24 Most Stunning Small Towns in Europe to Visit in Your Lifetime
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Are you seeking someplace more intimate and spectacular than the traditional European city destinations? Each gorgeous spot in this handpicked list offers something unique, so continue reading to discover a dozen of the continent’s most appealing small towns.
From colorful, snug waterside homes, ancient cottages, or Swiss chalets to a glacial lake, soaring mountains, and local wildlife, these stunning small towns in Europe have them all.
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Stunning waterfalls, cable car rides in the majestic mountains, and photogenic Swiss chalets are among the reasons to visit Lauterbrunnen. Turn any corner here, and you’ll be met with jaw-dropping views. Be warned – you could lose your heart to this Swiss Valley village.
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Bled, Slovenia
A spectacular setting on the shores of glacial Lake Bled, and an 11th-century castle are among the attractions of Bled in Slovenia. The fortress dominates the townscape and overlooks the lake island church. Go now for superlative views, relaxing boat rides, and an incredibly romantic setting.
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Hallstatt, Austria
This UNESCO World Heritage town in Austria is beautifully set by a lake that’s like polished glass. Hallstatt also offers Alpine architecture, fun railway rides, a glacier garden, and an underground salt lake. There are also lovely, intimate restaurants and a vibrant central square.
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Dinant, Belgium
This small Wallonia city is uniquely set against a cliff face. A soaring Gothic cathedral looms over the town, while Mr. Sax’s House in Dinant offers the opportunity to learn about the instrument’s invention. The charming waterside town also boasts half-timbered homes, medieval mansions, cobbled lanes, and Belgian chocolate shops.
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Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Colorful, Instagrammable Bavarian architecture makes the Franconian town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber stand out. This German destination is made for winter, with the Christmas Reiterlesmarkt, convivial taverns, and snowy rooftops. You can enjoy the timeless atmosphere and well-preserved medieval architecture at any time of year.
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Portree, Scotland
The capital of the Isle of Skye in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides is super pretty and surrounded by unspoiled coastline and countryside. Expect colorful buildings lining the harbor, plus lovely boutiques, pubs, and places to eat.
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Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Belonging to Denmark and between Norway and Iceland, Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands is a refreshingly different place to visit. Wandering around the old town is a joy. Photographs of the black and red painted or grass-roofed houses and the local puffin population will become precious keepsakes.
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Cobh, Ireland
Head to Cobh in County Cork, Ireland, to see some of the most appealing pastel-painted waterside houses on the planet. It’s a top-rated cruise stop and was the fated Titanic’s last port of call back in 1912. Unsurprisingly, the town is now home to a Titanic-themed attraction, or head north to visit the vast and unspoiled Fota Wildlife Park.
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Bonifacio, France
A clutch of beautiful beaches and a medieval citadel make this Corsica hotspot well worth your time. Unwind here while wandering the narrow lanes, savoring superb coastal views, and dining on fresh local seafood. Lying close to Sardinia on Corsica’s southernmost tip, the Genoese seized the sunkissed town during the late 1100s, meaning many residents still speak the Genoese dialect.
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Giethoorn, Netherlands
This car-free Netherlands village is like stepping into something from a fairytale. It’s perfect for carefree exploring on foot, by cycle, or by canal and is packed with ancient thatched cottages. A farm museum and marshy Weerribben-Wieden National Park are among this destination’s most interesting diversions.
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Bourton-on-the-Water, England
Bourton-on-the-Water is in the Cotswolds, a designated English Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Expect old, honey-toned stone buildings alongside the River Windrush spanned with small bridges. It’s a lovely place to explore for the day or to make your Cotswolds base when staying a little longer.
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Assos, Greece
This Kefalonia town is a flower-filled Greek delight. It’s enclosed by the azure waters of the Mediterranean on three sides and features a pretty pebble beach. Dipping into the local tavernas for a drink or to enjoy delicious Greek food is de rigueur, and Venetian-built Assos Castle is also well worth a look. It is also one of the most famous landmarks of Greece.
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Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Český Krumlov is the Czech Republic’s charming, small-town answer to the big-hitting city break destination of Prague. Part of its appeal is due to the setting. It’s surrounded by mountains and sits by the Vltava River. But the architecture is also very attractive, featuring terracotta roofs, church spires, and a stunning 13th-century castle and gardens. Friendly locals ensure a warm welcome whenever you choose to visit.
