Secret Small Cities in Europe
1. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
There’s no different city on the planet that I’m extra keen on than Cesky Krumlov in southern Bohemia. It’s as in case you have stepped right into a time warp with cobblestone roads and small artisan shops. So far as secret small cities of Europe go, this one may border on “found”. However in case you go to within the wintertime you’ll have the city nearly completely to your self. It’s an incredible brief day journey from Prague if you end up there however for the very best expertise, go to Krumlov in the summertime season and raft down the Vltava River.
2. Colmar, France
Located in Alsace, Colmar is a novel mix of French and German structure, tradition and spirit. It’s as vibrant in actual life because it seems to be to be within the pictures and is considered one of France’s true hidden gems. For the total expertise, attempt to time your go to in the course of the festive season. There’s no higher time of yr to really feel the total swing of Colmar’s appeal and character than within the midst of the Christmas Markets!
3. Počitelj, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Positioned within the hills of scenic Bosnia & Herzegovina lies this magical little city you’ll be able to take pleasure in nearly all to your self! Počitelj is likely one of the best-kept secrets and techniques within the nation and is happily only a brief drive from Mostar. Opposite to Počitelj, Mostar has an enormous variety of vacationers visiting day by day from close by Dubrovnik, simply throughout the border in Croatia. So far as the key small cities in Europe go, this is likely one of the best-kept secrets and techniques of all.
4. Hallstatt, Austria
The lakeside city of Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and has even been dubbed the prettiest lakeside village in the complete world. Whether or not you go to in summer season or wintertime, you’re certain to fall in love with what is going to at all times be considered one of Europe’s most charming small cities. The city is greatest reached by automotive as public transport is proscribed and requires many adjustments, so make sure to take into account renting a car to make your method to this tiny (however spectacular) city!
5. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges has turn out to be extremely common for travellers trying to {photograph} the lego-like homes within the metropolis centre (pictured above). It nonetheless stays to be considered one of Europe’s prettiest little cities however is now extra common than ever. You possibly can attain Bruges in a day if touring from Brussels, and even discover time to see close by Ghent in your identical journey. However for the very best expertise take into account staying a few nights on this sleepy however charming city.
6. Bled, Slovenia
There’s a lot to see and do in Bled, nonetheless, the best attraction is undeniably Lake Bled – one of many world’s most gorgeous lakes and a favorite for guests to Slovenia. Close by Bled there are lots of stunning small cities and nationwide parks to go to, making this the proper summer season escape.
7. Bibury, England
This is able to certainly need to be probably the most photographed road in the Cotswolds! This small city is stuffed with old-world appeal and will very properly be probably the most charming city in England. The Cotswolds are considered one of our high decisions for an English countryside escape, particularly in case you can go to over the summer season months.
8. Albarracin, Spain
Some would say Albarracin is probably the most charming village in all of Spain. It’s only a two-hour journey from Valencia and a 30-minute prepare experience from Teruel.
9. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Recreation of Thrones has put Dubrovnik on the map. A lot so, Dubrovnik has turn out to be probably the most visited vacation spot in Croatia and is a good start line to your explorations on the Dalmatian coast. You’ll need to spend a couple of days right here to utterly unwind and benefit from the sunshine, plus Dubrovnik makes for an incredible base to discover extra of the shoreline.
10. Sintra, Portugal
Only a brief half-day journey from Lisbon is likely one of the most mystical little cities you will see that in Portugal: Sintra! With its personal fort situated within the foggy hills, this city is a thriller ready to be found. In case you are visiting from Lisbon, an effective way to profit from your day journey is to hitch a go to to Sintra with a go to to Cascais. Each cities have their very own distinctive appeal and are worthy of a go to.
11. Annecy, France
Annecy is constructed round a 14th Century Chateau and is arguably extra charming than another French city you will see that. The city can also be surrounded by the French Alps, making it much more picturesque!
