European cities small in size yet big on beauty for travelers seeking something special. Get ideas for trips in the new year.
Beyond the big cities with imposing monuments that attract 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 good ideas to see new places that you will never forget. Here are 10 of the most beautiful small towns of Europe that you may not have thought to visit.
Ronda, Spain
Perched at an elevation of 750 meters, nearMalaga, in the heart of Andalusia, the picturesque Ronda is known for the El Tajo gorge, atop which the houses of the town nestle. The Guadalevín River runs through the town, splitting it in two. Three imposing bridges connect the two sides of the town: the Puente Romano (Roman Bridge), the Puente Viejo (Old Bridge) and the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). At 120 meters high, the New Bridge is the tallest and the most impressive. A stroll through the colorful narrow streets of the town leads to spots with unique views of the dramatic cliff. It is worth noting that in Ronda you will also see perhaps the oldest bullring in Spain.
Guimarães, Portugal
The city of Guimaraes is often referred to as «the cradle of the Portuguese nation, since Afonso Henriques, the first king of the country, was born here. The historic center of the city is on the UNESCO list and is filled with outstanding examples of Portuguese architecture. The Palace of the Duke of Braganza, the superb monastery and the 14th-century church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, the Padrão do Salado (a Gothic-style temple) and the Church of Saint Francis are among the most important sights of this charming town.
Cesky Krumlov, Czechia
Cesky Krumlov is a small town in the South Bohemia region of Czechia, 180 kilometers from Prague. It is 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 medieval and Renaissance character of the town, which was declared 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 St. Vitus and the 14th-century Minorite Monastery impress the visitor.
Eguisheim, France
If you close your eyes and imagine the perfect French village, then it probably looks like Eguisheim. This small town in Alsace has it all: picturesque houses, cobbled lanes, medieval churches, and even a Christmas market in December. Do not miss the Chapelle Saint-Léon IX, a beautiful chapel with painted vaulted ceilings and stained glass depicting the saints of Alsace.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Part of the popular Romantic Road that runs through southern Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is famous for its well-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 was the inspiration for the village of Pinocchio in the 1940 Walt Disney film.
Perast, Montenegro
One of the most beautiful and quiet towns on the coasts of Montenegro is Perast, in the Bay of Kotor. It is dubbed «the Venice of Kotor», thanks to its 16 baroque palaces and churches that make the town look like an open-air museum. From there, visitors can take a boat to visit Sveti Dorde (St. George Island) and the artificial islet Gospa od Skrpjela with the baroque Church of Our Lady of the Rocks that from afar looks as if it is floating on the water.
Korčula, Croatia
The picturesque harbor, the small alleys, the ornate old mansions, the walls and the towers create a wonderful setting and make visitors feel as if they have stepped out of the pages of a fairy tale. The island is built on a small peninsula and dates from the 15th to the 18th century. It is worth seeing the Church of St. Mark, the house of Marco Polo as well as the local museum which is housed in a palazzo.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Although it was partially destroyed during the Bosnian War (1992-1995), this small city still retains signs of its rich history. Built in a valley surrounded by high mountains, Mostar impresses with its picturesque character and traditional color. Many buildings in the Old Town have been rebuilt or restored. Walking along the narrow lanes, you gaze at old houses, small shops, colorful murals, gardens, cafés and souvenir stores. The much-photographed Stari Most (old bridge), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the landmark of the city. The bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War and rebuilt after it ended.
Sighisoara, Romania
Sighisoara, a medieval city on the Tirnava Mare River, in Mures County, is the birthplace of Vlad Tepes (according to most sources). It is a popular tourist destination for its well-preserved walled Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cobbled alleys, the colorful houses, the towers and the ornate churches seem as if they have stood still in time. The house where Vlad was born and lived for a few years is located 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 isolated town of Reine on the island of Moskenesøya will charm you with its picturesque houses, which are surrounded by steep mountains and icy waters. It is one of the most impressive places in the Lofoten archipelago, with the view of the islands from the town stealing the show.
