25 Hidden Small Towns You Must Visit In Europe, europe hidden smal, hidden small towns europe
1. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
There is no other town in the world that I love more than Cesky Krumlov in southern Bohemia. It's almost like you've stepped into a time warp with cobblestone roads and small artisan shops. As for the hidden little towns of Europe, this one can be limited to the "explored". But if you visit in the winter, the town will be almost entirely yours. If you find yourself there, but for the best experience, visit Krumlov during the summer season and go rafting on the Vltava River.
2. Colmar, France
Located in Alsace, Colmar is a unique blend of French and German architecture, culture and spirit. It is as colorful in real life as it looks in photos and is one of France's true hidden gems. For the full experience, try and time your visit during the holiday season. There's no better time than in the middle of the Christmas Markets to feel the charm and character of Colmar in full swing!
3. Počitelj, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Set in the hills of scenic Bosnia and Herzegovina, this magical little town is a place you can enjoy almost entirely on your own! Počitelj is one of the best-kept secrets in the country and thankfully just a short drive from Mostar. Unlike Počitelj, Mostar attracts large numbers of tourists every day from nearby Dubrovnik, just beyond the Croatian border. When it comes to hidden small towns in Europe, this is one of the best kept secrets.
4. Hallstatt, Austria
The lakeside town of Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has even been named the most beautiful lakeside village in the entire world. Whether you visit in summer or winter, you are sure to fall in love with what will always be one of the cutest little towns in Europe. The town is best reached by car as public transport is limited and requires many changes, so consider hiring a car to get to this small (but impressive) town!
5. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges has become incredibly popular with travelers who want to photograph lego-like houses in the city center (pictured above). It still remains one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe but is now more popular than ever. If you are traveling from Brussels, you can reach Bruges in one day, or even find time to see nearby Ghent on the same trip. But for the best experience, consider staying a few nights in this sleepy but lovely town.
6. Bled, Slovenia
There is so much to see and do in Bled, but the biggest attraction is Lake Bled, undeniably one of the most stunning lakes in the world and a favorite with visitors to Slovenia. There are many beautiful small towns and national parks to visit near Bled, making this the perfect summer getaway.
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7. Bibury, England
This really has to be the most photographed street in the Cotswolds! This small town is full of old-world magic and may well be England's most charming city. The Cotswolds is one of our top choices for an escape from the English countryside, especially if you can visit in the summer.
8. Albarracin, Spain
Some might say Albarracin is the most charming village in all of Spain. It's just a two-hour ride from Valencia and a 30-minute train ride from Teruel.
9. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Game of Thrones put Dubrovnik on the map. So much so that Dubrovnik has become the most visited destination in Croatia and is a great starting point for your explorations of the Dalmatian coast. You'll want to spend a few days here to fully unwind and soak up the sun, plus Dubrovnik is a great base from which to explore more of its coastline.
10. Sintra, Portugal
A short half-day trip from Lisbon is one of the most mystical little towns you'll find in Portugal: Sintra! With its own castle perched in the misty hills, this town is a mystery waiting to be discovered. If you're coming from Lisbon, a great way to get the most out of your day trip is to join a visit to Sintra with a visit to Cascais. Both towns have their own charm and are worth a visit.
11. Annecy, France
Annecy is built around a 14th Century Castle and is arguably more attractive than any other French town you can find. The town is also surrounded by the French Alps, which makes it even more beautiful!
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12. Manarola, Italy
The image says it all – Manarola has to be one of Italy's prettiest beachfront little towns. But there is so much more! Italy is full of hidden gems to discover – be sure to take your time in this beautiful country.
13. Brasov, Romania
I truly believe that Romania, often overlooked by travelers to Europe, is one of the most magical countries I have ever discovered and will be the crown jewel of Braşov. This quaint and cozy little town is the castle district of Transylvania.
14. Reine, Norway
If a picture says a thousand words, Reine in Norway has a story to tell. This beautiful fishing village has become one of the most sought after destinations in Europe. However, due to its remote location, many travelers just dream of visiting it. If you have the time on your hands, be sure to add it to your bucket list.
15. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The small town of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina has to be one of the least underrated destinations in Europe. If you find yourself here, be sure to visit the nearby Blagaj - another magician!
16. Arles, France
This gorgeous town in the Provence region of France is your gateway to lavender and sunflower fields, incredible food and amazing wine. Will there be more French!?
17. Freiburg, Germany
Freiburg is home to around 230,000 people and is located in southwestern Germany. This is one of Germany's best kept secrets. Travelers these days, you must have heard, they are looking for Berlin and Munich for a certain festival; Oktoberfest. But if you go off the beaten path in Germany, you'll find many of these small towns. This is a great way to meet the locals and immerse yourself in German culture.
18. Salzburg, Austria
Not far from Hallstatt and just a few hours by train from the Austrian capital (Vienna) is the much-loved city of Salzburg. Despite being a city, Salzburg has retained its small-town charm in the center of the Old Town and elsewhere in the city, with its famous association with The Sound of Music being filmed in the magnificent Mirabell Gardens.
19. Ghent, Belgium
Gent is one of the two hidden pleasures of Flanders (along with Bruges). Just a short 20-minute train ride from its more popular neighbour, Ghent is equally attractive but in a completely different way - be sure to visit to see why!
20. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is indeed the capital of Slovenia and therefore a city as opposed to a small town, but it needs to be included because of its small town charm - one of the most understated capitals in Europe!
21. Trogir, Croatia
Proof that there are many beautiful small towns to explore in Croatia: Trogir is an architectural marvel combining Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque styles in a single town on the Adriatic coast.
22. Rothenberg, Germany
Looking familiar? Walt Disney used Rothenberg as inspiration for the movie Pinocchio! The town has become a hugely popular destination for romantic travelers seeking old-world charm. If you want to escape the crowds, stay a night or two. Most visitors descend on the city for just a day's trip, leaving the streets bare at dusk.
23. Arosa, Switzerland
Arosa will always be a special place for me as it is where I shoot the cover of my book. The relatively small town in the Swiss Alps is a favorite of the British Royal family, so if it's good enough for them, I'm sure it's good enough for all of us! Most travelers focus their efforts on Switzerland's major cities such as Lucerne and Zurich. But if it's the hidden little towns in Europe you're looking for, you'll find just that in Arosa.
24. Bergen, Norway
Bergen is arguably Norway's most fascinating, picturesque city. Located on the West Coast of the country, Bergen was founded before 1070 AD. Today, the town of Bergen has some modern additions as well as its original charm. This is a great town to visit before taking a tour of the Norwegian fjord lands.
25. Positano, Italy
One of Italy's most beautiful seaside towns, Positano is hardly a secret. But this list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Positano, a colorful, vibrant, cliffside town in the heart of Italy's Amalfi Coast. Of course there are many more towns worth visiting on the Amalfi Coast, but this one is without a doubt our top pick!