3 Lesser-Known Destinations In Mexico That Truly Feel Like Europe

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Look, we get it — “Mexico” and “Europe” in the same sentence likely draws a side-eye.

But if you X off this page, you're going to miss out on some of Mexico's most magical destinations.

We're never here to sugarcoat any particular place like, you know, the other guys that have to entice you with coupons just to read their magazines full of more ads than useful content…

You see, our whole crew at Travel Off Path has quite literally traversed Mexico end to end from Tijuana to Chetumal.

As such, we put our heads together to compile a list of must-visit destinations that truly feel like Europe, not the clickbait blogs that tend to disappoint by the second paragraph.

Rather than booking yet another Cancun vacay, consider immersing yourself in authentic culture that leaves a lasting mark in these 3 ‘European' charmers south of the border — ranked from the most adventurous to a quick flight away:

PLUS: We've created an interactive quiz for you at the end of the article to find your perfect match, so stick around!

3) Mexcaltitan: A Secret Island That Feels Like Venice 🇮🇹

Wanna know a double-sided secret?

Mexcaltitan is such a secret for tourists, it's hard to find pictures that do it justice. So, we're going to ask you to use your imagination for this one.

When we say Mexcaltitan is the “Venice” of Mexico, we mean it — flooded town streets, small boat rides, and ‘gondoliers' playing the part and all.

The difference is, one, you're gonna want to order tacos over spaghetti here. And two, the ‘Venice' vibes are seasonal.

This map-dot island is a designated Pueblo Magico, meaning its cultural significance, history, and unique character have earned it special recognition from Mexico's tourism board.

Located in the trendy state of Nayarit, right next to to Puerto Vallarta and up-and-coming beach towns, for this one, you're going to want to go inland during the rainy season, a rare recommendation for Mexico's typical sun-drenched vacations.

Mexcaltitan tends to see hefty rain from late June to early November, transforming this vibrant urban island into a “floating city” that's not often advertised as an add-on to Puerto Vallarta vacations.

That said, being so close makes this one-of-one island village fairly easy to reach from both aforementioned Puerto Vallarta, and even Tepic, since there's one nonstop flight from LAX.

2) Manzanillo: Mexico's White-Washed “Santorini” 🇬🇷

If you've ever been to Santorini, it's tough to top.

As for Mexico, you know all the household names like Cancun, or maybe even tongue-twisting Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo if you've been tuned in, but what's largely overlooked is another all-inclusive paradise.

That's right — some might say a “diamond in the rough”, Manzanillo shines as a safe haven in the state of Colima, holding Level 4 status in the eyes of the U.S. State Department.

With numerous nonstop flights from major U.S. and Canadian hubs, this hidden oasis amongst a luminous whitewashed cityscape of oceanfront hotels and resorts is surprisingly easy to reach.

In fact, for what it's worth, there are more nonstop flights from the U.S. than there are domestic flights from other Mexican locales, meaning the primary vacationers are indeed Americans and Canadians, speaking to the security and comfort travelers feel in of one of Mexico's unsung resort getaways.

While you may not find top-notch gyros, you will find sun-kissed beaches, fresh seafood, and fiery Pacific sunsets — just a few of many reasons why Manzanillo is surging in popularity.

1) Guanajuato: A Baroque Gem With Spanish Flair 🇪🇸

As UNESCO states, “Guanajuato possesses several of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in the New World”, and that's what draws me back year after year.

Guanajuato is my favorite city in Mexico — close enough to San Miguel to be within close reach, and just far enough away to not be overly touristy.

When I need my Europe fix, but only have time for a 3-hour flight, Guanajuato is the answer.

Despite being undeniably Mexican, wandering the winding maze of cobbled streets and alleyways feels more Spanish than what many Americans surmise as Mexico.

Especially, if you time it right for a nightly jaunt through the timeless townscape, where Callejoneadas lead whoever wants to join in a line of dance of music as they're dressed to the gills in velvet capes, plumed hats, and traditional troubadour-style costumes,.

But that's just one glimpse.

Guanajuato feels unmistakably European 24/7 with its rows of Baroque marvels and romantic streets, including Callejón del Beso, where couples pose for an obligatory smooch.

Factor in great wine and phenomenal food, you may not score free tapas, but this city is very affordable across the board, so you won't sweat the bill.

Travelers can fly into the same airport (Leon) that you would use to visit San Miguel, but Guanajuato is actually closer.

Sam Sears

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.