Spain Follows Romania and More as Europe’s Underrated Destinations for 2027 Spark New Global Travel Interest

Spain follows Romania and more international destinations as Europe’s underrated destinations for 2027 spark new global travel interest, bringing lesser-known cultural landmarks, coastal retreats and natural attractions into focus. From the historic cities of Asturias to Bucovina’s painted monasteries, these destinations present opportunities for tourism beyond established holiday centres. The wider selection includes South Dakota, Costa Rica, Peru, Portugal, Arizona, China, France and California. For international travellers, the appeal lies in distinctive landscapes, regional traditions and alternative itineraries. For the global tourism industry, this recognition could encourage geographically diverse visitor spending, support regional businesses and strengthen interest in responsible travel experiences.

Which Underrated Travel Destinations Are Attracting Global Attention for 2027?

The world’s most underrated travel destinations for 2027 include European cultural regions, American wilderness destinations, tropical conservation areas and rapidly developing Asian cities. Time Out’s October 2026 editorial ranking identifies 41 destinations, placing Romania’s Bucovina first, South Dakota second and Spain’s Asturian cities third. Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula and Peru’s San Martín complete the first five positions. Portugal, the United States, China and France feature elsewhere in the leading ten. The selection brings together contrasting travel experiences, from mountain hiking and cultural heritage to beach holidays and metropolitan attractions. These positions reflect editorial assessments rather than official tourism performance statistics.

1. Romania leads the global ranking through Bucovina’s cultural and rural tourism attractions.
2. Spain ranks third, highlighting Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés.
3. The United States secures three positions among the global top ten.
4. Costa Rica and Peru represent nature-based tourism in Latin America.
5. Portugal, China and France demonstrate the variety of coastal and urban alternatives.

Romania’s Bucovina Strengthens Its Appeal Through UNESCO Heritage and Carpathian Tourism

Bucovina in northeastern Romania offers an unusual combination of religious architecture, rural communities and mountainous scenery. Its best-known cultural attractions include the Churches of Moldavia, recognised by UNESCO for elaborate exterior paintings. The World Heritage property comprises eight churches dating from the late fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Voroneț and Sucevița illustrate the region’s distinctive artistic traditions. Beyond its monasteries, Bucovina offers forest walks, traditional crafts and opportunities to explore villages away from Romania’s larger tourism centres. The region also provides access to the Via Transilvanica long-distance trail, connecting heritage tourism with walking holidays and community-based accommodation.

1. UNESCO recognises eight historic Churches of Moldavia.
2. Voroneț Monastery is renowned for its exterior frescoes.
3. Rural communities preserve distinctive craft traditions.
4. The Eastern Carpathians create opportunities for outdoor recreation.
5. Hiking tourism can support smaller accommodation and hospitality businesses.

Romania’s wider tourism opportunity lies in developing itineraries connecting established cultural landmarks with smaller communities. This could increase demand for local guides, restaurants, accommodation and regional transport. However, recognition alone does not establish that visitor numbers will rise in 2027.

Spain’s Asturias Emerges as a Cultural, Culinary and Coastal Travel Alternative

Northern Spain’s Asturias offers a combination of historic cities, maritime landscapes and regional gastronomy. Oviedo, the autonomous community’s capital, is recognised for its historic centre and cultural institutions. Gijón combines coastal promenades, beaches and urban attractions, while Avilés preserves significant architectural heritage alongside modern cultural infrastructure. The official Asturias tourism authority identifies these three cities as important components of the region’s urban visitor offering. Traditional food, seafood and Asturian cider add another dimension to the experience. Together, these attractions create opportunities for multi-city holidays combining urban stays with excursions into the surrounding countryside and coastal communities.

1. Oviedo offers historical architecture and established cultural attractions.
2. Gijón provides urban beaches and seaside recreation.
3. Avilés combines its historic centre with contemporary cultural facilities.
4. Regional cuisine supports culinary tourism and local hospitality.
5. Multi-city itineraries can encourage exploration beyond Spain’s traditional tourism centres.

