Europe has always enchanted American travelers–with its old-world architecture, breathtaking landscapes, and eclectic cities, it’s no wonder most people dream of exploring this incredible continent.
And while the long-time favorite destinations continue to attract millions of travelers, it may come as a surprise that some of Europe’s fastest-growing destinations are ones you probably haven’t considered visiting.
While you could follow the crowds and head to London or Paris, why not check out an emerging destination?
According to quarterly data from the United Nations World Tourism Barometer, these 4 lesser-known countries are seeing the highest increases in tourist arrivals right now.
Albania
Affectionately known among travelers as the “cheaper Greece”, this Mediterranean country is vastly underrated.
According to recent visitation numbers, however, it seems that more people are catching on to one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
This small but stunning country has everything a traveler dreams of—picture-perfect beaches, mouthwatering local cuisine, mesmerizing UNESCO archaeological sites, and friendly locals.
And while Albania is increasing in popularity, you’ll still benefit from lower prices and fewer crowds than neighboring hotspot destinations like Italy or Greece.
Albania is paradise if you’re a nature lover looking to get away from it all and dive into exploring new terrain.
You’ll discover 15 national parks, with diverse landscapes ranging from towering mountains to sweeping turquoise coastline.
The quirky and colorful capital city, Tirana, is an excellent place to sample street food, check out cozy cafes, and wander through art galleries and fascinating museums.
Andorra
Even after months of exploring Europe, I personally had no idea this tiny country even existed until a friend mentioned landing a gig at one of the country’s famed ski resorts.
But with a recent 31% increase in tourist arrivals, Albania is securing its spot as an up-and-coming destination.
Nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, Andorra is best known for its incredible skiing and jaw-dropping scenery.
Despite being a small country, Andorra packs in plenty to see and do; interesting museums, ancient cultural sites, and grand churches dating back to the 12th century are a few of its highlights.
If you’re keen on indulging in some retail therapy for less–this is the place to do it.
Andorra is a tax-free country, and its main shopping area, Vivand, has an astonishing 180 shops that attract locals from neighboring countries who are looking to score deals on globally loved brands.
Whether it’s the shopping, mountain vistas, or world-class spas that call to you, this fast-growing destination is the perfect side quest to take while visiting France or Spain.
Liechtenstein
Tucked between Austria and Switzerland, Europe’s 4th smallest country is rising in popularity.
Besides visiting for the novelty of saying you’ve been to one of the world’s tiniest countries, Liechtenstein is worth a trip for its jaw-dropping mountain views that rival even those of the nearby Swiss Alps.
The country also boasts a number of interesting cultural sites –from a world-class contemporary art museum to crumbling castles and fairytale-like palaces.
A visit to Liechtenstein will surely be a captivating travel experience filled with outdoor adventures, quaint mountain villages, and charming cities.
Serbia
If you’re looking for some of the best nightlife, landscapes, and food in Europe on a budget, Serbia is definitely a country to add to your bucket list.
This Balkan nation is surging in popularity as more and more travelers discover just what makes it so special.
The landscapes of Serbia are wildly underrated, and if you enjoy the great outdoors, you’ll likely fall in love with all the natural beauty Serbia has to offer.
Imagine massive stone arches, odd rock formations, rolling mountains, and peaceful rivers to walk beside.
And if you’d like a city break, capital city Belgrade is a colorful metropolis with infamously wild nightlife.
During the warm season, locals and tourists alike party the night away on Belgrade’s splavs or riverboat clubs.
Serbia is an entrancing combination of Eastern and Western influences, which you’ll see reflected in the eclectic architecture, design, and flavorful local food to be found here.
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