cherry blossoms, but destinations like Jinhae prove that South Korea is just as worthy of attention. This place isn’t a huge town, which makes the tourists visiting during its annual Jinhae Gunhangje Festival even more impressive. The best place within the city to see the cherry blossoms is by Gyeonghwa station, where there is a mile-long stretch of trees. The festival features art, cultural performances, parades and attracts more than 2 million tourists annually.

  1. Boseong

This small but picturesque county is the tea farming capital of South Korea. Tourists come here to see the traditional terraces farmlands dotted with local women handpicking tea leaves. The green tea found here is known for its exquisite quality, which has been developed over a 1600-year history. Along with these tea fields, the area is surrounded by an impressive mountainous landscape, with cedar trees that can reach a height of 20 m.

  1. Deokjeokdo

This small island is off the northwest coast of South Korea. The place is popular for its relaxing beaches and hiking routes. It is secluded but has a decent selection of guest houses, restaurants, and hotels. There are both sandy and pebble beaches and a stunning pine forest where tourists can enjoy a shady walk. While there are many islands for visitors to choose from around the country, this is a popular choice with those staying in Seoul, as it makes a perfect day trip from the city.

  1. 7. Busan

Busan is a famous destination for tourists as it boasts a combination of vibrant beaches, city life, and historic buildings. It is the second-largest city in South Korea, placed on the south-eastern corner of the mainland. Haeundae Beach is famous, although it can get busy at times. Other great beaches are Songdo and Daedepo. The city is cosmopolitan, modern and fashionable, and is home to the world’s largest departmental stores, sophisticated cafes, and traditional markets.

  1. Jeju Island

This vibrant island, just 85 km off the coast, is one of the most beautiful places in South Korea that one must surely visit. Having been voted as one of the new seven wonders of nature, the pristine beauty of Jeju islands will take your breath away. Beautiful white sandy beaches encircled by pine forests, volcanic craters, lava caves, botanical gardens, and rich culture are some of the highlights of this natural paradise.

  1. Darangee Village

This small village in South Korea is home to a magnificent hillside slope full of more than a hundred rice terraces that look out over the nearby coast. As you can probably imagine the stunning scenery is an absolute dream for photographers. The area around the village is home to walking trails and panoramic viewpoints. So, you can appreciate this coastal spot from every angle.

 

With so many amazing experiences and sights to offer, we hope you’re excited and all set for your next vacation to South Korea in 2021/2022. Let Travelgooru’s expert trip curators help you plan your vacation to South Korea as we put together the ultimate holiday, you’re searching for based on your preferences while you sit back and relax. We always guarantee the ideal prices and a trip you’ll surely love. Connect with us today and book your trip to South Korea right away!

 

9 Stunning Places to Visit in South Korea in 2021

9 Stunning Places to Visit in South Korea in 2021

South Korea is becoming a rapidly attractive travel destination for tourists from across the globe. Rich with culture, history, and tasty cuisine, the East Asian nation is packed with beautiful scenery.  Museums and galleries? Check. World-class dining? Check. Nightlife that never stops? Best party places ever! The only question is: where to begin? Here is our guide to the most stunning towns and cities of South Korea.

 

  1. Seoul

South Korea’s capital is a whirlwind of action, a high-energy hub of 10 million people who fully embrace the work hard, play hard mentality. And since South Korea is small, with Seoul a mere four-hour train ride from even the farthest-flung city, it’s easy to go full vacation mood and explore the country at large. We recommend that you spend at least a week here so that you can really explore Seoul and also take a day trip or two. Every Seoul neighborhood has a different vibe. Itaewon, Hongdae, and Gangnam are some of the most popular neighborhoods, but Insadong, Jongno, and Dongdaemun have their own attractions around. Seoul is contemporary, prosperous, and full of cafes and pubs; but it also has many historic places to visit, like the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces, for admirers of traditional architecture.

