Less crowded countries to visit in Europe: The 10 most underrated destinations

Here's a Mediterranean island that's tiny – a fraction of the size of somewhere like Sicily – yet it packs a serious punch in terms of experiences offered. It's a little Italian, a little Arabian, and also entirely unique. It also has very few COVID-19 cases now.

SEE + DO

Malta has history, it has culture, it has landscapes to swoon over. It's probably best known for its towering limestone cliffs and gorgeous beaches and bays, but the island also has hilltop fortress towns such as Mdina and Victoria, an entire separate island, Gozo, where time has stood still, and an incredible capital city.

DON'T MISS

That capital, Valletta, is a microcosm of everything that is good here, a city built by the Knights of St John, a World Heritage site filled with historical attractions, plus the chance to sample Maltese cuisine, with its influences from Europe and the Arab world.

ESSENTIALS

Vaccinated Australians can enter Malta without prior testing, and there is no quarantine. Australian vaccination certificates are accepted on entry and within the country. Face masks are mandatory in both indoor and outdoor areas. See visitmalta.com

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CROATIA

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ALBANIA

WHY GO

Albania might just be one of Europe's most exciting new destinations, a coastal locale that was closed to visitors for much of the 20th century, but is now very much up for discovery. A winter COVID-19 wave here has now very much dissipated.

SEE + DO

Albania shares a coastline with Croatia, so you can imagine that's a big drawcard here – there is, in fact, an "Albanian Riviera", a stretch of resort towns, many that are historic attractions in their own right, providing access to white-sand beaches and clear waters. Check out Ksamil in the south, or Bunec.

DON'T MISS

The best place to get a feel for Albania's recent past and its exciting future is the capital, Tirana, where you'll find some top-quality museums and galleries, including Bunk'Art, a huge Cold War bunker that has been turned into a modern art space.

ESSENTIALS

Travellers will need to either be vaccinated or take a PCR test before entering Albania. A nationwide curfew is in place from 11pm to 6am, and face masks must be worn in all indoor areas. See albania.al

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THE NETHERLANDS

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BELGIUM

WHY GO

Poor Belgium. Everyone knows it's there, and they might even skip across to Bruges for a few hours to tick the box, but how many actually take the time to properly explore? This is a wonderful country with plenty to offer, and one that is through its major Omicron wave.

SEE + DO

Bruges is great, of course, but consider Brussels, with its great bar and restaurant scene (try the mussels and chips), Antwerp for its fashion, Ghent for its history, and the Trappist monasteries for their incredible beer.

DON'T MISS

Why not stay in one of those monasteries? Westmalle Abbey, outside Antwerp, offers rooms for "anyone who experiences silence and calm as beneficial". Though its brewery is closed to visitors, the abbey is surrounded by bars that serve its beer. See trappistwestmalle.be

ESSENTIALS

Visitors from Australia must be fully vaccinated and take a PCR test or RAT before flying. Australian vaccination certificates can be used to obtain a 31-day "COVID SafeTicket" for use in Belgium. See belgium.be

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FRANCE

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BULGARIA

WHY GO

This isn't a like-for-like arrangement – the experience of visiting Bulgaria is far different to France. What Bulgaria does offer, however, for those for whom France means alpine splendour, is mountains. There are ski resorts such as Bansko and Borovets that offer serious value for money in a country with a low COVID-19 caseload.

SEE + DO

In winter, those ski resorts are going to be a big draw. Borovets is the family-friendly mountain, with gentle slopes and ski-in ski-out accommodation, whereas Bansko is justifiably famous for its apres-ski scene.

DON'T MISS

Outside the ski scene, the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, has a lot to offer, including a mix of domed churches and Ottoman-era mosques, plus Roman ruins, and a youthful, exciting restaurant and bar scene.

ESSENTIALS

Face masks are compulsory indoors in Bulgaria. Australians will need to carry paper copies of their vaccine certificates to enter certain facilities. Entry to the country is currently tricky for Australians, though a decision on COVID-19 vaccination certificate equivalence is expected soon. See bulgariatravel.org

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ITALY

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SLOVENIA

WHY GO

Just google Slovenia and go to the images page and you will immediately understand. This is one stupendously beautiful country, all high mountains and shimmering lakes, fairytale villages and medieval cities.

