Europe's least visited places that are actually hidden gems: vacation options

Europe has always been a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Most tourists consider the popular places, such as Paris, Rome, London, etc., first and foremost, but you shouldn't stop there.

There are lesser-known but no less fascinating cities on this continent where there are no crowds of tourists. Based on data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, euronews has compiled a list of some of them that can offer an unforgettable experience

San Marino

This country, which is surrounded by Italy on all sides, is often overlooked by tourists. With an area of just over 60 square kilometers, it is the third smallest territory in Europe and the fifth smallest in the world. Despite this, San Marino boasts exceptional architecture and stunning mountain views. Around 60,000 tourists visit this microstate every year, making it the least visited place on the continent.

One of the main attractions of San Marino are the three towers that date back to the 11th century and are located on the peaks of Monte Titano. These castle-like citadels are symbols of the state and are depicted on its flag and coat of arms.

Liechtenstein

Sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is another little-known gem of Europe. With an area of only 160 square kilometers and a population of less than 40,000 people, this country offers a true fairy tale in the heart of the Alps without the crowds of tourists. Around 69,000 foreigners visit Liechtenstein every year.

This principality is famous for its medieval castles, quaint alpine chalets and picturesque villages. Liechtenstein offers sparsely populated ski resorts with the best slopes in winter and endless hiking trails in summer.

Moldova

Located between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova has unique travel opportunities to offer. It is officially the least visited country in Europe, receiving only 121,000 tourists a year. Nevertheless, Moldova is a real gem for those looking for new and unknown travel destinations.

This country is famous for its vineyards and wineries, which are increasingly gaining international recognition for their high quality. In addition, Moldova offers a rich history, cities with unique architecture and delicious Balkan-Slavic cuisine. Visitors can also enjoy picturesque landscapes and cultural attractions such as the Curchi Monastery in Orhei.

Monaco

The Principality of Monaco, located on the Mediterranean coast, is a real magnet for luxury lovers. Despite its small size - only 1.98 square kilometers - its population is almost 37,000 inhabitants, which means that it is the most densely populated country in the world.

This place is known for its ultra-rich atmosphere and luxurious lifestyle. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the old town, visit majestic buildings such as the Prince's Palace, and relax on the famous Larvotto Beach. Despite the high prices, Monaco can be visited on a tight budget, avoiding casinos and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina, located on the Balkan Peninsula, is a country with a rich history and culture. After the civil war in the 1990s, it was little visited by tourists, but now it is becoming more popular. Every year, about 529,000 tourists visit Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The country's capital, Sarajevo, is ideal for history buffs. It was the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, which was one of the main causes of the First World War. The Tunnel of Hope, which was used during the Civil War, is a touching tribute to the past, and Mostar, located closer to the Croatian border, is known for its unique Old Bridge and medieval atmosphere.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.