 

  1. Damyang

This charming place is located towards the southern tip of South Korea and is a small country containing many small towns and villages. Tourists visit Damyang for its treasure of bamboo, including a bamboo theme park and a museum. Tourists use bamboo kitchen materials and other potential gifts, as well as taste unusual bamboo wine or ice cream. One can also explore the nearby hiking opportunities around the mountains of Chuwolsan and Byeongungsan.

 

  1. Yeongam Gurim Village

As well as being a historic South Korean village, this charming place is close to the Wolchulsan national Park. The place is abundant with many historical stories and features, offering plenty of cultural tourism resources. It includes 12 pavilions including Gukamsa Shrine and Hoesajeong Pavilion, stone walls, traditional houses, and old oak trees. The Wangin Cherry Blossom Festival and Chrysanthemum Festival are held here every year.

 

  1. Jinhae

Japan may be famous as being the iconic destination for seeing cherry blossoms, but destinations like Jinhae prove that South Korea is just as worthy of attention. This place isn’t a huge town, which makes the tourists visiting during its annual Jinhae Gunhangje Festival even more impressive. The best place within the city to see the cherry blossoms is by Gyeonghwa station, where there is a mile-long stretch of trees. The festival features art, cultural performances, parades and attracts more than 2 million tourists annually.

 

  1. Boseong

This small but picturesque county is the tea farming capital of South Korea. Tourists come here to see the traditional terraces farmlands dotted with local women handpicking tea leaves. The green tea found here is known for its exquisite quality, which has been developed over a 1600-year history. Along with these tea fields, the area is surrounded by an impressive mountainous landscape, with cedar trees that can reach a height of 20 m.

 

  1. Deokjeokdo

This small island is off the northwest coast of South Korea. The place is popular for its relaxing beaches and hiking routes. It is secluded but has a decent selection of guest houses, restaurants, and hotels. There are both sandy and pebble beaches and a stunning pine forest where tourists can enjoy a shady walk. While there are many islands for visitors to choose from around the country, this is a popular choice with those staying in Seoul, as it makes a perfect day trip from the city.

 

  1. Busan

Busan is a famous destination for tourists as it boasts a combination of vibrant beaches, city life, and historic buildings. It is the second-largest city in South Korea, placed on the south-eastern corner of the mainland. Haeundae Beach is famous, although it can get busy at times. Other great beaches are Songdo and Daedepo. The city is cosmopolitan, modern and fashionable, and is home to the world’s largest departmental stores, sophisticated cafes, and traditional markets.

 

  1. Jeju Island

This vibrant island, just 85 km off the coast, is one of the most beautiful places in South Korea that one must surely visit. Having been voted as one of the new seven wonders of nature, the pristine beauty of Jeju islands will take your breath away. Beautiful white sandy beaches encircled by pine forests, volcanic craters, lava caves, botanical gardens, and rich culture are some of the highlights of this natural paradise.

 

  1. Darangee Village

This small village in South Korea is home to a magnificent hillside slope full of more than a hundred rice terraces that look out over the nearby coast. As you can probably imagine the stunning scenery is an absolute dream for photographers. The area around the village is home to walking trails and panoramic viewpoints. So, you can appreciate this coastal spot from every angle.

 

With so many amazing experiences and sights to offer, we hope you’re excited and all set for your next vacation to South Korea in 2021/2022. Let Travelgooru’s expert trip curators help you plan your vacation to South Korea as we put together the ultimate holiday, you’re searching for based on your preferences while you sit back and relax.

We always guarantee the ideal prices and a trip you’ll surely love. Connect with us today and book your trip to South Korea right away!

7 Secret Towns in Italy You Need To Visit Before They're Overrun by Tourist

7 Secret Towns in Italy You Need To Visit Before They’re Overrun by Tourist

One of Europe’s most fantastic destinations, Italy is popular for many things. From its rolling hills of Tuscany to dramatic coastlines, and stunning mountain ranges, Italy is famous for its beauty. When planning a trip to Italy, most travelers include cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice on their list. We at TravelGooru recommend that you must include some hidden gems of Italy as well. The best way to experience it all is by exploring the hidden gems as well.

