Pint-sized and perfect: five of the best small but perfectly formed European countries to add to your Eurotrip 2024

Josh Martin is a London-based journalist who writes about business and travel topics.

It’s like clockwork: in May, the daylight lengthens, the spring bulbs bloom and, just as the endless days of sideways rain begin in the southern hemisphere, the first Eurotrip tourists descend planes at London Heathrow or Amsterdam Schiphol.

The following is a roll call of the Continental Classics (and all of them are full of tourists, with prices to match): Rome, Paris, Barcelona, ​​Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, Florence, Venice, Prague, Nice and the French Riviera, Santorini, Mykonos and maybe Athens , Berlin. …you know the principle – you’ve seen the photos.

Why not throw a spanner in the works of your itinerary with something that’s close enough to fit your plans, but feels thousands of miles from the hordes.

Montenegro

In the tourist-heavy south of Croatia, and about half the price, Montenegro’s Adriatic coast is far from lacking in tourism but never seems overwhelming. In August, while Croatia welcomed more than 4.4 million visitors, Montenegro had just over 200,000. This is surprising because there are Sveti Stefan, picture perfectan islet connected to the mainland by a sandy causeway with a cluster of Venetian-style villas, there is the Bay of Kotor, a Mediterranean fjord and Lake Shkroder on the border with Albania.

The town of Kotor itself appears on cruise ship itineraries for a reason: it has a Venetian flavor wedged between the deep bay and high limestone cliffs, but it still remains off the main tourist routes due to the lack of air connections or rail (and it’s true). most of the country). Those who brave the buses get an excellent gain.

How to hang it? If you’re planning to join the Dubrovnik crowds next year, the Kotor Bay offers some respite and it’s a simple 2-3 hour bus ride (including a sometimes slow border crossing) for around €23 (NZ$42).

Slovenia

Is this former Yugoslav state really the New Zealand of Europe? Snowy mountains? Check. Lush greenery and tranquil lakes? Check. Friendly but reserved residents? Check. An unhealthy love for dairy products? Check. There are vending machines dedicated to yogurt (like a 24-hour farmer’s market).

Wedged between Italy, Croatia, Austria and Hungary, Slovenia has a powerful mix of influences that shines through in its gastronomy, architecture and modern history. There’s the viticulture of Italy, a hoppy influence from Central Europe and the fiery rakia of its Balkan neighbors. Ljubljana offers a baroque old town, brutalism and medieval castles on the banks of the famous Lake Bled. Add to that hearty Central European menu options dating back to the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a bit of Italian culinary flair, but at Balkan-low prices.

How to hang it? You can train from Venice to Lake Bled, with an easy change at the Italian-Slovenian border for less than €25.

Estonia

Want a taste of the Nordic countries, but without the exorbitant prices of Scandinavia? Estonia, located just across the Baltic Sea, should do the trick. Budget-conscious Finns brave the frigid sea air and take the ferry to Tallinn to stock up on less-taxed booze. But there’s much more to offer than a discounted booze cruise.

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, has one of the best preserved, oldest and most stunning old towns in Europe (cobbled lanes, turreted city walls, brick towers and domed cathedrals and you get the idea). Visit between May and July and you will have daylight for around 18 hours a day. Part of the USSR until 1991, its museums offer insight into the history of Soviet espionage and life under communism.

How to hang it? Low-cost European airlines fly to Tallinn from northern European cities like Amsterdam, Berlin and London, and Helsinki is just a two-hour ferry ride away.

Cyprus

Do you like halloumi? Well, it’s time to pay homage to the home of fryer-friendly cheese, on the island of Cyprus. It’s closer to Beirut than Athens, but it feels more Greek but more economical. There are ancient ruins including the UNESCO-listed Tomb of the Kings, stunning stretches of sand like Nissi Beach, wooded monasteries, large platters of meze (including the national food, halloumi) and seafood.

The capital Nicosia is also the only capital to be divided by an international border (so bring your passport!) and learn about the country’s recent war history between mouthfuls of squeaky cheese.

How to hang it? Ferries connect mainland Turkey with Northern Cyprus (a disputed region), but if you want to add it to your Greek Odyssey, flights connect the main islands like Santorini or the capital Athens to Cyprus. There are also flights from most major cities in continental Europe.

Andorra

Wedged between two of Europe’s biggest tourist centers, France and Spain, the landlocked principality weighs heavily in the balance. It’s perched in the Pyrenees, offering snow bunnies plenty of alpine activities in winter, but in summer, active Kiwis will call home with a plethora of hiking, cycling and climbing opportunities.

And thanks to its location between two heavyweights of world cuisine, we have time to taste tapas, Iberian ham, glasses of cava and cargols with aioli (snails, an influence across the border in France, without a doubt). And its tax-free status means your restaurant bill will be that much cheaper.

How to hang it? It’s a well-kept secret for a reason. There’s no local airport, but the tourist mecca of Barcelona is just a 2.5-hour drive away.