1.ALBANIA

Size: 28,748 km2
Inhabitants: 2.8 million
Language: Albanian
Currency: Albanian Lek

Albania  lays on the coast of the Balkans. It’s  highly recommended for the beautiful, deserted beaches, the incredibly  cheap costs of traveling there, and the friendly people. It’s probably  easiest to fly into Tirana, and be sure not to miss the beaches  at Dhermi, Himara, and Ksamili. The ‘Blue Eye’ is incredibly  Pinterest-proof, and also be sure to look out the window when traveling  inland to the cute village of Theth, and traversing the many mountains  of the country for epic views.



 

2. Andorra

Size: 468 km²
Inhabitants: 85.458
Language: Catalan
Currency: Euro

This  micro-country is wedged between Spain and France, high in the  mountains, and offers the ultimate country for people who like epic  vista’s and rugged mountain tops. The best advice is just to relax and  enjoy nature… considering it’s micro-size there isn’t really much else  to do. It’s the perfect stop for when traveling in Spain and France.




 

3. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Size: 51,197 km2
Inhabitants: 3.8 million
Language: Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian
Currency: Bosnian Mark

Bosnia  and Herzegovina is one of  the most visited countries . It has stunning natural beauty, yummy  cuisine, friendly locals, but mostly it’s heart-wrenching history. The  Balkan-war (twenty years ago) is still omnipresent in a country littered  with graveyards and gunshot-damaged buildings. The country is a mixture  of cultures, religions and languages which makes it a very interesting  country. Also the natural beauty was absolutely beyond everything   expected. Don’t miss the old bridge of Mostar, the vibrant Sarajevo and  the gorgeous northern region.




 

4. Estonia

Size: 45,339 km2
Inhabitants: 1.3 million
Language: Estonian
Currency: Euro

Most  people find it hard to separate the three Baltic countries from each  other. Estonia is the northern country of the three, and it’s capatical  Talinn is a very popular destination in combination with a visit to  Helsinki (only a 2hr ferry ride away). Estonia is actually a very  developed and quite wealthy country. Capital Talinn is definitely not  hard on the eyes, with it’s gorgeous medieval buildings, but also don’t  forget to venture out to Lahemaa National Park and university city  Tartu.



 

5. Kosovo

Size: 10.887 km²
Inhabitants: 1.8 million
Language: Albanian
Currency: Euro

Another  formerly war-torn country, but very safe nowadays. Its existence  however still is controversial as Serbia refuses to acknowledge it’s  independent nature, but most of the other countries in the world do.  Capital Pristina doesn’t have the best reputation, but there are plenty  other things to see in the country, such as Decani monastery, a 700 year  old monastery. Another monastery is the bright red orthodox one in Pec.  The most famous natural sight is the Rugova Gorge, a gorgeous canyon  with breathtaking views.

6. Latvia

Size: 64,589 km2
Inhabitants: 1.9 million
Language: Latvian
Currency: Euro

Latvia  is the middle of the three Baltic-countries. Out of the three capitals,  Latvia’s capital Riga is usually the most beloved, so if you’re looking  to only visit one city in the Baltics, let that be the cute and  colorful Riga. But also don’t forget to move out of the city and visit  Gauja Natural Park for example. The medieval town of Cēsis is considered  one of the cutest towns in the country. Castle-lovers should definitely  not skip Rundāle Palace in the south of the country.