When thinking about jetting off to Europe millions will picture themselves sipping sangria in Spain, eating a pizza in Italy or taking in the whitewashed buildings of Greece. However, Europe boasts a flurry of hidden gem countries offering everything from rugged mountainous regions, local festivals to ancient ruins and Renaissance art.
Travel expert Lee Abbamonte recommends that visitors venture off the beaten path in an interview with Business Insider. By escaping the crowds, you will be able to uncover areas untouched by mass tourism, which will, in turn, offer a more authentic experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture. You are also more likely to encounter genuine local customs, languages, and lifestyles that haven’t been diluted by global tourism.
Take a look at Europe’s five most underrated countries in our picture gallery below – don’t forget to click on the next page for more!
From sun-soaked beaches to towering snow-covered ski slopes, Romania is a great year-round destination to explore.
Brimming with natural beauty and incredible hiking options Romania is extremely budget friendly. A pint of beer costs between 10.00 lei and 17.00 lei, which converts to approximately £1.75 – £3.00.
The magical region of Transylvania boasts incredible castles, medieval bastions and old-world villages.
Meanwhile, Bucharest, Romania’s capital city, has all the elements needed for a good city break, with tree-lined avenues, characterful museums and stunning architecture.
Abbamonte says: “It’s a great road trip country.”
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Norway is renowned for its spectacular, untouched natural landscapes, including dramatic fjords, majestic mountains, the impressive Northern Lights, Arctic villages, and vast glaciers. These make it the perfect spot for hiking and wildlife spotting.
When you think of this spectacular Scandinavian country, you may assume it’s primarily a winter destination, but Abbamonte says the best time to visit Norway is in fact during the summer months.
“It has some of the best hiking in the world, especially in the summer”, he says.
One of Norway’s most impressive hikes is to the impressive Kjeragbolten, a large boulder wedged between two cliffs, 984 meters above the Lysefjord.
It is accessible via a challenging hike involving steep ascents and chain-assisted climbs.
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Located in Central Europe, the Czech Republic is an extremely picturesque country. With fairytale castles, historical towns, and diverse landscapes from mountains to forests, there really is something for everyone.
Prague is often considered one of the most famous and beautiful cities in Europe. However, to experience a more authentic trip, it is advised to spend time exploring some of the country’s lesser-known medieval towns that are bursting with character.
Český Krumlov is brimming with Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Dating to the Middle Ages this ancient Czech city has an enchanting, well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage medieval Old Town.
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From the charming Krakow to bustling Warsaw, which was rebuilt after World War II, Poland is bursting with medieval cities with incredible architecture.
During Christmas Krakow’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, transforms into a magical landscape when blanketed by snow. The iconic Rynek Glowny is Europe’s largest medieval market square and is the heart of the city’s winter festivities.
Meanwhile, Warsaw, the vibrant capital of Poland, is a major cultural, political and economic hub. It was even voted the overall best European destination of 2023 by European Destinations.
People can also visit concentration camps such as the famous Auschwitz-Birkenau. These historic sites allow tourists to understand the catastrophic events that took place.
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