Exploring these hidden gems can also support local communities and economies, as many of these destinations may not receive as much tourism as larger cities or tourist attractions. Overall, visiting Egypt’s hidden gems can offer a rewarding and enriching travel experience for those who want to discover more of this fascinating country.

Abdeen Palace

Location: Cairo

Visit Cairo to discover one of Egypt’s luxurious hidden gems – the Abdeen Palace. Originally the residence of Egypt’s royal family, it now serves as the presidential residence. The palace features stunning architecture that really catches the eye. Not only is the exterior lavish, but the interior is breathtakingly beautiful, making it one of the most exquisite palaces in the Middle East.

Elphinstone Reef

Location: Red Sea

Elphinstone Reef is one of the world-class dive sites in the Red Sea. Elphinstone Reef is still unknown despite its incredible beauty. The reef, located 12 miles off the coast of Marsa Alam, is one of Egypt’s best kept secrets for nature lovers, especially divers.

Blue Desert

Location: Sinai

In the midst of the sandy desert, there are a multitude of stunning blue boulders that catch the eye. However, these boulders are not a natural occurrence but an art installation by Belgian artist Jean Verame. This installation was built after the peace agreement and serves as a memorial of peace, with the color blue symbolizing this message.

Salt Mountain

Location: Port Fouad

The Salt Mountain in the town of Port Fouad in northern Egypt is a hidden gem overlooked by tourists. There are a number of mountains of pure white salt in the area that live up to their name. They resemble a snowy landscape, which is unimaginable in a country with a scorching, arid environment. The salt mountain is thus becoming an emerging tourist destination.

Cave of Beasts

Location: Wadi Sura

In the ancient cave you can find Neolithic art that goes back centuries. The Cave of the Beasts is one of the most attractive destinations in Egypt and is located in the middle of an arid desert. It is a lasting reminder of prehistoric human civilization.

Wadi El-Weshwash

Location: South Sinai 

The blue body of water in South Sinai is tucked between granite mountains. Like an oasis, the Wadi El-Weshwash brings a breath of fresh air to its arid surroundings. You can swim in the warm, safe and transparent waters of the Wadi El-Weshwash Natural Pool and relax in this unique hidden beauty.

Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa

Location: Alexandria 

The catacombs of Kom El-Shofaqa are a Roman and Egyptian underground cemetery. As one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, they have a long history dating back to the second century. The catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa stand out among the historical sites of Egypt because they represent a synthesis of several cultures. 

The Tombs of the Nobles

Location: Aswan

The Tombs of the Nobles are a fantastic substitute for the Valley of the Kings. Here you will find magnificent ancient tombs with a more tranquil atmosphere. The tombs, which date back to the Old and Middle Kingdoms of Ancient Egypt, have magnificent entrance halls, interesting columned halls and extraordinary tombs. They serve as tombs of ancient Egyptian governors, administrators and noblemen.

The post 8 Incredible Hidden Gems To Visit In Egypt In 2023 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

From remote islands and secluded beaches to charming villages and ancient ruins, Greece’s hidden gems offer a unique and memorable travel experience. By traveling off the beaten path, you can discover Greece’s natural beauty and cultural heritage in a way that is both immersive and authentic. Whether you are exploring hidden coves, sampling local delicacies, or experiencing ancient traditions, Greece’s hidden gems offer something for everyone.

Kokkari, Samos Island

Kokkari is a charming town on the island of Samos, bordering the Turkish coast. Booking your flights through Athens airport (1 hour from the Greek capital) is the easiest way to get to Samos island. By water, you can reach the island of Samos in 12 hours if you take a ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens.

Cameo Island, Zakynthos Island

This tiny island, a true paradise on earth, is located north of the island of Zakynthos and is only 15 minutes by car from Zakynthos airport. Admission to the island of Cameo is not free, but you will get a delicious drink! Enjoy the sun, the endless sea and the pristine waters. For special occasions like weddings, the island can be made private. Outside of these special occasions, the island is open to the general public. 