SEE + DO

Slovenia is paradise for outdoors enthusiasts, who have their pick of hiking trails in the mountains, cycling tracks both on-road and off, plus caving, canyoning, rafting… All those fun things. This is a cultural destination too, with influence of past empires such as the Venetians and Habsburgs.

DON'T MISS

During that image search you will no doubt see the gorgeous visage of Lake Bled, the geographical jewel in Slovenia's crown, where a tiny Baroque chapel has become the stuff of every wannabe Instagram star's dreams.

ESSENTIALS

There are no testing or vaccine requirements for Australians entering Slovenia. Face masks are required in certain settings, and travellers should carry a hard copy of their vaccination certificate. See slovenia.info

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DENMARK

CONSIDER

NORWAY

WHY GO

If these post-pandemic days have you yearning for isolation and for natural beauty mixed with the high level of organisation and modern facilities that Scandinavia can reliably provide, then we have just the country for you: Norway, home of astounding natural beauty, not many people, and rapidly dropping COVID-19 numbers.

SEE + DO

Obviously you want to get away, you want to see the fiords, you want to skirt the Arctic Circle, you want to climb a mountain and perch atop a cliff. All doable here. Scandinavia, however, is becoming known for its food, and in Norway you will find an extension of this new Nordic scene, with a heavy emphasis on seafood.

DON'T MISS

Travellers make pilgrimages to Copenhagen to eat at gastronomic temples such as Noma and Geranium, but don't forget Maaemo, a three-Michelin-starred fine-diner in Oslo that uses organic, biodynamic and wild food to create something incredible. See maaemo.no

ESSENTIALS

All travel restrictions for Norway have been lifted, meaning Australians are free to come and go as they please – you'll only need proof of vaccination (or a negative PCR test) to visit Svalbard. See visitnorway.com

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SPAIN

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ANDORRA

WHY GO

Squeezed into a section of the Pyrenees between Spain and France, Andorra is a sky-high principality that is big on natural beauty, a place to ski in winter, hike in summer, and enjoy Catalan-style culture year-round.

SEE + DO

In terms of ski resorts, Vallnord and Grandvalira are the two main areas, and offer high-quality terrain – though they're not exactly cheap. It's worth visiting in summer, however, to stroll the pretty capital, Andorra la Vella, see its many churches, and dine at its rustic Catalan restaurants.

DON'T MISS

Strap on your hiking boots and get ready to tackle the mountainous terrain. Perhaps best is the climb to the top of Andorra's highest peak, Pic de Coma Pedrosa, a five-hour walk with stunning views and a hut for accommodation halfway along.

ESSENTIALS

Good news: there are no entry requirements for Andorra. If you've made it into Spain or France, then you will be allowed into Andorra. Masks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces; carry a hard copy of your vaccination certificate. See visitandorra.com

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GREECE

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NORTH MACEDONIA

WHY GO

The country formerly known as the Republic of Macedonia is a nation very much in touch with its roots, a rustic and real destination where you can experience the heritage of the Greeks, Romans, Ottomans and more, plus check out some serious natural beauty. COVID-19 cases are also at their lowest since August last year.

SEE + DO

The cultural and historical attractions of North Macedonia are well worth experiencing: see the medieval monasteries of Prilep, the old Turkish market and Ottoman mosques of Stip, the traditional houses of Krusevo, and the Byzantine landmarks of the capital, Skopje.

DON'T MISS

The true highlight of North Macedonia is unquestionably Ohrid, a World Heritage site filled with incredible churches, bazaars, fortresses and ancient archaeological

sites.