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Annecy, France
Annecy in southeast France boasts an Alpine, lakeside setting and is overlooked by Château d’Annecy, a pretty, medieval pile. The cobbled streets of Annecy are lined with a mix of medieval structures and colorful buildings, and the waterside location draws comparisons with Venice. The Vieille Ville, or old town, is a particularly picturesque part of this place, where canals meet the Thiou River and Lake Annecy.
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Guimarães, Portugal
Tucked away in the country’s north, Guimarães is one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets. This lovely destination is drenched in history, with a UNESCO-listed medieval center and the stunning Castle of Guimarães. Other noteworthy sites include the fully renovated Dukes of Bragança Palace and the 13th-century São Miguel do Castelo Church, built in the Romanesque style.
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Bruges, Belgium
The compact city of Bruges truly is a feast for the senses. Its streets, lined with half-timbered buildings, are like something from a fairytale. Bruges is also known as a foodie destination, not least for Belgian chocolate and beer, plus the ubiquitous moules et frites, the national dish. This canalside city is made for hand-in-hand wandering as you admire the beautiful buildings and idyllic aesthetic.
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Ljubljana, Slovenia
Like Bruges, Ljubljana in Slovenia is technically a compact city rather than a town. Yet its intimate charm makes it feel far cozier than many capitals. Ljubljana is a historic university town with an abundance of both green space and great museums. Vast Tivoli Park is the emerald in its crown, and the city is set along a curve of the Ljubljanica River. Waterside cafes, the Museum of Modern Art, a young student population, and a well-preserved old town make Ljubljana worthy of a long weekend – or more.
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Ronda, Spain
The Andalusian town of Ronda boasts a breathtaking and improbable setting. A deep, dramatic gorge bisects the two halves of the town, separating the new town from the old. Even the former dates from the 15th century so you can expect a destination drenched in history. A trio of bridges connects the two sides of El Tajo Canyon, and Ronda is also said to be where the Spanish bullfighting tradition originated.
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Alnwick, UK
If the idea of a film-star castle, charming cobbled streets packed with independent places to shop and eat, and superb local beaches appeals, head to Alnwick in northeast England. The fortress’s outdoor areas were used when filming the Harry Potter movies, and the interior is also a joy to behold. Alnwick also offers thriving dining and arts scenes and lies close to some of Northumberland’s most beautiful beaches.
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Praiano, Italy
You might expect any list of Europe’s most aesthetically appealing small towns to include an Italian spot, and quite rightly so. Praiano is situated on the Amalfi Coast, a part of the country known for its breathtaking beaches and spectacular coastal views. The town is special, set among steep cliffs and lapped by the deep blue ocean. It’s also well-placed for hiking the Path of The Gods.
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Freiburg, Germany
The German town of Freiburg is located in southwest Germany, within the Black Forest region. It’s one of Germany’s hidden gems, with plenty of appeal. As a university town, there’s lots to do, and the medieval old town is made for exploring on foot. Hikers can also head into the highlands of Schlossberg Hill, which can be accessed via funicular railway.
Freiburg’s other charms include the Gothic cathedral with a 380-fet (116-meter) spire, the central Münsterplatz square, a network of brooks, and the area’s mild climate.
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Delft, Netherlands
Delft in the Netherlands is famous for its blue-and-white, hand-painted pottery, but this compact city has much more to offer besides. Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer is buried in the Oude Kerk in Delft’s medieval old town. Delft also offers canals, a convivial market square in the center, and Nieuwe Kerk, a 15th-century home of the House of Orange.
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Colmar, France
Relatively off-the-radar, Colmar lies in eastern France, within the Alsace region, yet it is packed with character. This little-known gem is delightful, featuring pastel-painted homes, narrow canals, and twisting cobbled streets. During your stay, Colmar is also on the Alsace Wine Route, so don’t forget to sample some Gewürztraminer and Riesling wines from the local vineyards.
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Cadaqués, Spain
While you might associate sugar cube buildings with Greek islands rather than the Spanish mainland, Cadaqués on the Costa Brava is characterized by its cluster of whitewashed, bayside homes. Cadaqués sits at the center of the Cap de Creus peninsula, with a rugged, rocky coastline. The town has a Mediterranean vibe and an artistic bent, boasting a clutch of galleries, cultural venues, and the impressive Salvador Dalí House Museum.
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