Athos, The Monastery Republic of Mount Athos

The “Monastic Republic of Mount Athos” is a region in northern Greece, two hours by car from Thessaloniki, which holds the record for the most monasteries per square meter. This breathtaking area of Greece is praised by 20 monasteries.

The Dionysiou Monastery, which you may have seen in a calendar or on the cover of a National Geographic magazine, is the most famous. About fifty monks live there and the monastery is still in operation. 

Assos, Kefalonia

Get ready for an unforgettable vacation in the charming village of Assos on the island of Kefalonia. This fishing village is characterized by its lively and colorful houses and is dominated by a majestic castle that offers a breathtaking view of the island. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the beauty of this picturesque destination.

Melissani Cave, Sami – Kefalonia

One of the best-kept secrets of the island of Kefalonia is the Melissani Cave. If you visit this beautiful place, you will have lifelong memories. It is an incredible experience to explore this cave with its shaft of light that breaks through the vault and leads to an untamed forest.

Meteora

The Meteora region of Greece is known for its monasteries perched on the cliffs, offering an incredible sight. This picturesque destination is frequently featured in calendars and is often referred to as one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe. There is no better time than now to discover the magic of this place.

Vlacherna Monastery, Corfu

The island of Corfu, regarded as one of the most picturesque and lush islands in Greece, is home to the Vlacherna Monastery. Additionally, it boasts stunning beaches, including the famous Porto Timoni, widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.

Agios Nikolaos, Crete

We recommend booking your trip and accommodation for October if you like to relax on quieter beaches and swim in warmer waters. The late season is ideal to enjoy this quiet place. Lake Voulismeni, also known as the “bottomless lake,” is flanked by cafes and restaurants. The surrounding area is ideal for a family outing or a special date.

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Read on to learn about eight distinctive and extraordinary destinations in Germany and uncover some of the country’s best-kept secrets.

Freiburg Im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg

This town, which is one of the largest in this beautiful area, is nestled at the foot of the Black Forest mountains. Thanks to its picturesque and quaint old town center, Freiburg im Breisgau has a beautiful and cozy environment. It is also a leader in environmental protection and a well-known German university town.

Ladenburg, Baden-Württemberg

One of Germany’s best-kept secrets is Ladenburg, considered by historians to be one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is the perfect place for those looking for a short afternoon excursion or a city break away from the busy urban centers.

Bamberg, Bavaria

Bamberg is a 40-minute car or train ride from Nuremberg. Stroll through the baroque-style houses and medieval churches of this city perched on seven hills, much like Rome or Lisbon. It’s a charming and delightful place in Bavaria, so it’s only logical that Germans voted it the country’s most livable city.

Trier, Rhineland Palatinate

One of the oldest cities in Germany is Trier, located in the Moselle region. There are still numerous Roman ruins to be seen there. The “Porta Nigra”, a large defensive gate, is one of the most famous features of the city. During the Christmas season, the city turns into a magical destination. Trier is a beautiful place for a romantic getaway or a shopping trip.

Wuppertal, North Rhine – Westfalia

With the introduction of an overhead monorail for its subway system a century ago, this urban hub became a pioneer in futuristic transportation. Today, the 13-kilometer-long elevated railroad, still in operation, is one of Wuppertal’s most distinctive features. When you use this unusual form of public transportation, which is uncommon in Europe, you will feel like you are floating above Wuppertal’s parks and rivers, much like an exhilarating amusement park ride.

Freudenberg

Despite its size, this city is still relatively unknown among travelers to Germany. It is hard not to be captivated by the charming half-timbered houses, which look strikingly similar and yet exude their own character and allure.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria

Although Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a beautiful city all year round, we recommend that you go there in the spring or in December. In this month, you can enjoy the wonderful, magical atmosphere of the Christmas market, which has become one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Bremen

Bremen is a prosperous and affluent city, fortunate to have a busy port. Its very attractive historical core, surrounded by old fortress walls, attracts many tourists. Travelers like to visit the “Marktplatz,” a lively market place. Here you can find the “Rathaus,” a former town hall that has been transformed into a restaurant where you can taste more than 500 different types of German wine.

