Least Visited Countries in Europe (Based on Pre-Covid Data)

Traveling allows you to see things you've never seen before, meet people whose lives are vastly different from your own, and gain a new perspective on the world. When you think of Europe, you probably think of countries like Italy, France, and Spain. Of course, the continent is home to a plethora of other incredible locations.

There are several more European countries with a less developed tourism ambition. Even though they have a lot to offer, they do not draw a lot of tourists. Below is a travel guide to some of Europe's secret gems that you may want to consider for a vacation off the beaten path.

Total number of visitors per year.

Continue reading to learn about Europe's least visited countries.

7. Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Number of visitors per year: 1,198,000 (in 2019)

Bosnia and Herzegovina are a former Yugoslav republic that fell into anarchy as the nation disintegrated in the 1990s. Even though things are much calmer now, Bosnia and Herzegovina are still largely ignored in favor of its much more common neighbor, Croatia. One explanation may be that Bosnia and Herzegovina are almost completely landlocked, with just a 12.4 mi Adriatic coast. The rest of the coast, which is rich in beaches and villas and perfect for sailing, is now Croatian territory.

Another explanation why few visitors come here is the lack of facilities. There are few highways in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and landmines remain a serious threat. Despite intensive efforts to locate and destroy them, there may still be a lot of them around. Those that do come will be greeted by a diverse, mountainous landscape as well as a fascinating community that is almost evenly split between Christians and Muslims.

6. Luxembourg

• Number of visitors per year: 1,041,000 (in 2019)

Luxembourg has a lot to offer; it's just that it's always overshadowed by its neighbors, Germany, France, and Belgium. Although it is a small and wealthy country, there are still plenty of opportunities to get out of the city and hike in the mountains or visit its medieval castles. It's difficult to explain why the world's only Grand Duchy isn't more well-known by tourists. Perhaps it's because the nation is just about 998 mi² in size. Another consideration may be the region's well-known high cost of living and travel.

5. North Macedonia

• Number of visitors per year: 758,000 (in 2019)

North Macedonia, Alexander the Great's modern descendant, was once a great force in the ancient world. It is much less well-known and visited today than its historic southern neighbor, Greece. All of that, though, maybe about to change. Since 2005, North Macedonia has been a candidate for membership in the European Union. Despite being landlocked, this small country has a range of lovely lakes. It is known for its hills, valleys, and historic architecture, which is mostly inspired by Orthodox Christianity but also influenced by Albania's Muslim minority

4. Monaco

• Number of visitors per year: 363,000 (in 2019)

Monaco is an independent country located on the French Riviera in Western Europe, with five quarters and ten wards. Monaco is considered the world's second-tallest nation. The sovereign "microstate" of Monaco is one of Europe's least-visited countries, which can be attributed to its design, which caters to a select group of visitors who are mostly wealthy and influential, as well as the fact that most tourists only visit for a day. Perhaps more than anything else, Monaco's notoriety as a casino and yachting paradise for the super-rich has driven visitors away.

3. Kosovo

• Number of visitors per year: 193,000 (in 2018)

Kosovo is a country in Southeastern Europe that is only partly recognized. It is located in the heart of the Balkans, bordered to the north and east by Serbia's undisputed territories, to the southeast by North Macedonia, to the southwest by Albania, and the west by Montenegro. Kosovo is the smallest nation in the Balkans, about the same size as Jamaica or Lebanon. It's also one of the least-visited destinations you've probably never heard of. Kosovo remains a safe country for most tourists. Certainly, there are many areas in which the country should improve, but its elegant natural beauty is unconstrained. Meanwhile, Bjeshkët e Nemuna National Park, Gazivoda Lake, Rugova Mountain Ranges, Germia Park, and Mirusha waterfalls are among the best tourist attractions in Kosovo.

2. Moldova

• Number of visitors per year: 174,000 (in 2019)

While 174,000 visitors may seem insignificant, it represents a significant improvement for Moldova, a tiny landlocked country sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine. Just 11,500 international tourists were confirmed to have visited the county in 2014! The fact that most people have never heard of Moldova is possibly the biggest barrier to increasing that figure. This is because it has only been in existence since 1991. Despite its reputation as a bleak and impoverished country, Moldova has grown in popularity as a result of low-cost flights from European hubs. With its old-world charm, bikeable steppes, and wineries, the country is a great place to spend a relaxing weekend.

1. Liechtenstein

• Number of visitors per year: 98,000 (in 2019)

The Principality of Liechtenstein, despite its small size, is brimming with Medieval charm, breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, and traces of ancient aristocracy. Liechtenstein's first agricultural settlements date back to about 5300 BCE, making this tiny country sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria more than a novelty; it's a culturally rich destination with beautiful cliff-side castles, quaint villages, and unspoiled nature. If that wasn't enough, the country still has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, with no murders occurring since 2014, and plenty of peace and tranquility.

San Marino & COVID

Meanwhile, if you are interested in visiting any of these countries, feel free to go there irrespective of whether they are not widely recognized or not. After all, the aim is to gain new experience and have a feel of these countries.

These are the least visited countries in Europe. However, if you notice in the list, San Marino, which is among the least visited countries in Europe, was excluded and this is because of the high number of same-day visitors (111,000 regular visitors in 2019, but as many as 1,793,000 same-day visitors).

These data were gathered prior to the COVID period. It's because as of 2020, there were lots of restrictions on tourists visiting different countries which greatly reduced the percentage of people traveling across the world. Number of visitors per year based on UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) data.

Written by: Tim Smith Tags: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Moldova, Monaco, North Macedonia