12 Non-Schengen Countries in Europe That’ll Make You Wonder Why You Ever Stuck to the Usual Destinations

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Is your Schengen Visa about to expire? Were you unable to attain one? If the answer to either of those questions is yes, you’ve landed in the right place. While the Schengen Visa provides access to some of Europe’s premier tourist destinations, many more places exist to explore.

You can still visit over 20 other European countries without the Schengen Visa, including popular destinations like the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. To learn more, here are 12 non-Schengen countries you can visit in Europe. These entries were selected because they can be visited without the Schengen Visa and offer many things to see and do.

United Kingdom

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Let’s kickstart this list with the United Kingdom, a fascinating destination consisting of four individual countries. Those countries are England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. One of the greatest things about the United Kingdom is its diversity. No matter what you like to do, the UK has something to offer every kind of traveler.

Outdoor enthusiasts can get lost exploring Scotland’s rugged mountain landscapes. City-dwelling tourists can hit up London, the capital of England. Beachgoers can enjoy the sun in Cornwall, and history buffs can explore historic castles in Wales. Let’s not forget Northern Ireland, where you’ll find lively cities, lush landscapes, and impressive coastal roads begging to be driven.

The Republic of Ireland

Despite playing an active role in some Schengen Agreement policies, the Republic of Ireland isn’t officially included in the Schengen Area. Therefore, you can visit the country once your Schengen Visa has expired. I’ve been to the Republic of Ireland multiple times, and I firmly believe it’s one of Europe’s most underrated destinations.

Whether you want to enjoy a scenic road trip, a city break, an outdoor adventure, or a cozy cottage getaway, Ireland has what you’re looking for. In Dublin, travelers can sample Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse. Meanwhile, in Galway, you can experience authentic Irish food and music in abundance. Other noteworthy attractions in Ireland include the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher, and Killarney National Park.

Cyprus

Unfortunately, we can’t offer much sun in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Luckily, though, non-Schengen countries like Cyprus can. Famed for its tropical-esque beaches, wall-to-wall sunshine, and lively resorts, Cyprus is the perfect place for a beach getaway. This island nation in the Middle East is a big hit with families, groups of friends, and couples.

When you’re not sunbathing and swimming in the sea at the famous Paphos Municipal Beach, explore the historic Nicosia Old City, race down the slides at Water World, and drink the night away at the Ayia Napa Strip. Meanwhile, if you love history, visit the Tomb of the Kings and the Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos.

Serbia

Outdoor enthusiasts looking for somewhere off the radar to explore should consider visiting Serbia. Despite the nation’s impressive natural beauty, Serbia is a relatively un-traveled destination. You’ll find beautiful national parks, tall mountains, and scenic rivers that are perfect for exploring here. You might also be pleased to hear that Serbia is renowned for its cuisine.

Fruška Gora National Park, home to Fruška Gora, a mountain in Northern Serbia, offers picturesque scenery, endless hiking trails, and wildlife-watching opportunities. Serbia is also a fantastic place to visit on a city break. In the capital, Belgrade, you’ll find an imposing fortress, lovely river walks, exciting museums, and lively squares. Don’t miss Republic Square, Belgrade Fortress, and Nikola Tesla Museum.

Albania

Albania is another seriously underrated non-Schengen European country. That said, this destination is on the rise, so you should visit soon if you want to take advantage of the lower prices and quieter tourist areas. A fabulous place for a budget-friendly beach vacation, you can find Albania on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe.

You can expect beautiful beaches, stunning mountains, and charming towns and cities. In places like Vlorë and Sarandë, beachgoers can enjoy plenty of sunshine, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. Alternatively, visit Tirana, the capital, to discover Albanian cultural heritage. Popular attractions include Et’hem Bej Mosque, the Pyramid of Tirana, and Skanderbeg Square.

Montenegro

Montenegro is a relatively small nation in the southwest Balkans. It’s best known for its rugged mountains, pristine beaches, charming medieval towns, and luxurious tourist resorts. It’s an excellent place to explore, relax, and unwind. The Bay of Kotor is one of Montenegro’s most popular places to stay.

