Best Countries for Nigerians to Visit: 5 Hidden Gems Abroad

Imagine riding through endless desert plains at dawn, then sipping frappé by a cliffside infinity pool. The world is full of magical places that most tourists never see. If you’re a Nigerian traveller craving off‑the‑beaten‑path escapes that are both stunning and visa‑friendly, this post is for you. We’ve handpicked 5 under‑the‑radar countries, from vast steppes to secret island covens that combine natural beauty, culture, and easy access. You’ll leave with insider tips, packing essentials, FAQs, and links to official visa info. Let’s uncover your next unforgettable adventure.

Table of Contents

1. Mongolia – Horseback & Yurt Life

2. Greece – Folegandros, Aegean Bliss

3. Greece – Hidden Beaches on Paros

4. Spain – Mariña Lucense’s Coastal Serenity

5. Mongolia’s Genghis Khan Cultural Experience

6. Summary Table

Mongolia

Why Go: Epic Landscapes, Pine Forests, and Gobi Dunes

Mongolia is a land of extreme contrasts and breathtaking natural beauty. From the lush pine forests surrounding Lake Khövsgöl, often called the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia”, to the endless, golden steppes and the surreal Gobi Desert, the country offers a geography unlike anywhere else. In the south, the Khongoryn Els, or “Singing Sands,” are towering dunes that reach up to 80 meters and literally hum when the wind sweeps through them. With blazing sunsets, vast open skies glittering with stars, and landscapes that stretch to the edge of imagination, Mongolia feels like another planet, raw, untamed, and soul-stirring.

👉 Discover more at Discover Mongolia

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Top Experiences in Mongolia

Horseback Riding, Archery, and the Nomadic Way

Feel the pulse of history by riding horseback across the endless steppes, tracing the paths once taken by Genghis Khan’s legendary cavalry. Engage in traditional Mongolian archery and experience the nomadic warrior spirit that shaped centuries of culture and conquest.

Throat-Singing: Music of the Steppe

Experience the unique and haunting tradition of throat-singing, where performers create multiple pitches simultaneously. Often showcased at cultural festivals or local gatherings in gers (traditional tents), this ancient art connects deeply with the landscape and Mongolian identity.

Genghis Khan Statue and the Mystique of the Gobi

Just outside Ulaanbaatar stands the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, the tallest horse statue in the world, honoring Mongolia’s most iconic leader. Venture further south to the Gobi Desert to see the flaming cliffs of Bayanzag, explore fossil-strewn valleys, and walk across ancient desert trails once roamed by dinosaurs.

Family-Run Yurts and Nomadic Hospitality

Spend the night in a ger with a nomadic family and wake up to steaming cups of yak milk tea. Share homemade buuz (steamed dumplings) by the hearth, listen to stories under the stars, and witness how centuries-old traditions are still lovingly preserved in everyday life.

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Bonus: A Stargazer’s Paradise

Thanks to Mongolia’s low light pollution and vast, open terrain, the country offers some of the best stargazing in Asia. Whether you’re lying on sand dunes in the Gobi or watching the Milky Way rise above alpine lakes in the north, the sky puts on a nightly show that rivals any planetarium.

Folegandros, Greece

Gundari Villas: 27 Private Cliff‑Top Pools, Local Cuisine, and Eco‑Wellness

Experience Folegandros’s first luxury boutique resort, “Gundari,” perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the Aegean. With 27 suites and villas, each featuring heated infinity pools crafted from local stone, this eco-retreat harmonizes with nature while offering uncompromised comfort.

Designed by Athens’ Block722, the interiors celebrate minimalism and sustainability: bioclimatic architecture, solar power, an all-electric vehicle fleet, and a spa focused on native herbs and ancient Greek treatments.

At Orizon, Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou creates a farm-to-table gourmet journey, blending produce from Gundari’s garden with fresh seafood, and complemented by a swim-up bar serving creative cocktails.

📌 Explore more at Gundari’s official site: Gundari Villas & Spa

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Chora & Local Discoveries

Just 3 km from Gundari lies Chora, Folegandros’s pedestrian-only hilltop village, a maze of whitewashed lanes, vibrant bougainvillaea, and authentic Cycladic charm.

