- 1. Hidden Gems in Europe - 7 Unknown Travel Destinations Away from Mass Tourism
- 2. 7 Underrated Travel Destinations in Europe
- 3. Luxembourg - Charming and Surprising
- 4. North Macedonia - Surprisingly Diverse
- 5. Albania - Dream Destination for Beach Holidays
- 6. Liechtenstein - Regal Flair
- 7. Slovakia - Insider Tip for Active Travelers
- 8. Romania - Mysterious and Wonderful
- 9. Czech Republic - More than Just Prague
- 10. No Mass Tourism, But Real Hidden Gems
Hidden Gems in Europe - 7 Unknown Travel Destinations Away from Mass Tourism
Experience a vacation off the beaten path, feel the thrill of adventure, and experience authenticity - this is what many travelers wish for. Do you have to travel around the world for this or are there still some hidden gems in Europe? We have set out in search of these treasures that have so far been spared from mass tourism. Where you can find these countries is detailed here.
Every year the question arises: Which countries are not overcrowded and are suitable for short trips and road trips? Where can you discover a wealth of sights, experience authentic vibes, unwind, and do so far from mass tourism?
While some countries and cities can barely keep up with the visitors, at these hidden tips, you are often the only foreign tourists. We have compiled seven underrated travel destinations in Europe that you absolutely should add to your bucket list.
The selection is based on data regarding the net occupancy of hotel beds and similar accommodations between June and August 2022 from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. These seven European countries attracted the fewest tourists last year - that might change soon with you.
7 Underrated Travel Destinations in Europe
Luxembourg - Charming and Surprising
The first country that has recorded particularly few visitors is our small neighbor, Luxembourg. It takes only about 80 minutes by car from north to south, and not much longer from west to east. So you can imagine that exploring the country is great for a short trip. Despite its relatively small size, Luxembourg offers a colorful bouquet of experiences that make a visit unforgettable.
These 5 things make Luxembourg special:
- Free Public Transport: Since 2020, Luxembourg has offered free public transport for everyone - tourists and locals alike. You can therefore travel to every corner of the country by bus, tram, and train without a ticket.
- Exciting Attractions: From cathedrals and palaces to ancient forts and beautiful natural highlights, there's plenty to discover both in the city and in the countryside. -> Read more about Attractions in Luxembourg
- Perfect for Language Learning: Over 50% of the country's population comes from different parts of the world, with around 170 nations represented. If you want to improve and practice your English or French, do it in supermarkets, restaurants, and while sightseeing. The main languages spoken by Luxembourg's 640,000 inhabitants are French, Luxembourgish, and German.
- Natural Experiences: You can explore nature and geoparks and the Ardennes on numerous cycling and hiking trails, wandering through over 100 kilometers of hiking paths in Luxembourg.
- Delicious Specialties: Luxembourg boasts a high density of quality restaurants, and with its diverse mix of nationalities and cultures, a great selection of delicious dishes.
Browse here for suitable accommodations for your vacation in Luxembourg and plan your exploration of one of Europe's most underrated countries.
North Macedonia - Surprisingly Diverse
The next country in Europe may not be very familiar to you - yet it has some highlights to offer. We are talking about North Macedonia, a country that has been independent since 1991 and has around 2 million inhabitants. It is surrounded by Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece. The nature and the people are wonderful - but so far only a few seem to know that. We have a good reason to introduce you to this lesser-known country.
These 5 things make North Macedonia special:
- A Land Full of History: In both Skopje, the capital, and various other parts of the country, you will learn a lot about the impressive history of the country during museum visits and excursions.
- Hospitality: The residents of North Macedonia are incredibly warm. So don't be surprised if you are invited for tea more often than not.
- Authenticity: You will often see horse-drawn carts at the roadside, discover old rattling tractors in the fields, and observe traditional rural life during your travels.
- Fantastic Nature: North Macedonia offers incredible mountains, large lakes, and the impressive Matka Canyon, one of the region's most beautiful fjords. Perfect for an active vacation!