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Here, you’ll find a vast landscape similar to a fjord dotted with historic towns, such as Kotor and Herceg Novi. Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, is also popular. This city has many Montenegrin attractions, including Dajbabe Monastery, Millennium Bridge, and Nijagara Waterfall. Keen hikers and wildlife watchers might also want to visit Durmitor National Park, where there are hiking trails and wolves and bears.

Turkey

The following non-Schengen country on our list is Turkey, a country divided between Europe and Asia. Like the United Kingdom, one of the biggest draws to Turkey is its diversity. If you’re not soaking up the sun on a beach in Bodrum or flying in a hot air balloon above Cappadocia, you’ll likely find yourself exploring the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul.

Visitors can experience traditional cultures, Turkish history, and delicious cuisine in Istanbul. Notable attractions include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, and Galata Tower. If you’d prefer a beach holiday, stay in Bodrum, Antalya, Marmaris, or Alanya. These seaside resorts along the Turkish coast offer wall-to-wall sunshine, sandy beaches, and emerald waters.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia, officially the Republic of North Macedonia, is a small landlocked country in Southeast Europe best known for its traditional cuisine, breathtaking scenery, friendly people, and vibrant towns and cities. However, it’s not a European country many people visit, which is a shame because it has much to offer.

In Skopje, the capital, you can enjoy leisurely strolls along the Vardar River, admire stunning architecture, tuck into authentic Mediterranean and Balkan cuisine, and stay in a luxury hotel for an affordable price. Points of interest include the Old Bazaar and Mother Theresa Memorial House. Away from the capital, visit Lake Orchid and Samoil’s Fortress, Bitola and its monastery, and Mavrovo and its ski resort.

Azerbaijan

Like Turkey, Azerbaijan is split between Asia and Europe. However, you don’t need a Schengen Visa to visit either part of the country. Azerbaijan is best known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history. Keen skiers might also like to hear that the nation is one of Europe’s hidden gem skiing destinations.

Tufandağ Mountain Resort and Şahdağ Mountain Resort offer various winter sports, state-of-the-art facilities, and epic slopes. If you want to take things slower, visit Baku. This capital city is an excellent place for a relaxed city break. Spend time admiring the skyrise buildings, walking along the waterfront, and relaxing on the beach. Popular attractions include the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, Shikhov Beach, and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

In neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina, travelers can enjoy bustling cities packed with things to see and do and explore lush landscapes dotted with impressive mountain peaks, scenic rivers, and picturesque waterfalls. However, you’ll likely start your Bosnian adventure in Sarajevo, the nation’s cultural center and capital, or Mostar, a gorgeous city famed for its 16th-century bridge.

Both of these cities have much to offer every kind of traveler. Sarajevo sits on the Miljacka River, surrounded by the Dinaric Alps. You’ll be treated to peaceful river walks, stunning historical architecture, and scenic views here. Highlights include Sarajevo City Hall, Yellow Fortress, and Baščaršija. Mostar also offers epic views, river walks, and historical landmarks. Visit the Old Bridge, Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, and Crooked Bridge.

Georgia

The penultimate country on our list is Georgia. Despite having much to offer, Georgia goes under the radar of most travelers, who prefer to visit Europe’s most famous destinations instead. If your Schengen Visa is running out, now is the perfect time to visit this beautiful country, so book your flights.

Georgia offers tourists postcard-perfect landscapes, lively cities, countless outdoor activities, and beautiful landmarks. If you love hiking and camping, you’ll never get bored of exploring the nation’s mountains, canyons, and coast. In particular, you’ll love Paravani Lake and Kolkheti National Park. The rest of you will likely spend your time in Tbilisi, where you’ll find sulfuric hot springs, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Narikala Fortress.

Moldova

The final non-Schengen European country on our list is Moldova, an Eastern European nation famed for its lush scenery, vineyards, and old-time charm. If you want to spend your vacation touring some of Europe’s best wine regions, exploring historic towns and cities, and hiking in the great outdoors, Moldova is the place for you.

Wine drinkers who want to sample Moldova’s beautiful wines should head to the Nistreana, where they’ll find delicious reds, and Codru City, home to some of the world’s largest cellars. If you’d prefer to learn more about Moldova’s history, visit the capital, Chișinău. Here, you’ll find breathtaking examples of Soviet architecture and the National Museum of History. Finally, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the best of Moldova’s scenery in Orhei National Park.