Mingle with locals in family-run tavernas—enjoy communal mezes, sip rakomelo (honey-spiced raki), and savor island life into the night reddit.com.

Stroll through the historic Kastro medieval settlement and visit the hilltop Panagia Church, guided by Poly Gkiouri, who brings to life tales of pirates, pilgrims, and island heritage thetimes.co.uk.

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More Reasons to Visit

🌅 Dramatic Cliffs & Hidden Beaches

Folegandros remains blissfully untouched, no airport, no cruise ships, just quiet beauty. Gundari provides e-bikes and electric cars for exploring secluded beaches like Agali or Karavostasi, while private speedboat trips unveil hidden coves and neighboring isles cntraveler.com.

🌿 Holistic Wellness Haven

The resort’s subterranean spa features hydrotherapy pools, sound baths, energy healing, yoga, and aromatherapy using native herbs. Wellness retreats and practitioners rotate through the year, offering unique, rejuvenating experiences theluxuryspaedit.com.

🦅 Conservation in Action

Gundari is EarthCheck-certified, actively replanting indigenous flora (600+ seedlings) and protecting the endangered Eleonora’s Falcon—truly traveling with purpose turquoiseholidays.co.uk.

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Why Gundari Stands Out

• Eco‑luxury: solar-heated pools, zero-waste ambition, electric vehicles

• Design: cliff-integrated architecture, natural tones, vinyl-equipped rooms for “slow living”

• Culinary excellence: Lefteris Lazarou’s menus and on-site organic farm

• Immersive culture: local guides, tavernas, cooking classes with “Yia Yia Irene”

• Island calm: untouched landscapes, minimal tourism, genuine Greek charm

✨ Snapshot Comparison

Paros, Greece – Secret Beach Escape

Why Go

Paros is an off-the-radar paradise, offering fewer tourists compared to the crowded Cycladic islands. It’s home to clay-mask beaches unlike anywhere else, such as Kalogeros, where natural mud found in the cliffs provides a unique DIY spa experience. This was highlighted by a Business Insider feature noting how locals recommended Kalogeros for its serene, uncommercialized charm and the signature grey clay for skin treatments parosrentals.

1. Kalogeros Beach

 

Nestled between Molos and Marmara, Kalogeros stands out with its striking grey-clay cliffs. Travelers can scrape off the mineral-rich mud, mix it with seawater, and apply it as a natural mask, then rinse in the pristine Aegean for a DIY spa moment. It’s unorganized (no chairs or cafes), giving it a wild, authentic feel holidify.com. Bring your own snacks and prepare to be immersed in crystal-clear turquoise waters. It remains quiet and intimate, though ferry waves occasionally splash nearby. Be sure to secure your belongings sunnyathens.com.

2. Local Eateries & Tavernas

Nearby villages like Prodromos, Marmara, and Piso Livadi offer delightful tavernas serving fresh seafood and farm-to-table produce, perfect after a beach day summersenses.. Expect warm Greek hospitality, rustic flavors like grilled fish and local cheeses, and laid-back atmospheres in family-run spots, a lovely contrast to the untouched beach vibe.

🌅 Mariña Lucense, Spain – Untouched Atlantic Shores

Why Go

Mariña Lucense, tucked along Galicia’s Cantabrian coast, is a secret delight with 62 miles of coastline and over 60 beaches, yet attracted only 1,800 UK visitors in 2023, making it one of Spain’s most peaceful coastal retreats es.wikipedia.org. Here, you’ll find endless Atlantic beaches without tourist crowds, a rarity in Spain.

1. Playa de las Catedrales

Known as “Beach of the Cathedrals” for its dramatic natural arches carved by tides, this beach is a Natural Monument accessible at low tide only. To preserve its beauty, reservations are mandatory in summer, and access closes during high tide roamandthrive.com. It’s a must-see geological wonder, magnificent, grandiose, and awe-inspiring.

2. Ribadeo & Viveiro Towns

• Ribadeo is a charming historical town with a pedestrian-friendly old quarter, an iconic neo-Gaudí “Torre de los Moreno,” a lovely harbor, and its proximity to Playa de las Catedrales spain.info.

