Little-known European Destinations

Each year an estimated 15 million Americans visit Europe, and if you do visit some of the continent's most popular destinations - London, Paris, Rome and Venice - which may seem rather cramped. However, this fascinating continent with some lesser-known destinations for those wishing to venture off the beaten track. A little research can contribute greatly to embark on a trip to Europe as a holiday. The following information includes some suggestions, although many more can be done to make their own investigation. Experiencing a little-known destination is romantic and memorable.

France is one of the most visited countries, and if you've seen Paris and the French Riviera, the country still offers some relatively unknown areas. The Lot and Quercy regions offer visitors many historical cities, beautiful scenery and a wealth of outdoor activities. However, these areas are among the least visited France. In addition, the beaches of France can be world famous, but there are miles of coast just north of the Spanish border, which are not yet affected by mass tourism.

Another country that attracts millions of visitors each year in Spain, most tourists are concentrated in Madrid, Barcelona and the beaches of the country. However, Spain has a number of regions that are relatively unknown, including those of Asturias, an area located in northern Spain. Asturias offers visitors some of Europe's most spectacular coastal scenery, fascinating paintings and a wide variety of outdoor activities in the picturesque Los Picos de Europa.

Tuscany is nothing, but undiscovered, but if you take the time to get off the beaten track, you can still find many beautiful and unspoiled hill towns that have not yet been overrun by tourists - Pitigliano, Sovana and Massa Marittima. The Amalfi Coast Italy can feel very crowded, but is hidden in the city of Atrani, an oasis of relative calm amid the bustle of the big resorts. And if you really want to experience Italy without the crowds, visit Puglia, the region in the heel of the boot of Italy - a highlight here is the city of Lecce, often described as the "Florence of the South."

Prague is a beautiful city and has rightly become one of the most popular cities in Europe, which attracts around 20 million visitors annually. However, many visitors to the Czech Republic does not venture outside of Prague, which is a shame, since the discovery of a fascinating country - historic cities, spectacular scenery and in many respects, a way of life has not changed for centuries. Moravia region still clings to many of their old traditions, is also an excellent place to sample authentic goulash.

Three countries hidden in the northeastern part of Europe appeals to those seeking something different - Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. All three of these small countries offer beautiful scenery, historic cities and towns, a distinctive culture and traditions - and the three declared their independence from Russia as recently as 1990. Those Baltic countries are increasingly popular destination for travelers from the UK but are still a mystery to many Americans.

Most people could not find the small European country of Slovenia on the map, is one of the few countries left in Europe that remains virtually unknown. Visit before Slovenia is discovered, as this country - half the size of Switzerland - has spectacular mountain scenery, fairy tale castles and spectacular underground caverns. Its capital, Ljubljana is as attractive as Prague, Vienna or Budapest. It is also one of the safest and most stable countries in the former Yugoslavia.


By Lisa Parker