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Here is a collection of the 8 most beautiful hidden gems to visit in 2023:

Portocolom, Mallorca

One of the most stunning beach towns in all of Europe, Portocolom is also one of the Balearic Islands’ best-kept secrets. Portocolom, which is situated in the wild and environmentally protected southeast of the island of Mallorca, is the ideal vacation spot for those looking for the most romantic hidden locations. Only 800 meters separate Portocolom from the “Cala Marsal” beach and its azure waters.

Ronda, Andalusia

Ronda, one of the crown jewels of Spanish tourism, is a popular destination for tourists looking for places off the beaten path. Ronda is the ideal place for a day trip to the most beautiful places in Andalusia, as it is only an hour and a half from the center of Malaga.

San Andres, Santa Cruz – Tenerife

San Andres is also a great area to live if you are not particularly interested in architecture or history. The town is located next to Tenerife’s most stunning golden sand beach, Las Teresitas, making it the ideal place to unwind after exploring San Andres.

 Cudillero, Asturias

One of Asturias’ most picturesque fishing communities, Cudillero is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. It is comparable to the “Cinque Terre” of Spain. a tiny fishing community with conventional homes and vibrantly colored façades.

Agüero – Huesca, Aragon

Climbers enjoy “Los Mallos”‘ mountains, but so do photographers and Instagram users looking for unusual locations. Be sure to see the amazing stained glass windows that represent biblical themes in the Santiago church, which dates back to the 12th century. Explore the village on foot to find the ideal locations for taking pictures of this unique location.

Mijas, Andalusia

The old Mijas “Mijas cidade velha” is the most stunning part of this hidden gem. Mijas is distinguished by its white exteriors and tens of thousands of geraniums hanging from the ceilings. For Instagram users, it’s the ideal location.

Setenil de las Bodegas, Andalusia

One of the most beautiful areas of Spain is Andalusia. For a culinary, cultural or leisurely city break, consider Seville, Malaga, Cordoba or Cadiz. You can also spend a day on the stunning beaches of Nerja or travel to the “Spanish Wild West” in the desert of Tabernas in Almeria, considered one of the best filming locations in Europe. But even for those who like to get off the beaten path, Andalusia offers a wealth of natural beauty and undiscovered treasures.

Calella de Palafrugell, Costa Brava

One of Spain’s best kept secrets, this place is ideal for people looking to get away from Barcelona and unwind in a charming ancient fishing community known for the beauty of its coves and tiny beaches. Calella de Palafrugell is one of the Costa Brava’s most stunning communities because of its preserved architecture.

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I stumbled upon this remote island while watching a video about the places to visit in Brazil on YouTube. Its natural beauty immediately caught my attention, and I was surprised I had never heard of it before. However, it was only after I discovered how far and remote it was, I became even more intrigued and sold on the idea of visiting. I was already in Brazil, so I only needed to find out how to get there, and from that point, I stopped planning. There isn’t much information available anyway, only a few vlogs and articles about the Island in English.

Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago of 21 islands and islets located 354km off the coast of Brazil, is well-known among locals but relatively unknown to foreigners.

This is evident in the low number of foreign visitors to the Island, with only 1,217 registered in 2022. Among these, the majority were Americans, with 310 U.S. tourists exploring the Island. Germans followed in second place with 109 visitors, followed closely by Argentinians with 103.

These figures highlight the Island’s exclusivity and pristine natural environment, which remains largely untouched by the mass tourism industry.

The Island has a cap on the number of visitors allowed at a time, which prevents it from feeling overcrowded and ensures that visitors can fully appreciate its unspoiled beauty. Only around 400 visitors can enter per day.

