June 05, 2023

Ranking hidden gems in countries around the world

From the Eiffel Tower in France to Germany's Berlin Wall, most of us are familiar with some of the world's most famous sights. These attractions are culturally significant and easily recognizable. However, each country is also home to more obscure attractions that many might not be aware of.

With so many distinctive countries found all over the world, these hidden gems are everywhere. As we quickly approach summer, has there ever been a better time to get out and explore some of the world's most obscure sights?

To aid tourists in finding the perfect attraction, we at DiscoverCars.com have examined the most popular 'hidden gems' in each country and US state around the world. We've also calculated the price of a rental vehicle picked up at the nearest airport, as well as the time and distance from the airport to each attraction.

We did this to help travelers expand their palette this summer by enabling them to explore less-renowned wonders around the world. There are two rankings, one investigating countries and the other focusing on US states.
Methodology
We have used Atlus Obscura to source attractions (outside of major cities) and recorded the number of people wanting to visit - according to the site. This is the figure we used to eventually rank our obscure attractions.

After recording the attractions, we wanted to find out the cost of renting a car from the airport closest to this attraction (for three days - we used the dates 25th July - 28th July 2023). To do this, we sourced the information from ourselves at DiscoverCars.com.

We also used Google Maps to source the distance and time from the closest airport to each attraction.

To source the price of gas (per liter) in the different countries and US states, we used a few different sources.

For gas prices around the world, we used Global Petrol Prices. For the price of gas in US states, we used AAA Gas Prices.

We excluded any well-known attractions found outside the capital or major cities and instead focused on specifically hidden gems.

We then ranked the countries and US states according to the number of people wanting to visit the hidden gem attractions.

Hidden Gems around the world

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United Kingdom, Scotland - Fingal's Cave, Isle of Staffa

Kicking off our country ranking, the most popular hidden gem was Fingal's Cave found in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland on the Isle of Staffa. 6,011 people want to visit making it the most popular attraction outside of major cities in the UK.

The stature and uniformity of Fingal's Cave make the attraction so incredibly unique. It was first discovered in 1772 and has since remained an obscure but impactful tourist destination. While there is no way of reaching the island by car, the cost of renting a vehicle from the nearest airport is £219.09. The closest visitors can drive to Fingal's Cave is Oban, a town 2 hours and 14 minutes away from the airport. The cost of petrol in the UK is currently £1.45 per liter.

  • Closest airport: Glasgow Airport
  • Distance from airport to location: 144 km
  • Distance from airport to location (driving): 2 hours and 14 minutes
  • Cost of car rental: £219.09
  • Cost of petrol (per liter): £1.45

Germany - Rakotzbrucke Devil's Bridge, Gablenz

Next, the Rakotzbrucke Devil's Bridge found in Gablenz, Germany ranked in second place with 4,287 people wanting to visit the hidden gem. The bridge first opened in 1750 and gives the impression of a full circle due to the reflection of the water.

The fairy-tale-like bridge can be viewed by tourists but they are advised not to cross it to maintain the structure for as long as possible. A rental car can be hired from the closest airport (Dresden) for £93.53 and the price of petrol is currently £1.54 in the country. The attraction is a 1-hour and 26-minute drive from Dresden Airport.

  • Closest airport: Dresden Airport
  • Distance from airport to location: 112 km
  • Distance from airport to location (driving): 1 hour and 26 minutes
  • Cost of car rental: £93.53
  • Cost of petrol (per liter): £1.54

Italy - Valle dei Mulini, Sorrento

Ranking in third place is the Italian 'Valle dei Mulini' or Valley of the Mills, which can be found in Sorrento, with 3,601 people wanting to visit the attraction. The Valle dei Mulini date back as far as the 13th century, visitors can experience the historic significance of the valley for free.

The attraction is quite accessible too, with the closest airport (Naples International) being 53 km away, a driving distance of 1 hour and 11 minutes. The cost of renting a vehicle from this airport is priced at £111.20 and makes getting there as simple as possible. Additionally, the price of petrol in Italy is currently £1.59 per liter.

  • Closest airport: Naples International Airport
  • Distance from airport to location: 53 km
  • Distance from airport to location (driving): 1 hour and 11 minutes
  • Cost of car rental: £111.2
  • Cost of petrol (per liter): £1.59

    Czech Republic - Sedlec Ossuary, Kutna Hora

    Placing fourth in the ranking is the Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the 'Bone Church'. Found in the Czech Republic, the attraction has 2,428 people wanting to visit. It's said there are up to 70,000 skulls to be found in the church, which can be experienced with no upfront fees.

    The macabre attraction is not one for the faint-hearted, but the unique Roman Catholic Chapel is definitely worth visiting. It's situated 72 km from Prague Airport (55 minutes away) where cars can be rented for a cost of £87.39. Petrol in the country is currently priced at £1.35 per liter.

