France, Spain, and Italy have long taken the limelight when it comes to popular travel destinations in Europe, but some of the continent’s most rewarding and best-kept secrets are set off-the-beaten path. From the Balkans to the Baltic Sea, here are our picks for the 10 best (mostly) undiscovered places in Europe.

This landlocked country in the Balkans is one of Europe’s most under-explored gems. History buffs will love learning about the 2,000-plus years of Roman, Byzantine, and Turkish occupation. Indeed, Macedonia is plush with beautiful Orthodox churches, monasteries, and Ottoman mosques. In fact, it is common to hear church bells alongside the Islamic call to prayer several times a day. The thriving capital of Skopje (and birthplace of Mother Teresa) has innumerable fountains and monuments, an impressive fortress, as well as an Old Bazaar tucked into narrow streets.

The countryside around the city offers stunning examples of medieval religious art, and even further outside of the city are mountainous national parks to enjoy the great outdoors. The food in Macedonia is influenced by European, Turkish, and Slavic cuisines, with use of local herbs and spices, while sheep farms, vineyards, and fruit orchards dot the landscape. Modern day Macedonians are peaceful, happy, and welcoming people. And much like Bosnia, it is fairly cheap to travel here compared to other countries in Europe.

https://www.oyster.com/articles/10-places-in-europe-still-mostly-undiscovered-by-tourists/