15 under-the-radar places to visit in 2022

Istanbul is a city of contrasts: ancient and modern, palatial but also rag-a-muffin, steeped in history, traditional, yet innovative. It all works together somehow, creating an eclectic place unlike anywhere else. History buffs will think they’ve died and gone to heaven; among the many ancient sites open to the public are the Basilica Cistern, dating back to 532 CE. The underground site, which originally held water for the Great Palace, is surreal with its 336 columns, including two featuring the head of Medusa on their bases. More must-sees are the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Constantine Column, remains from the original Hippodrome, one of the largest chariot race grounds of the Byzantine Empire, dating back to 330 CE. The 600-year-old Grand Bazaar and Spice Market should also be on your list, along with the Sultan Ahmed (Blue Mosque), built in 1616, with its striking blue Iznik Tiles covering the walls.

Take a cruise down the Bosphorus, also known as the Strait of Istanbul, the narrow body of water separating the Asian and European continents. You’ll feast your eyes on palaces, restored Ottoman villas, and waterside homes of Istanbul’s power brokers.

How does a villa on a rugged cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea sound? Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina on the east end of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands offers all that and more. At the serene  1-square-kilometre private-island resort you have access to two private beaches, three on-site restaurants, the Spa, and a 55-slip marina. Its Donovan’s Beach is where you’ll find the water action – stand-up paddleboards, snorkelling and a water trampoline. Or for more privacy, take a short walk or catch a ride to the secluded North Beach, a 305 metre stretch of spun sugar sand. Here, you can relax on a chaise lounge perched on your own personal platform among lush foliage with unobstructed views of the Caribbean.

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No doubt Lisbon and Porto get all the buzz, but there’s plenty more to Portugal. The Madeira Islands, an archipelago 1207 kilometres southwest of Lisbon in the Atlantic Ocean, has ancient volcanic cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea and dominate the landscape. There are six unique climate zones, each with its own beautiful flora and fauna; it’s not surprising that Madeira is often compared to Hawaii. Madeira has bragging rights when it comes to cuisine, hiking, fishing and its old-world charm. You can experience fine wines, mountain hiking, or city culture – or easily all three in one day.

One underrated place that’s worth discovering is Albania. This Balkan state was one of the last countries to witness the fall of communism, so it’s been off-limits to visitors for quite some time. But with its majestic mountains, beautiful beaches and a climate similar to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, it really does have something for everyone. Plus, it’s ridiculously cheap (a beer costs between $1 and $2), so you can stretch your holiday dollars. Albania has some hidden gems, including picturesque Ksamil or Drymades, Albania’s secret beach paradises (aka the Albanian Riviera). Then there’s the wild Accursed Mountain, despite its foreboding name, it’s a popular place to hike.

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Many travellers to this Central American country don’t make it as far south as Uvita, Costa Rica – and that’s the exact reason you’ll be glad you did. The local roads have recently been modernised, which means you now have easier access to this unspoiled area of waterfalls, beaches and coffee farms. Another reason to go? Uvita has the longest whale-watching season in the world. Consider staying at Vista Celestial, a luxury villa boutique hotel smack dab in the canopy of the rainforest with views of the Pacific Ocean. You can keep busy with beachside yoga, ATV tours, zip lining, and more.

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Malang came under Dutch rule in the 18th century and retains much of its colonial-era charm to this day. Its mild highland climate, wide boulevards, and attractive architecture make it delightfully walkable; its unhurried pace and thriving coffee culture add to the allure. Just outside the city are ancient temples, tea plantations, and trek-worthy volcanoes.

Often overlooked in favour of more high-profile Italian regions like Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, Calabria (in the ‘toe’ of the boot) is just as beautiful and historically vibrant – but with far fewer tourists. You’ll find dramatic cliffs and surreal rock formations on the coast and dense forests, stunning national parks, and bubbling streams inland. Foodies will have fun here, eating at one great restaurant after the other. Calabria is not only the birthplace of several iconic Italian specialties: peperoncini chilli peppers, sweet red onions, and ‘nduja (that spicy, spreadable sausage that keeps popping up on menus everywhere); the small sparsely populated region produces a third of all Italian olive oil.

There’s a good chance you haven’t heard of Durango. Iconic scenic byways and trail systems mean there are endless opportunities to enjoy hot springs, mountain trails, and more. Take a ride on the historic 1880’s Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for views of the San Juan National Forest and a throw-back era. If you’re a hiker or mountain biker you’ll be right you want to be. Rafting and rock climbing are less than a five-minute drive from historic downtown Durango. There are more than 100 independent restaurants, breweries and distilleries and for a walk down memory lane check into the Strater Hotel built in 1887.

Sayulita may well be one of the best-kept secrets in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific coast. This bohemian town of 5000 is colourful and it’s not just the pastel buildings, banners, or the murals that make it so, but the characters, from the surfer dudes, the locals making and selling their arts and crafts, and everyone in between. Take a surf lesson, kayak, paddleboard, swim, snorkel, or scuba dive. Then, once you’ve stirred your appetite, you can’t go wrong with your choice of street food, hole-in-the-wall eateries or white napkin restaurants. Sayulita has another plus: it’s less than 15 minutes away from the jungle.

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This nation of hundreds of tiny islands near the Philippines comprises only 459 square kilometres of land with a population of 21,000. Its varying topography, which ranges from the mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low-lying coral islands, makes it the perfect destination for hiking and off-roading, as well as snorkelling and diving. World War II relics dot the islands both above and below the sea. To protect its ecology, Palau now requires visitors to sign a stamped passport pledge to “tread lightly, act kindly, and explore mindfully.”