    • Closest airport: Prague Airport
    • Distance from airport to location: 72 km
    • Distance from airport to location (driving): 55 minutes
    • Cost of car rental: £87.39
    • Cost of petrol (per liter): £1.35

    Mexico - Hidden Beach, Islas Marietas

    Next, in fifth place is the Hidden Beach found in Mexico, on the Islas Marietas. In total, 2,197 people wanted to visit the attraction. The secluded cavern is a hotspot for couples - and is also known as the 'beach of love'. The natural beauty is found on an uninhabited island that is home to volcanic activity.

    The resort island, as you might expect, is impossible to reach by car. Despite this, the closest location to the island is Punta Villela which is a 52-minute drive and 42 km away from Puerto Vallarta Airport. The fee for renting a vehicle from the nearest airport is £98.27 while the price of gas in Mexico is currently £1.10 per liter.

    • Closest airport: Puerto Vallarta Airport
    • Distance from airport to location: 42 km
    • Distance from airport to location (driving): 52 minutes
    • Cost of car rental: £98.27
    • Cost of petrol (per liter): £1.10

    Ireland - Skellig Michael, Kerry

    In sixth place, is Skellig Michael Island - found in County Kerry in Ireland. The attraction had a total of 1,999 people who wanted to visit. The location is a preserved rocky island with 600 steps that take visitors to the very top. The island is full of natural beauty as well as historic stone structures.

    While the island cannot be accessed by vehicle, Kerry Airport is an 83km drive away from the nearest location to the island, Killonecaha. Additionally, rental vehicles can be hired from the airport for a fee of £245.70 and petrol costs £1.41 per liter in Ireland.

    • Closest airport: Kerry Airport
    • Distance from airport to location: 83 km
    • Distance from airport to location (driving): 1 hour and 26 minutes
    • Cost of car rental: £245.70
    • Cost of petrol (per liter): £1.41

    New Zealand - Hobbiton, Matamata

    Placing seventh in the ranking is Hobbiton - located in Matamata, New Zealand. The attraction had a total of 1,972 people wanting to visit. Hobbiton is the real-life set as seen in 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' but is also an active sheep farm. All in all, the attraction is intriguing to any fans of the popular films.

    Hamilton Airport is the closest to Hobbiton and is a 41-minute drive (57km) from the attraction. Vehicles can be rented from Hamilton Airport for £155.90 while petrol costs £1.30 per liter in New Zealand.

    • Closest airport: Hamilton Airport
    • Distance from airport to location: 57 km
    • Distance from airport to location (driving): 41 minutes
    • Cost of car rental: £245.70
    • Cost of petrol (per liter): £1.41

    Canada - The Enchanted Forest, Malakwa

    Next, in eighth place is the Enchanted Forest found in Malakwa, Canada. In total, 1,803 people wanted to visit the hidden gem. The unique forest is full of fairy tale-themed structures and characters making it the perfect location for children to enjoy. There is also a 1km trail for visitors to enjoy.

    The Enchanted Forest is a 2-hour and 4-minute drive from Kamloops Airport (a distance of 172km) - where cars can be rented for a fee of £291.59. The cost of petrol in Canada is currently priced at £1.04 per liter.

    • Closest airport: Kamloops Airport
    • Distance from airport to location: 172 km
    • Distance from airport to location (driving): 2 hours and 4 minutes
    • Cost of car rental: £291.59
    • Cost of petrol (per liter): £1.04

    Australia - Glowworm Tunnel, Helensburgh

    Finishing in ninth place is the Glowworm Tunnel found in Helensburgh, Australia. The hidden gem had a total of 1,673 people wanting to visit. Once a railway track, the abandoned passageway is now home to bioluminescent bugs that give the location a magical feel.

    For visitors, the attraction is easily accessible and is a 41-minute drive from Sydney Airport (45km). Rental vehicles are available at the airport for £112.74 making getting there extremely simple. Furthermore, petrol in Australia is priced at £0.91 per liter.

    Closest airport: Sydney Airport
    Distance from airport to location: 45 km
    Distance from airport to location (driving): 41 minutes
    Cost of car rental: £112.74
    Cost of petrol (per liter): £0.91

    Belgium - The Blue Forest, Halle

    Rounding off the top ten countries with the most popular hidden gems, the Blue Forest found in Halle, Belgium ranked tenth, the attraction had a total of 1,605 people wanting to visit. Also known as the Hallerbos Forest, the location is full of bluebell flowers giving the area a beautifully natural atmosphere.

    Belgium's Blue Forest is located 42km away from Brussels Airport - which takes 40 minutes by car. If you need a vehicle, they can be hired from the airport for £107.38 while petrol is a fee of £1.44 in the country of Belgium.