I arrived with a “zero-to-non” plan, just booked a one-way ticket and 2 nights in my first hotel (Pousada Moana). I landed around 3 pm and felt the remoteness as soon as I stepped on the Island. Small airplane, tiny airport, an immediate view of the tallest rock (Morro do Pico), and only a handful amount of tourists paying entry fees before jumping into taxis.

Fernando de Noronha Island is Marine National Park and charges an entrance fee to help fund conservation efforts and protect the Island’s fragile ecosystem. The cost for a 7-day entry fee is approximately 120 USD.

First trip

After check-in, I changed into my swim shorts and took a barefoot walk to the nearest beach. The journey took approximately 10-15 minutes through jungle-like and muddy off-road terrain.

Upon arrival at Praia da Conceição, I was absolutely amazed by the beauty of the beach and the incredible feeling of seclusion. Only a few people were present. I strolled to the left corner where I found myself completely alone, climbed a rock, and sat for a while, basking in the ambiance and waiting for the sunset. On this Island, one can genuinely experience the feeling of being Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Beach” movie.

After the sun came down, I walked to the other side of the beach to have a drink while watching the sunset “leftovers”. Ended up having fresh grilled tuna and 3 caipirinhas, why not :). The cliff restaurant had live music and amazing Tulum/Bali-style decoration.

Beaches, biodiversity, nature, and sharks!

The Island is well-known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. There are 16 beaches on the Island, each with its own unique features and charms.

In fact, one of the beaches, Baia de Sancho, was crowned as the best beach of this year on the Travelers’ Choice Awards by TripAdvisor. It’s a secluded beach that can only be accessed by climbing down a steep staircase, but the effort is definitely worth it.

Fernando de Noronha is not only renowned for its beautiful beaches but also for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural scenery. The archipelago has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its unique and diverse ecosystem.

The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and various species of birds, some of which are endemic to the Island. The waters surrounding the archipelago are teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, octopuses, and sharks.

In addition to the abundant marine life, Fernando de Noronha is also home to a variety of flora, including endemic species such as the Noronha Elaeocarpus and the Noronha Piptadenia. The Island’s vegetation includes mangroves, Atlantic forests, and scrubland.

On my second day, I took a walk on the Praia da Cacimba do Padre. Just after sunset, I came across a guy recording something with a lot of passion while standing in shallow water. His girlfriend behind him looked very worried, so I knew something was up! As soon as I pulled up my phone, a shark fin appeared maybe only maybe 10 meters away. It was my first close encounter with a shark on the beach so my heart was pounding hard. I told myself it might be an old one dying or a lost one trying to get out of shallow water but just a minute later I saw 2nd one! I immediately became a “shark hunter” and kept recording until the dark.

Right after I left the beach, I got caught in a massive storm, but luckily, a couple gave me a ride to the hotel. I was standing in the heavy rain, in the absolute dark, barefoot on a muddy off-road hitchhiking. A perfect horror movie scenario if you ask me but they were brave enough to stop!

Once I got home and rewatched the videos, I realized there were actually 3 adult-size sharks, just chillin’ in the water where people also swim. I did a bit of research and found out it’s a daily thing. Sharks are often spotted in the area where the waves break because they feed on sardines, which swim in that specific spot.

This short documentary explains all about the sharks in Fernando de Noronha:

Nightlife

Visitors are lured to Fernando de Noronha not only for its stunning natural beauty but also for its vibrant nightlife.

The Island boasts a variety of clubs and bars, and hosts theme parties and beach events every weekend, earning it the nickname “Brazilian Ibiza”.

The weekend is coming up, so I’ll give my personal review of the nightlife after (or might keep it to myself :P). Stay tuned on Instagram, I am here for 7 more days, or maybe 7 more weeks, or..

