Beyond its famous cities and tourist hotspots, Europe is filled with smaller hidden gems that still pack a big travel punch. From alpine enclaves and colourful spa resorts to charming villages and walled seaside citadels, we've rounded up the most beautiful small town in each of the Council of Europe's 46 member states.
Read on to see the most gorgeous town in each European nation...
The characterful town of Gjirokaster clings to the slopes of the Drino River valley in southern Albania. Steep lanes lead up into the old UNESCO-listed town known as 'the City of a Thousand Steps' where handsome slate-roofed Ottoman houses stand beneath one of the largest castles in the Balkans, the foundations of which date back to the 4th century AD. Some of the Ottoman homes have been converted into attractive and authentic family-run hotels. You’ll also find a clutch of museums including the reconstructed home of Albanian writer Ismail Kadare.
No ordinary town, Ordino is the tiny nation of Andorra's most enchanting village, set against the dramatic peaks of the Pyrenees sandwiched between France and Spain. The town consists of manicured lanes lined with brownstone buildings and wooden shuttered windows with cosy lodgings and cafes and a clocktower piercing the skyline of frosted peaks. In Andorra's northwest corner, the town sits at an altitude of almost 4,265 feet (1,300m) and is located just over five miles (8km) from the capital, Andorra la Vella.
Ensconced in the lush forests of Dilijan National Park, the arts and crafts town of Dilijan is simply gorgeous. Known for its culture and tasty food, preserved 19th-century townhouses feature local restaurants and interesting public exhibitions such as the Geological Museum and Dilijan Folk Museum, as well as lovely authentic hotels where you can spend the night. The surrounding area is said to be hiking heaven with well-maintained paths that form part of the longer Transcaucasian Trail.
The picture-perfect alpine lakeside town of Hallstatt in Upper Austria's mountainous Salzkammergut region has become a bit of a tourist hotspot, but it's no less beautiful for all the attention it gets. The market square of this UNESCO World Heritage town and historic salt mine settlement town dates back to the 14th century, with most of the surrounding dwellings still standing from the 16th century. Bavarian-style buildings meet cobbled streets here, with a chocolate box front concealing a subterranean salt lake that's open to visitors today. Take the funicular up to Salzwelten where you can descend to the lake or enjoy epic views of Lake Hallstatt from the Skywalk platform.
Hewn from wood and stone, the thousand-year-old town of Lahic to the south of the Great Caucasus mountains is still a centre of traditional Azeri copper craftsmanship. Its cobbled alleys are lined with old world workshops where artisans and blacksmiths hammer away at their latest creations in full view of the street. The town's curious collection of shops is stuffed with shining pots, kettles, cups, jugs and jewellery. Be warned, the journey by road from nearby Ismailli to the photogenic town is notoriously hair-raising with narrow cliff roads and scary drop-offs.
Belgium's hidden gem, the chocolate box town of Dinant and its stunning gothic cathedral spreads out beneath fortified cliffs on the River Meuse. Around an hour-and-a-half's train ride from Brussels, the town is well worth visiting for the day with plenty to keep tourists amused besides the pretty architecture. There's a bridge dedicated to the inventor of the saxophone, a cable car up to the clifftop citadel that's open for guided tours and regular river cruises offering a different view on this peaceful corner of Belgium.
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A spellbinding spot not far from the popular city of Mostar, Blagaj is well worth a detour. The village's defining feature is the elegant white Dervish monastery sheltered below high cliffs at the wellspring of the gently cascading jade Buna River. The monastery is a national monument dating back to 1520, making this one of the country's holiest sites. The sense of peace is palpable here. Riverside cafes and even overwater restaurants serve as a stopping point for curious travellers.
On an outcrop of east Bulgarian shore encircled by shimmering Black Sea and connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway lies the old heritage town of Nessebar. Its layers of history stretch back three millennia and can be seen in the Byzantine churches and medieval walls dotted among wood and stone houses that have stood for hundreds of years. Other highlights include the shops specialising in local wine and handicrafts, and an archaeological museum stuffed with artefacts detailing the town's fascinating past.
A mini-Dubrovnik, the town of Korcula on an island of the same name occupies its own little peninsula fortified by the Venetians and currently on the tentative UNESCO heritage list. Hidden away among the Croatian Riviera’s Dalmatian islands, it receives far less visitors than some of the country’s other seaside towns leaving its maze of medieval stone streets blissfully quiet. Excellent seafood is served up on the tree-lined waterfront promenade where restaurants and relaxed eateries extend onto the waterside.
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A timeless Mediterranean village in a dramatic setting at the foot of Troodos Mountains in Cyprus' south-east Larnaca region, Lefkara is renowned for its long tradition of embroidery, lace-making and silver filigree and there are plenty of stores and workshops selling its wares. Split into higher and lower towns, its upper old village's beauty is enhanced by its ancient chapels and uniform terracotta roofs, white silica walls and winding limestone brick lanes begging to be explored.