    Although we've just run through the top ten countries with the most popular hidden gem attractions, the table above displays the full top 20 rankings.

    It's interesting to see so many unique attractions located on different continents around the globe. From an Irish island to a secluded beach in Mexico, there is bound to be something suiting everyone's tastes!

    Now that we've analyzed the top countries, let's take a look at the top ten hidden gems to be found in US states.

    Hidden gems in the US

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    Arizona - Antelope Canyon, Page

    Ranking as the most popular hidden gem in the US, Arizona's Antelope Canyon had a total of 5,124 people wanting to visit. The slot canyon can be found in the southwest of the US and was formed by erosion due to flash flooding, its geology is appreciated for its natural beauty and can only be experienced via an official tour.

    Las Vegas International Airport is just over a 2-hour drive from the attraction and a distance of 217 km. Vehicles can be rented from the airport for a fee of $364.21 while petrol currently costs $1.02 in the state.

    • Closest airport: Las Vegas International Airport
    • Distance from airport to location: 217 km
    • Distance from airport to location (driving): 2 hours and 15 minutes
    • Cost of car rental: $364.21
    • Cost of petrol (per liter): $1.02

    Nevada - Fly Geyser, Gerlach

    Next, the Fly Geyser found in Nevada ranked as the second most popular hidden gem in the US with a total of 5,015 people wanting to visit the man-made attraction. The Fly Geyser was created back in 1916 when drilling took place for a new well, the geyser is covered in red and green algae which gives the attraction its unique appearance.

    The Fly Geyser can be experienced via a tour, the nearest airport to the attraction is 180 km (a 1-hour and 49-minute drive) away, and petrol in the state of Nevada is currently priced at $0.93 a liter.

    • Closest airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport
    • Distance from airport to location: 180 km
    • Distance from airport to location (driving): 1 hour and 49 minutes
    • Cost of car rental: $307.87
    • Cost of petrol (per liter): $0.93

    Oregon - Thor's Well, Yachats

    In third place, Thor's Well - which is found in Oregon - had a total of 4,968 people wanting to visit. The attraction is a natural sinkhole that can be found on the Pacific coast of Yachats, and the unique place of interest gets its name from the God of Thunder himself.

    Thor's Well is a natural phenomenon that draws visitors from all over the world, the well is said to be around 20 feet in depth so caution is advised. Eugene Airport is 136 km away, which takes around 1 hour 44 minutes by car, and rental vehicles can be hired for a three-day period from the airport, costing $310.32.

    • Closest airport: Eugene Airport
    • Distance from airport to location: 136 km
    • Distance from airport to location (driving): 1 hour and 44 minutes
    • Cost of car rental: $310.32
    • Cost of petrol (per liter): $0.92

    Colorado - Paint Mines Interpretive Park, Calhan

    Placing fourth in the ranking is Paint Mines Interpretive Park - found in Calhan, Colorado - the attraction had a total of 4,384 people who wanted to visit. The natural wonder is a geological beauty to behold, with the rocks in the park developing colorful layers due to the oxidized iron compounds.

    The sight is free to experience and visitors are able to take a walk through the picturesque destination. Colorado Springs Airport is 56 km away from Calhan and tourists can hire a rental vehicle from the airport for $282.62, allowing them to experience the attraction at their own pace. Petrol is priced at $0.74 per liter in Colorado.

    • Closest airport: Colorado Springs Airport
    • Distance from airport to location: 56 km
    • Distance from airport to location (driving): 41 minutes
    • Cost of car rental: $282.62
    • Cost of petrol (per liter): $0.74

    Texas - Hamilton Pool, Dripping Springs

    Rounding off the top five, Texas' Hamilton Pool had 4,330 people wanting to visit the natural wonder. The pool includes a 15-meter waterfall which adds to the uncultivated feel of the attraction, the area has been a preserve since 1990 with work being done to reignite the local ecosystem.

    Dripping Springs, where Hamilton Pool is located, is only a 35-minute drive from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (45 km), making visiting the landmark easier than ever. A rental vehicle from the airport is also fairly cheap in comparison to other states - priced at $196.46.

    1. Closest airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
    2. Distance from airport to location: 45 km
    3. Distance from airport to location (driving): 35 minutes
    4. Cost of car rental: $196.46
    5. Cost of petrol (per liter): $0.67

    Wisconsin - House on the Rock, Spring Green

    Moving on, the House on the Rock in Wisconsin ranked as the sixth most popular obscure attraction in the US with a total of 3,988 people wanting to visit. The strange attraction was built by Alex Jordan Jr. in the 1920s before being opened to the public in 1960.