Knowing where to find secret towns in Italy can be daunting, but that is why we are here to help. We are very excited for you to start planning your tour of Italian culture, food, and natural beauty so without further ado here are 7 secret towns in Italy that you need to visit.

 

  1. Burano, Venice

Burano is a small island in the Venice Lagoon, and as yet is untouched by tourists who come to Venice on a daily basis. The island is less than an hour away from Venice, and yet not many visitors make a boat trip to this colorful island. Every house on the island is painted in bright colors: red, yellow, green, blue, and pink. Given its rich seafaring heritage, Burano offers delicious seafood restaurants, and it is the ideal place to try local specialties like risotto de go, made with goby fish from the lagoon, and rich seafood lasagne.

Visiting Burano is an ideal day trip from Venice, and you’ll have a completely different experience to being in Venice and a much quieter one.

 

  1. Procida, Campania

Procida is the smallest island in the Bay of Naples, and tourists often miss it in their rush to see the nearby Ischia and Capri. But we recommend that you must definitely visit this untouched location by hopping on the Procida ferry from Naples. With its vibrantly colored buildings overlooking a picture-perfect harbor, this island is a photographer’s dream come true. Climb to the Terra Murata, which is the oldest and highest point on the island, where you’ll come across crumbling ruins and stunning views.

 

  1. Castelluccio, Umbria

This is the highest village in the Apennine Mountains at 1,452 m above sea level. It is a charming hamlet with stunning squares that offer spectacular views over the mountains and colored fields that blossom with red poppies and violets. The fields of lentils and poppies bloom every year, carpeting the landscape with a colorful quilt of blossoming flowers. Each summer the phenomenon is viewed by thousands of tourists.

 

  1. Tropea, Calabria

Calabria is a secret place in the South of Italy that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Tropea is a nice old town full of beautiful buildings and excellent restaurants. It is also surrounded by sandy beaches. There are several seafood eateries and a pebbly beach lined with umbrellas and deck chairs you can rent. The water is emerald green, the perfect way to cool off after a hike.

 

  1. Salina, the secret Sicilian Island

The local feel and the food scenes make Salina a great place to base your stay. The twin peaks of two volcanic cones define Salina’s landscape and have endowed the island with mineral-rich soil. Fig trees, wild fennel, and caper bushes grow in abundance. The streets are lined with seafood trattorias, gift boutiques, and Aperitif bars. When visiting, you must search for hidden black sand beaches and cool-off inside stunning churches with hand-pressed floor tiles.

 

  1. Town of Taormina, Sicily

This picturesque town offers stunning views of the ocean below and epic panoramic scenes of green hills above and Mount Etna in the distance. The climate is wonderful all year round due to the protection of the slopes, making a visit in winter quite pleasant.

There are historical places like the Ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina or the Roman Odeon. There are stunning churches like the Church of San Giuseppe, the Duomo, and St. Pancras Church. All in all, Taormina has something for everyone and is a true Italian secret to explore.

 

  1. Cala Coticcio, Sardinia

Regarded as one of the most stunning beaches in the world, this gem offers a great hike and is located on a small island near Sardinia. The sand is clean and almost white. You can reach this place by taking a ferry from Palau in Mainland Sardinia to Maddalena Island. From there, drive over a small bridge to Caprera Island and after 5 minutes park up by a small forest. After a 30-minute walk through some rocks, goats, and some steps, you arrive at a stunning beach.

 

With this list of secret towns to visit in Italy, you now have a small base for an itinerary. Italy is a land that will fill you with wonders at every turn and you must definitely go explore it.

If you desire to see all of these amazing places in Italy, connect with us at TravelGooru today. We help clients search for cheap hotels and rental cars at their vacation destination. We instantly compare prices and provide precise details to make it easy for our clients.