For every Paris, Rome, and London, there are hundreds of small European towns that capture the spirit of their particular nation. In many of these quaint communities, time seems to stand still, allowing travelers to slow down and enjoy each region’s history, culture, and scenic surroundings. From an itty-bitty Icelandic outpost backed by jaw-dropping landscapes to an ancient seaside settlement overlooking the Black Sea, here are 17 small towns in Europe to add to your travel list.
Zell am See, Austria
Set between turquoise Lake Zell and the mighty Schmittenhöhe mountain, Zell am See is one of Europe’s most beautiful small towns. The alpine village, just a 1.5-hour drive from Salzburg, is famous for its leisure activities: skiing and snowboarding in the winter; swimming, biking, and hiking in the summer; and riding the vintage Pinzgauer Lokalbahn train past majestic mountains in any season. For that last one, the narrow-gauge train puts you within easy reach of the towering Krimml Waterfalls.
Gangi, Sicily
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Gangi exudes Sicilian small-town magic, with a hilltop castle, medieval and baroque churches, and stone houses with terracotta roofs (some of which have sold for just one euro). Looming high over it all is massive Mount Etna. For a macabre detour from all the warm Mediterranean charm, go down to the underground tomb of Chiesa Madre Gangi, where mummified priests line the crypt walls.
Bled, Slovenia
Picturesque Bled looks like a mythical scene dreamed up by a Grimm brother. Its most prominent feature is an ethereal 17th-century church perched on a tear-shaped island in the middle of Lake Bled, which you can get to by boat. The town and its surroundings offer outdoor activities year-round, from skiing in the winter to summer tobogganing down Straza Hill, with amazing views of the water below.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
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Even in southern Germany, the land of ridiculous medieval charm, Rothenburg ob der Tauber stands out. It pulls out all the romantic Bavarian stops, with turrets, stone archways, clock towers, taverns, and timber-framed buildings. (Go figure, it was the inspiration for the village in “Pinocchio.”) After ambling through the knot of cobbled alleyways, walk the 1.5-mile stone rampart to see the picture-perfect town and its bucolic surroundings.
Seydisfjordur, Iceland
Stationed on the far reaches of eastern Iceland, Seydisfjordur is practically hidden along the banks of a dramatic fjord. Each week, its harbor greets a ferry connecting Iceland to Denmark and the Faroe Islands. (It’s a great option for visitors from Europe with sea legs as strong as a Scandinavian raider.)
Though its population clocks in at less than 700, Seydisfjordur has been named one of the best small towns in Iceland thanks to its healthy arts scene and a fair share of guesthouses, breweries, and restaurants (including what’s regularly declared the country’s best sushi restaurant, Norð Austur). A trail on the edge of town leads to Tvísöngur, a concrete sound sculpture with majestic scenery all around.
Cadaqués, Spain
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Nestled on Spain’s Costa Brava near the French border, Cadaqués is a network of whitewashed buildings and stone alleys that ramble down to a boat-dotted harbor. Admire the postcard town from one of the many hiking trails, sunbathe on the small and sunny beaches, and hire a barca (boat) for a day of exploring the nearby cobalt bays that feel like a secret.
Sozopol, Bulgaria
This ancient town on a slender peninsula in southern Bulgaria is a maze of cobblestone streets and pretty red-roofed houses overlooking the Black Sea. Add in excellent sandy beaches, a picturesque fishing port lined with boats, delicious Balkan and Mediterranean cuisine, and a great cultural scene (the late-summer Apollonia Arts Festival is a showcase of Bulgarian and global performers), and you’ve got a seaside town that’s perfectly suited for laid-back exploration.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France
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One of the best small towns in France, Saint-Jean-de-Luz retains its Basque Country fishing village feel, with half-timbered buildings in the lovely old quarter, boats bobbing in the sheltered port, and quaint architecture and golden sand framing the scenic beach walk. The beach town swells with visitors in the summer, though surfers flock here any time of year for the classic surf break Plage de Lafitenia and big waves surf spot Belharra.
Otepää, Estonia
Surrounded by forests, lakes, hills, and valleys, this tiny town is renowned for its scenic natural beauty. Otepää has long been a destination for those looking to hike, swim, and camp in the summer. Come winter, the town’s population balloons with skiers, snowboarders, and other snow-loving sports enthusiasts — perhaps even Olympic medalists deep in training. It’s worth the 15-minute drive to Sangaste, a red-brick Gothic Revival manor modeled after Windsor Castle in England.
