{"id":200056,"date":"2026-04-22T18:25:26","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T18:25:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/200056\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T18:25:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T18:25:26","slug":"5-whitewashed-destinations-everyone-should-visit-at-least-once","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/200056\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Whitewashed Destinations Everyone Should Visit At Least Once"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\t\tShare The Article\t<\/p>\n

Gleaming hillsides, luminous townscapes, and photo ops at every turn.<\/p>\n

That’s what you can expect most often when visiting a beautiful whitewashed destination.<\/p>\n

Of course, what instantly comes to mind are Greece’s numerous islands, especially Santorini.<\/p>\n

But the Travel Off Path<\/a> team decided to pull off a classic switcheroo for this one by revealing 5 must-visit whitewashed getaways that aren’t in Greece.<\/p>\n

\"Whitewashed\"Whitewashed<\/a><\/p>\n

That’s right \u2014 you don’t have to follow the crowds to hotspots like Mykonos as there are plenty of other vibrant postcard escapes well worth the adventure, scattered across the globe.<\/p>\n

We handpicked 5 we truly believe you have to visit at least once in your life \u2014 but first \u2014 remember to always check Travel Alerts<\/a> and Entry Requirements<\/a> no matter where your travels take you.<\/p>\n

5 whitewashed destinations everyone should visit at least once:<\/p>\n

PLUS: We’ve built an interactive quiz for you at the end of this article to find your perfect match!<\/p>\n

1) Bozcaada: Turkiye’s \u2018Greek’ Island \ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf7<\/p>\n

\"Vibrant\"Vibrant<\/a><\/p>\n

If you crave Greece vibes<\/a> but want to check off another country from your list, Bozcaada makes perfect sense.<\/p>\n

Located a stone’s throw from Corfu, this Turkish island with a funny name is almost a spitting image of its Greek neighbors.<\/p>\n

Formerly known as Tenedos, this map-dot island from Turkish mainland has become a summer hotspot for locals, but relatively unknown to the masses.<\/p>\n

Boasting picturesque townscapes, and official \u201cGreek Quarter\u201d, and blissful wine country away from the cobbled town sharing the same name, Bozcaada is one of Turkiye’s best kept secrets \u2014 and that’s perhaps because it blends in with more notable islands, yet still offers gorgeous blue-water beaches and sensational cuisine blending Greek and Turkish staples.<\/p>\n

\"Ayazma\"Ayazma<\/a><\/p>\n

The Vibe: A breezy, wine-sipping Aegean island with colorful streets, clear water, and a laid-back feel far removed from Antalya and crowded Greek islands<\/p>\n

3 Must-Visit Attractions:<\/p>\n

Bozcaada Castle<\/p>\n

Ayazma Beach<\/p>\n

Bozcaada\u2019s Vineyards & Wineries<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how travelers feel about safety in Turkiye (also still spelled \u201cTurkey\u201d):<\/p>\n

2) Sidi Bou Said: North Africa’s \u201cSantorini\u201d \ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf3<\/p>\n

Tunisia may not be on your Bingo Card, but North Africa’s smallest country is more paradisal than you might suspect.<\/p>\n

In the capital of Tunis, you’ll find remarkably preserved ruins. But on the coastline are gorgeous Mediterranean seaside towns that may captivate you even more.<\/p>\n

\"Sea\"Sea<\/a><\/p>\n

Sidi Bou Said is as close as it gets to Santorini without being in Greece.<\/p>\n

Boasting cobalt-blue accents and a maze of whitewashed passageways, this elevated town perched on a clifftop is a mesmerizing coastal charmer.<\/p>\n

Better yet, Tunisia’s most renowned destination is remarkably more affordable than Santorini too, but at this point, isn’t everywhere?<\/p>\n

The Vibe: Sidi Bou Said feels tailor-made for wandering, with artsy nooks, cliffside cafes, and sweeping Mediterranean vistas.<\/p>\n

