When heading off on a European holiday it’s easy to opt for the biggest and best-known destinations, but sometimes the road less travelled is more rewarding. We’ve selected the most underrated small town in every European country that we think would make an interesting addition to your next trip. We've included countries that feature on the UN list of European nations, while excluding Russia, Belarus and Ukraine because of the ongoing war.
Click through this gallery to discover the most underrated towns across Europe...
Known as 'the City of Stone', the small, picturesque town of Gjirokaster in southern Albania commands an impressive position, perched on the slopes of Mali i Gjerë ('the Wide Mountain’) on the banks of the Drino River. Dominated by its imposing castle, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of ancient stone houses with wooden balconies, winding cobblestoned streets and steep staircases leading to the historic bazaar. A great place to sample traditional Albanian cuisine, it's also an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside.
Most visitors to Andorra, one of the smallest states in Europe, head straight for the capital, Andorra la Vella, and then on to a ski resort. But head north into the parish of Ordino and you’ll discover some of the country’s prettiest towns and villages. La Cortinada is a prime example, nestled in a spectacular wooded valley and full of traditional stone buildings dating back as far as the 12th century. Chief among them is the church of Sant Martí de La Cortinada, a superb example of Andorran Romanesque architecture.
Not to be confused with the much larger city of Linz, the tiny town of Lienz is a hidden gem in the heart of Austria’s East Tyrol. Surrounded by spectacular mountain vistas, it's nicknamed 'the Pearl of the Dolomites', while the historic Hauptplatz (main square) hosts regular concerts in summer, along with the famous Olala Street Theatre Festival every July. Enjoying an average of 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, this charming little town blends Mediterranean flair with Alpine landscapes, making it worth a visit in any season.
Situated halfway between Brussels and Antwerp, the much smaller settlement of Mechelen tends to be overlooked by visitors to Belgium. But it’s well worth a look, boasting an impressive main square lined with classic Flemish Baroque houses and dominated by the spectacular tower of St Rumbold’s cathedral. Its streets are full of imposing mansions and historic churches, while beer-lovers can take a pilgrimage to the Brouwerij Het Anker, one of the oldest breweries in Belgium and maker of the world-famous Gouden Carolus Classic.
Although not widely known, the picturesque town of Jajce, 67 miles (107km) northwest of Sarajevo, offers visitors a rich blend of history and natural beauty. Dominated by its imposing medieval fortress, it was once the Bosnian capital, but lost status after falling to the Ottoman Empire in 1527. In the shadow of the fortress lies the majestic Pliva Waterfall. This 69-foot-high (21m) marvel is located in the centre of town, and has helped Jajce become a tentative candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Sofia and Plovdiv may be better-known, but the tiny jewel of Koprivshtitsa shines just as brightly as its bigger Bulgarian brethren. Nestled in the heart of the Sredna Gora mountain range, this beautifully preserved historic town, with its brightly painted houses and cobblestoned streets, contains no less than 388 historic monuments, several of which once housed famous writers, revolutionaries and politicians. Now a cradle of culture, it was declared Bulgaria's only City-Museum in 1952, and every few years plays host to a national folklore festival.
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Visitors to Croatia usually head for Dubrovnik, Split or Zagreb, but the country has various lesser-known jewels well worth investigating, including Opatija. Known as 'Vienna by the Sea' thanks to its gorgeous Belle Epoque architecture, this delightful little town was once a major health resort, known for its pleasant year-round climate and stunning setting on the Adriatic coast. The town retains much of its former glory, with grand cafés, beautiful beaches, excellent hotels and fine restaurants, and is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside.
Forty miles (60km) east of Prague, the small town of Kutna Hora looks slightly drab on arrival, but a quick bus ride to the centre reveals some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in the whole of Czechia. Once a centre for silver mining, it was the financial centre of Bohemia until the 16th century and much of its faded grandeur remains. Quaint cobbled streets and ancient houses abound, along with the majestic Cathedral of St Barbara (pictured) and the nearby Sedlec Ossuary, a chapel decorated with the bones of 40,000 people. A masterpiece of the macabre.
One of Denmark’s oldest and most beautiful market towns, Faaborg is a perfect destination for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of Copenhagen. Nestled between the South Funen Archipelago and the rolling Svanninge Hills, its narrow streets, timbered houses and busy harbour are full of old-world charm. The town square is lined with excellent cafés and restaurants serving classic Danish cuisine, while the impressive Faaborg Museum holds one of Denmark’s most important art collections, including works by the local Funen Painters.