Asturias presents opportunities for travellers interested in exploring northern Spain through connected city experiences rather than conventional resort holidays. The economic benefits could extend to cultural venues, independent restaurants and accommodation providers, particularly where visitors choose longer regional itineraries.

United States Gains Attention Through South Dakota, Bisbee and California’s Tioga Pass

The United States features prominently in the 2027 selection, with three geographically distinct destinations. South Dakota occupies second place through its national parks, wildlife and historic attractions. Bisbee in Arizona ranks seventh, offering preserved mining heritage, independent galleries and distinctive hillside architecture. California’s Tioga Pass takes tenth place, highlighting the recreational value of the Sierra Nevada mountains. These destinations demonstrate how American tourism extends beyond its largest cities and established resort areas. For international travellers, the variety offers opportunities to build regional road trips incorporating protected landscapes, historic communities, scenic drives and outdoor activities across different parts of the country.

1. South Dakota offers access to Badlands National Park, Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore.
2. Badlands National Park covers more than 240,000 acres, according to the US National Park Service.
3. Bisbee preserves historic mining attractions, including the Copper Queen Mine.
4. Tioga Pass reaches approximately 3,031 metres above sea level.
5. Tioga Road is seasonal, requiring visitors to verify road conditions before travelling.

The National Park Service identifies Badlands Loop Road as an important scenic route through the park’s distinctive geological formations. Meanwhile, Arizona’s official tourism authority describes Bisbee as a former mining centre that has developed a creative and cultural identity.

For Tioga Pass, the National Park Service advises that Highway 120 through Yosemite generally closes during winter, with reopening dates dependent on snow conditions. This restriction makes seasonal planning essential for road-based itineraries.

The wider tourism implications concern regional spending. Road-based journeys may generate demand for accommodation, restaurants, fuel stops, guiding services and cultural attractions in communities outside major metropolitan markets. These are potential benefits rather than measured economic results from the 2027 ranking.

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula Supports Biodiversity Tourism and Rainforest Exploration

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, ranked fourth, is particularly important for travellers interested in wildlife and conservation. Situated in the country’s south-west, the peninsula includes Corcovado National Park, an internationally recognised tropical ecosystem containing rainforest, coastal habitats and diverse wildlife. Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas, known as SINAC, identifies six visitor-access sectors within Corcovado. The authority requires advance reservations and provides information on official entry arrangements. The destination’s natural characteristics make it suitable for carefully organised ecotourism, guided wildlife observation and educational experiences rather than unrestricted mass tourism. Environmental protection therefore remains an essential consideration in planning visits.

1. Corcovado National Park is a central attraction.
2. The protected area has six designated visitor sectors.
3. Advance reservations are compulsory.
4. Visitors can experience rainforest, mangrove and coastal ecosystems.
5. Wildlife-oriented tourism creates opportunities for authorised guides and local accommodation providers.

Costa Rica’s conservation framework is particularly relevant to the expansion of nature-based tourism. The economic opportunity involves linking visitor expenditure with local services while maintaining the environmental protections that make the destination attractive.

Travellers should verify park entry arrangements, guide requirements and available transport before confirming accommodation or flights. In remote rainforest locations, access conditions can materially affect travel planning.

Peru’s San Martín Region Combines Amazonian Nature Tourism With Visitor Infrastructure Development

Peru’s San Martín region occupies fifth place in the global selection. Located in the northern part of the Peruvian Amazon, the region offers forests, waterfalls and culturally distinctive communities. Tarapoto is an important centre for visitors exploring its natural attractions. One established destination is the Ahuashiyacu waterfall, where regional authorities have identified opportunities to improve visitor facilities. In March and April 2026, the San Martín regional government reported preparatory investment work and technical assessments addressing tourism infrastructure, accessibility, signage and visitor services. These initiatives illustrate the importance of improving practical tourism facilities alongside the promotion of natural attractions.