- Delicious Cuisine: Macedonian cuisine is influenced by Mediterranean and Oriental flavors, featuring hearty dishes and grill specialties. The Macedonians particularly enjoy their börek made from yufka dough with sheep's cheese.
There are many more reasons to add North Macedonia to your bucket list before this country becomes a trending destination. Check here for which vacation rentals are currently available.
Albania - Dream Destination for Beach Holidays
For years, we have presented Albania as a top secret for beach vacations. Even after all these years in the spotlight, this small country between Montenegro and Greece maintains its role as an underdog. In terms of hotel overnight stays, Albania still ranks among the lesser-known countries in Europe. Here, you will find great beach hotels, turquoise seas, and especially an excellent value for money.
These 5 things make Albania special:
- 362 km of Coastline: Albania's beaches are incredibly beautiful with crystal clear, turquoise waters. You'll find numerous affordable hotels along the coast.
- No Mass Tourism: Apart from the hotspots Saranda and Ksamil in the south, both along the coast and inland, many wonderful places await you that are not overrun even in high season.
- Rich Flora & Fauna: Albania's nature is simply breathtaking. There are 15 national parks, stunning lakes, canyons, and peaks rising up to 2500 meters into the sky.
- UNESCO World Heritage: Albania has five World Heritage Sites, one of which is the lovely town of Berat inland, which is aptly named 'City of a Thousand Windows.' A visit is worthwhile.
- City Vibes: Take a detour to the capital, Tirana. It bursts with history and offers great sights. There's also a vibrant nightlife and some fantastic cafes and restaurants.
Look for great package deals for Albania and enjoy a top-notch beach vacation. -> Browse here
Liechtenstein - Regal Flair
The next relatively unknown and undervalued spot that you should remember for a brief stop is Liechtenstein. The small country spans just 160 square kilometers and is located on the border between Austria and Switzerland. It's no surprise that this small state is not a place for long stays, as reflected in its low overnight statistics. However, for one night, it is definitely worth considering visiting, as there is more to see here than you might think.
These 5 things make Liechtenstein special:
- Great Location: Liechtenstein is nestled in the beautiful mountain world of the Alps. Climbing the 1949-meter-high Falknis mountain is worthwhile to enjoy the view over Liechtenstein and Switzerland on a clear day.
- Hiking Paradise: There are plenty of opportunities to explore the country on foot. With 400 kilometers of hiking trails, Liechtenstein has the densest trail network in Europe. You can hike across the country in three to four days if you wish.
- Relaxing: Because tourism is not a significant presence in Liechtenstein, life here moves at a slower pace. Take a few days to soak in the tranquility, which helps you truly unwind.
- Swimming Pleasure: Take a detour to the Grossabünt bathing lake, which will refresh you with fantastic views of the mountains and clear, cold water.
- Culinary: Try Ribel, a cornmeal-based dish prepared sweet or savory depending on tradition. The hearty Käsknöpfle could also be on your menu.
Make a brief or extended detour to picturesque Liechtenstein. You can book your accommodation here.
Slovakia - Insider Tip for Active Travelers
Judging by tourist overnight stays in 2022, Slovakia is also one of the least touristic countries in Europe. This country between Slovenia, Poland, Ukraine, and Hungary offers many diverse opportunities. You can enjoy sightseeing in the capital, Bratislava, embark on extensive hikes, and visit national parks. From the U.S., you can either drive yourself or take advantage of affordable train fares to travel to Slovakia for under $50 one way.
These 5 things make Slovakia special:
- Natural Beauty: The Slovak nature and its charming small towns make Slovakia one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. It is mainly its untouched nature with various outdoor activities that attracts travelers.
- (Still) Few Tourists: Apart from a few particularly popular hiking routes and sights that are busier, you can look forward to places that have remained untouched by mass tourism so far.
- Primeval Forest: The Badín Forest (Badiner Urwald) is one of the oldest national parks in the country. You can walk through an extremely rare, nearly untouched forest of firs and beeches. The tranquility here is unique.
