Gorgeous small towns in Europe that blend breathtaking settings, unique architecture and history.
In recent years, more and more travelers have been choosing small towns for their getaways, places that feel truly authentic. Beyond the big cities with their imposing monuments, there are many wonderful destinations in every country, with distinctive architecture and a unique atmosphere, well worth discovering.
Conde Nast Traveller compiled a list of some of the most beautiful small towns in the world, and here we present 12 of them located in Europe. Colorful houses, stone-paved alleys and impressive castles will make you feel as if you’re on a movie set.
Rovinj, Croatia
Set on the eastern shores of the northern Adriatic on the Istrian peninsula, Rovinj captivates with its medieval beauty. The old town sits on a peninsula that until 1763 was an island and forms the city’s original core. Visitors will admire the Baroque Church of St. Euphemia, wander narrow lanes filled with cafes and artists’ studios, swim at lovely beaches south of the city and visit nearby islets.
Varenna, Italy
On the quiet side of Lake Como, far from the crowds, Varenna reveals a more serene Italy. Once a small 8th-century fishing village, today it enchants visitors with its understated elegance. With narrow lanes, pastel facades and a sense that time moves more slowly, it is the ideal place to let the day unfold without a plan.
Perast, Montenegro
One of the most beautiful and peaceful towns on Montenegro’s coast is Perast, in the Bay of Kotor. It is dubbed «Venice of Kotor», thanks to the 16 Baroque palaces and the churches that make the town feel like an open-air museum. From here visitors can take a boat to Sveti Dorde (Island of St. George) and the man-made islet Gospa od Skrpjela with the Baroque Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, which from afar looks as if it floats on water.
Bled, Slovenia
In northwestern Slovenia, 55 km from the capital Ljubljana, lies one of the country’s most picturesque spots. A fairytale lake ringed by mountains and forests, with a tiny islet at its center. The only building there is the church built in the 17th century, which from afar seems to float on the lake. The scene at Lake Bled is completed by the castle atop the rock and an equally charming little town.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the fairytale town you’ve surely seen on social media. This small, well-preserved medieval town lies in northern Bavaria. A stroll through the historic center, with age-old houses, cobbled alleys, towers, gates and fountains, is an escape through time. The town has appeared in many films, and it inspired the village in Walt Disney’s 1940 Pinocchio.
Hallstatt, Austria
Getting to Hallstatt, in Austria’s Salzkammergut region, isn’t easy, yet the sight more than rewards you. Traditional 16th-century wooden houses cling to a narrow slope, overlooking Lake Hallstättersee and the imposing Alpine peaks, creating an unbelievably beautiful landscape. Hallstatt is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the town on foot, go boating on the lake, enjoy winter sports and visit salt mines and spectacular caves.
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Towering cliffs, flower-strewn meadows, waterfalls and majestic peaks. It’s no coincidence that J.R.R. Tolkien used this setting as inspiration for the mythical valley of Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings. The town of Lauterbrunnen and the surrounding valley host more than 70 waterfalls, some of which rank among the tallest in Europe.
Gordes, France
Among the countless charming villages of France, Gordes stands out like a precious gem. Perched on a hill in Provence, with white-stone houses, cobbled lanes and views that take your breath away, especially at sunset. It’s one of those places that don’t need much – just be there and let the light do the rest.
Albarracín, Spain
Tucked among the mountains beside the Guadalaviar River, Albarracín feels like it’s straight out of a film. Its houses, painted in shades of pink and orange, blend harmoniously with the rocky landscape, creating a unique scene. Here, history isn’t simply present – it’s alive. Muslim and Christian influences coexist, with Gothic cathedrals and Arab ruins narrating centuries of coexistence within a small, enchanting world.
Giethoorn, Netherlands
If you dream of romantic canal strolls but want to avoid Venice’s crowds, then Giethoorn is what you’re looking for. Thatch-roofed houses, little wooden bridges and boats that glide silently along the canals create an almost fairytale setting. In winter, when the waters freeze, the village transforms into a natural ice rink.
Castle Combe, England
In the heart of Wiltshire, Castle Combe is the epitome of the English countryside. A village that seems to have paused in time, with no new houses built since the 1600s. Stone cottages, old pubs and churches compose a setting that’s authentic and pristine. To truly feel its pulse, simply enjoy an afternoon tea at The Old Rectory Pop-Up Tearoom – an experience as English as the landscape itself.
Kinsale, Ireland
Set on Ireland’s lesser-explored south coast, Kinsale is a postcard-perfect harbor town. The vivid colors of its houses, its rich maritime history and its intriguing culinary scene make it stand out. It isn’t called Ireland’s gourmet capital by chance. Kinsale boasts award-winning restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to modern, farm to table Irish cuisine.
