15 non-touristic places where the real character of each country is visible

Famous cities of the world give tourists a lot of impressions! Bright lights of the metropolis, a kaleidoscope of attractions, a sea of entertainment… But in every country, as in the theater, something important is certainly left behind the scenes. Traveling outside the capitals, we discover the customs of indigenous people, small streets of beautiful settlements, unusual buildings of bygone centuries, wonderful ethnic houses and wonderful corners of nature.

We have prepared for you a virtual journey through 15 provincial places of the planet, revealing the true character of the country.

The colorful village of Ivor is more than 700 years old. Despite the military battles and natural collisions, the settlement has preserved its historical appearance. Near Lake Geneva there is a small castle built by Count Amadeus V of Savoy.

Cobbled streets, charming residents, cozy old houses, elegant flower beds… Such a place could not fail to enter the Association of the most beautiful villages in France!

Kangaroo Island can be safely attributed to the places where adults and children dream of being. A third of the territory here is occupied by nature reserves and national parks. You will be impressed by the grandiose landscapes against the background of giant rocks and green expanses.

Here on a walk you can meet kangaroos, monitor lizards, koalas, platypuses, as well as many birds: dwarf penguins, black cockatoos, barn owls, etc. And dolphins and seals frolic in the ocean waters. Australia in this place will open up to you as a freedom-loving and full of unprecedented beauty country.

Burtange Fortress, or "Star Fortress", is located in the Netherlands. It was built during the Eighty Years' War, when the country was fighting for independence from the Spanish Empire. Architects have come up with a new type of fortification to protect against artillery. After the war, the bastion was abandoned, then it was strengthened and expanded again, and since the XIX century, Burtange belongs to the local community. The tour of the bastion will be very informative, besides there are beautiful landscapes here.

The philosopher Ortega y Gasset wrote that this city has a fabulous silhouette. And Albarrasin is often called the "pink city". The settlement received a beautiful name under the Muslims (IX-XII centuries).

Everything is fine here: the old winding streets, the Sierra de Albarracin mountains, green meadows, and rivers. Here you can also see an 18-kilometer aqueduct, which was built under the Romans. Walking along the cobblestones, you will imperceptibly immerse yourself in the Spanish flavor of the past centuries.

Devon is a picturesque county in England, washed by the Bristol Bay and the English Channel. Once there was Dumnonia, which was inhabited by the Celtic people. Resorts, fishing villages and ports are located in the bays of Devon.

It was in Devon that the great sailors Sir Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh were born, as well as the "queen of detectives" Agatha Christie. And the events described in A. K. Doyle's book "The Hound of the Baskervilles" also take place in Devon. Here you will see the true face of the country, in the image of which severe restraint, colorful landscapes, cozy houses and mysterious roads are intertwined.

If you happen to visit Japan, do not forget to visit the island of Hokkaido. Here, Japanese perfectionists have created many places that give guests vivid impressions: the Unkai terrace on the top of the mountain, the wonderful aroma and colorfulness of lavender fields, ski slopes and a Blue lake. And you can also see an incredibly charming animal - ezo momonga, which lives only here. And undoubtedly, you will be surprised by the synthesis of respect for nature and modern technologies.

The picturesque town of Monsanto is hidden among granite boulders. The panorama is amazing: mountains, greenery, tiled roofs, stone streets. Monsanto was once the center of the province of Beira Baixa.

For eight centuries, the local landscape has changed little, so the town was recognized as the "most Portuguese village" in 1938. It's a pleasure to wander here, and you can enjoy traditional dishes in the restaurant located under a giant stone.

Fjadrarglyufur Canyon in the south-east of Iceland is an incredible creation of nature. The pristine landscapes of this country are simply breathtaking. The canyon of the Fjadra River was formed after the ice Age. Its length is about 2 km, and its depth is about 100 m. You will find not just a walk along the river bank, but a real adventure!

Miniature Alberobello is full of charm. His wonderful trulli houses immediately conquer the hearts of travelers. About one and a half thousand magic houses with cone-shaped roofs have been built here. By the way, many of them are more than 7 centuries old. The city is named after the forest that once grew nearby — Arboris Belli ("beautiful trees"). The world of provincial Italy will open before you in this unusual town filled with sunlight and decorated with inspired craftsmen.

Dark Alley (Dark Hedges) - an unusual place. It is located near the village of Armoy in Northern Ireland. This stunning "beech Avenue" was planted by the Stewart family 3 centuries ago. Their idea was to impress everyone entering the estate, which today is a golf club. And also, according to an old legend, under the ancient trees you can meet the ghost of a certain Gray Lady… Locals appreciate traditions and adore riddles.

The village of Kandovan looks like a giant anthill from afar. About a thousand people live in houses created in stony rocks. But the ancient appearance of the settlement should not mislead you: the locals have long been familiar with modern comfort. A bizarre relief was formed in ancient centuries during the eruption of the Sahand volcano. By the way, the literal translation of the name of the settlement is "bee hives". Once here, you will certainly feel like the heroes of a Persian fairy tale.

The fantasy village was created on a sheep farm in one year by the efforts of 400 people for the filming of the famous Lord of the Rings trilogy.

After finishing work on the film, the village was empty for a while. But soon all the fans of the work began to come here to see firsthand the hobbit holes, the Green Dragon pub, the arch bridge, the mill and other colorful objects embodied in reality.

For the locals, Lake Titicaca is sacred. Its name means "mountain cougar" in Indian. According to scientists, the lake was an ancient sea millions of years ago: marine fish, crustaceans and even sharks still swim in its waters, and traces of surf have been preserved on the mountain slopes. About 300 rivers flow into Titicaca. And on the lake you can see unusual floating islands made of reeds, inhabited by Uru Indians. The way of life in these mobile settlements has not changed much over the last century. It will even seem to you that you have traveled through time.

San Juan de Island Gastelugache is located off the coast of the Bay of Biscay. It is connected to the mainland by a narrow path-a staircase of 237 steps. There is a hermitage on the island, which is about 11 centuries old. The wonderful panorama of Gastegulache is remembered forever, and the splashes of azure waves and fresh wind fill everyone who has been here with special energy.

The "blue town" of Shefshauen is located on the slopes of the Rif Mountains. Everything here pleases the eye: beautiful landscapes, ancient architecture, works of art. But still the most important attraction is the wonderful color! Shades of blue range from light blue to rich azure. Once in this Moroccan city, you will constantly make wishes. After all, this is a real oriental fairy tale!