Visit Europe’s Less Travelled Destinations

Think of weeks or short breaks to the continent, and the images that immediately leap to mind are Parisian boulevards and cafes, ancient ruins in Italy and the sun-soaked beaches of southern Spain. Indeed, prior to the pandemic, almost 90 million tourists visited France each year, 83 million entered Spain and 64.5 million went to Italy. But there are 44 countries in Europe in total, many of which you rarely hear about, and are totally off our radar when it comes to choosing holiday destinations. And for that, it is we who are missing out on some real gems that are bound to be tourist hotspots in years to come. Whether you travel independently or you prefer to take organised tours in Europe, now’s the time to discover somewhere new and wonderful… before the crowds get there!

Montenegro

If you want to visit a place that’s sure to be on everyone’s to-do list before long, then this is it. Known for being incredibly friendly and welcoming, this small country has a stunning coastline with historic towns clinging to the rocks. Then looming above the ocean are The Alps, meaning you could feasibly have a day that involves both alpine skiing in the morning and a dip in the Mediterranean Sea a few hours later.

Estonia

The old town within the city of Tallinn is Unesco-protected, and for a good reason. Its fairytale architecture and medieval streets are starting to lure the cruise ships and the holidaymakers, but it still doesn’t feel as crowded as many of its European counterparts. It's a must-visit in my opinion.

Slovenia

If you love the great outdoors, then you’ll find Slovenia very much to your liking. The Julian Alps provide great skiing and snowboarding in winter, and fantastic hikes in the summer, with alpine lodges providing warm beds and hot food. Cycling through the forested landscapes is increasingly popular, as is rafting down its beautiful rapid rivers.

Latvia

A beautiful, sparsely-populated country with forest, lakes and ocean bordered by white sandy beaches. The only city of note is the capital, Rīga, which is cosmopolitan, stylish and with a good number of adventurous eateries to try. The country’s known for its fun and vibrant festivals, but if you need to escape to somewhere more peaceful, the forest and wonderful dunes are right on Rīga’s doorstep.

Liechtenstein

This might be one of the least-visited European countries, but that surely has more to do with its diminutive size and lack of international airport, than its natural beauty. Its population is smaller than Herne Bay in Kent, but it sits right in the Alps between Switzerland and Austria and is also home to some stunning castles.

If you want to find somewhere that’s away from the crowds, just find a world map and start researching the countries you’ve never heard of. The odds are most others haven’t heard of them either and that each hides a magnificent secret that’ll be yours to treasure.

*Collaborative post