One of Europe’s smallest states, Andorra – with its population of just over 80,000 – is easy to overlook. Perched high in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, it's most often thought of as a skiing destination – and with over 186.5 miles (300km) of prime slopes that’s hardly surprising. But this tiny principality has a rustic charm all its own, with picturesque mountain villages, stone churches and other medieval monuments scattered throughout its breathtaking mountain landscape. 

Europe’s highest capital city, Andorra la Vella, boasts spectacular views over the surrounding hills and valleys, while its cobblestoned Barri Antic (Old Town) is home to the Casa de la Vall (pictured), a 16th century stone mansion which was once the parliament building. 

Beyond the capital, Andorra opens up into a rugged landscape dotted with charming medieval villages such as Encamp, Pal and La Cortinada. Enjoyed in summer or winter, it's a country that combines cobblestoned streets and ancient Romanesque churches with stunning panoramic views across the Pyrenees.

During the warmer months, visitors can explore the region via one of its many hiking trails. One of the most impressive is the Estanys de Tristaina route, which takes in three beautiful mountain lakes (pictured) and reaches a maximum altitude of 7,644 feet (2,330m). 

Despite being ideally situated between Belgium, France and Germany, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (population: 670,000) is often overlooked due to its tiny size. It has a rich history, however, and a diverse landscape offering everything from imposing castles perched on rocky outcrops to dense forests and rolling vineyards. 

Luxembourg’s capital city is the ideal place to start. Split into a lower and upper town, its unique geography offers wonderful views from the city centre over the medieval old town (The Grund, pictured), which is like a fairytale village nestled deep in a valley surrounded by the magical Alzette river. 

Although just a short drive from the city, the Mullerthal region (pictured) couldn’t be more different. Often referred to as Luxembourg’s 'Little Switzerland', its hilly landscape, sandstone rock formations, ancient fern forests and beautiful waterfalls make it a top destination for hikers and nature lovers of all kinds. 

 A little way to the north, the medieval Schloss Vianden is one of the largest and most impressive fortified castles west of the Rhine. Sitting high on a hill overlooking the town, it offers breathtaking views over the surrounding forests and was recently voted one of the world’s most beautiful castles by CNN. 

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Somewhat overshadowed by neighbouring Czechia, Slovakia – landlocked in the eastern part of Central Europe, with a population just over five million – is nevertheless a country with its own unique character. Its impressive array of attractions certainly make it one of the continent's most appealing destinations. From picturesque castles and cobblestoned medieval towns to vast mountains, breathtaking hiking trails and historic vineyards, there’s something for everyone within its borders. 

Situated near both the Austrian and Hungarian borders, Bratislava (pictured) is the nation’s beating heart, a capital city blending a rich cultural and architectural heritage with vibrant nightlife and a lively clubbing scene. 

Further afield, nature lovers should head for the majestic peaks and valleys of the High Tatras, a mecca for hikers, climbers and skiers alike, or the beautiful forests, rivers and waterfalls of the Slovenský raj National Park, home to one of Europe’s largest ice caves. 

And then there’s Banská Štiavnica (pictured), one of the most charming medieval towns in Central Europe. Slovakia’s oldest gold and silver mining settlement, it's well worth visiting for its glorious setting in the midst of the Štiavnica Mountains and its fascinating history which has made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Until the 19th century, Ottoman rule had cut the country off from the west for more than 400 years. This heritage is fascinatingly evidenced in the UNESCO-listed Gjirokastra, known as the 'City of Stone' (pictured), with its hundreds of Ottoman-era houses. Korça with its Old Bazaar is similarly evocative. 

If chilling out in the sun is more your thing, then head to Dhërmi (pictured). Once you’ve sampled its idyllic beaches with their crystal-clear turquoise waters, cool beach bars and amazing views over the surrounding Ceraunian Mountains, you’ll wonder why you never visited before. 

For those with more energetic aims, the Albanian Alps offer amazing hiking opportunities. The Theth to Valbona hike, which takes you from one idyllic mountain village to another, is one of the most beautiful. It takes six to eight hours to complete the 10.5-mile (17km) trail but the stunning views should more than make up for the aching muscles.  

Landlocked between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova (population: 2.5 million) is one of Europe’s least visited countries. It is blessed with acres of unspoiled countryside, fascinating historic sites and a renowned wine making industry. 

The archaeological and ecclesiastical complex at Orheiul Vechi (pictured) is a must visit. Set in a stunning natural setting, the complex is best known for its Cave Monastery but also includes ruins dating back over 2,000 years from the earliest days of the Dacia tribes. There are even remains dating back to the Mongol and Tatar invasions in the Middle Ages. 

Moldova has a wine making history dating back thousands of years, and although it is one of the smallest wine-producing countries in the world, it still thinks big. The Milestii Mici winery holds the Guinness World Record as the largest wine collection in the world, with around 1.5 million bottles contained in its underground galleries. 

