When it comes to European travel, popular cities like Paris and Rome tend to rise to the top of people’s itineraries. And while we wouldn’t dare tell travelers to skip some of the world’s most noteworthy cultural and culinary hubs, Europe is filled with surprising destinations that will far exceed your expectations.
On the list of 22 most underrated European Cities published by magazine “Traveler” according to seasoned travelers, are also capital city of Albania, Tirana and Ohrid of North Macedonia.
Tirana, Albania
“A visit to Tirana offers at once a glimpse into Albania’s recent history and an invigorating taste of a vibrant, rapidly evolving capital. The city combines fascinating architectural reminders of the country’s communist chapter with a distinctly youthful energy, perhaps best encapsulated by the metamorphosis of the monumental 1988 Tirana Pyramid into a youth-focused cultural hub. The city center is walkable and full of places to simply ‘be’ (take a seat on the sofa-esque benches of Skanderbeg Square, iced coffee in hand), with nature never feeling too far away—courtesy not least of the vast Grand Park and majestic Mount Dajti, which flanks the city.”—Elise Morton, travel writer and former Eastern Europe Commissioning Editor for Culture Trip
Ohrid, North Macedonia
“We all know the Balkans are home to some stunning seaside spots, but we shouldn’t forget about the region’s lakes! One of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, Lake Ohrid straddles North Macedonia and Albania. The eponymous city of Ohrid on the North Macedonian shore is the perfect base for a lakeside break that combines sweetwater swimming and sunbathing with awe-inspiring nature and Byzantine religious history and architecture. After a relaxing morning by the water at Potpesh or Kaneo beach, wander the boardwalk and the charming, cobbled streets of the UNESCO-protected town. ” —E.M.
Amond Tirana and Ohrid, “Travelers” listed as the most underrated cities of Europe:
Trondheim/Norway, Zamora/Spain, Trogir/Croatia, Narbonne/France, Petworth/England, Thessaloniki/Greece, Cork/Ireland, Gdansk/Poland, Skanor and Falsterbo/Sweden, Trieste/Italy, Mostar/Bosnia and Herzegovina, Innsbruck/Austria, Vilnius/Lithuania, Riga/Latvia, Tbilisi/Georgia, Vila Real de Santo António/Portugal, Bern/Switzerland, Opatija/Croatia, Lille/France and Appingedam/Netherlands
