Share the article
Last updated
As tempting as a summer holiday to Spain, Greece or Italy may sound, the idea of dealing with rowdy crowds, cluttered streets and overpriced tourist traps can be off-putting, to say the least.
That’s why more and more travelers are preferring smaller, lesser-known hubs that promise a fantastic experience yet retain a sense of authenticity – something that was just proven by the latest ETC quarterly report.
According to data collected by the European Travel Commission in recent months, the continent’s fastest-growing destinations aren’t the chart-toppers we’re used to seeing all over the news (and on our social media feeds, too).
Instead, these five once-underrated countries lead the way as Europe’s trendiest hotspots:
Malta
First off, we have a place that I have long considered one of my all-time favorite destinations, and let me tell you: no artfully crafted sentence or filtered photo can ever do Malta justice.
It’s actually fascinating to see how much history, culture and breathtaking sights there are on the small island of 316 km² (for reference, driving from one side of Malta to the other takes no more than an hour by car).
Valletta will amaze you with its unique architecture and masterpieces of Caravaggio, the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim will take you on a journey to 3600-2500 BC, the atmosphere of the small fishing village of Marsaxlokk will make you feel at home You will walk through a fairy tale and the white sandy beaches of Għadira will leave you a little breathless – it’s the perfect summer holiday!
Serbia
If you’re tired of the same old beach holidays, why not do something different with Serbia this year?
The beautiful country is located in the heart of the Balkans and far away from any major bodies and waters, but what the country lacks in dreamy beaches it more than makes up for in incredible cities and untouched nature.
Belgrade in particular is a must-see.
The beautiful capital is one of the oldest cities in Europe, which is evident from its unmissable sights such as Belgrade Fortress and the Church of Saint Sava – now easier to see than ever thanks to two brand new direct flights from New York and Chicago recently.
Montenegro
Intrigued by the Balkans’ natural gems and fantastic prices, but don’t want to miss out on some good sunbathing?
Why don’t you go to Montenegro?
A well-hidden gem on the Adriatic coast, this beautiful country offers everything Croatia does and more, only with fewer crowds and lower prices.
And while better-known beach destinations like Budva, Ulcinj and Kotor really are as good as they say, my favorite town to visit in Montenegro has always been Herceg Novi – there’s no better place to get the most bang for your buck!
Luxembourg
Back to another landlocked gem: Luxembourg is one of Western Europe’s most overlooked destinations, but considering it’s only 2,586 square kilometers of land, it’s easy to see how this can be overlooked (literally).
But if you’re looking for that iconic European city experience and can’t decide between France, Belgium or Germany, a visit to Luxembourg is the perfect compromise.
You can admire architectural wonders such as the Grand Ducal Palace, the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral and the Bock Casemate, while also getting off the beaten track and enjoying the fairytale views of the Ardennes – talk about the best of both worlds!
Bulgaria
Long overlooked in favor of its flashier neighbors, Bulgaria is one of those places that will exceed even your wildest expectations.
Not only is Sofia, the capital, the perfect budget-friendly alternative to better-known city centers like Prague and Vienna, but the beautiful Riviera that stretches along the Black Sea looks like something out of a postcard, and if you’re looking for beautiful, tranquil beaches that don’t cost much this summer, this is definitely the place to be.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