A small coastal town in eastern Estonia, Haapsalu combines the relaxed vibe of a wellness resort with bucketfuls of historic charm. Known for its mud bath and spa treatments since the 19th century, it also boasts a well-preserved old town full of traditional wooden houses and a picturesque ruined castle dating from the 13th century. The latter now houses an impressive museum and plays host to several major international events each summer, including the August Blues Festival (the largest blues festival in the Baltics) and the Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival.
Best known for its historic wooden old town, Porvoo’s cobbled streets are lined with charming wood-panelled houses painted a range of pastel colours. Head to the riverside and you’ll find warehouses painted a distinct shade of ochre red. It’s delightful in winter but if you prefer warmer weather you can travel there in old world style by boarding the MS JL Runeberg, a ship built in 1912 which completes seasonal cruises to the town from Helsinki through a maze of islands off the Finnish coast.
Perched on the banks of the Rivers Adour and Nive, Bayonne is one of the prettiest towns in southwest France. The capital of French Basque Country, it was a strategic stronghold for centuries and the old ramparts, originally built by the Romans and fortified in the 17th century, can still be seen around the outskirts of the old town. Bayonne's half-timbered buildings and cobbled streets are a delight to explore as are the town’s boutiques where you can stock up on Basque berets, linens and specialities such as Basque cake and Ossau Iraty cheese.
Framed by mountain peaks and idyllic lakes, the town of Füssen has a truly lovely setting. Visitors can explore the romantic old town and the grand High Palace, which is one of the largest and best-preserved late-Gothic castle complexes in the region. The façades of the palace courtyard are notable for their 500-year-old illusion paintings, designed to trick viewers with fake window frames and embossing. There’s also the splendid Baroque complex of the former St Mang's Benedictine Monastery, which dates back to the 8th century.
The lakeside town of Kastoria will please nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Stroll along the shore in the shade of beech and plane trees before stopping off at the Dragon’s Cave, where you’ll find seven underground lakes and caverns dotted with stalactites and stalagmites. Back in town you can marvel at the beautiful mansions built in typical Macedonian style, explore a number of fascinating museums and see no fewer than 60 Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches dating from the 9th to 19th centuries. The Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa boasts particularly impressive murals depicting Byzantine emperors.
Sometimes called Hungary's 'jewel box', Koszeg’s cobbled streets filled with a diverse array of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque-style buildings are a pleasure to explore. Head to Koszeg’s fortress, Jurisics Castle, which played a key role in the Ottoman siege of 1532 and is now a museum, to find out more about the town’s history. Other highlights include the Sacred Heart Church with its distinctive dual towers, the Renaissance-style town hall and the former synagogue, a reminder of the town’s once-thriving Jewish community.
Although it only has around 20,000 residents, Akureyri is often referred to as Iceland’s 'Capital of the North', and despite its modest size it has plenty to offer. The town’s iconic church, designed by former state architect Guðjón Samúelsson, is a must-visit. Nearby you’ll find the town's outdoor geothermal swimming pool, one of the most popular pools in Iceland. There’s also the Akureyri Botanical Garden (pictured), arguably the nation's most beautiful park. Add in a vibrant cultural scene and the opportunity to sample a beer bath (surprisingly good for the skin) and you can see why Akureyri draws visitors year-round.
Straddling the Garavogue River and set against the majestic Benbulbin rock formation, Sligo is a vibrant little town whose rugged landscapes rival those of tourist favourites Killarney and Wicklow. For WB Yeats, Sligo was "the land of heart’s desire", and you can visit the Yeats Building to learn everything you need to know about the famed Irish poet. Head out of town on a bike to marvel at the scenery before spending your evening sampling Sligo’s reputation as a hotbed of traditional Irish music at one of the almost nightly sessions in venues across town.
Italy isn’t short of beautiful towns vying for attention, but Alba is worth nudging to the top of your itinerary for its food reputation alone. Renowned for its white truffles, dark chocolate and wine, the town's Langhe, Roero and Monferrato vineyards are recognised by UNESCO, while the White Truffle Fair held every autumn draws huge crowds. Cooking shows during the festival give you the chance to sample gourmet creations created by top Italian and international chefs, and you can even attend so-called 'truffle sensory analysis' seminars.
Sometimes called 'the Venice of Latvia' due to its lush waterways and historic character, Kuldīga’s narrow cobbled streets and riversides are a delight to explore. A visit to the Venta Rapid, Europe’s widest waterfall, is also a must. Although it's up to 800 feet (250m) wide depending on the season, it's only around six feet (2m) tall. Every autumn and spring you can view the 'flying fish of Kuldīga' here as salmon try to leap the falls during breeding season. Back in town try the Goldingen Room restaurant, lauded by the prestigious White Guide to Nordic restaurants.