• Viveiro offers the peaceful Covas Beach, known for turquoise water and a serene coastal vibe roamandthrive.com.
  Both towns delight with fresh Atlantic seafood, locally caught fish, empanadas, and the celebrated Galician maritime diet in cozy taverns and bustling markets. Beyond the beaches, explore the Río Eo, Osco y Terras de Burón Biosphere Reserve, and scenic hiking routes with forests and cliffs thesun.co.uk.

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🌴 In Summary:

• Paros (Kalogeros) delivers a serene, clay-spa beach experience far from tourist crowds, complemented by warm, local tavernas serving fresh produce.

• Mariña Lucense is Galicia’s coastal gem—vast, uncrowded beaches, dramatic rock formations, and charming towns with rich seafood traditions and natural beauty.

Let me know if you want more details on logistics, timing (like the best month to visit), or adding insider tips!

Most asked questions:

 Q1: Can Nigerians visit these places visa‑free?

• Mongolia: Nigerians require a visa; an e‑Visa is available, but not visa-free.

• Greece (Folegandros & Paros): Both are in the Schengen Area. A Schengen visa is required for Nigerians.

• Spain (Mariña Lucense): Also part of Schengen—Schengen visa required.

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Q2: Are these destinations safe for solo female travellers?

• Mongolia: Generally safe with a strong tradition of hospitality.

  • Some travelers recommend booking organized group tours or hiring a driver-guide, which is common and can boost comfort and security.

  • Solo female travelers report positive experiences with reputable operators like Breanna Wilson’s group tours.

• Greece (Folegandros & Paros):

  • Small Cycladic islands are tranquil with low crime rates—Folegandros is particularly quiet and pedestrian-friendly.

• Spain (Mariña Lucense):

  • Coastal Galicia is known for its peaceful, rural charm and low tourist density, generally regarded as safe and welcoming.

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Q3: How long should I stay?

• Mongolia:

  • Aim for 7–10 days, ideally including 3–4 nights in a ger camp or with nomadic families. This lets you experience the Gobi, steppe, and cultural highlights without rushing.

• Folegandros & Paros:

  • 4–5 days per island is ideal: enough for beaches, hiking, village life, and relaxation.

• Mariña Lucense:

  • 3–4 days help you explore main towns (Ribadeo, Viveiro), hike cliff trails, and visit Playa de las Catedrales at low tide.

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Q4: Best way to get around?

• Mongolia:

  • Combine public buses in Ulaanbaatar with a 4WD and driver-guide for the countryside.

  • Domestic flights and shared minibuses are also available. Group travel helps reduce costs reddit.com.

• Folegandros & Paros:

  • Use local shared minibuses or rent a car/scooter to reach remote beaches.

  • Folegandros also offers hotel shuttles (e.g., Gundari to Agali beach).

• Mariña Lucense:

  • Ideal to travel by car rental for coastal access.

  • Intercity buses connect Ribadeo, Viveiro, A Coruña, with regular services enhancing regional transport thetimes.co.ukcadenaser.com.

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Q5: What’s the budget range?

• Mongolia:

  • Budget: US $25–50/day

  • Mid-range: $60–120/day

  • Luxury: $150+/day

• Folegandros & Paros:

  • Budget: €50–80/day (hostels, local tavernas)

  • Mid-range: €120–200/day (boutique hotels, guided tours)

  • Luxury (e.g., Gundari Villas): €300+/night per suite

• Mariña Lucense:

  • Budget: €40–70/day (small pensions, local dining)

  • Mid-range: €80–150/day

  • Luxury: €150+/day (upscale stays, private tours).

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Q6: Ideal travel companions?

• Mongolia:

  • Best for small groups (3–6 people) due to shared 4WD travel. Solo travelers often join group tours to reduce costs cntraveler.com.

  • Great for adventure-seeking duos or friends.

• Folegandros & Paros:

  • Wonderful for solo travelers, couples, friends, especially those seeking peace.

  • Ideal for couples and small groups who appreciate boutique charm and beach escapes.

• Mariña Lucense:

  • Suit couples, families, small groups, and solo travelers interested in rural landscapes, hiking, and culture.

✅ Summary Table

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