Top 10 Least-Visited Places in Europe Makes You Surprised

Top 10 Most Beautiful Countries To Travel By Train In Europe

How Many Countries Are There In Europe: 40,46, 48 or 51?

Top 10 Least Popular Places in Europe That You Want to Visit

It probably doesn't surprise you that the five European countries with the highest annual tourist arrivals are all located in the continent's southern half: France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Germany.

If you're looking for a unique vacation spot with a low number of other tourists, Europe still has plenty of 'hidden gems' to offer.

These locations will still be popular due to the fact that you are still in Europe, but you can expect fewer tourists, cheaper flights, and the chance to explore a region you are unfamiliar with. You should definitely consider visiting one of these 11 underrated European countries on your next vacation.

This post is a collaborative effort between myself and nine other writers, and it focuses on the 10 least-visited countries in Europe.

Best Tips for Traveling Europe

Verify the Visa Requirements

Being refused entry into the country you are visiting due to the lack of a tourist visa is one surefire way to ruin your trip. While the majority of European nations don't demand a visa for brief visits, it's best to be aware of those that do.

You can find out about tourist visa requirements before your trip and whether you need to buy a visa in person at the airport or online before you leave. Find out in advance by checking one of the many websites that list visa requirements online.

Vacationing off-season

While you might yearn to spend the summer months tanning on Mediterranean beaches, so does the rest of Europe, resulting in crowded beaches and long lines at tourist attractions.

The best way to avoid crowds and save money on lodging, airfare, train tickets, and tours is to travel off-peak. The majority of the major tourist attractions are open throughout the year; however, it is advisable to check closing times as some may operate with fewer hours during the shoulder travel season.

Use low-cost airlines.

Booking with a low-cost airline will allow you to take advantage of the more than a dozen low-cost airline carriers that operate throughout Europe. Although airfare is frequently less expensive than train tickets, the cheapest seats frequently sell out first.

While you might be getting a good deal on airfare, be sure to look into any additional fees and taxes that are frequently not mentioned in the rate that is being advertised. By learning about each airline's policies on hand baggage and luggage size, you can also avoid paying significant baggage fees. You can avoid baggage fees and travel more easily if you pack lightly.

Advance reservations are advisable

The best way to book lodging and tours is in advance, particularly during the busiest travel period. You can also guarantee that you're getting the best deal by pre-purchasing your hotel, train, and tour reservations.

Bring along a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

You'll walk a lot while on your European vacation because it's one of the best ways to see a city; therefore, you need to bring comfortable walking shoes. Your feet will be grateful after a long day of walking around the city!

Stay in one place for longer

Spending more time in one location can help you get a local's perspective of the city or neighborhood. Finding local restaurants, making friends with locals, and veering off the beaten path can all lead to memorable experiences that make for exciting travel tales.

Step away from the beaten path

By all means, you should visit the city's top attractions. Even though you might have your heart set on seeing the most well-known sights, you should also make an effort to see less well-known locations. Request advice from the locals; you'll frequently gain more insight into the culture by doing so. Additionally, you can look up off-the-beaten-path experiences online and in travel guides.

Top 10 Least Popular Places in Europe

(Ranked by KnowInsiders)

1. Moldova

One might be perplexed as to why Moldova, the second-least visited country in the world (Kiribati is the least visited) and the least visited nation in Europe... Well, there are a few reasons for this, including the fact that it is "remote," situated between Romania and Ukraine, and still struggling twenty years after gaining independence from the Soviet Union in the 1990s (the nation's tourism efforts haven't really taken off).

However, Moldova is the place for you if you're a traveler looking to explore an undeveloped, "off the beaten path destination"! Although the cities aren't very popular, this region is a haven for wine lovers because of its fantastic vineyards and wineries.

2. Serbia

Photo: Serbia

This landlocked Balkan country may have few tourists because it was so difficult to see for a very long time. Serbia was a part of the larger, distinctly communist Yugoslavia during the Cold War. Ethnic conflict erupted in the 1990s as Yugoslavia broke up into numerous smaller autonomous nations. Serbia is currently safe and a pleasure to travel to, despite the fact that it hasn't really established a strong presence in the tourism industry.

According to travelers, Berlin and Belgrade's capital are both equally fun and vibrant at night. If history is more your thing, there are plenty of abandoned castles to explore. Serbia was home to more Roman emperors than any other country outside of Italy, and the majority of them left some statues and artifacts behind.

3. San Marino

Photo: aperturetours

The fifth-smallest nation in the world, San Marino is completely encircled by Italy. Because of its small size (23.6 square miles), the microstate is frequently disregarded by travelers, which is unfortunate because there is so much to discover inside its borders. Visit this city and ride the cable car up Titan Mountain, stroll through the 13th-century historic district, or eat some Italian food.

The enclaved microstate of San Marino lies entirely within the boundaries of Italy. Only 24 square miles of the Apennine Mountains are covered by it. The vast majority of the 2 million or so visitors each year are Italians. The rest of the world can benefit greatly from San Marino as well. The Cathedral of San Marino, the Palazzo Pubblico (a town hall with a medieval aesthetic), and the Fortress Guaita, which overlooks the capital and dates back to the 11th century, are some of the well-liked attractions in this region. The city is full of medieval alleys, which visitors can stroll through.

