12 European Countries Travelers Overlook But End Up Loving

Europe is peppered with famous attractions, such as France, Italy, and Spain, but below the clamor of popular hotspots, you’ll find smaller destinations that make a big impression on travelers. After years of flights to crowded European tourist destinations and overpriced meals, plenty of visitors are discovering that some of the most rewarding places to escape overseas involve little more than a domestic flight or short train ride somewhere else on the continent. From the Balkans to the Baltics, these undervalued countries offer experiences that rival those of Europe’s more famous cities.

Slovenia

Slovenia is tiny, but it’s packed with beauty. With its emerald waters of Lake Bled, beautiful capital Ljubljana, and incredible caves of Postojna, it seems like something straight out of a fairytale. Its small size makes it easy to cover, and its blend of Alpine and Mediterranean influences guarantees a range of scenery. Travelers frequently feel head over heels for Slovenia’s peaceful vibe, eco-friendly bend, and picture-perfect nature.

Slovakia

Frequently overlooked in favor of its sexier neighbors, Slovakia delights visitors with its medley of medieval towns, imperious castles, and rough-hewn mountain paths. The capital, Bratislava, has cozy cafes and, relatively speaking, an easygoing tempo for a European capital. Nature enthusiasts are drawn to the High Tatras region, which is ideal for hiking or skiing. Slovakia is an inexpensive country with friendly locals and a destination you can’t help but fall in love with.

Estonia

A small country also in Northern Europe, Estonia is a mix of old-world charm and e-culture pioneering. Tallinn’s walled old town feels straight from a storybook, and the rest of the country has peaceful forests, islands, and wellness retreats. Estonia sits on the teeter-totter between a medieval atmosphere and modern ingenuity, which visitors come to love. It’s a tranquil, digital-friendly jewel that provides history and quiet adventure in spades.

Albania

Albania is still one of Europe’s most spectacular secret spots. Its Riviera has turquoise beaches to rival those of Greece, and its cities layer millennia of ancient ruins and Ottoman architecture. Colorful and lively Tirana is home to rapidly changing art and food scenes. From its warm reception and delicious food to the budget-friendly prices, Albania offers a Mediterranean experience without the people or price tag.

Latvia

Latvia is often passed over, but there are some great rural spots for kids. The capital, Riga, impresses with its Art Nouveau architecture and colorful markets, while the country’s coast is a long stretch of sandy beaches. The area is home to a bunch of castles and forests, making it the perfect place for a lazy sightseeing tour. It is a beautiful country and the people are incredibly friendly: Latvia rocks.

Montenegro

 Montenegro is another small but impressively beautiful country. The idyllic Bay of Kotor and savage Durmitor Mountains make it a heaven for aspiring people. Although its coastline is similar to Croatia’s, it is less congested, more beautiful, and less expensive. Most travelers fall in love with its medieval cities, exotic population, and scenic wonders. Montenegro is an example that superior vacations sometimes come in smart assemblies.

Romania

Romania wins over travelers with its wildly varied landscapes and a rich, tortured history that few countries can match; outside the big cities, you will find centuries-old villages where people live much as they always have, and world-class attractions such as glittering medieval Transylvanian towns. The folklore, the edifice, and the hefty food combine to create a magical ambiance. It’s a place that seems mysterious and welcoming, the traditional, authentic meeting place.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia provides history, culture, and dramatic scenery in an intoxicating stew. Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in Europe, offering peaceful views and a town feel. Its capital, Skopje, is famous for its statues, bridges, and old bazaar. Guests are also loving the combination of Balkan spirit and laid-back charm. It’s budget-friendly, beautiful, and as heartfelt a place as you’re likely to visit.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a land with soul, rich history, and friendly people. Sarajevo fuses Western and Eastern currents with grace, even if Mostar’s famous bridge is still one of the continent’s most photogenic monuments. The mountains, rivers, and culture make it a travel experience not found anywhere else. Most visitors leave with a feeling of awe for its tenacity, its full-flavored cuisine, and heartfelt hospitality.

Lithuania

It is a country that beguiles the traveler with its Baltic mood and creative atmosphere. Its capital, Vilnius, has its baroque architecture, street art, and buzzy cafes. And outside the city, serene lakes and giant forests await you to relax. Its blend of history, art, and nature contributes to a both grounded and inspiring atmosphere in the country. Lithuania is a country that’s reasonably priced, friendly, and honest. We keep being impressed by it.

Georgia

One of the strangest countries sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia – Georgia. Known yet so unknown, it draws you in with a deep, untamed beauty of mountains, monasteries that are thousands of years old, and divine food and wine. In Tbilisi, one of the most contrasting cities in the world, the old-world streets clash with the brash and overpriced modern cafes. But it’s warm, and the food and rooms are decently priced, so of course, everyone loves it. It’s the type of place where every meal and every hilltop feels like a discovery.

Bulgaria

“What else can I say? There’s a sea, there are mountains with snow, and you have cities that have a few thousand years behind them, Plovdiv and Sofia. Food gushes from the ground, taste the ground; in ritual, the ground fills and is infinite. Others love that you always get a lot of value and that minds are thrown at the support for not much money. Bulgaria is:” At the very least, you need to keep clicking through to figure out what ridiculous thing you want to see next.