Europe’s allure draws millions all year round, but the peak summer months often mean bustling crowds and inflated prices. To experience the continent’s charm without the frenzy, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons from May to June and September to November. These months offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and often more affordable travel options. Tune your preferences to find your perfect time to visit Europe with our comprehensive guide.
Less visited countries in Europe to explore
Portugal
Algarve Beach, Portugal | Image credit: rui vale sousa/Shutterstock
Portugal is the ideal Southern European country for those looking to enjoy sunny beaches, historical landmarks, cultural spots, great shopping, paradisiacal islands, plenty of leisure activities, and magnificent landscapes. Its capital Lisbon can be the right base to explore other parts of the country like Aveiro, Porto, Faro, and Braga. The country has something for everyone, from cathedrals to aquariums to vineyards.
Best time to visit: December to April
Things to do: Attend a soulful Fado performance full of traditional music and culture, explore baroque palaces, and spend days at the sugary beaches of the Algarve.
Visa process: Covered under the Schengen Visa
Best hotels: Dos Reis by The Beautique Hotels, Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa, and Solar dos Poetas
Souvenirs to bring back: Ginjinha cherry liqueur, embroidered apparel, and Portuguese cork products
Must-try foods: Grilled sardines, salt cod, and Seafood cataplana
Book your stay at Dos Reis by The Beautique Hotels via Booking.com
Book your stay at Dos Reis by The Beautique Hotels via Agoda.com
Andorra
Grandvalira, Andorra | Image credit: Dawid K Photography/Shutterstock
Located between France and Spain in the Pyrenees Mountains, Andorra experiences the least amount of tourist crowds, but not for a lack of things to do here. The country, a tax haven with duty-free shopping, is one of the less-visited countries in Europe. Andorra boasts a rich heritage, open-air art galleries and museums, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and numerous natural wonders. Tranquil lakes, forested hills, flowering valleys, plenty of hiking trails, thrilling adventure activities, and a charming countenance ensure that a trip to Andorra is one you will never forget.
Best time to visit: April to October for outdoor activities, or December to April for skiing.
Things to do: Enjoy duty-free shopping here, spend a weekend at a luxury ski resort, and go hiking across Enclar Valley
Visa process: No visa is required to enter Andorra, but since it can only be accessed via Spain or France, a multiple-entry Schengen visa is required.
Best hotels: Pierre & Vacances Andorra Bordes d’Envalira, Hotel Sol-Park, and Serras Andorra
Souvenirs to bring back: Handmade cigars, luxury perfumes, and high-quality sports equipment.
Must-try foods: Wild mushrooms, traditional Andorran stew made with pork and bone marrow, and Andorra cheese.
Book your stay at Pierre & Vacances Andorra Bordes d’Envalira via Booking.com
Book your stay at Pierre & Vacances Andorra Bordes d’Envalira via Agoda.com
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Slovenia
Lake Bled, Slovenia | Image credit: ZGPhotography/Shutterstock
Slovenia is a well-known country in the heart of the continent, which does not see a lot of footfall. A popular place for adventure and outdoor enthusiasts, this less-visited country in Eastern Europe offers breathtaking landscapes in the form of gushing waterfalls, rugged peaks, lush national parks, verdant forests, and more. Its capital Ljubljana is full of historic landmarks, vibrant street art, and charming cobblestone streets. The Triglav National Park, where visitors can hike to waterfalls and mountains, is one of its most popular landmarks.
Best time to visit: March to June, and September to November
Things to do: Take a boat out to Bled Island, explore the underground Postojna cave system, and hike across Soča River Valley
Visa process: Covered under a Schengen Visa
Best hotels: Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons, Best Western Premier Hotel Slon, and InterContinental – Ljubljana, an IHG Hotel
Souvenirs to bring back: Plečnik candleholder, felt slippers, and Idrija lace products
Must-try foods: Štruklji dumplings, Carniolan sausage, and Prekmurian layer cake
Book your stay at Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons via Booking.com
Book your stay at Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons via Agoda.com
Georgia
Mother of Georgia, Georgia | Image credit: saiko3p/Shutterstock
A one-stop destination for a wide range of adventure and outdoor activities, Georgia is one of the most beautiful less-visited countries in Europe that is slowly emerging as a major tourist destination. Largely undisturbed with fewer crowds, this small country showcases gorgeous sceneries through its numerous vantage points, from snow-laden mountain peaks and the Great Caucasus mountain range to the ever-popular Batumi Botanical Garden and the Black Sea beaches. Its capital Tbilisi, and Kutaisi, its second-largest city, can be explored in 2-3 days.
Best time to visit: May to December
Things to do: Explore the Narikala Fortress, visit the sprawling Vardzia cave monastery, and spend time at the ancient town of Uplistsikhe, carved out of rocks.
Visa process: Offers e-visa as well as traditional sticker-based visa. Visit their website to find out more.
