Romania's Bucovina Tops Time Out's Underrated Travel Destinations for 2027
Time Out magazine has named Romania's Bucovina region as the world's most underrated destination for 2027 in a new ranking featuring 41 peaceful global travel spots away from mass crowds.
As popular destinations like Venice and Barcelona struggle with overtourism, travelers are increasingly seeking quieter alternatives. A new ranking from Time Out magazine highlights 41 underrated global destinations that offer relaxed travel experiences far from the crowds for 2027.
At the top of the list for 2027 is the Bucovina region in Romania, followed by spots in the United States, Spain, Costa Rica, and Peru. Several other European locations also made the top ten.
Romania Takes First Place: Transylvania Without the Crowds
Bucovina, a region in northern Romania, has been crowned the world's most underrated destination for 2027. According to Time Out, the area offers the same blend of wild mountain landscapes, ancient traditions, and striking architecture found in the more famous Transylvania, but without the massive crowds.
The region has gained popularity in recent years as a gateway to the Via Transilvanica, a 1,400-kilometer hiking trail crossing Romania. One of Bucovina's standout heritage sites is the Voroneț Monastery, renowned for its vibrant exterior frescoes.
From Spain to Portugal: Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path Europe
The next European entry in the ranking is the Asturian cities in Spain, which ranked third globally. While Asturias's coast already attracts visitors, the magazine recommends exploring Oviedo, Gijón, and Avilés. Food lovers, in particular, will find plenty of reasons to stop and discover the local gastronomy.
Ranking sixth in the world is Zambujeira do Mar, a coastal town in Portugal's Alentejo region. The town sits alongside dramatic cliffs and features a beach that has earned a Blue Flag environmental quality certification. Except for the weekend hosting the MEO Sudoeste music festival, tourist numbers remain relatively low.
Ranking ninth is Carry-le-Rouet, a resort town in southern France. According to the magazine, it offers sea views, cliffs, turquoise waters, and fresh seafood in an atmosphere reminiscent of pricier destinations like Saint-Tropez and Cannes, but at significantly lower prices.
The Azores Embrace Sustainable Tourism
Just outside the top ten, ranking twelfth, are the Azores, a remote Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. In recent years, they have garnered growing interest and earned the nickname "the Hawaii of Europe."
Alongside this rising popularity, the islands are actively promoting sustainable tourism. The nine-island archipelago holds certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and enforces policies designed to protect its natural, historical, and cultural assets.