Bohemian spa town Carlsbad's picture-perfect veneer and thermal springs have drawn artists and wellness seekers since the 19th century. Known locally as Karlovy Vary, the colourful town has a stunning collection of colonnades built to ensure visitors could enjoy the hot springs in all weathers. Among them, the Hot Spring Colonnade in the spa centre shelters the town's chief natural wonder – a geyser that shoots hot water 39 feet (12m) into the air, with the mineral water cooled and diverted to drinking fountains.
This lovely fishing village of traditional Scandi homes is one of Denmark's prettiest spots. Close to Copenhagen, flagstone alleys lead between its cute yellow and peach thatched garden cottages to the harbourside. There's plenty to please visitors here including waterfront restaurants and cafes, museums and farmhouses showcasing local traditions. Summer sees a host of festivals and markets in the town. It's a time when the inhabitants celebrate regional culture, food and the creative arts. In December, there's a cosy Christmas market for people to enjoy.
An impressive water castle takes centre stage in this small Estonian town of turrets, graceful buildings and cute houses. Secreted away on the island of Saaremaa in the Baltic Sea, the traditional town – with a fountain and flower-filled square at its centre – has remained unchanged for centuries save for the repurposing of some buildings into spa hotels, shops and eateries. Completed in 1670, its pretty town hall now houses the tourist information centre.
Home to Finland's oldest pedestrian street, Ekenas was founded in 1546 (a few years before the country's capital Helsinki). The seaside town of neat wooden cottages, old docks and lush little parks sits to the west of Helsinki. It has long been known for its skilled craftsmen. Here, you'll find cute arts and crafts shops, cosy cafes and bakeries tucked into centuries-old lanes. Among the town's unique features are the curved 'gossip mirrors'. Posted in people's windows, they give occupants a better view of the street outside.
One of Europe's prettiest places, you might have seen pictures of this classic medieval timbered town without even knowing where it is. Colmar in France's Alsace region is as olde worlde as it gets, but the candy-coloured paintwork and floral displays provide it with a modern pop of colour. Surrounded by vineyards, the town is a key stop on the Alsace Wine Route. Known as the Alsatian Wine Capital, be sure to sample its famous whites – the Muscat and Pinot Gris – when visiting.
A hilltop haven 70 miles (113km) east of capital Tbilisi, the old town of Sighnaghi is known in Georgia as the 'City of Lovers' for its romantic legends and wedding services that let couples marry 24 hours a day. Enclosed by semi-intact stone fortifications with a crenelated castle gate, its quaint streets wind up and down between Orthodox churches and Italianate buildings, wooden balconied houses from the 18th century and interesting shops selling eye-catching carpets and locally-knitted socks.
On Germany's Romantic Road, this dinky town featuring a confection of Bavarian houses painted in citrus hues is a feast for the eyes. One of Germany's only remaining walled towns from the Middle Ages, its wealthy merchants built the large gabled houses that were spared during the Thirty Years' War thanks to the town's children (or so the legend goes). Every summer, the Kinderzeche festival honours the tale by gifting bags of sweets to the kids as they join a procession through the streets.
Dreamy Oia, on the white-and-blue hued island of Santorini, is one of the best sunset locations in Europe. Undulating along the clifftop, its white-washed Cycladic houses and traditional windmills gaze out over Santorini's spectacular caldera and the neighbouring island of Thirassia. One of the top things to do here is to take an aimless meander along its snaking lanes and steps. Explore the idyllic destination's domed churches and the ruins of a Venetian castle, before perching on a cafe terrace to drink in those spectacular views.
The Danube river town of Szentendre, just to the north of the Hungarian capital Budapest, is a colourful arty enclave with oodles of heritage. Its main cobbled shopping street is the place to browse for folk arts and crafts, as well as local marzipan treats and cakes, while Baroque Fo Ter square marks the centre of town. Szentendre's creative legacy is on show at art galleries like the Kmetty Museum and Bela Czobel Museum. See also the MANK art colony studios, the ArtMill located inside an old lumber mill and the various sculptures dotted across town.
The charming village of Triesenberg is known for its stunning mountain views and Walser heritage – the Walsers being a Germanic group who migrated from Switzerland in the 12th and 13th centuries, bringing unique cultural traditions. Situated high above the Rhine Valley, the village features large old timbered lodges and a stone church in its quaint town centre, while trails lead into scenic pine-clad hills. For a taste of local culture, visit during the Triesenberger Wochen food festival in autumn, where you can sample centuries-old Walser cuisine.