The country is also home to the second largest wine cellar in the world at Cricova (pictured). Around 1.3 million bottles are stored in this vast complex, which consists of 75 miles (121km) of labyrinthine limestone caves around 260 feet (79m) below the surface. Both sites make for a fascinating visit. 

Poland may not be top of your list if you’re planning a European trip, but this fascinating country will reward you in spades should you choose to visit. A land of striking natural beauty, it is also home to fascinating cities that are both historic and cosmopolitan in equal measure.  

Warsaw is one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals. Its Old Town, reconstructed after the Nazis virtually destroyed it during the Warsaw Uprising of August 1944, is a testament to the triumph of good over evil. Krakow (pictured) boasts the largest medieval town square in Europe and has an intriguing 'lost bar' scene of hidden drinking dens.  

Fans of the great outdoors will be right at home here. Poland has everything from Baltic beaches with golden sands to snowcapped mountains, thousands of lakes and no less than 23 national parks.  

Białowieża National Park (pictured), Europe’s largest old-growth forest, is one of the most notable. Take a stroll here and you may well spot one of the 800 bison – the continent’s largest mammal and Poland’s national symbol – who call it home. 

As one of Europe’s smallest countries, with a population just under 40,000, Liechtenstein might not immediately spring to mind as a great tourist destination. And yet, nestled between Switzerland and Austria, with the Rhine River flowing along its western border, it offers a magical mixture of fairytale medieval villages and picture-perfect Alpine landscapes. 

The capital city of Vaduz (pictured), with its glorious mountain backdrop and historic centre, is overlooked by the imposing Schloss Vaduz, home to the prince of Liechtenstein. Although closed to the public, visitors on 15 August (the country’s National Day) can get a rare glimpse of the castle’s grounds.

Venturing beyond the capital, alpine villages such as Malbun offer breathtaking views, superb hiking trails and great skiing in the winter. Elsewhere, Triesenberg, with its timbered chalets and onion-domed church, is one of Europe’s last outposts of traditional Swiss ‘Walser’ culture (and its unique dialect). 

The world’s smallest wine-making nation, Liechtenstein’s sunny slopes, limey soil and warm winds have created an ideal climate for growing grapes for almost 2,000 years. Today, visitors can explore the historic vineyards in the hills around Vaduz, passing by the famous Red House (pictured), before sampling a glass of excellent Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.  

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Part Balkan, part Mediterranean, North Macedonia is a fascinating country whose convoluted Byzantine, Ottoman, Roman and Greek heritage is evident all around. Skopje, the nation’s capital, has an array of Byzantine and Ottoman era sights in the charming hillside Čaršija area which is reached by the 15th-century Kameni Most (Stone Bridge). 

The rather more modern Art Bridge (pictured) was built in 2014 as part of a controversial makeover of the city, one which also saw the appearance of new museums, government buildings and a reconstructed National Theatre. It features 29 statues of significant Macedonian figures in music, literature and the visual arts. 

Monasteries, mosques and ancient markets are among North Macedonia’s greatest marvels. Tetovo’s Painted Mosque (pictured) is particularly stunning. First built in the 15th century, it was destroyed two centuries later in a devastating fire that also engulfed half the city.  

The mosque we see today is a 19th century replica. Its exterior is decorated with a series of rectangular frescoed panels, while the almost overwhelmingly ornate interior features an abundance of geometric and arabesque ornamentation in a strikingly rich array of colours. 

Although often the butt of unfair jokes ('can you name 10 famous Belgians?'), Belgium is actually one of the most vibrant and fascinating destinations in all of Europe. Despite its relatively small size, it packs in an amazing wealth of culture, history and diverse landscapes, from Flanders Fields in the north to the lush forests, hills and valleys of the Ardennes in the south. 

The country is also dotted with many beautifully preserved medieval towns, each with its own unique character and traditions. Ghent (pictured) is a must-see, with its relaxed atmosphere, picturesque houses and great museums.  

As the Capital of Europe, Brussels is a vibrant metropolis mixing stunning architecture with buzzing nightlife, while nearby Antwerp easily matches it as a cultural destination, not least for the stunning collections housed in the newly restored Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA). 

For unmatched beauty, a visit to Bruges (pictured) is essential. Those ancient winding streets, canals, and towering churches offer a romantic trip back in time. Just a few miles away, the Belgian coast is a great place to try local specialties, from mussels and fries to shrimp coquettes, before taking a ride on the Kusttram, the world’s longest tram line. 

While the Gothic castles, forested valleys and fog-covered mountains of Transylvania are deeply embedded in the popular imagination thanks to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, much of Romania – situated at the crossroads of Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe – remains unfamiliar to tourists. And yet, with its beautifully diverse landscape, rustic villages and lively cities, it has much to offer besides fictional vampires. 

Despite the links between Bran Castle (pictured) and Dracula being tenuous at best, no one can deny that it fits the bill perfectly. Any trip to Romania must include a visit to this awe-inspiring edifice perched on a rocky Transylvanian outcrop. 