Liechtenstein is perhaps best known as a winter sports destination, but head to the town of Balzers and you’ll find a fine example of the country's other main draw – castles. Gutenberg Castle, which was built during the Middle Ages and was inhabited until the 18th century, perches atop a hill overlooking the town. Having fallen into ruin it was rebuilt between 1905 and 1912. Visitors can explore the castle bailey throughout the year, while the chapel and rose garden are open every Sunday from 1 May to 31 October.
Kėdainiai is one of the oldest towns in Lithuania, with a long and rich history dating back to at least the 14th century. The old town with its charming cobbled squares contains a diverse range of historic buildings, varying in style from angular Gothic and serene Renaissance to opulent Baroque and austere Classical. Visitors can browse boutiques, enjoy a laid-back lunch in one of many lovely cafés or take the strain out of the day in a sauna. Arrive in July and you could even experience the wholly unique Cucumber Festival.
Set on the banks of the River Our and surrounded by the magnificent forests and hills of the Ardennes, Vianden offers a breathtaking skyline of medieval chimneys, Gothic spires and an ancient castle perched atop a steep mound. Its winding streets are a pleasure to explore, while observation posts around the town serve up stunning panoramas of the forested landscape. More adventurous visitors can take a ride on Luxembourg’s only chairlift, which offers vistas of the castle from high above the Our Valley.
The capital of Gozo, the second largest island in the Maltese Archipelago, Victoria is a perfect place to get acquainted with the history and culture of Malta. Situated on a hill near the island's centre, its old town is an enchanting labyrinth of winding cobbled streets and beautiful squares overflowing with alfresco cafés and restaurants serving local wine. Overlooking everything is the imposing walled Citadel, a must-see which contains many of the town's most important attractions, including its beautiful 18th-century Baroque cathedral.
The town of Cricova in central Moldova hides an important secret that makes it a paradise for oenophiles. Around 260 feet (79m) below the streets lie 75 miles (121km) of labyrinthine limestone caves housing the second-largest wine cellar in the world. Around 1.3 million bottles are stored in this underground 'wine city', arranged in 'streets' and 'avenues' named after the wines they store. The vast complex also houses tasting rooms, banqueting halls and even a cinema, and is so big that Russian cosmonaut and first man in space Yuri Gargarin is said to have got lost in the caves for hours.
Compared to the buzzing throng of Monte Carlo, Monaco's La Colle neighbourhood offers visitors a welcome change of pace. Its delightful blend of old-world charm, modern luxury and lush greenery are as close as the city state gets to tranquillity, and its narrow streets are full of boutiques, cafés and historic sites, including the Baroque splendour of the Chapelle de la Visitation. The Jardin Exotique is a stunning botanical garden offering Mediterranean panoramas, while the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco houses a superb collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Claude Monet and Andy Warhol.
The southernmost major town in Montenegro, Ulcinj has a history stretching back more than 2,000 years. Once a centre for piracy and the slave trade, this small fortified town with glorious views over the Adriatic Sea is now more renowned for beautiful beaches such as the eight-mile (13km) Velika Plaža, the longest beach in the country. The town itself is beautifully preserved, its medieval centre filled with winding streets, ancient churches, mosques and other historic sites, including the ancient slave quarters where legendary Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes was supposedly imprisoned in the late 16th century.
The Netherlands is blessed with countless off-the-radar destinations, and one of the best is the charming little port town of Veere. Once a major centre for the wool trade with Scotland, its delightful cobblestoned streets, typical Dutch houses and waterfront cafés offer a welcome change from the crowds in Amsterdam. It’s a great spot for water sports, cycling and cruising the nearby islands and beaches of Zeeland, one of the most beautiful and least populated provinces in the Netherlands.
While the ever-popular Ohrid tends to be crammed with visitors during the summer months, Struga, which lies on the same breathtaking lake, offers a much calmer experience. The Black Drin River divides the town in two, and it has a waterside vibe similar to Amsterdam with a wide array of cafés and bars. Struga’s main draw is its beaches, which offer crystal-clear waters that are a shade warmer than Ohrid’s. The Kališta Monastery complex (pictured) is also well worth a visit.
Situated between the major cities of Oslo and Trondheim, Røros is easy to overlook, but this perfectly preserved historic mining town is well worth a visit. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's one of the oldest wooden towns in Europe, with many of its houses dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. In the summer it's a perfect place for hiking, mountain biking, fishing and reindeer-watching in the surrounding national parks, while winter visitors can try skiing, sleigh riding and dog sledding, or sample its famous Christmas market.
It's probably not the first place you think of in Poland, but striking Malbork is hard to miss. A short drive from Gdansk, this small, picturesque town is home to the largest brick castle in the world. A stunning sight, the immense fortress on the east bank of the River Nogat was started in the 13th century by knights of the Teutonic Order and once served as a residence for Polish kings. Now a museum, visitors are free to explore its vast Gothic halls, passageways and towers (although a tour may take several hours).