Set along the sandy Curonian Spit on the Baltic Sea, the quaint Lithuanian village of Nida is dotted with charming wooden gabled cottages featuring fretwork unique to the area. Traditionally, these houses were painted in bright hues so fishermen could spot their homes from the sea, and today, the fishing boats on the waterfront still sport weather vanes signifying their home village. Though small, Nida hosts a cozy bakery and several intriguing museums dedicated to amber resin and ethnography.
Luxembourg is peppered with charming towns despite its tiny size, one of which is Vianden, nestled in a river valley beneath a Gothic hilltop castle in the northwest. The turrets and towers of the 14th-century fort add to the fairytale quality of the town, which celebrates its heritage with a lively medieval festival each summer. Fine medieval houses still cling to the riverbank next to a centuries-old stone bridge, and among its narrow lanes, you'll find an interesting village museum as well as several independent cafes and restaurants.
Mdina, every bit as handsome as Malta's capital Valletta, was once the island's capital and has been inhabited for millennia. Located at Malta's heart, the walled citadel features a maze of honeycomb streets originally constructed in medieval times, perfect for exploring. Classic Maltese buildings with enclosed wooden galleries overlook sun-bleached lanes leading to architectural treasures such as baroque churches, elegant palaces and the Carmelite convent. Often referred to as 'the Silent City', Mdina's charm is enhanced by its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views over the surrounding countryside.
An authentic slice of rustic Moldova surrounded by farmland and the ancient forest of Codri, Capriana is located about 20 miles (32km) northwest of the capital, Chisinau. The village is best known for the Capriana Monastery, one of the oldest in the country, with its origins dating back to 1429. Originally built of wood, the monastery was later reconstructed with stone in 1545. Among its three churches is one of Moldova's oldest, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, a striking Eastern Orthodox beauty featuring multiple tiers of black domes.
Monaco, a tiny yet incredibly wealthy city-state, is composed of various districts rather than towns or villages. Central to these is the glamorous Monte Carlo, surrounded by the stylish French Riviera on three sides. One of the most picturesque areas is the old medieval quarter of Monaco-Ville, also known as "The Rock." Monaco-Ville features peaceful, winding streets, lush gardens and the grand Prince's Palace, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
Kotor, a hidden gem on the Adriatic coast, is a stunning medieval town set against the backdrop of towering mountains and the Bay of Kotor. Known for its well-preserved Venetian architecture, narrow streets, picturesque squares and fortified walls the town also has a quirky side. Kotor is famously referred to as the 'City of Cats', reflecting its historic affection for the animal. The town features a cat museum, a dedicated shop, a park and a sanctuary for its numerous feline residents. Meow.
Giethoorn, a traffic-free town of waterways and thatched Dutch cottages in the northeast of the Netherlands, exudes a quaint charm. Constructed largely in the 18th and 19th centuries, the village is best explored via 'whisper boats' or canal cruises, though walking or cycling along the Binnenpad towpath is also popular. Accustomed to tourists, Giethoorn offers a variety of amenities, and visitors can immerse themselves in local history at Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus, or admire minerals and fossils at Museum De Oude Aarde.
This sleepy village on the shores of Lake Ohrid, known as Trpejca, is often referred to by locals as 'Macedonia's Saint-Tropez'. Located about 12 miles (19km) from the city of Ohrid, it is a popular holiday and swimming spot thanks to its picturesque setting and clear, tranquil waters. Trpejca is also the last traditional fishing town on the lakeshore. The village's old terracotta-roofed houses are nestled between the foot of Galicica mountain and a pearly white shingle beach where locals have been drawing in the daily catch for centuries.
Traditional red and yellow rorbuer fishing cabins stretch out on stilts above the glacial waters of Reine in Norway's Lofoten Islands. This remote village, surrounded by high-sided fjords dusted in snow, is located more 60 miles (96km) north of the Arctic Circle, and its picturesque setting served as an inspiration for Disney's Frozen. The village, spread across several small islands connected by bridges, offers a Reinefjorden cruise as an ideal way to take in its beauty. For a full experience, visitors can stay overnight in renovated rorbuer huts, providing a taste of traditional Norwegian culture.
Often referred to as Poland's prettiest town, Sandomierz boasts a market square and a gothic church at its core, along with one of the grandest town halls in the country. Established in the Middle Ages around the same time as Krakow and Wroclaw, Sandomierz shares a similar heritage and urban layout. Visitors can climb to the top of the 14th-century Opatowska Gate, which leads to the old town and houses an exhibition about the local area, offering views over the rooftops.
Portugal excels in small charming towns, but Monsanto is perhaps the most unusual. Built around a high hill strewn with giant boulders, the rocks have been incorporated into the town's structure, with lanes meandering around and under them, forming walls and roofs of local homes. The town also features narrow cobbled streets, quaint shops, cafes and stunning views from its hilltop castle.