Few facts about the Island

• Founded: August 10, 1503.
• Population: 3,101 residents (2020).
• Area: 18.4 km².
• You can literally walk everywhere, it takes around 45 mins to cross islands on foot.
• There is only 1 road basically
• Only the eponymous main island (out of 21) is inhabited.
• Prices: it’s an expensive island but about the same as Europe’s beach destinations in the summer season.
• Internet: mostly very bad or non! The place where I stayed first 2-nights, Pousada Moana, has one of the best connections on the Island. Stable, slow but was enough for me to keep publishing articles, upload photos, and have a few audio calls.

I’ve been to 89 countries and many places around the world but this place climbed to the top very quickly!

Fernando de Noronha steals your heart as soon as you get out of the airplane. Whether you’re walking on the beach, relaxing on the main square, or watching the rain from your room, the Island feeds your soul with every passing moment.

The post This Remote Island Is A Real Hidden Gem Of The Atlantic With Only 1K Foreigners A Year appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Trendy: This Remote Brazilian Island Is A Real Hidden Gem Of The Atlantic

Which of these hidden places in Portugal will you explore first?

Santana, North of Madeira

Santana (north of Madeira) is known throughout the world for its characteristic triangular and lively dwellings; it is occasionally a little rainier than in the south. Since only one house is inhabited and the others have been converted into gift shops, the place is not exactly representative of the island. In any case, it is a nice place to discover local handicrafts and snap pictures.

Ferragudo, Lagoa – Algarve

This pretty fishing village is part of the municipality of Lagoa, one of the most beautiful municipalities in the Algarve, which also includes the towns of Porches, Carvoeiro and Ferragudo.

We recommend you to take the N125 (which is free) and go through the town of Parchal to reach the settlement. At the entrance of Ferragudo, you can park in an empty parking lot and enjoy a spectacular view over the city and the neighboring city of Portimao.

Compared to the beaches of Carvoeiro and Portimao, there is less going on here. There is also a “nudist” area at the end of the beach, which is not so crowded and where nudism is allowed.

Costa Nova, Aveiro – Porto

The fish market and the lively houses of Costa Nova are known for their attractiveness. The biggest attraction for tourists in this small town, which is connected to Aveiro by a bridge, are the houses along the main street, Avenida José Estevao. Originally used to store fishing gear, they eventually evolved into vacation homes. Some are available for rent.

Odeceixe, Algarve

The border between the Algarve and Alentejo regions is marked by the southern bank of the Ribeira de Seixe, which runs through the municipality of Odeceixe. This municipality is located on the steeply sloping topography that separates the two regions.

At the mouth of the Ribera de Seixe, the municipality includes Praia do Odeceixe. Here is located one of the few official nudist beaches in Portugal!

Sistelo, Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gêres

Sistelo is one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets, located 1.5 hours by car from Porto, near the “Penada Geres” National Park. This community of 300 people is called “the little Portuguese Tibet” and is one of the seven wonders of Portugal.

Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, Sao Miguel – Azores

This tiny island is actually the visible part of an amazing underwater volcano that is only 0.6 miles from the coast. In this particular paradise, you will find a small beach and crystal-clear waters. 

Azenhas do mar, Azenhas do mar

You can experience a complete change of scenery in just 50 minutes from Lisbon. Your Instagram account will go viral thanks to this tiny fishing community nestled on the edge of the cliffs.

Don a swimsuit and plunge into the natural pool of sparkling water, or lay out on the sheltered beach. Feeling hungry? You can find traditional Portuguese cuisine and seafood restaurants in this authentic Portuguese village.

Berlengas Archipelago, Peniche

They believe that the small fishing village “Peniche” is already a hidden treasure and a tiny piece of paradise. Portugal is kind and always offers more. The Berlengas archipelago is the cherry on top.

Although a protected area, this nature reserve is open to the public. You can even take a nap on the small beach, which can only be reached by boat.

The post 8 Incredible Hidden Gems To Visit In Portugal In 2023 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

This ranking is for you if you want to get off the beaten path and explore places of exceptional beauty. Here are your top picks for France’s best-kept secrets.