    The house consists of striking architectural structures, such as the house itself, combined with a collection of rooms that are extremely unique in design. There is also a spa and golf course at the destination. The closest airport is just under an hour away (54 minutes) where rental cars are available for $248.44. Meanwhile, petrol costs $0.76 per liter in the state of Wisconsin.

    • Closest airport: Dane County Regional Airport
    • Distance from airport to location: 68 km
    • Distance from airport to location (driving): 54 minutes
    • Cost of car rental: $248.44
    • Cost of petrol (per liter): $0.76

    New Mexico - Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area, Bloomfield

    Placing seventh in the ranking with 3,583 people wanting to visit is the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area in Bloomfield, New Mexico. The natural rock formations make for an impressive setting for a scenic walk in the hot weather. The wonder is made up of sandstone cap rocks which are neutral colors.

    The badlands are popular, but with no official established trail it can be easy to become lost, take caution if visiting the panoramic location. The hidden gem is quite secluded, with Albuquerque Airport a distance of 280 km away and rental vehicles are available for $201.96. Petrol is available for $0.77 per liter in the state of New Mexico.

    • Closest airport: Albuquerque Airport
    • Distance from airport to location: 280 km
    • Distance from airport to location (driving): 2 hours 39 minutes
    • Cost of car rental: $201.96
    • Cost of petrol (per liter): $0.77

    Virginia - Presidents Heads, Williamsburg

    In eighth place, Virginia's Presidents Heads monuments – found in Williamsburg – received a total of 3,501 people who wanted to visit the attraction. Not to be confused with Mount Rushmore, the Virginia attraction includes 43 heads of former presidents in an eerie abandoned field.

    Despite the heads not having a proper home, it has remained a point of interest for tourists. Thankfully, the nearest airport is a 26-minute drive (Newport News/Williamsburg International) making accessing the site extremely easy, petrol is available for $0.73 in Virginia. At the time of research, there were no rental car prices available for this location.

    • Closest airport: Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport
    • Distance from airport to location: 32 km
    • Distance from airport to location (driving): 26 minutes
    • Cost of car rental: $308.84
    • Cost of petrol (per liter): $0.73

    Tennessee - Lost Sea, Sweetwater

    Next, in ninth place is Tennessee's Lost Sea attraction which a total of 3,342 people want to visit. Also known as Craighead Caverns, the cave system is home to the largest non-subglacial underground lake in America, the Lost Sea was first discovered in 1905.

    Found in Sweetwater, the Lost Sea is almost 3 hours away from Nashville International Airport, vehicles can be rented from the airport for a cost of $306.14 and petrol is currently priced at $0.69 per liter in the State of Tennessee.

    • Closest airport: Nashville International Airport
    • Distance from airport to location: 263 km
    • Distance from airport to location (driving): 2 hours 38 minutes
    • Cost of car rental: $306.14
    • Cost of petrol (per liter): $0.69

    Washington - Hall of Mosses, Forks

    Lastly, rounding off the top ten is the Hall of Mosses found in Forks, Washington. The natural marvel has a total of 3,249 people who'd like to experience the attraction. Located in the Hoh Rain Forest, the hiking trail consists of moss-covered trees making for a special atmosphere and incredible scenic walk.

    The trail is 1.2 km in length and is free for all to experience, the attraction is however 3 hours and 25 minutes away from Seattle Airport. Petrol costs $1.01 in Washington State and visitors can rent a vehicle from the airport for $310.68.

    • Closest airport: Seattle Airport
    • Distance from airport to location: 334 km
    • Distance from airport to location (driving): 3 hours 25 minutes
    • Cost of car rental: $310.68
    • Cost of petrol (per liter): $1.01

    Summary

    And with that, we have ranked the top ten obscure attractions to be found in different US states. It was interesting to see the list dominated by natural wonders, with tourists itching to visit some of the world's more uncultivated offerings.

    With so many hidden gems to be uncovered throughout the US and beyond, it highlights the fun to be had outside of typical tourist hotspots. This summer, why not explore a brand new destination and cross one of these obscure attractions off your bucket list?

    If you're looking to rent a car for your next road trip, please consider choosing us, as we are a leader in online car rental reservations. We compare car rental deals from multiple companies, saving you precious time so that you can choose the best deal for your individual family's needs.

    We also operate in more than 145 countries and 10,000 locations, so we're sure to have the car rental deal for you - no matter where your next road trip happens to be.

    Sources


    Aleksandrs Buraks

    Head of Growth at DiscoverCars.com
    Aleksandrs has over 10 years of experience in marketing with a focus on creating stellar content that provides topical insights using data. Having taken five road trips across Europe and one in the U.S., he is passionate about traveling by car. His favorite countries to visit are Denmark and Thailand. You can find him on Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter.