Europe's least-visited countries

Europe is filled with natural wonders, lively cities and remarkable views, but you don't need to squeeze through the crowds in Spain or Italy to enjoy them, as the continent's little-known and least visited countries offer just as much as the most popular holiday destinations - with the added advantage of being untouched by tourism.

While you may never have thought of visiting romantic Luxembourg on a European short break, this tiny country bordered by Germany, Belgium and France offers a multitude of fascinating landscapes, rich culture and architectural heritage.

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Many people have never heard of San Marino but if you fancy visiting one of the world's smallest countries, it's worth a trip here to explore the ancient churches and take in the magnificent views from a picturesque microstate enclosed within Italy.

Macedonia is also overlooked by tourists yet is wonderful for really escaping the crowds during the summer months. The country's rugged interior contains mountain forests that are excellent for hiking and Lake Ohrid's waters rival Croatia's.

France, Germany and Portugal may be home to world-famous cities, thriving cultural scenes and glorious countryside, but when it comes to crowd-free bliss these are the European countries you need to visit...