1. San Martín offers Amazonian forest experiences and waterfall tourism.
2. Tarapoto serves as an important regional visitor centre.
3. Ahuashiyacu is an established natural attraction.
4. Regional authorities reported tourism improvement planning during 2026.
5. Accessibility, signage and visitor facilities remain important development priorities.

In April 2026, the regional government identified shortcomings in infrastructure and visitor services at Ahuashiyacu. The proposed investment process was intended to address these issues, although its announcement does not establish that the improvements have been completed.

For international travellers, San Martín offers an alternative to Peru’s more familiar heritage itineraries. Developing reliable visitor services could strengthen the region’s ability to support nature-focused holidays, local guiding businesses and small accommodation providers.

Portugal’s Zambujeira do Mar Offers Atlantic Beaches and Alentejo Coastal Tourism

Portugal’s Zambujeira do Mar holds sixth position, drawing attention to the Alentejo coast. The village overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and provides access to beaches surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Portugal’s official tourism portal identifies Praia da Zambujeira do Mar as part of the protected south-west Alentejo and Vicentine Coast landscape. It also confirms the beach’s Blue Flag recognition and facilities for visitors. Surfing and bodyboarding are among the available recreational activities. Although the village offers an alternative to larger coastal resorts, official tourism information confirms that summer demand can become substantial, particularly during major music festival periods.

1. Zambujeira do Mar lies within Portugal’s Alentejo region.
2. Its main beach has Blue Flag recognition.
3. The surrounding cliffs create opportunities for coastal sightseeing.
4. Surfing and bodyboarding contribute to its recreational appeal.
5. Summer festivals can considerably increase local visitor demand.

Portugal’s official tourism portal lists average summer seawater temperatures of approximately 17–18°C for the beach. This is useful information for travellers expecting Mediterranean-style swimming conditions.

The area’s tourism potential extends beyond the main beach. Nearby coves, coastal walking routes and regional hospitality businesses support varied itineraries.

A balanced approach to tourism development could encourage travel outside the busiest summer periods while protecting the coastline’s natural character.

China’s Shenzhen Expands Its Appeal Through Technology, Culture and Coastal Attractions

Shenzhen ranks eighth, representing a different form of alternative tourism. Located in Guangdong province beside Hong Kong, the city combines contemporary architecture, technology-related attractions, retail districts, cultural venues and coastal recreation. According to a Shenzhen government travel guide updated in February 2026, the municipality has more than 1,300 parks and over 260 kilometres of coastline. The same official source identifies numerous cultural landmarks and tourism attractions, including historic Hakka buildings, theme parks, shopping districts and waterfront destinations. Its combination of established transport infrastructure and varied urban experiences makes Shenzhen relevant to both leisure visitors and business travellers exploring southern China.

1. Shenzhen has more than 1,300 parks.
2. The municipality has over 260 kilometres of coastline.
3. Historic Hakka architecture forms part of its cultural heritage.
4. Theme parks and retail districts diversify its visitor experiences.
5. Its location beside Hong Kong supports regional travel itineraries.

Shenzhen’s government tourism portal reports 1,837 travel agencies operating in the municipality at the end of 2025, including 263 outbound agencies and 44 foreign-invested agencies. This gives an indication of the scale of its organised travel sector, although the agency count does not measure tourist arrivals.

Unlike rural and wilderness destinations, Shenzhen’s tourism opportunity is closely connected to metropolitan infrastructure and mixed-purpose travel.

Visitors can combine shopping, cultural experiences and coastal excursions within the broader Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area, subject to relevant entry and transport requirements.

