Quiet paradise: 7 places in the world where you can relax without crowds of tourists and unnecessary noise
'04.06.2024'
ForumDaily New York
Travel talks about the 7 quietest holiday destinations in the world (based on average number of visitors per year). There you can enjoy your holiday without crowds of tourists and unnecessary noise.
From secluded islands to remote mountain hideaways, these tranquil havens offer recreation from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Imagine untouched beaches, where the only sound is the gentle splash of waves, as well as dense forests in which only your steps are heard.
Liechtenstein, Europe
- Population: 39 inhabitants.
- Why is it quiet here: the small area, limited number of attractions and lack of major transport hubs ensure tranquility.
- Sightseeings: Explore Vaduz Castle, stroll the scenic trails of Malbun, and visit contemporary art exhibitions at the Liechtenstein Art Museum.
- Best time to visit: from April 23 to October 7.
The country attracts between 98 and 000 visitors annually, providing peace of mind due to its small size, limited number of attractions and lack of major transport hubs.
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Liechtenstein may not be in a remote corner of the world, but it is often overlooked despite its prime location between Austria and Switzerland.
About 100 people visit Liechtenstein every year. It holds the title of least visited country in Europe.
Its majestic mountains, winding Rhine River, delectable cuisine and rich history offer a tranquil escape from the tourist crowds. With its fair share of mountaintop castles and extensive skiing and hiking trails, Liechtenstein seems like something out of a fairy tale.
Dominica, Caribbean Islands
- Population: 73 inhabitants.
- Why is it quiet here: Hurricane recovery efforts and an emphasis on ecotourism contribute to the serene atmosphere here.
- Sightseeings: Hike Boiling Lake, snorkel at Champagne Reef, and soak in the natural hot springs of Watten Waven.
- Best time to visit: from October to January.
The country attracts between 80 and 000 visitors annually, contributing to a relaxed tourism environment.
Dominica is the hidden gem of the Caribbean. It remains quiet and less visited primarily due to the impact of Hurricane Maria in 2017, which caused significant damage to the island's infrastructure and homes. The recovery process is steady but slow. This discourages large-scale tourism.
The state focuses on ecotourism and adventure travel, which targets a niche market. The island offers a luxurious eco-paradise with coral reefs, a volcano surrounded by rainforest and one of the Caribbean's longest hiking trails.
East Timor (or Timor-Leste), Southeast Asia
- Population: 1 inhabitants.
- Why is it quiet here: its new country status, limited infrastructure and remote location maintain its quiet charm.
- Sightseeings: Dive into the colorful reefs of Atauro Island, climb to the top of Mount Ramelau, and explore Dili's Portuguese colonial architecture.
- Best time to visit: from April to July.
The Democratic Republic of East Timor attracts between 70 and 000 visitors annually, making it one of the less visited but rich in cultural and natural resources in Southeast Asia.
The country became one of the world's newest and least visited countries when it gained independence from Indonesia in 2002.
The Republic is still building its reputation as a tourist destination, so it is not so widely known among foreign travelers. Its remote location in Southeast Asia and limited direct air connections further reduce visitor numbers.
The country is renowned for its world-class diving sites, pristine coastlines and rich cultural heritage combining Indonesian and Portuguese influences. Visitors can explore the country's turbulent history at the capital Dili's museum, before heading to jungles, mountain villages and stunning beaches.
Sierra Leone, West Coast of Africa
- Population: 8 inhabitants.
- Why is it quiet here: historical perceptions of instability discourage mass tourism, keeping visitor numbers modest.
- Sightseeings: Discover the pristine beaches of the Freetown Peninsula, stroll through the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary and learn about the country's history at the slave fortress on Bunce Island.
- Best time to visit: from November to April.
The country attracts between 50 and 000 visitors annually, reflecting its modest status compared to established tourist destinations.
Sierra Leone is an unexpected but rewarding beach destination in Africa. Sierra Leone's unpopularity can be explained by its history of civil conflict in 2002 and the Ebola outbreak from 2014 to 2016. These events significantly impacted the site's reputation as a tourist destination.
