10 European destinations that are still largely undiscovered by tourists

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.

1. Slovenia

Often overlooked by its Central European counterparts, Slovenia -- a small, welcoming country bordering Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia -- is starting to grab Europhiles’ attention. It offers plenty of diversity, from stunning Adriatic beaches and snow-capped mountains to pine-forested countryside and architecturally grand cities. Slovenians also have a reputation for loving the outdoors and the country’s varied landscape offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, skiing, and cycling, as well as extreme sports.

The country joined the eurozone in 2007 and integrated quickly. Today, there are new non-stop flights from other European hubs as well as modern trains and well-maintained highways throughout the picturesque landscape. Lake Bled is Slovenia’s most well-known and touristed spot -- best avoided in midsummer. Its castle of the same name is perched atop a steep cliff above the lake, but there’s much more to see. Be forewarned: People who travel to Slovenia often wish they had scheduled more time.

2. Montenegro

Montenegro shares commonalities with its Adriatic neighbor to the north, Croatia, but manages to stay out of the tourist spotlight. With only 650,000 residents, the main draw of this country is its sparkling coastline set against dramatic mountains. The town of Kotor is steeped in tradition and history with limestone cliffs and winding, cobblestoned streets. Further south is graceful Budva -- the country’s hot tourist spot -- home to trendy restaurants and nightlife. A few miles further is a fortified island village connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway called Sveti Stefan, now owned by a luxury resort, Aman.

When beaches get busy with Eastern Europeans, there are inland towns and villages where Montenegrins go about their daily lives. Rugged mountains and recreational areas likes Durmitor National Park and the temperate forest of Biogradska Gora provide hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. For history lovers, Montenegro has ornate Catholic churches, elegant mosques, and sturdy fortresses built by the many previous powers who fought over this land. And don’t leave out a visit to the Ostrog Monastery, a stunning site carved in a near-vertical mountain cliff.

3. Latvia

On the Baltic Sea between Lithuania and Estonia, Latvia stands out from these two Baltic states thanks to a stronger German influence, despite the fact that 45 percent of the country speaks Russian. Most travelers start in Latvia’s cosmopolitan capital of Riga, home to notable art nouveau architecture and a picturesque medieval Old Town, which is more than 800 years old. For more castles and historical sites, the nearby town of Sigulda has become known as the “Switzerland of Latvia,” with its steep banks and cliffs. But let’s not leave out the vast countryside, which boasts gorgeous white-sand beaches, lakes, and forests. In fact, dense forests cover about half of Latvia’s land, so there are plenty of parks and nature trails for trekking and cycling. Visitors will also find the widest waterfall in Europe here, as well as pine-covered dunes along the unspoiled coastline.