Discover the most Beautiful Small Towns in Europe
Here Are The Most Beautiful Small Towns In Europe
Too many travellers overlook small towns in Europe. When it comes to European holidays, big culture-driven cities like Rome and Paris tend to get all the attention. But between all the landmarks and selfie-taking tourists, you’ll find some of the prettiest places in Europe with populations smaller than the line for the Eiffel Tower. And despite their petite size, they still offer the same great architecture and beautiful natural surroundings as their metropolitan counterparts.
Whether it's a lakeside hamlet in Austria or a hauntingly beautiful village in Romania, these storybook towns are the stuff European dreams are made of. Often, it's these small towns that capture our imaginations. They're not typically the stuff of bucket lists – big-hitting attractions are usually the stuff of capital cities – but they can ignite the same, if not higher, levels of wanderlust. It's the storied cobbled backstreets, the smiley, grateful faces found in bakeries and tiny boutiques, and selfie-stick-free views that have us zooming in on our smartphone maps in search of the next off-the-beaten-track adventure.
Guimarães, Portugal
- Population: 152,309
- The northern town of Guimarães is often referred to as Portugal’s “cradle city,” as the country’s first king, Afonso Henriques, was born here in the early 1100s. Lean into that sense of history in the UNESCO-listed city centre, filled with excellent examples of Portuguese architecture (those tiles!) dating back 600 years. And while Guimarães may be a bit larger than the other entries on this list, its charming plazas and family-owned shops provide the same storybook feel that you’ll find in some of Portugal’s tiniest villages.
Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
- Population: 13,056
- Do you love the look of Prague but hate the crowds? Enter Český Krumlov, an incredibly picturesque town in South Bohemia. Here you’ll find red-roofed houses, plazas with fountains, and a Gothic castle overlooking the Vltava River. Think of it as a small-scale Prague you can walk across in under 30 minutes.
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
- Population: 2,452
- The Alpine town of Lauterbrunnen is pretty in its own right, with chalet-style houses and small village churches. But its natural surroundings are what really steal the show: think towering rock faces, mountain peaks, flowery meadows, and some of the tallest free-flowing waterfalls in Europe. Fun fact: J.R.R. Tolkien used Lauterbrunnen as inspiration for the fictional valley of Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings.
Eguisheim, France
- Population: 1,734
- If you close your eyes and picture the perfect French village, it probably looks exactly like Eguisheim. The Alsace town has it all: half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, medieval churches, and even a Christmas market come December. Be sure to stop by the Chapelle Saint-Léon IX, a pretty chapel with painted vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows depicting the Saints of Alsace.
Ronda
Perched high in the Spanish mountains on the precipice of a 400-foot cliff, Ronda offers breath-taking panoramic views of the valley below. The dramatic setting, coupled with its rich history, makes Ronda a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
Lake Bled
Slovenia's Lake Bled may steal the spotlight, but don't overlook the charm of the town of Bled itself. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty, Bled town offers a tranquil escape and a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture away from the bustling tourist spots.
Hallstatt
Austria's Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage town, beckons with its timeless allure. Churches dating back to the 12th century, a bustling market square, and the picturesque setting on the shores of Hallstätter See make it a postcard-perfect destination.
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Lofoten Islands
Venture to Norway's Lofoten Islands, and you'll discover the captivating fishing village of Reine. Nestled off the north-western coast, Reine's postcard-worthy landscapes and vibrant harbour make it a haven for those seeking tranquillity.
Vernazza
For a romantic escape, head to Vernazza, the steepest of the Cinque Terre villages in Italy. The colourful houses perched on the cliffs, overlooking the Ligurian Sea, create an idyllic setting for an intimate retreat.
Assos, Greece
- Population: 88
- The charming, bloom-filled village of Assos on Kefalonia is one of the most compelling reasons to visit the Greek Islands. The tiny hamlet sits at the bottom of a hill, surrounded by the strikingly blue Mediterranean Sea on three sides. Spend some time on the village’s pebble beach before loading up on Greek food in one of the traditional restaurants lining the marina. Seriously, do vacations get any better than that?
Kotor, Montenegro
- Population: 13,510
- At turns reminiscent of Norwegian fjords and Lake Como, the Bay of Kotor is lined with ancient, picturesque towns – including its namesake. Backed by steep limestone cliffs, Kotor’s UNESCO-protected Old Town draws visitors for its scenic location, but also for its history. Getting lost here is not only encouraged, but expected: Centuries ago, Old Kotor was built like a maze to confuse invaders.
Korcula, Croatia
- Population: 5,663
- One of the Croatia’s most popular islands, Korcula is renowned for its white wine and dense forests. Its biggest town, the eponymous Korcula, is known as “Little Dubrovnik” for its fortified medieval walls and narrow streets. Local legend says explorer Marco Polo was born here, and the site of his alleged birth is open to visitors.
These small European towns, each with its unique charm and allure, promise an unforgettable escape from the bustling city life and a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of lesser-explored destinations.
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