Ten of the best European regions you've never heard of

WACHAU, AUSTRIA

The lazy sweep of the Danube River through this region has been called the smile on the face of Austria. It isn't one of the nation's big drawcards, but its downsized landscapes, vineyards, orchards and fortified old towns create a lovely destination best appreciated by bicycle. Pretty riverside Dürnstein village and the flamboyant baroque abbey of Melk are two key attractions, while wine-trading town Krems is crammed with medieval architecture. See lower-austria.info

WALLONIA, BELGIUM

Belgium's French-speaking south gets none of Flanders' attention but provides more everyday Belgian life away from the tourist crowds. Mons, which was European Capital of Culture in 2015, has the requisite old town and a great contemporary art museum, while Namur features a whopping fortress behind mighty battlements. Ecclesiastical centre Tournai, eighteenth-century wellness retreat Spa and the rugged Ardennes for hiking and biking are other enticements. See walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk

ARAGON, SPAIN

If you've heard of Aragon, it's probably only because of Henry VIII's first wife. But this inland region stretching from the Pyrenees provides great trekking in canyons, national parks and mountains dotted with spectacularly sited villages. Mudejar is World Heritage-listed for its medieval churches and mansions, and the capital Zaragoza has a remarkable Islamic-era palace. Aragon's relative isolation has produced a distinct cuisine and preserved traditional culture. See spain.info

HIGH TATRAS, SLOVAKIA

Why aren't these jagged mountains along the Polish border better known? The scenery of peaks and lakes is gobsmacking, and alpine villages of painted houses, church steeples and gnarly castles would inspire fairy-tale illustrations. Go in summer to hike 600 kilometres of trails, or in winter to ski (there are three resorts), all at half the price of western Europe's more famous alpine getaways. See slovakia.com

TAUBER VALLEY, GERMANY

Medieval Rothenburg is one of the Germany's most tourist-crammed towns, yet the Tauber Valley it overlooks is… well, overlooked. This gentle fold in the landscape takes you through attractive, unassuming towns with a dense legacy of castles, monasteries, cobbled squares and a Renaissance palace. All around are vineyard-clad hills that produce fresh, fruity Silvaner wines. Eventually you pop out on the Main River south of Frankfurt. See romantischestrasse.de

EMILIA-ROMAGNA, ITALY

Just north of Florence, south of Venice and packed with sumptuous small cities and former powerful duchies such as Ferrara, Modena and Parma, you'd think this region ought to be more visited. It's notable for opera, high-end motorcars and iconic foods such as Parma ham, Parmesan, balsamic vinegar and tortellini. Enjoy touring farm doors, car factories and Renaissance squares without the tourist crush that overwhelms neighbouring Tuscany. See emiliaromagnaturismo.it

ENGADIN, SWITZERLAND

Okay, the place where the Inn River rises (En in Romansch) does have one world-famous destination, the chic ski resort of St Moritz. But few foreigners go much further in this southeast corner of Switzerland, least of all in summer, despite its wild alpine scenery, quirky Romansch culture and gorgeous villages with their decorated facades. Swiss National Park has excellent hiking trails and glorious scenery. See engadin.ch

The writer has travelled as a guest of numerous tourism offices and at his own expense.

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