When people think of Europe, they often picture Paris, Rome, or Barcelona. However, beyond these famous cities lies a collection of underrated European countries that are safe, affordable, and incredibly rewarding to visit. These destinations offer authentic culture, beautiful landscapes, and fewer crowds, perfect for travelers who want a calmer, more meaningful European experience.
1. Albania
Albania offers stunning beaches, Ottoman-era towns, and dramatic mountain landscapes with far fewer tourists than neighboring Greece or Italy.
2. North Macedonia
Known for Lake Ohrid, historic churches, and a relaxed atmosphere, North Macedonia feels untouched by mass tourism.
3. Bosnia & Herzegovina
This country blends Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Balkan influences with scenic mountains and rivers.
4. Montenegro
Montenegro offers medieval towns, fjord-like bays, and dramatic mountain scenery in a compact area.
5. Moldova
Moldova is one of Europe’s least visited countries, known for wine culture, rural charm, and low prices.
6. Georgia
Georgia combines ancient history, mountain landscapes, and one of Europe’s most affordable travel scenes.
7. Romania
Romania offers medieval towns, castles, and the Carpathian Mountains, with excellent safety and affordability.
8. Slovakia
Often overshadowed by its neighbors, Slovakia is rich in castles, hiking trails, and charming old towns.
Why These Destinations Are Considered Safe
Because these countries receive fewer tourists, travelers often enjoy a more relaxed pace, lower stress levels, and a sense of comfort that makes exploring feel easy and enjoyable. These underrated European countries consistently rank as safe travel destinations for several reasons:
• Low violent crime rates
Violent crime is relatively rare, especially in city centers and tourist areas, making it comfortable for travelers to walk around during the day and evening with basic precautions.
• Calm cities with less congestion and fewer tourist scams
With fewer crowds and less mass tourism, these destinations experience fewer pickpocketing incidents and common scams often found in heavily visited European cities.
• Friendly and welcoming local communities
Locals are often curious and happy to help visitors, as tourism is not overwhelming, leading to more genuine interactions and a stronger sense of safety.
• Strong police presence in urban areas
Major cities and transport hubs typically have visible police patrols, contributing to a sense of order and quick assistance if needed.
• Political stability in everyday life
While news headlines may suggest otherwise, daily life in these countries is generally stable and peaceful, with little impact on tourists’ safety or travel plans.
Are These Destinations Safe for Solo Travelers?
Yes. Many of these destinations are excellent for solo travelers, including first-time solo explorers, thanks to their manageable size, friendly locals, and straightforward travel logistics.
• Albania, Georgia, and Romania
These countries are popular with solo backpackers due to affordable costs, strong hostel culture, and locals who are generally curious, helpful, and welcoming toward independent travelers.
• Bosnia & Herzegovina and North Macedonia
Major cities like Sarajevo, Mostar, Skopje, and Ohrid are easy to explore on foot or by public transport, making independent travel simple even without prior regional experience.
• Montenegro and Slovakia
Both offer compact itineraries where major attractions are close together, reducing long travel days and making trip planning less stressful for solo visitors.
Solo travelers should still take standard precautions: avoid poorly lit or empty areas late at night, use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps when available, and stay in centrally located accommodations.
Are These Destinations Safe for Women Travelers?
These destinations are generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers, when basic awareness and cultural respect are practiced.
• Georgia, Slovakia, and Romania
These countries consistently receive positive feedback from women travelers for feeling safe, walkable, and comfortable, particularly in cities and popular tourist areas.
• Albania and Montenegro
While slightly more conservative in rural regions, locals are typically respectful toward women, especially when travelers dress modestly and follow local norms.
• Low risk of violent crime against tourists
Violent incidents involving tourists are rare, especially during daytime activities and in well-frequented areas, contributing to a strong sense of personal safety.
Women travelers are advised to dress modestly outside major cities, avoid isolated nightlife areas alone, share itineraries with someone trusted, and trust their intuition when choosing accommodations or transportation.
What to Prepare Before Visiting Underrated European Destinations
While Europe is beginner-friendly, visiting lesser-known countries requires slightly more preparation.
Travel Documents & Visas
• Check Schengen requirements carefully, some countries are outside Schengen
• Ensure passport validity of at least 6 months
• Carry printed copies of hotel and transport bookings
Transportation Planning
• Research local transport schedules in advance
• Buses are more common than trains in some Balkan countries
• Renting a car can be useful for rural or mountain areas
Money & Payments
• Cash is often preferred outside major cities
• ATMs may be limited in rural towns
• Inform your bank before travel
Connectivity & Navigation
• Mobile coverage is generally reliable in cities
• eSIMs is highly recommended. Eskimo eSIM offers a free 500 MB global data trial in 109 countries, including these underrated European destinations. If you’re exploring Europe, Eskimo also has Europe data plan available in 42 European countries.
• Download offline maps and translation apps
Health & Safety
• Travel insurance is essential
• Pack basic medication and motion sickness pills for mountain roads
• Emergency services are reliable but may have limited English outside cities
Cultural Awareness
• Learn basic greetings, it goes a long way
• Dress modestly in religious or rural regions
• Respect local history, especially in post-conflict areas
FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit these underrated European countries?
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal, offering pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices than peak summer.
How many days should I plan for each country?
Most of these countries can be comfortably explored in 5–8 days, making them perfect for slow travel or multi-country itineraries.
Are these destinations suitable for digital nomads or remote workers?
Yes, many cities like Tbilisi, Bucharest, and Sarajevo offer reliable internet, affordable living costs, cafés, and growing coworking communities.
Can these countries be combined easily in one trip?
Yes, many are geographically close, especially in the Balkans, allowing easy border crossings by bus or car with minimal travel time.
What currencies are used, and is it easy to exchange money?
Several countries use local currencies instead of the euro, but exchange offices and ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas.
