Athens doesn’t come to mind when you think about underrated tourist spots. However, the Greek capital has long been a must-visit day excursion for everyone traveling to the country because of its world-famous monuments, including the Acropolis, the antiquity Agora, and Panathenaic Stadium.
Athens received almost 3 million tourists in 2017. It is nevertheless one of the world’s most minor popular travel destinations. Even while the more well-known European towns are filled with famous landmarks and have a long history, venturing off the beaten path offers a glance at another aspect of European culture.
Visit these less-traveled locations to see pristine natural areas, ancient castles, and archaeological wonders while learning about history from the locals’ perspective. Are you prepared to visit the least visited places in Europe? These ten undervalued European destinations will help you understand the region’s soul.
What are the Most Underrated Destinations in Europe
These are Europe’s most underrated destinations
Ksamil, Albania
Ksamil, a small town on the Albanian Riviera near Sarand, has everything you might not expect to find in a country as cryptic as Albania: secret sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and several seaside resorts, other tourist complexes, and ancient landmarks. Ksamil is steeped in Ancient History and is located near the Greek ruins of Butrint (in Albania).
The wider Albanian Riviera is only a 30-minute ferry ride from Corfu, one of Greece’s most popular islands. Although Corfu is the obvious choice, Ksamil has much lower prices because Albania is neither in the EU nor the Eurozone, and it lacks the usual influx of tourists that Greece experiences during the summer, making it the definitive European summer destination.
The Azores,
The Azores are a small but welcoming island chain. They are worth a visit if you enjoy nature and mild winters. The islands are just under 1,000 miles from mainland Portugal and are easily accessible from both the United States and Europe, allowing you to combine a trip to Portugal or Spain with a stop in the Azores.
Hiking or biking is the best way to explore the villages, hills, cliffs, and beaches. The Azores are about 3/4 of the way to Europe from the US’s east coast.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Slovakia’s capital is love at first sight, with an abundance of style, culture, and history. Until 1919, Bratislava was known as Pressburg, which had been a part of Hungary for over 1000 years.
The Hungarian crown jewels were kept at the castle since the 16th century, and eleven Hungarian rulers were crowned here in the cathedral.
The city found on the Danube at the crossroads of trade routes aided its development into a center of commerce and power at the time. The city’s rich history is on display, so expect palaces, castles, churches, and bizarre Soviet megastructures.
Slovenia
Slovenia often overlooked in favor of Italy or Austria, provides a blend of both countries. It offers architecture, mountain resorts and great food and wine. In addition, Slovenia boasts several beautiful landscapes, breathtaking scenery, and lakes.
Head down to this underrated country to explore some of Europe’s most beautiful lakes and ski resorts. The resort city of Piran is one of the most enchanting destinations you will ever visit.
Maastricht, the Netherlands
If medieval architecture is your thing, you should visit this college town in the northern Netherlands. Maastricht in the Netherlands, located just a stone’s throw from the Belgian border with Germany, has long been influenced by its neighbors, resulting in a distinct cultural heritage and identity.
The country’s southernmost city, straddling the Meuse River, is a joy to explore, with a wealth of fascinating museums and historical tourist attractions. Maastricht was governed by everyone from the Romans and Carolingians to the dukes of Brabant, so the buildings date from various eras, with its massive network of 13th-century tunnels impressive.
The Scottish Islands
The Scottish Isles are wildlife havens and ideal getaways for those looking to get away from it all. Our guide looks at some of Scotland’s most beautiful islands, including Skye, Mull, Harris, and Lewis, and offers tips on how to get there and what to do.
There are 790 offshore islands to explore off the coast, each with its distinct personality and unique attractions, ranging from secluded coves and rambling castles to whale spotting and whisky tasting.
Bulgaria
This Balkan country, crammed between Turkey and Romania, is well-known as one of Europe’s oldest countries. Its varied terrain includes mountains, beaches, mineral springs, and numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Bulgaria also produces rose oil, lavender, rakiya, and wine.
It also popularized yogurt and the Cyrillic alphabet. So if you are a history lover, pack a bag and go on one of the best exploratory trips of your life.
Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia’s capital is impossibly amiable, with its cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. It’s also cool during summer, thanks to its location along the Baltic. As a result, it is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe. Have you been considering going on a city break?
Tallinn is the best destination for a long weekend getaway amidst nature.
Northern Greece
Athens isn’t the only overlooked Greek destination. Thessaloniki makes the list of lesser-known destinations that are well worth a visit. Northern Greece has a wide range of landscapes, monuments, cities with a rich history and tradition, and pristine nature of unrivaled beauty.
The landscape includes wonders such as the canyons of Vikos Gorge, fantastic rock formations, and Meteora’s unique monasteries. It is an excellent destination for any season, whether in the mountains or along the northern coast.
How do Destinations Become Underrated
Several European tourist destinations have struggled to attract visitors. Madrid has pushed for increased attention from tourists who have previously preferred Spanish destinations such as Barcelona. Portugal has been attempting for many years to attract more tourists to Lisbon, another capital city that visitors have often overlooked.
Despite its rich cultural legacy, nearby attractions, and dependable tourism infrastructure, the United States has no shortage of places that receive little attention from tourists. As a result, cities like Sacramento, Calif., Salem, Ore., and Olympia, Wash., are overlooked on the West Coast in favor of San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle.
According to experts, a destination can be overlooked due to location, a lack of promotional opportunities, and public perception. However, there are ways to change this. For example, Madrid’s efforts to position itself as a world-class destination have recently paid off. Lisbon’s, which is now bustling with tourists, has followed suit. Other destinations’ efforts to gain attention are ongoing.
