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The Best Small Towns in Europe

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Europe is full of magical small towns and picturesque villages. These small towns in Europe are off the beaten path and will make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a postcard. They are filled to the brim with history, character, and authentic local culture. Now that you’ve acquainted yourself with the big cities, it’s time to get to know the real heart. Prepare for the trip of a lifetime through the best small towns in Europe!

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Popular itinerary in Europe’s Small Towns:

Dinant, Belgium

This charming town is one of Belgium’s most picturesque. Nestled on the Meuse River, Dinant is colorful and dreamy, with remains of its medieval past revealed in the magnificent Dinant Citadel.

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SONY DSC

Bled, Slovenia

With emerald green water, an idyllic island, and a stunning castle, Bled is renowned for being breathtakingly beautiful. Add to that its awe-inspiring backdrop of the Alpine mountains, and you can understand why Bled is one of the world’s most talked about small towns and a bustling attraction – but don’t worry, it is still as quaint and serene as ever.

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Bled, Slovenia – Aerial view of beautiful Lake Bled (Blejsko Jezero) with the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria on a small island and Bled Castle and Julian Alps at backgroud at summer time

Geiranger, Norway

This tiny village is set atop the breathtaking and legendary Geiranger Fjord. Stunning crystal blue waters, majestic and steep mountains, and gushing waterfalls create the quintessential Norwegian experience.

You might also like –  The 10 Most Magical Small Towns in Norway

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Aerial landscape of Interlaken city, Switzerland

Rothenburg, Germany

A magical village that feels like a Bavarian fairytale, Rothenburg’s narrow cobbled streets are made for strolling. As you walk around, you can’t help but admire its colorful timbered houses and the perfectly preserved medieval wall which surrounds the town. Walking through Rothenburg is like stepping back in time to a medieval world – in fact, Rothenburg is considered to be German’s best-preserved medieval city and one of the most charming towns in Europe. It’s as if time stood still in this enchanting village!

Also check out – The 10 Most Magical Small Towns in Germany

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Rothenburg, Germany

Colmar, France

Colmar is the capital of the Alsace wine region and a truly magical and colorful town, complete with delightful canals and lush blossoms. When you travel to France, you can explore this storybook town in a small boat and stop for lunch at the tiny cafes while admiring the narrow streets and picturesque little churches.

Don’t forget to visit – 10 Most Romantic Small Towns In France

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Colmar, France

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is fairytale- like in its beauty. Cesky Krumlov is a medieval town full of cobblestone streets, bridges, and a magnificent castle with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements.

You might also like – Eurotrip : The Magic Of Prague, Vienna & Budapest

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Panoramic view of the historic city of Cesky Krumlov with famous Cesky Krumlov Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, in beautiful morning light at sunrise with mystic fog in fall, Czech Republic.

Interlaken, Switzerland

Situated between two clear blue lakes, Interlaken is the perfect place for visitors on a relaxing vacation as well as for the thrill seekers among us. You can spend your time in Interlaken admiring the stunning scenery, the majestic Alps, the blue lakes, and some of the most beautiful nature in the world.

Check out – 10 Most Picturesque Villages in Switzerland

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Interlaken, Switzerland

Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre is one of the most iconic travel destinations in the world – and that’s why it must be part of your Italy itinerary. These five tiny villages embody Italy at its very best – the scenery, the wine, and the history. The oldest of the villages, Manarola, is surrounded by vineyards and a deep blue ocean. Pink and yellow houses descend the cliffs towards the little harbor, and the view is simply majestic.

Don’t forget to read: Discover The Magic of Cinque Terre – one of the best small towns in Europe, And – 10 Most Romantic Small Towns In Italy 

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Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy

Bibury, Cotswold valley, England 

Charming Bibury looks like a postcard with its rows of old cozy cottages, a picturesque old church, and river that flows through the city. This small town is warm and enchanting, with vivid colors and a magical feel.

You might also like – The 10 Most Charming Small Towns in England

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The historical weavers cottages in Arlington Row in Bibury

Giethoorn, Netherlands 

This dreamy town is charming beyond words. There are no roads to take you around – only sailing on the village’s many canals or cycling, crossing the canals on one of its many bridges. Known as the “Dutch Venice,” the village shines in bright colors, adorned in blooming flowers and boasting charming traditional houses.

Check out – 10 Most Delightful Small Towns in the Netherlands

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Panoramiv view of the water canal and traditional dutch brick houses in idyllic Giethoorn village, Netherlands

Annecy, France

With a view of the snowy Alps, this majestic old town with quaint pastel houses and a pure turquoise lake will take your breath away. This idyllic small town has everything you need for an enchanted getaway.

You might also like – The Perfect Honeymoon in France 

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Medieval castle on the canal in a beautiful city Annecy, France

Arcos de la Frontera, Spain

A pueblo blanco (white village) dramatically perched on a cliff, this stunning town offers a breathtaking view of whitewashed houses built on the ridge and historic steep streets, chapels, and castles.

You might also like – 10 Most Charming Small Towns In Spain

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Arcos de la Frontera, Spain

Albarracin, Spain

Albarracin can certainly be considered one of the best small towns in Europe – or, at the very least, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Just picture walking through the narrow cobbled streets and marveling at all of the exquisite medieval architecture.

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Top view of spanish mountains town in evening. Albarracin, Spain

Hallstatt, Austria

Austria’s crown jewel, and one of the world’s most beautiful lakeside villages, Hallstatt is a dream come true. The houses are pastel-colored, the clear water is serene, and the magnificent mountains rise high above the lake. The village’s natural beauty is straight out of a storybook.

Don’t forget to check out – 10 Most Enchanting Small Towns in Austria

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Hallstatt, Austria
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