NEW YORK — Anyone who’s ever been to Europe during the peak summer months is familiar with long lineups and huge crowds. But there’s still one country that’s refreshingly still void of tourists and yet boasts spectacular medieval fortresses, gorgeous mountain views and delectable food: San Marino.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, this micro-state located in north-central Italy welcomed the fewest amount of tourists in 2016, with just 60,000. But this doesn’t mean the country isn’t worth visiting – on the contrary, with so few tourists and so many beautiful attractions, now is the best time to visit.

Guaita, the First Tower of San Marino

Central square of San Marino

Known for its cliff-top castles, San Marino is the world’s fifth smallest independent country, measuring just 61 square kilometres. Within its borders, it’s home to such jaw-dropping sights as Guaita, an iconic 11th-century fortress perched atop Monte Titano (San Marino’s highest peak), De La Fratta, a historic tower featuring a small weapons museum, Palazzo Pubblico, where the changing of the guard takes place every day, and the imposing Basilica di San Marino, built in the early 19th century and home to the relics of St. Marinus.

There are also several noteworthy museums for history buffs, like the Wax Museum, which contains 100 wax figures of historical character, and the Museum of Curiosities, where visitors can marvel over such oddities as 60-centimetre clogs and the world’s longest fingernails.

So if your clients are looking to travel off the beaten path in Europe, be sure to tell them about San Marino. But tell them to go quickly, because chances are this ‘hidden’ gem won’t stay hidden for long.