Europe has a number of the most beautiful and scenic best small towns in Europe that can be easily taken out of the pages of a fairy tale. Having cobblestone directions, ancient castles, and gorgeous scenery, these cozy villages are a unique place to get away from a fast life in large cities. There is a place to everyone as it concerns finding a romantic vacation or even planning to visit some of the best small towns in Europe. So, we are going to go through some of the most enchanted little villages of Europe, which are literally the fairytales in the most accurate sense of the word.
Exploring Europe’s Hidden Gems: Best Small Towns in Europe
- There are more than 400,000 villages in Europe with most of them enjoying architectural beauty as well as being historic.
- More than 20 percent of the travelers across the world would opt to visit smaller towns rather than going to the cities to have the real taste of culture.
- According to Google searches, there has been a 30 percent increment in the query of fairytale towns in Europe in the last three years.
Top 10 Best Small Towns in Europe
Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt, a very beautiful small town in Europe which lies on the shores of a clear crystal lake and which is surrounded by giant mountains is a beauty on its own. Its houses of the pastel color and magical waterfront resemble the fairytale state of life with its serenity and beauty that seems untouched. The old salt mines and history of centuries give the town the air of mystery and it makes it look like it is out of a storybook.
Colmar, France
Colmar is among the finest small cities of Europe which is commonly described as the Venice of the North. It is a charming city with canals, timber framed houses and flower-filled boxes making you think you have entered a fantasy town in Europe. Do not forget about the old town itself, with its very small streets filled with old stores, cafes and narrow cobblestone roads.
Czech Republic, Czech Krumlov
Česk Krumlov is a paradise to all those who love history and small romantic towns, the town has a medieval castle, a maze like river, and a beautiful town square. The town is something like a magic trip to the past, and all the corners are something to discover and to be amazed by.
Gimmelwald, Switzerland
Located deep in Switzerland Alps is the small European village called Gimmelwald that is peaceful and scenic. With beautiful hiking trails and a gorgeous atmosphere, this village is surrounded by alpine pastures and snowy mountains and provides a perfect traveling experience to get rid of stressful city life. Nature lovers can be one of the best fairytale towns in Europe.
Sintra, Portugal
You can hardly escape the Sintra romantic atmosphere in the small towns in Europe. Fantasy castles like the Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle have a fairytale like attribute and are situated within the town. It is located at the base of the mountains of Sintra, a green and quite scenic area, which has a romantic ambience to it, hence it is one of the most magical places that can be visited in Europe.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a by way best small towns in Europe and this can be termed as the Venice of the North since the ancient medieval town is a cobbled street, peaceful canals and medieval architecture hence the city is one of the most romantic small towns Europe. Bruges is all fairytale, be it a walk in the Market Square or a ride in a boat inside the canals.
Rothobt in Germany
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a vintage small town in Europe with its well-kept medieval walls, colorful houses and narrow streets, a veritable dreamy experience. Christmas Market in the town in the winter season brings an extra Christmas touch to this already enchanted destination.
Bled, Slovenia
The legendary Lake of Bled with its small Island and a castle on top of a hill has all the ingredients of a fairytale town in Europe. Either you take a tour on the calm lake on a boat or just climb to Bled Castle to get a view of the surroundings, this little town is your very own fairytale turning into reality.
Giethoorn, Netherlands
Giethoorn is well known as the Venice of the Netherlands and, rightly so. This village consists of canals, footpaths and thatched cottages. No cars are permitted and it is a quiet haven that seems to be a small European village in a fairy tale and not in the real world but a best small towns in Europe.
Skye, Scotland
The magical Isle of Skye is the island that will take you into a terrific landscape with its amazing cliffs, strange lochs, and a marvellous castle. It is one of the best small towns in Europe both to the admirers of skilful terrain and the most romantic tales of the ancient Highland clans.
Why Visit Best Small Towns in Europe Instead of Big Cities?
The big cities in Europe, such as Paris, Rome, and London are attractive; however, there is another form of magic in visiting best small towns in Europe. Small towns are easier to relax, you gain more local life, and you are also able to surround yourself with history without having people around you all over. This is why you need to consider a small town the next time you want to have some European fun:
- Authenticity Small towns usually lack the tourist trap towering over the place, providing a more genuine cultural experience.
- Peace – You are able to relax at the calm atmosphere of small towns, instead of the sound and the hurry of large cities.
- Natural Beauty – Most small towns happen to be located in scenery scenes including rolling hillsides to lakes with crystal clear water.
- Romantic Atmosphere It is also full of many romantic best small towns in Europe where you can find couples spending their romantic time together or even anyone needs a kind of magic to make forget about his problems.
Review: Romantic Small Towns Europe
In case you are in need of romance, then these European small towns will best your expectations. It can be a candlelit supper beside a stream and a evening trot in the place of cobblestone material or a house stay in a traditional inn, these towns put a serene ambience of love. The towns such as Sintra, Colmar, and Bruges are just right according to the needs of the person who is seeking to have a romantic experience in the most conspicuous manner possible.
Tips for Visiting Small Villages in Europe
- Travel Off-Season: Visit the place during shoulder seasons (spring and fall) to avoid the crowd.
- Pack Light: A lot of small towns are narrow in the streets and have cobbles, that is why the light and comfortable bag is an advantage.
- Talk to Locals: You will spend time in small towns and this is the best time to establish a local tradition and culture by just talking to the locals.
- Slow Spicy: Do not hurry; instead you should take time and stroll around and enjoy the environment.
Conclusion—Best Small Towns in Europe
Want to get lost in nature, dig into the history of medieval times, or just find a quiet corner of the world with all the beauty and charms, where you can get rid of all life torments? Europe has its best small towns in Europe to find all of this. Whether you are in the fairytale-like village of Hallstatt or the romantic streets of Bruges, these are like a dream come true, and this is what makes them just right to visit as a tourist as you find something much more special and intimate in these best small towns in Europe as compared to the main resorts.
Explore Europefeeds for more updates.
FAQs
1. Which is the most beautiful village of Europe?
It will be different according to preferences, but among the most beautiful small towns in Europe, one may find such as Hallstatt (Austria), Colmar (France), and Sintra (Portugal).
2. Why should one travel to the best small towns in Europe?
Small towns provide a pure, quiet, and romantic environment: it is a place to go in case one wants a little slower way of life, not wanting to pay a huge amount of money, and wanting to actually enjoy culture. They can also help you avoid flocks of tourists and experience local magic of fairytale towns in Europe.