Unexplored Europe: Where to vacation with the whole family

Should you go to the capital and famous cities for the second, third, or maybe fourth time, or venture to somewhere you've never been before? We are in favor of the second option! Because there are many places that travelers have never heard of or have overlooked. We'll tell you about them today.

Albania

The country was not interesting to tourists for a long time. But in 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, everything changed. Travelers from all over Europe began to visit the country, and Ukrainians have also discovered this region.

The atmosphere here is quite homely and relaxed. You won't find expensive resorts and all-inclusive hotels here, but this has its advantages. Each town is calm and quiet, and fruits and vegetables are grown in environmentally friendly conditions. The territory is washed by two seas - the Adriatic and the Ionian, with mountains nearby. What else do you need for a quality vacation?

It is worth going here with a family, especially with children, because the journey will not take much time. Besides, you can get there not only by plane but also by car. It's your choice.

In November, you can visit amusement parks, mini-zoos, and numerous excursions with your kids. There are plenty of the latter. The country has many nature reserves and interesting historical sites. Be sure to visit the Rozafa Fortress. According to scientists, it was built by Illyrian tribes back in the third century BC.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

This mysterious beauty has endured many disasters. But despite this, the locals have remained very friendly and hospitable. Going here with your family in the fall is the best option. The country, not spoiled by tourism, has retained its identity and authenticity. The nature here is fabulous. It's worth seeing alone. What can we say about the time when autumn fully comes into its own?

History lovers will especially enjoy a trip to this region. The country has many monuments dating back to the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian eras.

We recommend visiting the capital, Sarajevo. Go to the Kravica waterfalls, a place where several waterfalls flow from a high mountain into a crystal-clear lake. Do not miss the city of Mostar, where an ancient bridge was built. It not only serves as a pedestrian crossing but also symbolizes the combination of Eastern and Western civilizations.

Be sure to visit the village of Blagaj. Here is an Islamic monastery built on the site of the largest underground spring in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The building was erected in the XVI century. Locals say that the temple is an example of the harmonious existence of man and nature.

North Macedonia

A mountainous country that, for some reason, is constantly overlooked by Ukrainians. Its territory is quite small, but this does not mean that the country has nothing to brag about. In fact, there are many surprises waiting for tourists here - from natural wonders to architecture.

Currently, the center of the capital is being built in the neoclassical style. Many buildings have already been erected, and they continue to appear. The authorities aim to restore everything that was once completely destroyed by earthquakes. Unfortunately, not a single historic building is left due to the constant "whims" of nature. All the masterpieces that the locals had so diligently built have disappeared from the face of the earth.

Many people joke that today there are more monuments in the city than residents. So travelers will definitely have something to see. But if architecture is not enough for you, take the whole family to the picturesque Matka Canyon. It is especially beautiful in late fall. Excursions are constantly held here, offering boat rides or climbing the stairs to the Vrelo Cave.

Slovenia

Another underrated country in Europe. It is often confused with Slovakia and is not even immediately noticed on the map, probably because it is slightly smaller than our Khmelnytskyi region. But there are plenty of interesting things to see here. To list the sights of the country, you would need to write a large guidebook at least. So, we will highlight the main ones in our opinion.

Let's start with the natural ones. The main business card of the region is Lake Bled, where a church is located in the middle of the reservoir on a small piece of land. Newlyweds come here to ensure that their marriage will be long and strong.

Not far from the shore, on a steep cliff, stands a medieval castle built in the late 16th century. Going up there and seeing the unprecedented beauty is a must for visitors to the country. By the way, there are plenty of fortresses in Slovenia. Just go to the Predjama, Maribor, and Ljubljana bastions.

Montenegro

This country has the highest concentration of unique places per square meter, so every family member will find something interesting for themselves. The country is small, but it has a lot of natural and historical attractions.

Start your journey with the Tara River Canyon. It has no analogues in Europe. To see such a miracle, you usually need to fly to the United States of America. The local landscapes are breathtaking. The Djurdjevic Bridge, a concrete structure that stretches over a huge abyss, is also fascinating.

By the way, this location is part of the Durmitor National Park. Therefore, do not limit yourself to visiting the gorge. There are many beautiful places on the territory of the reserve that are worth seeing with your own eyes and capturing in your photos. Also, go to the ancient Roman city of Dukla, which, unfortunately, is now just a ruin. The entrance is free, and there are not many tourists.

Travel and discover new places. Every corner of our planet, every country has something to tell and show. So if you are tired of famous countries with their capitals, you know where to go this time.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA told you about the little-known villages of Ukraine.

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