France’s Carry-le-Rouet Highlights Mediterranean Holidays Beyond Traditional Riviera Resorts

Carry-le-Rouet, ranked ninth globally, offers an alternative Mediterranean experience along France’s Côte Bleue coastline. The commune is situated west of Marseille in the Bouches-du-Rhône department. Its appeal includes coastal walking, small beaches, marine activities and local food experiences. The official Carry-le-Rouet tourism office identifies the Sentier du Lézard as an accessible coastal walking route beginning near the marina and passing through the surrounding shoreline. The route is approximately 2.5 kilometres long, with an estimated walking duration of 45 minutes. Regional tourism resources also highlight opportunities for outdoor recreation, accommodation and local gastronomy.

1. Carry-le-Rouet lies on the Côte Bleue coastline.
2. Coastal walking is an established local visitor activity.
3. The Sentier du Lézard extends approximately 2.5 kilometres.
4. The walking trail is listed as free to access.
5. Marine recreation and gastronomy provide additional tourism experiences.

The location provides travellers with opportunities to explore a less internationally prominent section of the French Mediterranean coastline.

Its proximity to Marseille also makes it suitable for inclusion in a wider regional holiday, although the area may experience significant seasonal demand.

Greater international recognition could support accommodation, restaurants, outdoor activity providers and local shops. Any growth should be considered alongside coastal conservation and existing community needs.

How Could Underrated Travel Destinations Reshape Global Tourism and Airline Demand in 2027?

Greater awareness of lesser-known destinations could encourage travellers to reconsider how they plan international holidays. Instead of concentrating an entire trip in one famous city, visitors may explore neighbouring regions, smaller communities or protected natural environments. This creates potential benefits for regional accommodation, transport operators, cultural attractions and local food businesses. Airlines and travel companies may also find opportunities to promote existing gateways and onward connections serving these destinations. However, an editorial ranking cannot demonstrate additional airline demand, increased passenger traffic or economic growth. Those outcomes would require independently verified booking data, aviation schedules and official tourism statistics.

1. Regional visitor spending: More geographically varied itineraries could distribute expenditure across smaller communities and businesses.
2. Airline connectivity: Travel planners may place greater emphasis on existing international airports and regional transport connections.
3. Hospitality diversification: Small hotels, guesthouses and locally operated accommodation could benefit from increased destination visibility.
4. Sustainable tourism: Conservation rules and visitor management may become increasingly important in environmentally sensitive locations.
5. Travel product development: Tour operators could create new itineraries combining natural attractions, heritage experiences and urban tourism.

What Should International Travellers Consider Before Planning a 2027 Holiday?

Choosing a lesser-known travel destination requires attention to accessibility, seasonality and the availability of visitor services. Bucovina and Asturias can be incorporated into regional European itineraries, while South Dakota and parts of Arizona are particularly suited to road-based travel. Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula requires advance planning for protected-area access, and California’s Tioga Pass has seasonal road restrictions. Travellers considering Peru’s San Martín should check local transport and attraction arrangements. Similarly, Portugal’s Atlantic coast may experience significant seasonal differences in visitor numbers. Selecting a destination based on verified travel information is more reliable than assuming that an underrated location will always be uncrowded or inexpensive.

1. Check official entry and visa requirements for the destination country.
2. Confirm access arrangements and operating conditions for national parks and protected areas.
3. Review seasonal weather and transport restrictions before purchasing tickets.
4. Compare international air gateways with realistic onward travel options.
5. Select licensed tourism providers where required and respect local conservation measures.

Conclusion

Spain follows Romania and more destinations in demonstrating why Europe’s underrated travel experiences are attracting renewed global interest for 2027. The recognition of cultural cities, mountain communities, coastal settlements and protected natural landscapes highlights opportunities beyond conventional tourism centres. Destinations across the United States, Costa Rica, Peru, Portugal, China and France contribute to this broader picture. For travellers, the attractions include heritage, outdoor adventure and distinctive regional identities. For tourism businesses, increased visibility could create opportunities for more varied itineraries and local economic participation. Ultimately, responsible development, reliable transport and environmental protection will determine whether this attention produces lasting benefits.

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