European Capitals of Culture you've probably never heard of – including the world's most adorable city

Introduced in 1985 with the noble aim of bringing our continent closer together, the European Capital of Culture scheme offered few early surprises. That year saw Athens bestowed with the title (birthplace of democracy, fair choice), the following year it was Florence’s turn (birthplace of the Renaissance, understandable), then came Amsterdam, Berlin and Paris.

The first hint of change came in 1990, when Glasgow - which, while it has plenty to offer (extravagant architecture, musical heritage, and more ballrooms than you can shake a sequin at), is a wee step down from the City of Light. Thessaloniki, 1997’s Capital of Culture, was another interesting choice, but few could argue with Copenhagen (1996), Stockholm (1998), Lisbon (1994) and Bruges (2002).

The last decade, however, has seen some very curious cities take centre stage.

Sibiu (2007) now looks like a watershed moment. This Romanian city on the Cibin River, in the heart of Transylvania, is so obscure that even Ryanair doesn’t fly there. Since then we’ve seen a clutch of curious outposts honoured and next year will be no different. Joining Valletta (there are two holders announced each year now) is Leeuwarden. On the assumption that you, like most people, have never heard of it, allow us to shine a little light on this overlooked Dutch city, and others that have been handed (or will soon be given) the Capital of Culture epithet.

Leeuwarden (2018) - exotic dancers and leaning towers

Few visitors to the Netherlands look beyond Amsterdam and Rotterdam, but Leeuwarden, capital of the northern province of Friesland, has much going for it, including a handsome historic city centre and a former palace (now a ceramics museum). It also hosts the start and finish of the Elfstedentocht, a traditional 120-mile skating contest that rushes between 11 towns in the region, veering along frozen canals.

Leeuwarden’s most famous citizen is arguably Mata Hari, the exotic dancer and German spy executed by firing squad 100 years ago. The city's Fries Museum exhibits two of her personal scrapbooks and a statue at Kelders 33, where she was born, commemorates her.

Look out too for the Oldehove, Leeuwarden’s answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Sibiu (2007) - Prague without the crowds

Ryanair might not fly to Sibiu, but Wizz Air does (from Luton). So getting to this Transylvanian town couldn’t be easier. Visitors will find it filled with art, churches, cobbled piazzas and Medieval archways, all of which have earned it flattering comparisons with Prague – minus the crowds.

Its time as European Capital of Culture saw a wave of restoration. “Even under communism this place was a bit special (Ceausescu’s playboy son, Nicu, made it his base),” says Telegraph Travel’s Adrian Bridge. “But the dull greys of that era have been replaced by sky blues, reds, apricots and greens, and today it positively thrives.”

Pécs (2010) - warmth and wine

First things first: this Hungarian city is pronounced "paitch", and it lies in the far south of the country, a good two-hour drive from Budapest. It was endowed with a new concert hall, library and cultural quarter in 2010, but what else is there to woo travellers? “One key lure is the Mediterranean climate – spring comes early and summers are hot,” says Nigel Tisdall. “Another is the local wine, with the full-bodied reds from Villány particularly worth befriending.”

He adds: “This is a city where the more you look the more you find. In its central square, Széchenyi tér, the emblematic copper-domed Mosque-Church stands as a reminder of the 143 years Pécs spent under Turkish rule. In the depths of Cella Septichora, a well-displayed set of early Christian burial sites that forms a Unesco World Heritage Site, biblical faces stare up from the depths of time. Find a moment, too, for the Csontváry Museum, which celebrates the singular vision of a mystical Slovakian painter lauded by Picasso.”

Turku (2011) - Moomins and fresh air

This Finnish city lies to the west of Helsinki and was given a chance to shine in 2011. It did so with a spectacular ceremony along the River Aura involving pyrotechnics, acrobatics and a thousand lantern-bearing schoolchildren, followed by a year of cultural exhibitions.

"Finland’s oldest town is a seaside gem with a majestic cathedral, riverboat bars and an imposing castle," says Andrew Stone, our Scandinavia expert. "Head along the Aurajoki to the harbour where there’s a great choice of drinking and dining options including on several moored riverboats. For families Turku is also close to Moomin World, the island theme park devoted to Tove Jansson’s otherworldly children’s story books."