Romania has a rich cultural and architectural history, much of which has survived the centuries, from the Belle Époque grandeur of Bucharest and the Gothic spires and medieval gateways of Braşov to the picturesque villages and distinctive wooden churches of Maramureş. 

Among the country’s most spectacular sights are the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina (pictured), their interiors and exteriors covered in elaborate frescoes dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The dazzling range of colour and detail in these unique masterpieces of Byzantine art makes them a must-see on any tour of Romania. 

Small but densely populated, the island of Malta (population: 550,000) is rich with possibilities, offering an enchanting blend of history and culture along with astonishing natural beauty, superb cuisine and some of Europe’s finest beaches. 

One of the island’s most magical spots is Mdina (pictured). Known as the 'Silent City', this hilltop town of narrow cobbled alleys, ancient mansions, churches and monasteries has few residents and remains car-free. It's the perfect place to enjoy a romantic stroll, especially later in the day when the tourist groups have dispersed. 

Europe’s smallest capital city, Valletta, is the island’s major tourist draw, a colourful mix of Baroque churches, quaint houses, lush gardens and lively bars, with its hillside setting offering wonderful views over the Grand Harbour and the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean. 

To avoid the crowds, however, head across the harbour to the Three Cities; Bormla (also known as Cospicua), L-Isla (Senglea) and Birgu (Vittoriosa, pictured). This trio of fortified towns, amongst the oldest in Malta, offer all the charms of the capital in a more relaxing setting.

The siege of Sarajevo is poignantly explored in exhibitions at the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the War Childhood Museum, the latter featuring personal stories of those who experienced the conflict as children. 

Latvia may be small, with its population under two million, but it contains an astonishing array of historical and natural delights within its modest borders by the Baltic Sea. The country’s cosmopolitan capital Riga (pictured) is renowned for its amazingly eclectic array of architecture.  

Wander the cobbled streets of the charming Old Town, where you’ll find everything from Gothic to Modern styles standing side by side, and then head to the renowned Art Nouveau district around Alberta Street for buildings that will take your breath away. Once you’ve finished exploring, you can take advantage of the city’s extensive, yet remarkably inexpensive, party scene. 

With no less than four national parks Latvia has an abundance of woodland and lakes to explore. First-time visitors are advised to head to Gauja, the largest of the four. Aside from its natural beauty, the park also boasts a number of stunning castles (including the two which are jointly known as Cēsis Castle).

The oldest (pictured), founded by Livonian knights in 1214, was sacked by Ivan the Terrible in 1577. The newest, built in the 18th century, now houses a museum featuring original fin-de-siècle interiors. Opt for an after-dark candlelit tour for a particularly atmospheric experience.  

Blessed with a stunning array of Baroque and Art Deco architecture and breathtaking areas of natural beauty, Lithuania – just south of Latvia – has long deserved a place in the spotlight. Head to the Old Town of the country’s capital, Vilnius, and you’ll find exceptional Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance buildings lining its cobbled streets. 

Kaunas is the place to go for Art Deco architecture. For a truly unique experience, book an Experimental Tour of the Art Deco Museum where you’ll learn about the objects in the building and the people who lived there while enjoying a drink and even trying out the furniture. 

Known as the 'Sahara of Lithuania', the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit is one of Lithuania’s major natural attractions. An elongated sand dune peninsula, some 61 miles (98km) long but no more than 2.5 miles (4km) wide, it’s an environment rich in unique natural and cultural features.  

Any visit should include the Vecekrugas Dune which, at 220.5 feet (67.2m) tall, is the highest on the peninsula. Witches' Hill in the fishing village of Juodkrantė, once a focus of pagan ritual, makes for another intriguing excursion. Since 1979, local artists have been displaying wooden sculptures of various figures from regional folklore, such as witches, dwarves and demons.

In our top spot is Estonia, which may well be Europe’s best kept secret. Directly opposite Helsinki, over the Gulf of Finland, and bordering Latvia and Russia in the Baltic, it offers a rich history while being resolutely forward-thinking, boasts incredible natural sites and has an amazing food scene, yet it still attracts relatively low tourist numbers.  

The medieval charm of Tallinn (pictured), with its cobbled alleyways and historic Town Hall Square, is undoubtedly delightful. For another side to the country’s capital though, head out to the Telleskivi Creative City. Here, you’ll find an amazing alternative shopping and entertainment precinct that attracts hipsters and families alike. 

For nature lovers, Estonia offers some truly unique experiences. Sooma, which translates as 'land of swamps', is a wilderness of peat moors and waterside forests in which brown bears, wolves, lynxes and moose reside. Follow the example of locals and kayak along the five rivers that meander through the area to really take in the wonders of this incredible habitat. 

Hiking over duckboards in a bog is one of the country's favourite activities. The bogs of Viru (pictured) and Riisa, which can be found in the national parks of Lahemaa and Soomaa, are especially popular. Arrive early to beat the crowds. 

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