Otranto, Italy
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For a European small town with Caribbean or South Pacific beach vibes, head to Otranto. This Puglian port town on the sun-soaked outer heel of Italy’s boot has miles of glorious beaches with sparkling, shallow water stretching way, way out. Between afternoons of swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, wander the historic center (dipping inside the town’s medieval cathedral to see floor mosaics dating back to the 12th century) and take a day trip to the gorgeous town of Lecce, nicknamed the “Florence of the South.”
Zermatt, Switzerland
Approaching Zermatt on the train, it’s impossible not to be awed by the sheer beauty of the Matterhorn rising above its fellow Alps. At its foot lies the town — part glitzy ski resort, part snowy setting for a fairy tale. Zermatt’s 200 miles of ski runs are a major appeal, yes, but there’s plenty to do off the slopes: exploring the car-free town center, warm-weather hiking, and gliding over to Italy on The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, the highest border crossing in the Alps. In the summer and fall, brave Gorner Gorge’s wooden paths clinging to a cliff over an ancient glacial river.
Óbidos, Portugal
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The phrase “fit for a queen” is spot on for Óbidos. For centuries, this beautiful little gem was presented as a wedding gift to Portuguese queens. The walled hill town still exudes the same charisma that caught Queen Isabel’s eye in the 13th century (thus prompting her husband to just gift it to her). Everywhere you go, steep stone lanes wind between whitewashed houses dripping in sun-loving bougainvillea and topped with terracotta tiles. Standing guard over it all is the miraculously well-preserved Castelo de Óbidos.
Rovinj, Croatia
Brightly painted buildings, twisting streets, and a baroque hilltop church clustered together on a small peninsula make the ancient fishing port of Rovinj a highlight of Croatia’s Istrian peninsula. Sample just-hauled-in-from-the-Adriatic sardines, famous local truffles, and wine from indigenous Istrian grapes. (It’s worth the 10-minute drive to family-run Stancija Collis to taste delicious Malvasia, as well as olive oil and goat cheese.) The national park spread over the Brijuni islands is an excellent day trip, with boat connections from the nearby village of Fažana.
Castelsardo, Sardinia
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Lovely Castelsardo, with its meandering streets, knockout beaches, and Bronze Age ruins, makes a picture-perfect seaside base for exploring the northern coast of Sardinia. The medieval hilltop town has plentiful accommodation options, along with charming seafood spots and wine bars serving local swordfish and crisp Sardinian whites. Plus, the cliffs of Capo Caccia and the sandy beaches of Spiaggia Rena Bianca and Costa Smeralda are less than a two-hour drive away on well-maintained roads.
Ambleside, England
The sweet town of Ambleside is a gateway to England’s famous Lake District (a World Heritage site). A village green, cozy pubs, and independent shops give a sense of local culture while the 17th-century Bridge House, built over the small river, offers a glimpse into the town’s past. Walking up to Loughrigg Fell is a popular way to see the gorgeous Lake Windermere from above, while more ambitious hikers can circle the lake on the 45-mile Windermere Way. Grizedale Forest provides more opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and even zip lining through the treetops — keep an eye out for the outdoor art sculptures set throughout the woods.
Pyrgi, Greece
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Pyrgi’s claim to fame is the incredible xysta — black-and-white geometric designs — covering its buildings, arches, balconies, and bell towers. Set on gorgeous Chios, Pyrgi is one of the Aegean island’s two dozen mastikahoria: villages involved in the cultivation of mastic, historically used to make liqueurs, drinks, foods, and chewing gum. But the intricate decorative motifs are unique to Pyrgi and an influence from Genoese control over the island in the Middle Ages — they’re essentially medieval graffiti.
Telč, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has many tiny towns that look like they’ve sprung from a folk tale. One that is not to be missed is Telč, a UNESCO World Heritage-recognized town near the border of Moravia and Bohemia. Telč’s exquisite historic center seems like the fanciful creation of a Hollywood set designer. Anchored by a Renaissance castle, Telč Chateau, the town’s triangular main square stuns with candy-colored stone houses connected by a nonstop line of delicate arches.
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Publish date : 2024-03-09 08:00:00
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