Five of the least visited countries in Europe

 

We have all heard the hype about those must-see countries like France, Italy, Germany, England and Spain. What do you know about some of their smaller, less frequented neighbours?
I love those must-see countries, the ones you have grown up hearing about. Countries your very picture and knowledge of Europe could be based around. I also get just as excited at the thought of discovering hidden gems in those least visited countries.

Here are five least-visited countries in Europe in one post. These countries may be less frequently visited,  but they are just as fascinating to explore.

Why should we think about these five of the least visited countries?

I love those must-see countries, but I love the surprises that I find in lesser-known places. These history and culture-rich countries often have just as much to offer as their well-known neighbours.

When we think of France, Italy and the UK, we often picture crowded streets, long wait times for popular sites and getting hustled. Many lesser-visited countries may be busy, but the numbers will be lower and the crowds in general smaller.

You are contributing to a smaller economy.

You are opening yourself up to genuine local experiences less affected by over-tourism.

Five of the least visited countries in Europe

San Marino

Number of visitors per year: 78,000 (in 2017)

If you love history, this one is for you: San Marino, a microstate in northern Italy. Being just 24 square miles in size, and clings bravely to Monte Titano in Italy’s rugged Apennine Mountains.

San Marino is one of the world’s oldest republics, and much of its original, historic architecture is still standing.

San Marino is the fifth smallest country globally, so there are plenty of undiscovered gems and incredible secrets to be found in this micro country.

Take a cable car ride over the main city (also called San Marino), stroll through the small mountain towns, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre of this tiny-but-mighty country. In their distinctive uniforms, the security force guards the Palazzo Pubblico, or “Palace of the People”.

Moldova

Number of visitors per year: 46,234 (in 2018)

For travellers looking for that get off the beaten path experience, Moldova could fit the bill. Once dubbed “the world’s least happy place,” the country is growing into a destination known for wine tours, unspoiled countryside, green parks, and ancient churches. Its wine regions include Nistreana, known for reds and Codru, and is home to some of the world’s largest cellars.

Moldova, an Eastern European country and part of the former Soviet republic, has a complicated history, including seeing a civil war in 1990 before finally becoming an independent country in 1991. The future looks bright for this lesser-visited country.

Capital Chișinău has Soviet-style architecture, and the National Museum of History, exhibiting collections that reflect cultural links with neighbouring Romania.

Macedonia

Number of visitors per year: 51,599 (in 2017)

A successor state of the former Yugoslavia, Macedonia (known as the Republic of North Macedonia officially) is a country with a complex history; it is a country that more travellers are discovering.

Explore serene monasteries, take a plunge in the ancient Lake Ohrid (which reaches depths of 300 metres), or stroll through Skopje, the country’s capital city, and discover the Old Bazaar, a relic of the Ottoman Empire and home to your perfect souvenir from your visit to Macedonia. 

Liechtenstein

Number of visitors per year: 80,900 (in 2017)

At only 160 square kilometres, the principality of Liechtenstein is overflowing with Medieval charm, stunning views of the Swiss Alps, and traces of ancient nobility.

Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, the Principality of Liechtenstein is defined by the mighty Alps to the east, the baby Rhine River to the west, and a stout fortress protecting its valley to the south. A culturally-rich destination, abounding with stunning cliff-side castles, charming villages, and untouched nature, with the first farming settlements in Liechtenstein dating to around 5300 BCE.

If that wasn’t good enough, the country also has one of the world’s lowest crime rates – there hasn’t been a murder since 1997. There are local rules against “holding noisy festivities” during Liechtenstein’s official lunch break from 12 to 1:30 pm.

This quirky remnant of medieval feudal politics is just about 62 square miles.

The country’s made up of 11 villages, and a big part of its economy is tourism and sports. Visitors enjoy its dramatic natural beauty. Ski lifts, busy both winter and summer, take nature lovers to the dizzying ridge that borders Austria.

Andorra

10 million tourists (the highest number for our countries)

Andorra sits high in the craggy Pyrenees Mountains as if hiding out between Spain and France. With 180 square miles and about 75,000 people, it’s the largest of Europe’s micro-countries.

 It is known for its ski resorts and as a tax haven that encourages duty-free shopping and helps with trade.

The country’s capital city, Andorra la Vella, is a modern town with the charm of a large shopping centre. While most know this place for its shops, locals claim it is home to the biggest spa in Europe.

The old quarter, Barri Antic, houses the Romanesque Santa Coloma Church with a circular bell tower.

Andorra produces large amounts of tobacco; it takes up a lot of what little farming space exists there.

 Andorra is a co-principality. They have two princes who jointly share the title of prince, the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell. The position is a constitutional one similar to the British Monarchy and holds no real power.

As travellers, there are so many beautiful places to discover in Europe, and I would encourage you to keep some of the least visited places in mind as you plan your next European Itinerary. So often, we think if we have not heard of them, they must not be worth our time, but maybe it is our privilege to discover them and share them with our family and friends.

Looking for more unique things to do in Europe? Check out this blog, 9 Unique European Festivals and Celebrations.

Have you ever visited a lesser-known Mirco country in Europe?