Estérel Massif, Golden Island – Var

One of the most amazing natural treasures of France is this towering volcanic mountain range. The Massif de l’Esterel is located in the Var, a region known for its magnificent scenery and for having some of the best beaches in Europe.

Eze, Cote d’Azur

The town of Eze is only 40 minutes by car from the famous city of Nice.

A rocky hill with a town called Eze facing the Mediterranean dates back to the 13th century. Come here for the breathtaking scenery and the historic charm of the small village with its medieval houses.

Cancale, Brittany

Travelers from all over the world flock to this small town of 5,000 residents every year to sample its wild oysters, take in its brilliant blue waters and enjoy its gorgeous beaches. Le Mont Saint-Michel is about 50 minutes by car from Cancale.

Menton, Cote d’Azur

Menton has become one of the most famous destinations on the Côte d’Azur, although it is less popular than Nice or Cannes. Menton is the ideal place for a day vacation or a stay of several days, as it is only 50 minutes by car from Nice airport.

L’ile Louet, Carantec – Morlaix – Brittany

The Carantec Tourist Office now allows overnight stays on this tiny island although the site is often occupied. We recommend you to take this into account and book well in advance.

Riquewihr, Alsace

One of the prettiest villages in Alsace and one of France’s best kept secrets is Riquewihr.

This little village’s success as a tourist destination is primarily attributable to the preservation of its architectural past during the two World Wars.

Eguisheim, Alsace

Eguisheim, which is approximately an hour’s drive from Strasbourg and only 15 minutes from Colmar, has long been a favorite French village. Eguisheim is a place right out of a fairy tale with its vibrant facades, traditional Alsatian homes, and stork nests.

Monet’s Garden, Giverny – Normandy

Every now and then, men use their hands to create spectacular landscapes and exquisite gardens. The gardens of Giverny fall into this category. The artist Claude Monet had to leave Paris because he had little money and settled in this house in Normandy as a single tenant.

The construction of three greenhouses and extensive landscaping work on the property included the creation of a pond. After renting the house for 7 years, Monet eventually bought it. His most famous works, such as “Les Nymphéas,” were inspired by these gardens.

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Travelers must paddle up the Snake River in the small Idaho town of Buhl to get there. Along the way, cross the Snake River’s confluence with Box Canyon, where the cool, blue waters of Box Canyon visibly mingle with the Snake river’s waters.

The Snake River turns west just past the exit of Box Canyon, but a narrow passage continues north and leads to a forest. After passing through the passage, the boat enters the Blue Heart Spring, a quiet area surrounded by lava rock and trees.

The water of Blue Heart Spring has an amazing blue hue and is extremely pure. Even on the hottest days, the water has a comfortable temperature of 58 degrees, making it ideal for a summer dip. 

It is recommended to access Blue Heart Spring by kayak or paddleboard, as boat engines are not allowed inside the oasis. The best launch site is near Banbury Rentals, which also offers guided day trips and rentals of paddleboards and kayaks. Paddling from Banbury to Blue Heart Spring Passage takes 35 to 45 minutes.

Even though Blue Heart Spring is still a lesser-known destination, locals love it, so go during the week to escape the crowds. Also, remember to pack up your rubbish.

Miracle Hot Springs, a geothermal hot spring that can quickly chase away the chill left after your swim in Blue Heart Spring, is located just a few miles west of Blue Heart Spring. Miracle Hot Springs has four pools open to the public, 15 private pools and community swimming ponds. For overnight guests, a series of geodesic domes, a rental house and campgrounds are available.

The driving time from Boise, Idaho to Buhl, Idaho, the town closest to Blue Heart Spring and Miracle Hot Springs, is less than two hours.

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The Buckhorn’s motor court is now an oasis with olive trees, lounge chairs, and fire pits where visitors can burn marshmallows and drink mezcal in the evening.