4. Faroe Islands

Photo: forbes

In the North Atlantic Ocean, the ethereal Faroe Islands are a true gem of Europe. The islands are a sovereign part of the Kingdom of Denmark and are situated between Norway and Iceland. Not all tourists are willing to take the time and expense to travel to this location. However, learning about the Faroe Islands is worth every second and dollar.

The archipelago astounds with its diversity of flora and fauna, mind-blowing scenery, and richness of cosmic landscapes. Consider purchasing tickets here if you want to disconnect from the outside world, spend time alone with wildlife, and take home the most memorable experiences from your trip.

5. Macedonia

Photo: World Nomads

Visit now before it becomes overly popular or expensive. Macedonia declared its independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991 and is now close to joining the E.U. A three-course dinner can be had for under $20 and a luxury hotel room can be had for less than $50 per night at the current exchange rate of 52 Macedonian denar to 1 U.S. dollar.

Skopje, the capital of the Balkan nation, underwent a significant government project in 2014 intended to revitalize the city and draw in more tourists. As a result, you can now find an odd assortment of brand-new monuments and statues scattered among more ancient buildings. Despite being a landlocked nation, Macedonia has a lot of coastline in the form of large, gorgeous lakes like Lake Ohrid, as well as pristine mountains and national parks that draw outdoor enthusiasts.

6. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Photo: World Nomads

Bosnia-Herzegovina is an ex-Yugoslav republic that, like Serbia, descended into chaos as that nation fell apart in the 1990s. Even though the situation is much calmer now, Croatia, B-H's neighbor, continues to receive far more attention than it does.

Bosnia-Herzegovina is almost entirely landlocked, with only a 12-mile Adriatic coastline, which may be a contributing factor. The remainder of that coast, which is dotted with villas, beaches, and is perfect for sailing, is now a part of Croatia. The lack of infrastructure may be another factor in the lack of tourism in this area. Few highways exist in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and landmines—a hangover from the 1990s wars—remain a serious threat. There may still be up to 80,000 mines scattered across the nation despite active efforts to locate and clear them.

Visitors will discover a fascinating population that is almost equally divided between Christians and Muslims, as well as a varied, mountainous landscape.

7. Belarus

Photo: wego

One of the least visited countries in Europe is Belarus because it is still a dictatorship (the last one in Europe). Visitors can travel freely in the nation despite its contentious political structure. However, because it's remote and there aren't many tourist attractions, not many people choose to visit. Those who do, however, are welcomed by the breathtaking scenery, charming villages, and warm community. Most European nations share a great deal of similarities, at least when it comes to fundamental political and cultural values. Belarus is as unique as they come. Regardless of opinions, it's unquestionably a fascinating location.

8. North Macedonia

photo: nomads-travel-guide

The modern equivalent of Alexander the Great's native land, Macedonia, was once a major player in the ancient world (contrary to popular belief, he was not a Greek). It is currently much less well-known (and visited) than its ancient southern neighbor, Greece. But all of that could soon change.

Since 2005, North Macedonia (previously known as Macedonia; its name was changed in 2019) has been a prospective member of the European Union. These days, it appears that it will attempt a full-fledged EU membership by performing a reverse-Brexit. We may be seeing the last of the nation's sleepy, undiscovered days because that could indicate a significant influx of tourists from elsewhere on the continent.

Despite being a landlocked nation, this small nation has many lovely lakes. It is distinguished by its hills, valleys, and historic architecture, which was primarily influenced by Orthodox Christianity but also by the region's small Albanian Muslim population.

9. Malta

Photo: planetware

The largest and best-known of the islands that make up an archipelago, Malta is another beautiful but less well-known travel destination in Europe.

The island nation, which is strategically located in the Mediterranean Sea, has experienced many different rulers throughout its long history, and each one has had some impact on its cultures, traditions, and beliefs.

History enthusiasts would adore to be in a location with ancient buildings, ancient temples, and artifacts that date back to a previous era.

Malta will be regarded as one of Europe's underrated vacation spots by beach lovers. The Mediterranean Sea's summer season provides deep-sea divers and swimmers with unrivaled entertainment, making it the ideal location for a variety of summer festivals.

The best seasons to visit are spring or autumn because the weather is friendlier then as opposed to the harsh conditions in the summer.

10. Liechtenstein

Photo: therestlessworker

The Principality of Lichtenstein, a small country sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria, is without a doubt the one with the most amusing name. Still, it's not difficult to understand why there aren't many visitors given that there are less than 40,000 people living in an area that is roughly 60 miles squared. The lack of an airport adds to the relative isolation, so traveling to Liechtenstein is probably best done by train or bus.

With its castles and breathtaking alpine scenery, Liechtenstein—the last relic of the Holy Roman Empire—will undoubtedly give you the impression that you are in a bygone principality. It is a very modern location, though, in other ways. Residents enjoy a high standard of living on par with that of any neighboring nation and have amassed wealth thanks to the country's thriving financial industry. Liechtenstein is actually well-known for its no-questions-asked banking and is a preferred location for forming dubious holding companies.

And you do. Just in case you planned to steal some cash while you're here...

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