12. Manarola, Italy
The picture says all of it – Manarola must be considered one of Italy’s most charming little cities on the coast. However there are such a lot of extra! Italy is stuffed with hidden gems to find – make sure to take your time on this stunning nation.
13. Brasov, Romania
Typically missed by travellers to Europe, I actually consider Romania is likely one of the most magical nations I’ve explored and Brasov can be the crowning jewel. This quaint and charming small city is the gateway to Transylvania’s fort area and epic landscapes, so make sure to enable no less than 4 nights right here to absorb all of the city and space has to supply.
14. Reine, Norway
If an image tells a thousand phrases, Reine in Norway has a narrative to inform. This stunning fishing village has turn out to be one of the wanted locations in Europe. Nonetheless, on account of its distant location, many travellers solely ever dream of visiting. You probably have time in your arms, make sure to add this to your bucket record.
15. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
The small city of Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina has acquired to be one of the underrated locations in Europe. If you end up right here, make sure to go to close by Blagaj – one other charmer!
16. Arles, France
This attractive city within the Provence area of France is your gateway to lavender and sunflower fields, unimaginable meals and luxurious wine. Does it get any extra French!?
17. Freiburg, Germany
Freiburg is residence to round 230,000 folks and is situated within the Southwest of Germany. This is likely one of the best-kept secrets and techniques of Germany. These days travellers search out Berlin and Munich, for a selected pageant I’m certain you’ve heard of; Oktoberfest. However in case you get off the overwhelmed path in Germany, you will see that many of those small cities. It is a nice method to meet locals and dive into German tradition.
18. Salzburg, Austria
Not removed from Hallstatt and just some hours by prepare from the capital metropolis of Austria (Vienna) is the much-loved metropolis of Salzburg. Regardless of being a metropolis, Salzburg has maintained its small-town appeal within the centre of the Outdated City and elsewhere within the metropolis with its’ well-known affiliation with the Sound of Music being filmed within the fabulous Mirabell Gardens.
19. Ghent, Belgium
Ghent is considered one of Flanders’ two hidden delights (alongside Bruges). Only a brief 20-minute prepare experience from its’ extra common neighbour, Ghent is equally charming nonetheless in a very totally different approach – make sure to go to to see why!
20. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is certainly the capital of Slovenia and thus a metropolis versus a small city, nonetheless, it merely has to be included on account of its’ small-town appeal – it’s considered one of Europe’s most understated capitals!
21. Trogir, Croatia
Proof that there are lots of stunning small cities to discover in Croatia: Trogir is an architectural marvel, mixing Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque types multi functional city on the Adriatic coast.
22. Rothenberg, Germany
Look acquainted? Walt Disney used Rothenberg because the inspiration for his movie Pinocchio! The city has turn out to be fairly a vacation spot for romantic travellers in quest of that old-world appeal. When you want to escape the crowds, keep an evening or two. Most guests solely descend on town for a day journey, leaving the streets naked at nightfall.
23. Arosa, Switzerland
Arosa will certainly at all times be a particular place to me as it’s the place I shot the duvet of my e-book. The comparatively small city within the Swiss Alps is a favorite of the English Royal household, so if it’s ok for them I’m certain it’s ok for all of us! Most travellers focus their efforts on the large cities of Switzerland like Lucerne and Zurich. However whether it is secret small cities in Europe you’re on the lookout for, you will see that simply that in Arosa.
24. Bergen, Norway
Bergen is arguably Norway’s most charming, picturesque city. Located on the West Coast of the nation, Bergen was established earlier than 1070 AD. These days the city of Bergen holds all of its unique appeal, plus some trendy additions. It is a nice city to go to earlier than you embark on a tour of the Norwegian fjord lands.
25. Positano, Italy
As one of the stunning coastal cities in Italy, Positano is hardly a secret. However this record simply wouldn’t be full with out point out of Positano – a vibrant, vibrant, cliffside city within the coronary heart of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. There are after all many extra cities price visiting on the Amalfi Coast, however that is undoubtedly our high decide!
Publish up to date November 2021.