​Buckhorn’s Restaurant served lunch to Ryan Bradley and his family because they arrived before check-in time.

An old cowboy hat and a used trail guidebook were just a few of the local touches in their accommodation. They sat down on the terrace outside their room to watch the play of light over the plain.

But it quickly became clear that the people who live in Cuyama represent the greatest value of the community. That was discovered six years ago, shortly after Jeff Vance and Ferial Sadeghian, the architects and designers and business partners who own the Buckhorn, purchased the motel

Vance, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, developed a deep love for the area as a child and visited frequently. Then he met Sadeghian, an Iranian woman who dreamed of starting a hotel similar to what she had previously seen in Provence. One day, as they were traveling by car, they noticed that the boarded-up Buckhorn was for sale.

A few weeks after purchasing the property, an event for farmers and ranchers was held at the Blue Sky Center, a nearby nonprofit organization dedicated to rural development. There, Vance and Sadeghian met the winemakers whose wine they would soon sell, the farmers whose food would be on their menu, and the ranchers from whom they would purchase their meat.

“We’re all up here together,” Vance told Bradley one night at the Buckhorn bar. “If somebody has a problem, it’s everyone’s problem.” Sadeghian jumped in. “I was driving up here one day and realized, if something goes wrong, I would rather get stuck here than anywhere. There are just so many people around I could call on to help.”

The Blue Sky Center, housed in several large buildings constructed in the early 1950s by Richfield Oil Corporation, is largely responsible for this sense of community. Blue Sky aims to attract both visitors and innovative business people to the area while strengthening the local economy. 

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There are 132 magical towns in the country, but if you are looking for a little magic, here are 8 you can visit right away.

Tequila, Jalisco

This is the place to go if you want to taste a good tequila and see how it is made from start to finish. The name actually derives from a Nahuatl (or Aztec) word meaning “place of tribute,” and most places here pay homage to the craft of distilling the blue agave into the well-known alcoholic beverage.

Xilitla, San Luis Potosí

The cultures of Mexico and surrealism are inextricably linked, but one town brings out the best of both. It combines lush foliage with a building-sized work of art, complete with unfinished concrete columns, staircases, and maze-like corridors. Here you’ll also find fantastic organic coffee and delicious local specialties like enchiladas potosinas, which are enchiladas cooked with dough soaked in chili.

Valladolid, Yucatán

On the Yucatán Peninsula, Valladolid is considered one of the oldest and most picturesque towns. The Casona de Valladolid, an 18th-century house where wealthy families hosted parties in the early 1900s, is just one example of the many grand colonial mansions, museums, and small hotels and restaurants located in old buildings.

Bacalar, Quintana Roo

The town’s central business district is as charming as you can imagine, with eateries along pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, many serving fresh seafood. Bacalar’s natural beauty is also celebrated in the more than 100 murals of street art.

San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas

This area of Chiapas is distinctive because it blends the splendor of colonial and colorful buildings with the beautiful jungle that envelops the town. The town resembles an open-air museum thanks to the collection of meticulously preserved buildings from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, which include baroque and neoclassical architectural styles.

Izamal, Yucatán

Picture a town where all the buildings are painted golden yellow and where different historical cultures coexist. Izamal is just that. The juxtaposition of prehispanic buildings and colonial architecture encourages visitors to explore the rich culture of the region.

Orizaba, Veracruz

The volcano Pico de Orizaba, the tallest mountain in Mexico, is known to be visible from Orizaba. The name of the municipality derives from an Aztec word meaning “place of joyful water,” a reference to the river that flows through the town and over numerous stone bridges. In addition to its picturesque nature, the town also offers impressive colonial architecture that has been well preserved.

Palenque, Chiapas

If you want to experience the natural splendor of the southern Mexican rainforest, you should come here. Although Palenque is a tiny town, it is home to a national park, an archeological site and one of the most significant Mayan cities. When you arrive, you will see a clearing with Mayan palaces and pyramids.

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