Millions of travelers from all corners of the globe visit Europe every summer, experiencing all the pros and cons of the expansive continent. But many of them miss out on some of the most fascinating and wonderful countries there, instead choosing to go to nations that are already flooded with tourists. There are many hidden tourist attractions in Europe and many of them exist in countries that most tourists completely overlook. Check out which underrated countries you should visit in Europe.
Malta: The Mediterranean With Fewer Crowds
Malta is one of the places in Europe that you don’t want to miss out on, even if it doesn’t get nearly as much recognition as its Mediterranean neighbors of Italy and Greece. There are several good reasons why you should consider adding to Malta to your European bucket list, including the fact that it experiences warm sunny weather pretty much all year round.
When you visit Malta, you’ll get similar Mediterranean views that you might get on the Greek Islands or in Sicily, but there are likely to be far fewer crowds. The country is home to stunning architecture and several fascinating historic sites waiting to be explored.
Hungary: Discover The Baths Of Budapest
Hungary has been a key player in the major events of European history, making it one of the eye-opening and captivating nations on the continent. Throughout the country, you’ll see famous landmarks touched by either Turkish or Roman influence along with the striking Danube River.
One of the best things to do in Hungary is visiting the thermal spas of Budapest, the capital city. Budapest houses bathhouses that have been in operation for hundreds of years, many of them featuring both indoor and outdoor pools. Along with basking in the physical and mental health benefits of the spas, you can also plan your trip around one of the famous ‘sparties’ or spa parties that come complete with DJs, laser shows, and even film screenings that last well into the night.
Montenegro: Swap Dubrovnik For This Baltic Gem
When it comes to visiting the Baltic countries, many tourists completely forget about the hidden gem that is Montenegro. A jewel on the Adriatic coast, Montenegro boasts spectacular sea views that will rival what you can see in Dubrovnik, collections of medieval villages, coastal churches overlooking the ocean, and several natural wonders.
A top-rated activity to do in Montenegro is visiting the Bay of Kotor, which resembles a fjord on a postcard. There are also national parks where you can spot bears and wolves (from a safe distance!), as well as canyons and pretty glacial lakes that reflect the blue sky.
Slovenia: Mountains, Lakes, And A City Of Canals
Slovenia is referred to by some as the land of fairytales. When you visit this underrated country bordering Italy, Croatia, Hungary, and Austria, you’ll see why. Home to Disney-like castles nestled between mountains and overlooking lakes, Slovenia is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
In addition to the highly-rated ski resorts, visitors to Slovenia love to visit the capital city of Ljubljana. A city of canals that have not been affected by mass tourism the way Venice has, Ljubljana is a must-visit for fans of baroque architecture, museums, art galleries, and picturesque streets lined with outdoor cafes.
Poland: A Unique Country With A Fascinating History
Filled with medieval towns and bustling modern cities, sprawling national parks, historic memorials, and fascinating museums, Poland is one of the wonders of Europe that many tourists seem to forget about visiting. The major cities of Warsaw and Krakow offer visitors an endless variety of attractions, ranging from historic districts and royal palaces to castles, salt mines, and idyllic town squares.
There are more than 2,000 lakes to discover in Poland, as well as national parks carpeted in woodland and perfect for hikers and walkers who want a chance to spot some native wildlife. A life-changing experience that many people venture to Poland for is a visit to the melancholy memorial and museum at Auschwitz-Birkenau. The confronting yet necessary memorial allows visitors to pay their respects to those who lost their lives during the Holocaust.