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 when you’ve got 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 the event you go to within the wintertime you’ll have the city nearly solely to your self. It’s an important brief day journey from Prague if you end up there however for the most effective 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 photographs and is considered one of France’s true hidden gems. For the complete expertise, try to time your go to in the course of the festive season. There’s no higher time of 12 months to really feel the complete swing of Colmar’s attraction 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 possibly can take pleasure in nearly all to your self! Počitelj is without doubt one of the best-kept secrets and techniques within the nation and is thankfully 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 without doubt 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 your complete world. Whether or not you go to in summer time or wintertime, you might be positive to fall in love with what’s 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 restricted and requires many modifications, so remember to take into account renting a automobile to make your method to this tiny (however spectacular) city!
5. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges has turn into extremely in style 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 in style than ever. You may attain Bruges in a day if touring from Brussels, and even discover time to see close by Ghent in your similar journey. However for the most effective 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, nevertheless, 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 various lovely small cities and nationwide parks to go to, making this the right summer time escape.
7. Bibury, England
This is able to certainly need to be essentially the most photographed road in the Cotswolds! This small city is crammed with old-world attraction and will very effectively be essentially the most charming city in England. The Cotswolds are considered one of our high decisions for an English countryside escape, particularly in the event you can go to over the summer time months.
8. Albarracin, Spain
Some would say Albarracin is essentially the most charming village in all of Spain. It’s only a two-hour journey from Valencia and a 30-minute prepare trip from Teruel.
9. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Recreation of Thrones has put Dubrovnik on the map. A lot so, Dubrovnik has turn into essentially the most visited vacation spot in Croatia and is a good place to begin 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 important base to discover extra of the shoreline.
10. Sintra, Portugal
Only a brief half-day journey from Lisbon is without doubt one of the most mystical little cities one can find in Portugal: Sintra! With its personal citadel positioned within the foggy hills, this city is a thriller ready to be found. If you’re visiting from Lisbon, a good way to benefit from your day journey is to affix a go to to Sintra with a go to to Cascais. Each cities have their very own distinctive attraction 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 one can find. The city can 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 crammed with hidden gems to find – remember to take your time on this lovely nation.
13. Brasov, Romania
Typically ignored by travellers to Europe, I really imagine Romania is without doubt 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 citadel area and epic landscapes, so remember to permit at the least 4 nights right here to take in 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 lovely fishing village has turn into some of the wanted locations in Europe. Nevertheless, resulting from its distant location, many travellers solely ever dream of visiting. In case you have time in your palms, remember to add this to your bucket record.
15. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
The small city of Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina has acquired to be some of the underrated locations in Europe. If you end up right here, remember to go to close by Blagaj – one other charmer!
16. Arles, France
This beautiful city within the Provence area of France is your gateway to lavender and sunflower fields, unimaginable meals and sumptuous wine. Does it get any extra French!?
17. Freiburg, Germany
Freiburg is house to round 230,000 individuals and is positioned within the Southwest of Germany. This is without doubt one of the best-kept secrets and techniques of Germany. These days travellers search out Berlin and Munich, for a specific competition I’m positive you’ve heard of; Oktoberfest. However in the event you get off the crushed path in Germany, one can find many of those small cities. This can be a nice method to meet locals and dive into German tradition.
18. Salzburg, Austria
Not removed from Hallstatt and only a few 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 attraction 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 trip from its’ extra in style neighbour, Ghent is equally charming nevertheless in a very totally different method – remember to go to to see why!
20. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is certainly the capital of Slovenia and thus a metropolis versus a small city, nevertheless, it merely has to be included resulting from its’ small-town attraction – it’s considered one of Europe’s most understated capitals!
21. Trogir, Croatia
Proof that there are various lovely small cities to discover in Croatia: Trogir is an architectural marvel, mixing Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque types multi function 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 into fairly a vacation spot for romantic travellers seeking that old-world attraction. In case 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 ebook. 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 positive 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 might be searching for, one can find 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 authentic attraction, plus some trendy additions. This can be a nice city to go to earlier than you embark on a tour of the Norwegian fjord lands.
25. Positano, Italy
As some of the lovely 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 indubitably our high decide!
Submit up to date November 2021.