ESSENTIALS

Australians will need proof of full vaccination to enter North Macedonia, plus you will need the certificate to enter many restaurants and cultural venues. Masks are required on public transport and in indoor areas. See macedonia-timeless.com

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GERMANY

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LUXEMBOURG

WHY GO

This tiny city-state might be known more as a haven for tax-shy expats than as a serious tourist destination, but it actually has a lot going for it on a short stay, including a heritage-listed capital, a thriving wine industry, and a surprising amount of natural beauty.

SEE + DO

Begin in the country's largest city – its only city, in fact – with a tour of Luxembourg's heritage-listed Ville Haute, or high city, to see its cathedral, its palace, its abbey and more. Outside the city, find a medieval castle in Vianden, a 12th-century castle in Clervaux, and a World War II museum in Diekirch.

DON'T MISS

Be sure to sample the wine in Luxembourg. It's made along the Moselle river near the town of Remich, with plenty of bars in town and wineries within hiking distance outside it.

ESSENTIALS

Australian vaccination certificates are currently not recognised in Luxembourg, which means a PCR test will be necessary before entering – though if you're coming in by road, there are no checks. Australians will be restricted from visiting local hospitals, elderly homes and other care facilities. See visitluxembourg.com

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TURKEY

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BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

WHY GO

Part Ottoman, part Austro-Hungarian, part Slavic; part warm and laidback, part deeply war-torn; part medieval, part modern – there's so much to take in in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The contrast and contradiction will keep you fascinated for a lifetime. COVID-19 cases here are also very low.

SEE + DO

The buzzing historical centres of Sarajevo and Mostar are without doubt the big drawcards here, with their Turkish-style architecture balanced with pumping restaurant and bar scenes; however, make sure to see amazing Kravica Waterfall, and Blagaj Tekke, a Dervish house at the mouth of a cave.

DON'T MISS

You can't leave Bosnia and Herzegovina without seeing Stari Most, a marvel of 16th-century engineering – though one that had to be recreated after the 1990s war – in Mostar, a gorgeous stone bridge surrounded by cafes and restaurants offering prime viewing opportunities.

ESSENTIALS

Australians have to present proof of vaccination – in hard copy – to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. COVID-19 regulations vary throughout the country. See travel-

bosnia.ba

FIVE LESSER VISITED EUROPEAN REGIONS

You might know these countries, but how well do you know some of their quieter corners?

BASILICATA, ITALY

This rugged, mountainous region sits in the bridge of Italy's boot, Calabria on one side, Puglia on the other. It's probably best known for Matera, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world – dating back to the Palaeolithic period. It's a city filled with "sassi", or ancient cave dwellings, many of which are still in use today. Elsewhere in Basilicata, the coastline is lined with rocky coves and clifftop villages. See basilicataturistica.it

CASTILLA Y LEON, SPAIN

The likes of Barcelona, Seville and even Madrid cast such long shadows that a region as historic and beautiful as Castilla y Leon can be almost lost – but that can be to your advantage. This vast area in Spain's north is home to Segovia, with its fairytale fortress; Avila and its towering medieval walls; Burgos, with its rich food culture, and Salamanca, lively and upbeat. And few tourists. See turismocastillayleon.com

SAXONY, GERMANY

Saxony doesn't feel like Germany, in many ways. It doesn't even feel like Western Europe. This vast area of the former East Germany, taking in Dresden, Leipzig and Gorlitz, is filled with baroque villages that would look more at home in neighbouring Czechia, though there's also plenty of artsy, modern culture in its larger centres. See germany.travel

SCANIA, SWEDEN

When travellers think of Sweden they tend to think of Stockholm, or perhaps the wilderness of Norrland, but don't forget Scania, the country's southernmost region, home to the likes of trendy Malmo, student-friendly Lund, and historic Eslov. This is an area with plenty of open space, plus a mix of Danish and Swedish culture. See scania.org

ALENTEJO, PORTUGAL

Portugal's fruit bowl, to the east of Lisbon, is a laidback and hugely enjoyable region, a place to live life in the slow lane, to eat good food and drink local wine and do very little else. If you're interested though, there are Roman ruins in Evora, and amazing fortified hill towns in the likes of Castelo de Vide, Marvao, and Mertola. See visitportugal.com