Best hotels: Holiday Inn – Tbilisi, an IHG Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Tbilisi Avlabari, and The Biltmore Tbilisi Hotel
Souvenirs to bring back: Enamel jewellery, Georgian tea, and Churchkhela candle-shaped fruit-based candy.
Must-try foods: Khinkali dumplings, Chakapuli stew made with meat and tarragon leaves, and Mtsvadi skewered meat.
Book your stay at Holiday Inn – Tbilisi, an IHG Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Holiday Inn Express Tbilisi Avlabari via Agoda.com
Finland
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Finland | Image credit: Anders E. Skanberg/Shutterstock
While Finland is not an overlooked European country by any means, it does receive fewer crowds than its popular neighbours. From the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi and the northern lights in Utsjoki to the shores of Bothnian Bay, Finland brings out a slew of natural and man-made wonders to impress the most sceptical of visitors. Get ready to grin ear-to-ear upon arriving in Finland, one of Europe’s less-visited countries named the happiest in the world for seven consecutive years by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s World Happiness Report.
Best time to visit: June to August
Things to do: Spend a day at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, visit the rock-hewn Temppeliaukio Church, and explore Olavinlinna Castle
Visa process: Covered under a Schengen Visa
Best hotels: Clarion Hotel Helsinki, NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa, and Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel, Helsinki
Souvenirs to bring back: Finnish speciality-blend coffee, woolly mittens, and Finnish Berry Liqueur
Must-try foods: Reindeer jerky, salmon soup, and Leipajuusto cheese
Book your stay at Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel, Helsinki via Booking.com
Book your stay at Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel, Helsinki via Agoda.com
San Marino
San Marino alleyways | Image credit: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Surrounded by north-central Italy, the small country of San Marino is one of the world’s oldest republics. The country retains much of its historic charm and medieval architecture and inherently feels like Europe minus the crowds. From cobbled streets and elaborate castles dotting the landscape to views of the Adriatic Sea, San Marino is where you can relax and recharge with days spent on its laid-back beaches and evenings spent enjoying the nightlife.
Best time to visit: May to October
Things to do: Explore Palazzo Pubblico, climb the Three Towers, and visit the Old Town via cable car.
Visa process: Covered under Schengen Visa
Best hotels: La Grotta Hotel, Hotel Cesare, and Casa Cicetta
Souvenirs to bring back: Bargello local liquor, handcrafted wooden carvings, and traditional headwear
Must-try foods: Ciambelle biscuits, San Marino nougat, and Torta Tre Monti cake
Book your stay at La Grotta Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel La Grotta via Agoda.com
Malta
Valletta Old Town, Malta | Image credit: Arcady/Shutterstock
For watersports enthusiasts, there is no place like Malta, known for its scuba diving spots, abundant sea life, and the clearest waters in the Mediterranean. The country of elegant landmarks, historical buildings, thriving nightlife, sunny beaches, and beautiful scenery, Malta promises a Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and mild, pleasant winters. Valletta, its capital, is home to the honey-hued Fort Saint Elmo, built on a rock citadel surrounded by the sea.
Best time to visit: September to March
Things to do: Explore the catacombs of Mdina, swim at Balluta Bay, and check out the Ċirkewwa coral reefs when you go scuba diving.
Visa process: Covered under a Schengen Visa
Best hotels: Land’s End, Boutique Hotel, SLIEMA CHALET HOTEL, and The Capital Boutique Hotel
Souvenirs to bring back: Blown glass pieces from Mdina, charms inspired by local folklore, and bizzilla lace pieces
Must-try foods: Fried date pastry, Lampuki fish pie, and Maltese bread
Book your stay at Land’s End, Boutique Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at SLIEMA CHALET HOTEL via Agoda.com
(Feature image credit: Arcady/Shutterstock)
Related: Destination Guide – Where To Eat, Play And Luxuriate In Europe This Summer
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Question: Are offbeat and less crowded destinations in Europe safe?
Answer: Yes, most offbeat and less crowded destinations in Europe are safe to visit.
Question: Is Europe safe for a solo trip?
Answer: Yes, Europe is safe for a solo trip. Remember to exercise the same caution as you would do in any other new places you visit.
Question: What are the offbeat and underrated experiences in Europe?
Answer: Exploring lesser-known cities, enjoying historic landmarks, and off-the-beaten-path trekking trails, are some of the offbeat and underrated experiences in Europe.
Question: How to find the best stay options during the peak season in Europe?
Answer: Try to plan and book early to avoid peak season frenzy in Europe.
Question: How do I commute to different European destinations?
Answer: The rail network is pretty good within Europe, as is road connectivity. Flights are available from most major cities to other European destinations.
Question: How to manage linguistic barriers in the offbeat destinations in Europe?
Answer: If you have internet connectivity on your phone, Google Translate can be of immense help when travelling to these offbeat destinations in Europe.
Question: What are the most offbeat destinations to visit on a Schengen visa?
Answer: San Marino, Slovenia, and Andorra are some of the offbeat destinations to visit on a Schengen visa.
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Publish date : 2024-07-15 18:31:00
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