Little communities in Europe are ignored by far too many tourists. In spite of their small size, they still provide the same outstanding architecture and breathtaking scenery as their urban counterparts. Here are 15 picturesque small towns in Europe that will take you into wonderland.
1. Guimarães, Portugal
Due to the fact that Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first monarch, was born in the northern town of Guimarães in the early 1100s, it is frequently referred to as the “cradle city” of Portugal. Lean into the sense of history in the UNESCO-listed city center, which is brimming with superb specimens of 600-year-old Portuguese architecture (those tiles!).
And while Guimarães is a little bigger than the other cities on this list, it still has the same attractive plazas and family-run businesses that you can find in some of Portugal’s smallest villages.
2. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Do you adore Prague’s appearance but detest the crowds? Enter Český Krumlov, a South Bohemian town that is wonderfully lovely. Red-roofed homes, fountain-filled plazas, and a Gothic castle with a view of the Vltava River may all be found here. Imagine it as a compact version of Prague that you can traverse on foot in about 30 minutes.
3. Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Lauterbrunnen, an Alpine town, is charming on its own, with chalet-style homes and tiny village churches. But its natural surroundings—think soaring rock faces, snow-capped mountains, blooming meadows, and some of Europe’s highest free-flowing waterfalls—truly steal the show. Interesting fact: Lauterbrunnen served as the model for Rivendell, the fictitious valley in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
4. Eguisheim, France
If you close your eyes and visualize the ideal French village, Eguisheim is probably exactly what you see. Half-timbered homes, cobblestone lanes, historic cathedrals, and even a Christmas market in December can all be found in this Alsace town. Make sure to see the Chapelle Saint-Léon IX, a charming chapel with stained glass windows featuring the Saints of Alsace and painted vaulted ceilings.
5. Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia’s Lake Bled is one of the most visited destinations for a reason. You won’t lack for picturesque vistas with its emerald waterways, church-dotted islet, views of the Julian Mountains, and 12th-century castle on a summit. The nearby village of Bled is also beautiful, with cafés lighted by candles and antique wooden rowboats eagerly awaiting tourists.
6. Portree, Scotland
Although the Island of Skye is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, it also happens to be home to one of the UK’s cutest tiny villages. The nation’s capital city, which is perched on the border of Loch Portree, is lined with rows of pastel-colored homes and bars, while the harbor outside is dotted with colorful fishing and lobster boats.
7. Praiano, Italy
Along the famous Amalfi Coast, in the vicinity of Positano, is the village of Praiano, which is brimming with culture and gorgeous beaches like Marina di Praia and Gavitella. The churches, towers, and holy sculptures here are breathtaking. With beautiful tile flooring and a ceramic dome that can be seen from almost anywhere in town, the San Gennaro Church stands out as a noteworthy landmark.
8. Dinant, Belgium
The tiny town of Dinant, which is located in the Wallonia area of Belgium, appears as if it belongs in a Disney film. It has a 16th-century castle and a Gothic cathedral that dominates the town’s skyline (hedge maze included). Adolphe Sax, the creator of the saxophone, was born in Dinant, which is a fun fact.
9. Giethoorn, Netherlands
This community, which is also known as the “Venice of the Netherlands,” only has canals and bike lanes and lacks any roadways. Giethoorn’s wooden arch bridges and roof farmhouses can be explored by boat or by ice skating on the canals during the cold winter months.
10. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt, unquestionably one of the most picturesque tiny towns in all of Europe, has a unique charm. When you arrive by ferry across crystal lake, and the mist is rolling off the imposing Dachstein mountains, this reality becomes clear.
A bustling market square, cathedrals from the 12th century, and a lot of warm, candlelit eateries can all be found in this UNESCO World Heritage town. Bonus: Hallstatt is a very simple day excursion from Austria’s bigger, busier towns because it is only one hour’s drive from Salzburg and three from Vienna.
11. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Millions of people visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber each year for its intact medieval Old Town and its rainbow façade that was created for Instagram. If at all possible, try to schedule your trip during December, when the town is transformed into a winter wonderland with snow-covered rooftops, lighted stores, and cosy taverns. The Reiterlesmarkt, one of the top Christmas markets in the nation, should, therefore, not be overlooked.
12. Kastraki, Greece
The picturesque Meteora monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by the wildflower-filled countryside of mainland Greece, provides one of the best backgrounds for the red-roofed hamlet of Kastraki. It’s difficult to think of a more spectacular vista than opening your blinds to discover medieval structures perched atop granite pillars that reach 1,000 feet into the sky.
13. Cobh, Ireland
With its rows of candy-colored houses along the lake and imposing cathedral guarding the port, Cobh redefines charm. This town is especially well-liked by cruise enthusiasts; over 60 ships call there each year. In actuality, Cobh served as the RMS Titanic’s last port of call, and the city now houses a memorial museum.
14. Castle Combe, England
In the southwest county of Wiltshire, there is a village called Castle Combe that embodies everything that is English. Since the 1600s, no new homes have been constructed in this town, leaving only a well-preserved collection of Cotswold stone cottages, historic inns, and churches. Visit The Old Rectory Pop Up Tearoom for afternoon tea for a true experience of the neighborhood.
15. Assos, Greece
One of the most compelling reasons to travel to the Greek Islands is to see the quaint, bloom-filled village of Assos on Kefalonia. The Mediterranean Sea is on three sides of the tiny village, which is perched at the foot of a hill. Visit the village’s pebble beach for a while before filling up on Greek cuisine in one of the quaint eateries around the harbor. Do holidays get any better than that, really?
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