- UNESCO Heritage: In Slovakia, you can almost casually visit various UNESCO World Cultural or Natural Heritage sites. For example, there are ice caves, gorges, and numerous castles and monuments that have made it onto the prestigious list.
- Hip Flair: The capital Bratislava is becoming increasingly popular among young people. Accordingly, the nightlife is vibrant, and the restaurant and café scene is fantastic. There are great shops, and the city is small enough that you can easily walk to most of the cool spots.
Make sure to add Slovakia to your bucket list before the country becomes too well-known and loses its current charm. Here are hotel recommendations for your trip.
Romania - Mysterious and Wonderful
That Romania still remains on the list of hidden gems in Europe has good reasons. The country, which shares borders with Moldova, Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, and Bulgaria, is one of the most impressive countries in Europe. It is mystical, colorful, affordable, modern, authentic, and adventurous at the same time. You can spend a day enjoying avocado toast in a hip student city and the next day explore the majestic Carpathians and the castle of Dracula.
These 5 things make Romania special:
- Picturesque Cities: Romania offers you beautiful towns that seem to have emerged from another time. Wander through cobblestone squares past leaning houses to giant Orthodox churches. In restaurants, you'll find hearty soups, in cafés handmade cakes, and delicious coffee.
- Affordable Accommodations: Hotels and vacation homes are available here at truly affordable prices. Plan your round trip so that you can stay in hotels but also in a quaint cabin with a fireplace on the edge of the forest to enjoy the best of both worlds.
- Creepy Factor: Transylvania really exists. Here, you can find fog-laden cemeteries where ravens circle, and imposing castles that are said to have once been home to Dracula.
- Pure Nature: Take the time to spend a few days in the Carpathians. The dense forests, lush green meadows, and tall mountains provide a fascinating and calming view.
- Authentic Living: When you leave the highways and drive through small villages, you'll feel as if time has stood still. Here, the local people herd their sheep across the village square on foot, and horse-drawn carts with milk cans often rattle by.
Plan about a week for your round trip to have the chance to experience the country at a leisurely pace. -> Read more
Czech Republic - More than Just Prague
The last of the least-visited countries in Europe is the Czech Republic. You may wonder how this can be since Prague is one of the most popular city break destinations in the world. Yet most visitors never go beyond the capital. Why that is a pity will soon become clear to you. One thing is for sure: the country offers far more than just beer and Prague, although you must see and taste both during a vacation here.
These 5 things make the Czech Republic special:
- Beer Love: Besides Germany and Belgium, there is probably no other country that celebrates its beer culture as wonderfully as the Czech Republic. Here, you'll find not only large breweries but also numerous microbreweries that contribute to the vast beer diversity.
- Soul Food: The Czech Republic is known for its hearty food-namely pork roast with sauce and knedlíky, the delicious dumplings. On the roadside, you will often find stalls selling trdelník, which wafts cinnamon and sugar aromas.
- Spas: The Czech Republic has a long tradition of wellness and spa towns. In places like Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně, you can still bathe in royal atmosphere in hot springs. The spa towns themselves invite you to take leisurely strolls.
- Village Life: Many of the Czech towns are perfect for a little walk through the town center, allowing you to pause at the village square and enjoy the rural atmosphere.
- Winter Vacation: Few of you may consider the Czech Republic a winter sports destination. However, you can ski wonderfully in the Bohemian Forest and the Ore Mountains. Both downhill and cross-country skiing are possible. From Dresden and Leipzig, you're just a two-hour drive away, ready to hit the slopes.
Start your journey to the Czech Republic in Prague and then explore many other fantastic places on a road trip. It would be a shame to miss the hot springs and the rural Czech Republic. -> View Hotels
No Mass Tourism, But Real Hidden Gems
Don't miss out on visiting one or more of these wonderful and charming countries before the rest of Europe discovers them. It could still happen that you are the only tourists on hiking trails and streetcars. These countries will surely not remain hidden gems for long.