Lovers of fresh air take note: it’s also one of Europe’s least polluted cities.

Guimarães (2012) - the most adorable city on Earth

One of Portugal’s most underrated gems is an easy day trip from Porto. “If any city can be described as adorable, then it is Guimarães,” says Tim Pozzi. “Its pedestrianised heart is a web of gently winding cobbled streets and washing-hung alleyways bejewelled with tiny bars and cute cafés. Those alleyways lead to pretty plazas that, rather satisfyingly, tend to be any shape but square, while its dinky, idiosyncratic shops, specialising in lacework, hats or birdcages, are a joy to discover – without a Body Shop or a Zara in sight.”

Attractions include the photogenic remains of a 10th century castle and the José de Guimarães International Centre of Arts, or take the 10-minute cable-car ride over residents’ back gardens to the 2,000ft peak known as Penha.

Maribor (2012) - just don’t go in November

The Slovenian city, in the north-east of the country, joined Guimarães as Capital of Culture in 2012.

“They say there is only one month of the year when you shouldn't visit Maribor,” says Anthony Gardner. “In midwinter it has world-class skiing; in spring the Kurent Carnival takes place in nearby Ptuj; in summer the riverside Lent quarter is taken over by musicians and street performers; and in autumn the surrounding vineyards celebrate their harvest. November alone is considered too gloomy to bother with.” You've been warned.

Kosice (2013) - art and architecture

It might be obscure, but, thanks again to Wizz Air, Britons can fly direct to Slovakia’s second biggest city (from both Luton and Doncaster/Sheffield).

“Bratislava probably ranks as one of central Europe’s more under-appreciated capitals, so its compatriot Kosice could hardly be seen as a case of familiarity breeding contempt,” says Chris Leadbeater. “Nonetheless, there are a few reasons for visitors to linger. It was a European Capital of Culture in 2013, and retains some of this spirit in the sculpture and painting of the Muzeum Vojtecha Lofflera (dedicated to the prominent Slovak artist, who was born in the city in 1906). Elsewhere, the St Elizabeth Cathedral is a splendid Gothic masterpiece which dates to the 14th century – while Art Nouveau flourishes in the likes of the Hotel Slavia remember the city’s gilded take on the turn of the last century.”

Umeå (2014) - Stieg Larsson and dog-sledding

Another of Europe’s least polluted cities, Umeå lies a long way north on Sweden’s eastern coast – so pack a fleece. 2014's European Capital of Culture, but we'd wager still largely unknown among British travellers, it has a tranquil riverside setting and is the former home of Stieg Larsson, author of The Girl with Dragon Tattoo.

It's a great base for outdoor pursuits, from kayaking the Kvarken Archipelago in summer to snowmobile rides and dog-sledding in winter.

Plzen (2015) - not just beer

The birthplace of the world’s most popular beer style has more to offer than golden lager.

Will Hawkes explains: “Home to nearly 170,000 people, Plzen - the fourth largest city in the Czech Republic - is easy to navigate: most sites of interest can be found within 10 minutes’ walk of the central Namesti republiky (Republic Square), which boasts St Bartholomew’s Cathedral and the Renaissance Town Hall, built in 1559. Get a taste of Pilsen’s culture at the Neo-Renaissance Mestanska beseda or Burghers’ Hall, the city’s answer to the South Bank Centre. There are more than two thousand events a year in its theatre, cinema, halls and lounges – but if you just fancy a drink, try the elegant Art Nouveau cafe.”

Rijeka (2020) - ships and scenery

Ryanair flies to this Croatian port, which will be European Capital of Culture in 2020.

Rijeka's economy is largely reliant on shipbuilding, but it does have a few draws for travellers. The Rijeka Carnival, for example, attracts up to 100,000 spectators; the pretty hilltop district of Trsat features an impressive fort and several historic churches; and the lovely island of Krk is a short drive away. It might also be used as a launching point for a tour of the Istria region, known for its fine scenery and good food.

Kaunas (2022) - if you’ve already been to Vilnius

In five years it will be the turn of Kaunas, a little-known Lithuanian city that can, nevertheless, be reached direct from five UK airports (thanks to Ryanair).

The former capital has quite a nice vibe, with some cultural landmarks and surrounding countryside: not a bad bet if you've already been to Vilnius - or want to journey from there to the coast.