Small in size but big on beauty European cities for travelers seeking something special. Get ideas for trips in the new year.
Beyond the big cities with their imposing monuments that draw most travelers, there are many wonderful destinations in Europe worth discovering: small, atmospheric towns and fairy-tale villages with cobbled streets, picturesque churches, and colorful harbors. From Portugal to Norway, the suggestions that follow will give you some great ideas for seeing new places that will stay with you. Here are 10 of Europe's most beautiful small towns you may not have thought to visit.
Ronda, Spain
Perched at an elevation of 750 meters, near Malaga, in the heart of Andalusia, the picturesque Ronda is known for the El Tajo gorge, atop which the town's houses nestle. The Guadalevín River runs through the town, splitting it in two. Three imposing bridges connect the town's two sides: the Puente Romano (Roman Bridge), the Puente Viejo (Old Bridge), and the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). Rising 120 meters, the New Bridge is the tallest and most impressive. A stroll through the town's colorful narrow lanes leads to viewpoints with unforgettable vistas over the dramatic chasm. It's worth noting that in Ronda you'll also see perhaps Spain's oldest bullring.
Guimaraes, Portugal
The city of Guimaraes is often referred to as «the cradle of the Portuguese Nation, since Afonso Henriques, the country's first king, was born here. The city's historic center is on the UNESCO list and is filled with outstanding examples of Portuguese architecture. The Palace of the Duke of Braganza, the splendid monastery and the 14th-century church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, the Padrão do Salado (a Gothic-style monument), and the Church of Saint Francis are among the most important sights in this charming town.
Cesky Krumlov, Czechia
Cesky Krumlov is a small town in the South Bohemia region of Czechia, 180 kilometers from Prague. It's known for its historic Gothic architecture and Krumlov Castle, one of the largest in Bohemia. Its stone houses, clustered around a meander of the Vltava River, have preserved the town's medieval and Renaissance character, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. The imposing castle, the Renaissance-style Town Hall with its beautiful arches and domes on the main square, the Gothic Church of Saint Vitus, and the 14th-century Minorite Monastery impress every visitor.
Eguisheim, France
If you close your eyes and picture the perfect French village, it probably looks like Eguisheim. This little Alsatian town has it all: picturesque houses, cobbled lanes, medieval churches, and even a Christmas market in December. Don't miss the Chapelle Saint-Léon IX, a lovely chapel with painted vaulted ceilings and stained glass depicting Alsace's saints.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Part of the popular Romantic Road that runs through southern Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is famous for its beautifully preserved medieval town. A walk through the historic center, with its age-old houses, cobbled alleys, towers, gates, and fountains, is a journey back in time. The town has appeared in many films and inspired the village in Walt Disney's 1940 Pinocchio.
Perast, Montenegro
One of the most beautiful and peaceful towns on Montenegro's coast is Perast, in the Bay of Kotor. Nicknamed the «Venice of Kotor», its 16 Baroque palaces and churches make the town feel like an open-air museum. From here, visitors can take a boat to Sveti Dorde (St. George's Island) and the man-made islet of Gospa od Skrpjela, with the Baroque Church of Our Lady of the Rocks that from afar seems to float on water.
Korcula, Croatia
Its picturesque harbor, little alleys, ornate old mansions, walls, and towers create a wonderful scene that makes visitors feel like they're stepping out of a storybook. The island town is built on a small peninsula and dates from the 15th to the 18th centuries. Be sure to see the Church of Saint Mark, Marco Polo's house, and the local museum, which is housed in a palace.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Although it was partially destroyed during the Bosnian War (1992-1995), this small town still bears signs of its rich history. Built in a valley surrounded by high mountains, Mostar impresses with its picturesque character and traditional charm. Many buildings in the Old Town have been rebuilt or restored. As you walk its narrow streets, you'll gaze at old houses, little shops, colorful murals, gardens, cafés, and souvenir stores. The much-photographed Stari Most (Old Bridge), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the city's emblem. The bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War and rebuilt after the war ended.
Sighisoara, Romania
Sighisoara, a medieval town on the Tirnava Mare River, in Mures County, is the birthplace of Vlad Tepes (according to most sources). It's a popular tourist destination for its well-preserved walled Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cobbled lanes, colorful houses, towers, and ornate churches seem frozen in time. The house where Vlad was born and lived for a few years stands on Citadel Square, next to the Clock Tower. Today, the ground floor of the house is a restaurant, while the first floor houses the Weapons Museum.
Reine, Norway
Enchanting fjords, icy beaches with surfers, and colorful fishing villages make up the magic of the Lofoten Islands, just off the northwestern coast of Norway. The small and remote town of Reine on the island of Moskenesøya will charm you with its picturesque houses, surrounded by sheer mountains and icy waters. It's one of the most impressive places in the Lofoten archipelago, with views of the islands from town stealing the show.