3 Must-Visit Attractions:<\/p>\n

Ennejma Ezzahra Palace<\/p>\n

Cafe des Delices<\/p>\n

Dar El Annabi<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how travelers feel about safety in Tunisia:<\/p>\n

3) Manzanillo: Discover Mexico’s Trending Resort Town \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfd<\/p>\n

\"Whitewashed\"Whitewashed<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cDiamond in the rough\u201d can be off-putting for some, but Manzanillo<\/a> has embraced the title.<\/p>\n

Located in the no-go zone of Colima \u2014 at least according to the State Department<\/a> \u2014 Manzanillo is the one bright spot.<\/p>\n

Known as the \u201cSantorini of Mexico\u201d, this growing resort town is not only the Sailfish capital of the world, but a great all-inclusive destination for those who crave a sense of real Mexico.<\/p>\n

Those concerned with Manzanillo’s safety issues shouldn’t bat an eye, however. There’s a reason there are more flights from Canada and the U.S. than domestic flights to Manzanillo’s Playa de Oro International Airport.<\/p>\n

That’s because it’s welcoming and safe for tourists. Without ensuring safety here, the state of Colima’s economy would tank.<\/p>\n

\"Las\"Las<\/a><\/p>\n

The Vibe: A laid-back Pacific beach city with sunny shores, bay views, and a local feel.<\/p>\n

3 Must-Visit Attractions:<\/p>\n

El Tapo de Ventanas<\/p>\n

Playa La Audiencia<\/p>\n

Centro Hist\u00f3rico & Monumento del Pez Vela<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how travelers feel about safety in Mexico:<\/p>\n

4) Alberobello: Italy’s Secret Quirky Village \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9<\/p>\n

Sure, the Amalfi Coast is one of the Italy’s undeniably beautiful destinations. Remember, we’re focusing on places well worth traversing even if it’s just one time.<\/p>\n

That’s where Alberobello comes in \u2014 a UNESCO-protected time capsule known for its unusual cone-shaped trulli townscape with over 1,500 distinctive homes.<\/p>\n

\"Trulli\"Trulli<\/a><\/p>\n

The entire village is beaming white marvels with your typical cobbled maze of narrow alleyways and sidewalk cafes, especially in the charming Rione Monti district.<\/p>\n

The Vibe: A whimsical whitewashed village that feels like stepping into another world without sacrificing Italian flair<\/p>\n

3 Must-Visit Attractions:<\/p>\n

Rione Monti<\/p>\n

Casa Pezzolla<\/p>\n

Trullo Sovrano<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how travelers feel about safety in Italy:<\/p>\n

5) Algiers: The Ultimate Adventure For Culture Seekers \ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddff<\/p>\n

Algiers isn’t a name that rings a bell, but it’s a vibrant whitewashed capital of Africa’s largest country.<\/p>\n

No, not safari-Africa.<\/p>\n

\"Colonial\"Colonial<\/a><\/p>\n

We’re talking North Africa’s desert and unspoiled Mediterranean side largely unspoiled by mass tourism.<\/p>\n

We won’t sugarcoat it \u2014 Algeria isn’t the easiest country to visit for Americans since a visa is required.<\/a><\/p>\n

However, Algiers is the perfect gateway with a whitewashed UNESCO-listed Casbah and sweeping azure-water views.<\/p>\n

You might feel like a sore thumb in its bustling streets, but many travelers rave about Algeria’s hospitality in a classic case of the old adage that \u201cpeople are not their governments\u201d.<\/p>\n

Though some pockets feel a bit gritty, largely Algiers is equal parts centuries-old history and coastal splendor without the resort town fluff, boasting grand palaces and mosques instead of poolside cocktails.<\/p>\n

The Vibe: A culture-packed capital that still feels undiscovered, blending Old World streets and sweeping Mediterranean views<\/p>\n

