The Most Underrated Country in Europe, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the country you think is the most underrated!

Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:57

Are you tired of hearing about the same popular European destinations and craving to uncover some hidden gems? Well, you're in luck! At StrawPoll, we're on a mission to explore the most underrated countries in Europe and we need your help! Join thousands of passionate travelers and vote for your favorite lesser-known European country in our exclusive ranking, "What is the most underrated country in Europe?" Don't see your hidden gem on the list? No worries, you can easily suggest a missing option and let the world know about your treasured discovery. Be a part of this exciting journey and help us unravel Europe's best-kept secrets, because who knows, you might just find your next dream destination! Cast your vote now and let's set the course for a new European adventure!

What Is the Most Underrated Country in Europe?

1

44
votes
Slovenia

Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, Slovenia is a hidden gem in central Europe with stunning natural beauty, rich history, and a thriving food and wine scene.
Slovenia is a country located in Central Europe, known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. It is often considered one of the most underrated countries in Europe. Slovenia offers a diverse range of attractions, from charming alpine villages to picturesque coastal towns.

Location: Central Europe

Capital: Ljubljana

Language: Slovene

Currency: Euro

Population: Approximately 2.1 million
2

35
votes
Montenegro

This small country on the Adriatic Sea boasts picturesque towns, rugged mountains, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. It's a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a quieter, more authentic travel experience.
Montenegro is a small Balkan country located in southeastern Europe. It is known for its beautiful coastline along the Adriatic Sea, rugged mountains, and diverse culture. Montenegro gained independence in 2006 and has since developed as a popular tourist destination. Its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and charming cities attract visitors from around the world. The country offers a unique blend of Mediterranean and Balkan influences, providing a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for travelers.

Capital: Podgorica

Language: Montenegrin

Population: 620,079

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Area: 13,812 square kilometers
3

12
votes
Estonia

With its charming medieval towns, pristine forests, and cutting-edge technology scene, Estonia is a fascinating blend of old and new. It's also one of the least populated countries in Europe, making it a great choice for those seeking peace and solitude.
Estonia is a small country located in Northern Europe, bordered by the Baltic Sea to the west and sharing land borders with Latvia to the south and Russia to the east. It is known for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and advanced digital society.

Capital: Tallinn

Language: Estonian

Currency: Euro (€)

Population: Approximately 1.3 million

Government: Parliamentary republic
4

20
votes
Lithuania

This Baltic nation has a rich cultural heritage, including a unique language and an impressive collection of medieval castles and churches. It's also home to the beautiful Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lithuania is a small country located in northeastern Europe. It is often considered one of the most underrated countries in Europe due to its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. With a population of around 2.8 million people, Lithuania offers a peaceful and authentic travel experience for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations in Europe.

Capital: Vilnius

Language: Lithuanian

Currency: Euro (€)

Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic

Area: 65,300 square kilometers
5

12
votes
Albania

Despite a troubled past, Albania is rapidly emerging as a top travel destination in Europe. Its stunning coastline, rugged mountains, and fascinating Ottoman and Communist-era architecture make it a must-visit for adventurous travelers.
Albania is a country located in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, Greece to the south, and the Ionian Sea to the west. The country has a rich history, stunning natural landscapes with mountains, lakes, and beaches, and a unique cultural heritage.

Capital: Tirana

Official Language: Albanian

Population: Approximately 2.8 million

Area: 28,748 square kilometers

Government: Parliamentary republic
6

20
votes
Belarus

Often referred to as Europe's last dictatorship, Belarus is a fascinating and misunderstood country with a rich cultural heritage and beautiful countryside. It's also home to some of the most impressive Soviet-era architecture in the world.
Belarus is a landlocked country located in Eastern Europe. It shares borders with Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. Known for its authoritarian regime, Belarus is often considered one of the most difficult countries to escape from due to strict travel restrictions, lack of civil liberties, and limited freedom of movement for its citizens.

Capital: Minsk

Language: Belarusian and Russian

Government: Authoritarian regime

President: Alexander Lukashenko

Currency: Belarusian ruble (BYN)
7

9
votes
MacedonianBoy (translated version) · CC BY-SA 4.0

North Macedonia

Formerly known as the Republic of Macedonia, this Balkan nation is home to stunning mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient ruins. Its capital city, Skopje, is a vibrant mix of Ottoman, Byzantine, and modern architecture.
North Macedonia, officially known as the Republic of North Macedonia, is a landlocked country located in the Balkan region of Southeast Europe. It gained its independence in 1991 following the breakup of Yugoslavia. North Macedonia is surrounded by Albania to the west, Kosovo to the northwest, Serbia to the north, Bulgaria to the east, and Greece to the south.

Capital: Skopje

Official Language: Macedonian

Population: Around 2.1 million people

Area: 25,713 square kilometers

Currency: Macedonian Denar (MKD)
North Macedonia in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular Balkan country
8

15
votes
Moldova

This small, landlocked country often goes unnoticed, but it's home to some of the best wine in Europe and a unique blend of Romanian and Russian culture. Its capital city, Chisinau, is a charming mix of Soviet-era buildings and modern cafes.
Moldova is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south. It is one of the most underrated countries in Europe, often overlooked by travelers. Moldova is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and wine production.

Capital: Chisinau

Area: 33,846 km²

Population: approximately 3.5 million

Official Language: Moldovan (Romanian)

Currency: Moldovan leu (MDL)
9

14
votes
Andorra

Nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, Andorra is a tiny country with stunning alpine scenery, excellent skiing, and a thriving shopping scene. It's also home to some of the best spa resorts in Europe.
Andorra is a small landlocked country in Europe, located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains between Spain and France. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, ski resorts, and duty-free shopping. Andorra has a rich history, dating back to the Roman era and has a unique co-principality system of governance.

Location: Eastern Pyrenees mountains

Area: 468 km²

Population: Approximately 77,000

Official Languages: Catalan

Government: Parliamentary Co-principality
10

3
votes
Flexman · CC BY-SA 4.0

San Marino

One of the smallest countries in the world, San Marino is a landlocked enclave in central Italy with stunning medieval architecture and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. It's a great destination for history buffs and those seeking a slower pace of life.
San Marino is a microstate located within Italy, known for being one of the smallest and oldest republics in the world. With a population of around 34,000 people, it covers an area of just over 61 square kilometers. San Marino is situated on the northeastern side of the Apennine Mountains, offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.

Form of Government: Parliamentary Republic

Official Language: Italian

Currency: Euro (€)

Capital City: City of San Marino

Religion: Roman Catholicism
San Marino in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most random country

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Discussion

Ranking factors for underrated country

Natural beauty and landscapes

How beautiful and picturesque is the country's landscape? Does the country have natural wonders, such as mountains, lakes, and forests?
Cultural attractions

What are the country’s museums, galleries, festivals, and architecture? How rich is the country’s history and heritage?
Food and drink

What is the quality and diversity of the country’s culinary offerings, including traditional dishes and local produce?
Transportation and infrastructure

How efficient and developed is the country’s transportation and infrastructure? Is it easy to get around and explore the country?
Cost of living

How affordable is the country for tourists and travelers?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most underrated country in Europe. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or nation is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2308 views
175 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each nation once every 24 hours. The rank of each nation is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most underrated country in europe

Europe is home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, such as France, Italy, Spain, and Germany. However, there are many other countries in Europe that are often overlooked by travelers. These underrated countries offer unique experiences, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes that rival those of their better-known counterparts. In this article, we will explore some of the most underrated countries in Europe and why they deserve more attention from travelers.