Perched high on a hill overlooking the Serra da Estrela mountains in central Portugal, the beautiful medieval town of Belmonte is best known as the home of explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral, the first European to reach Brazil, who was born in its impressive 13th-century castle. But the town is also notable for its Jewish heritage and culture. This was retained partly in secret, as the Jews were expelled from Spain and Portugal in the late 15th century during the Spanish Inquisition. This history is chronicled in the remarkable Belmonte Jewish Museum.
Ideally located in the Prahova Valley at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains, the small town of Bușteni offers year-round opportunities to explore this beautiful and rugged region of Romania. A great base for skiing, mountain climbing or hiking amid streams and waterfalls, the town is full of romantic resorts and quaint cottages. A cable car runs to the top of the nearest mountain, offering 360-degree panoramas, while those that want to keep their feet on the ground can visit the majestic Cantacuzino Castle (pictured) where the Netflix series Wednesday was filmed.
One of the oldest towns in the republic, Borgo Maggiore combines historical architecture with modern amenities. The town’s market, which dates back to the 13th century, is a bustling spot where you can discover local crafts and regional specialities. Take a stroll through the narrow streets and you’ll discover quaint cafés and historical landmarks like the Church of the Blessed Virgin of Consolation, which is famed for its intricate design. A cable car connects Borgo Maggiore to the capital San Marino – a brief trip that offers breathtaking views over the countryside.
The lovely little town of Sokobanja, surrounded by forested peaks and bisected by the Moravia River, is the place to head if you’re in need of rest and relaxation. Its thermo-mineral springs have been hailed for their healing properties since Roman times, and there are a number of wellness centres in the town offering health-boosting programmes. Sokobanja is also home to the only Turkish bath operating in Serbia (pictured). Built on the site of Roman baths in the 15th century, it was renovated in the 1830s and more recently in 2005.
Founded in the 13th century, Banská Štiavnica is the oldest mining town in Slovakia and has earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status for its historic significance. The first mining and forestry academy in Europe was established here in 1762, and over the centuries the town attracted many notable engineers and scientists. The wealth generated by the mines saw the settlement develop into a refined town with Renaissance palaces, 16th-century churches, elegant squares and castles that survive to this day. Head into the surrounding countryside for fascinating relics of the town's industrial past.
The oldest recorded town in Slovenia (settled in the 5th millennium BC), Ptuj is a beautiful place to explore, with a magnificent castle overlooking tiled roofs and cobbled streets. Visit in winter to experience the unique Kurentovanje festival, which kicks off when characters known as Kurents don bells by a fire at midnight and start chasing away evil and cold. The revels continue with costumed parades, masquerade balls and exhibitions before ending on Shrove Tuesday, when everyone stops work at midday to join one of the various parties spread across town.
Spain’s big cities exert a powerful pull, but a trip to Ronda proves that small can be equally spectacular. Best-known for its incredible setting atop El Tajo gorge and spanned by the magnificent 18th-century Puente Nuevo bridge, Ronda has a rich cultural and literary tradition that dates back centuries. The Moorish origins of the town are evident all around, not least in the Arab Baths which date back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The town is also home to one of the country’s oldest bull-rings, a site that attracted Ernest Hemingway, who used the town as a setting for his seminal novel For Whom the Bell Tolls, and Orson Welles, whose ashes are buried here.
Nora is one of Sweden’s three renowned wooden towns. Its well-preserved wood-fronted houses and homesteads painted an array of bright colours look just as they did in the 18th and 19th centuries. The grander Göthlinska Manor, now a museum, is a fascinating time capsule of what life might have been like for a Bourgeois family in the late 19th century. Nora’s other claim to fame is the ice cream that's been made there since 1923. It's available from May to August in three different flavours, with hazelnut being the most popular.
The picturesque little town of Sion is found in the canton of Valais in southwest Switzerland. Its medieval old town, where you’ll find the spookily named Tour des Sorciers ('witches tower'), sits between the hills of Tourbillon and Valère. Perched atop the former are the ruins of the 13th-century bishop's castle, while the fortified Basilica of Valère (pictured) can be found on the latter. The Basilica is home to the world’s oldest playable pipe organ which dates back to 1435, and was restored to full working order in the 1960s.
Godalming is a charming historic market town in southern England with more than 350 listed buildings. Design fans will want to visit for its connections with celebrated architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and garden designer Gertrude Jekyll, both of whom had several commissions in the area. Godalming Museum has a garden inspired by their work which perfectly complements the displays of Jekyll’s work in the Arts and Crafts Gallery. The National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies banner she designed for Godalming in 1913 is the star exhibit.