3 Must-Visit Attractions:<\/p>\n

The Casbah<\/p>\n

Palais des Rais<\/p>\n

Notre-Dame d\u2019Afrique<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how travelers feel about safety in Algeria:<\/p>\n

Now take this quiz to find your perfect match!<\/p>\n

Question 1 of 3<\/p>\n

What is your primary travel goal?<\/p>\n

\n \ud83d\udcf8 Experiencing quirky history and unique UNESCO architecture
\n \ud83c\udf77 Relaxing by the sea with a glass of local wine
\n \ud83c\udf0a Enjoying an affordable cliffside view or laid-back resort life\n <\/p>\n

Question 2 of 3<\/p>\n

Which vibe appeals to you the most?<\/p>\n

\n \ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf7 A breezy Aegean island blending Greek and Turkish staples
\n \ud83c\udf0d A bustling, culture-packed North African capital or cliffside town
\n \ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfd A sunny Pacific beach city or a whimsical European village\n <\/p>\n

Final Question<\/p>\n

How do you feel about the logistics of getting there?<\/p>\n

\n \u2708\ufe0f I want an easy, safe resort town with plenty of direct flights
\n \ud83d\udec2 I don’t mind a raw adventure, even if it requires securing a visa!
\n \ud83d\uddfa\ufe0f I’m looking for a gorgeous hidden gem off the typical tourist path\n <\/p>\n

\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf7
\n Your Match: Bozcaada<\/p>\n

Turkiye’s \u2018Greek’ Island<\/p>\n

The Vibe: A breezy, wine-sipping Aegean island with colorful streets and clear water.<\/p>\n

Why It Fits: You crave Greece vibes but want an off-the-beaten-path gem. Bozcaada offers gorgeous blue-water beaches, sensational cuisine, and picturesque vineyards far removed from the massive summer crowds.\n <\/p>\n

\u21bb Retake Quiz<\/p>\n

\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf3
\n Your Match: Sidi Bou Said<\/p>\n

North Africa’s Santorini<\/p>\n

The Vibe: A mesmerizing coastal charmer tailor-made for wandering.<\/p>\n

Why It Fits: You want stunning cliffside cafes, sweeping Mediterranean vistas, and a maze of cobalt-blue and white passageways\u2014all at a remarkably more affordable price point than Greece!\n <\/p>\n

\u21bb Retake Quiz<\/p>\n

\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddfd
\n Your Match: Manzanillo<\/p>\n

Mexico’s Trending Resort Town<\/p>\n

The Vibe: A laid-back Pacific beach city with sunny shores and a local feel.<\/p>\n

Why It Fits: You want an easy, accessible vacation with a sense of \u201creal Mexico.\u201d Known as the Santorini of Mexico, it’s a safe, welcoming hub perfect for enjoying bay views and warm hospitality.\n <\/p>\n

\u21bb Retake Quiz<\/p>\n

\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9
\n Your Match: Alberobello<\/p>\n

Italy’s Quirky Village<\/p>\n

The Vibe: A whimsical whitewashed time capsule that feels like stepping into another world.<\/p>\n

Why It Fits: You are looking for truly unique, UNESCO-protected architecture. Wandering the cobbled maze of over 1,500 cone-shaped trulli homes offers the ultimate blend of history and Italian flair.\n <\/p>\n

\u21bb Retake Quiz<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddff
\n Your Match: Algiers<\/p>\n

The Ultimate Adventure<\/p>\n

The Vibe: A culture-packed capital that still feels raw and undiscovered.<\/p>\n

Why It Fits: You don’t mind a little grit or the effort of getting a visa. In return, you get a sprawling whitewashed UNESCO Casbah, grand palaces, and incredible local hospitality untouched by mass tourism.\n <\/p>\n

\u21bb Retake Quiz<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

Sam Sears<\/a><\/p>\n

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 44 countries and written over 1500 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.<\/p>\n

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