Despite its connections to Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Count Dracula, Sighisoara in Transylvania is more charming than creepy. This medieval town features delightful timber cottages with tiled roofs painted in vibrant hues, cobblestone lanes and the impressive domes of the Holy Trinity Church. These landmarks are splendid by day and take on a spooky charm at night, especially during candlelit tours. Don’t miss the 17th-century covered Scholar's Stairs, which connect the centre with the upper part of town.
The tiny state of San Marino, surrounded by Italy and the Apennine Mountains, has limited space for settlements, but one of the most beautiful is the town of Montegiardino. Known for its historical significance, Montegiardino showcases evidence of occupation from the Roman era onwards. The town is home to San Marino's university, particularly the Department of Economics and Technology, which contributes to a thriving cafe culture. Visitors can enjoy delicious piadinas and other local delicacies in these charming cafes, rivalling those found in the neighbouring Italian provinces.
A supremely attractive Balkan town surrounded by vineyards on the banks of the Danube, Sremski Karlovci offers a slice of bucolic Serbian life not far from the pretty city of Novi Sad. Full of impressive buildings, parks, fountains and squares, the town was the seat of the Serbian Orthodox church during the Habsburg dynasty, which accounts for its many elegant buildings. Among its architectural treasures is Serbia's first ever secondary school dating back to 1791.
The gorgeous village of Cicmany, located in the north of Slovakia, is renowned for its unique folk architecture and famous for its 136 log cabins adorned with traditional white geometric patterns, a decorative practice that started around 200 years ago. These intricate designs were originally meant to protect the timber from moisture and cracking but have since become an artistic hallmark of the village. Today, little over a hundred villagers remain, but the village maintains its cultural vibrancy with cafes serving hearty local food, cute gift shops and a local museum that illuminates the region's rich history.
In the 19th century, Bled was transformed into a resort town by Swiss naturopath Arnold Rikli, who recognized the therapeutic benefits of its thermal springs. These springs continue to feed numerous spas today, making the town as a popular destination for wellness tourism. Other highlights for visitors include taking a traditional pletna boat trip to Bled Island to explore the Church of the Assumption, a site rich in local tradition and history.
The mountain town of Valldemossa on the beautiful Balearic island of Majorca is a visual delight, thanks to its honey-stone lanes, ample foliage and breathtaking backdrop of mountain peaks and cypress trees. High in the Tramuntana, 1,312 feet (400m) above sea level, the most scenic way to visit is taking the vintage narrow gauge train from Palma to Soller, followed by a short bus or taxi journey from Valldemossa. When in town, be sure to take a glimpse inside the Royal Carthusian Monastery, once occupied by famous composer Chopin.
Sweden boasts many charming old towns with colourful cottages, but Sigtuna stands out as one of the oldest and most picturesque. Founded in 980 beside Lake Malaren, about an hour's drive north of Stockholm, Sigtuna's narrow streets are lined with well-preserved clapboard buildings that house boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Visitors can explore ancient ruined churches, rune stones and the well-preserved Skokloster Castle, while two nearby palaces showcase Sigtuna's long-standing heritage.
Dwarfed by the Swiss Alps and the mighty Staubbach Falls tumbling from a high rockface behind the town, its pretty timber buildings and charming chalets are scattered beside a crystalline stream. Beyond the town, hiking trails wind through alpine meadows to no fewer than 72 waterfalls, and there's even a path leading behind Staubbach Falls. The glacial Trummelbach Falls can be seen inside the mountain in early summer, which is the best time to witness all the cascades in full flow.
Enez is a charming coastal town situated on the European side of Turkey, renowned for its beautiful beaches and rich historical heritage. This picturesque town is home to the impressive Enez Castle, which offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Enez's historic ruins, coupled with its tranquil seaside ambiance, provide the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
A picture-perfect treasure nestled in a hollow of the Carpathian mountains, Yaremche's ornate wooden lodges sit in amongst trees, waterfalls and a mountain stream. Around 1,903 feet (580m) above sea level, the town features traditional Hutsul architecture and popular spots include the town's marketplace, where you can buy traditional handicrafts and food, and the bridge across the Probiy waterfall. A road leads through the town up to Hoverla – the highest point in Ukraine.
Castle Combe in the Cotswolds is a quintessential time-capsule town of honey-hued cottages, unchanged since the 1600s thanks to a preservation order. As such it's often used as a filming location, featuring in 2007 film Stardust and 2011's War Horse, among others. Visitors can stroll through the village to a curved stone bridge, where home-made cakes, sweets and flowers are often sold outside the houses. Alongside a historic church featuring one of the country's oldest working clocks, a couple of traditional pubs provide a convenient place to pause or shelter from the unpredictable British weather.
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