However, Sierra Leone offers a sandy coastline against a backdrop of lush green jungle and dusty red roads.
The country has mountains, as well as national parks and rainforests in the east, which are home to endangered species. Sierra Leone is ideal for those looking for a laid-back holiday, island hopping, camping, hammocks and surfing.
Solomon Islands, South Pacific
- Population: 754 inhabitants.
- Why is it quiet here: remote location and limited infrastructure reduce visitor numbers.
- Sightseeings: Dive into the pristine reefs of Marovo Lagoon, explore World War II shipwrecks and experience traditional village life on Malaita Island.
- Best time to visit: beginning – mid-August.
The Solomon Islands attract between 30 and 000 visitors annually, offering a less crowded alternative to more famous Pacific destinations.
The islands are located between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. This former British colony consists of 992 islands, 147 of which are inhabited. Unlike its more developed neighbors such as Tahiti and Fiji, the Solomon Islands have unpaved roads and lack traditional luxury amenities. Their remoteness and poorly developed tourist infrastructure contribute to tranquility on the islands.
They are scattered and less commercialized than more popular destinations, and the lack of direct international flights and the relatively high cost of travel here make it a less accessible destination. The islands' rugged terrain and limited amenities also make them less attractive to tourists seeking a more traditional holiday.
Despite this, the Solomon Islands offer rich cultural experiences, wreck diving (especially the famous MS World Discoverer) and stunning natural beauty for those who venture off the beaten path. They have an equally rich military history, having played a decisive role in World War II.
Comoros, East Africa
- Population: 865 inhabitants.
- Why is it quiet here: limited flights, past instability and efforts at sustainable tourism keep it calm.
- Sightseeings: Walk through the lush rainforests of Moheli National Park, relax on the white sand beaches of Anjouan, explore historic Moroni.
- Best time to visit: from May to September.
The country attracts between 28 and 800 visitors annually, demonstrating its position as the lesser-known pearl of the Indian Ocean.
The Comoros Islands, located off the coast of East Africa near Mozambique and Madagascar, are famous for their lush jungles and white sand beaches. Despite their natural beauty, they remain a little visited place due to their political history.
The Comoros Islands stand out as Africa's maritime paradise, not particularly popular due to political instability and economic problems of the last few decades.
Frequent coups and the resulting lack of development have led to a decline in the number of tourists.
The country's poor infrastructure, limited marketing as a tourist destination and political instability have made it less attractive to foreign tourists. However, the country is perfectly safe to visit today and there is a small but growing tourism industry.
Visitors will be rewarded with stunning scenery, which can be seen on the way to the Kartala volcano or while exploring Lac Salé, a salt lake in an old crater. Marine life lovers should visit the Hahaya coast to see dolphins jumping in the waves.
Montserrat, Caribbean
- Population: 4373 inhabitants.
- Why is it quiet here: due to volcanic activity and limited tourist infrastructure.
- Sightseeings: Explore the abandoned capital of Plymouth, witness the destruction of the Soufriere Hills volcano and relax on the secluded beaches of Rendezvous Bay.
- Best time to visit: from mid-December to mid-April.
Montserrat attracts around 20 visitors annually, maintaining its status as a quiet and less commercialized Caribbean destination.
It is among the least visited countries in the world. The island, a British overseas territory, has become a favorite destination for celebrities, especially after Beatles producer George Martin opened a recording studio there. However, in the mid-1990s, hundreds of volcanic eruptions occurred that turned the southern part of Montserrat into modern-day Pompeii.
The unpopularity of this British overseas territory is primarily due to the devastating volcanic eruptions in the mid-1990s. They destroyed much of the infrastructure, including the capital Plymouth. This natural disaster significantly reduced the island's population and stopped mass tourism.
Today the island is still recovering from these natural disasters, but tourism is slowly returning. Most visitors come from nearby islands to enjoy the hiking and wildlife.
Life here moves at its own pace and the sights are unique. You can explore Plymouth - once a thriving city, now ghostly and abandoned - and visit a cave home to thousands of bats. Surrounded by nature and minimal human presence, Montserrat offers a true escape from the fast-paced world.