{"id":85681,"date":"2026-04-28T09:35:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T09:35:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/40-small-towns-in-europe-that-are-worth-planning-a-trip-around\/"},"modified":"2026-04-28T09:35:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T09:35:29","slug":"40-small-towns-in-europe-that-are-worth-planning-a-trip-around","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/40-small-towns-in-europe-that-are-worth-planning-a-trip-around\/","title":{"rendered":"40 Small Towns in Europe That Are Worth Planning a Trip Around"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"affiliate-disclaimer\">\n           All products and listings featured on Matador Network are independently selected by our writers and editors. Matador Network may receive compensation if you make a purchase through these links.        <\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h6>Italy | France | Spain and Portugal | Germany, Switzerland, and Austria | Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg | Norway | Central and Eastern Europe | The Balkans | Greece | UK and Ireland<\/h6>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h2>Italy<\/h2>\n<p><\/center><br \/>\n<center><\/p>\n<h3>Cinque Terre, Italy<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622316\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622316\" class=\"wp-image-622316 size-full wow-me lazy\" alt=\"small towns in Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Manarola-in-Cinque-Terre-Italy-townscape.jpg\"\/><noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622316\" class=\"wp-image-622316 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Manarola-in-Cinque-Terre-Italy-townscape.jpg\" alt=\"small towns in Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622316\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Anton Watman\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The five villages that comprise Cinque Terre \u2014 Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore \u2014 have taken steps to limit congestion. These fishing villages on the Italian Riviera, although they receive heavy tourism year-round, restrict car access in their historic centers and are connected by hiking trails and a railway line.<\/p>\n<p>Cinque Terre is known for its cliffs, colorful homes, and terraced hillsides above the Mediterranean. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 as part of Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto), the area draws visitors looking for a more traditional coastal setting. Accommodation within the five villages is largely made up of small guesthouses rather than full-service hotels, so many travelers stay elsewhere along the Ligurian coast. Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino is a five-star hotel set in a former monastery above the harbor, with terraced gardens and views over the bay. Belmond also opened Villa Beatrice nearby, a dreamy private staffed residence connected to the hotel that operates as a standalone villa.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622317\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622317\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622317 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Castiglion-Fiorentino-town-in-Arezzo-Italy.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622317\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622317\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Castiglion-Fiorentino-town-in-Arezzo-Italy.jpg\" alt=\"Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622317\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: pegasophoto\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>An ancient Etruscan and later Roman settlement, Castiglion Fiorentino offers insight into its long history. Medieval stone fortifications and cobblestone streets remain, and archaeologists have discovered a sacred area under the town\u2019s modern piazza dating back to the 5th century BC. The town of about 13,000 residents is home to an art gallery inside the Church of Sant\u2019Angelo, with 13th-century jewelry on display, and in the underground Civic Museum of Archaeology you\u2019ll find archaeological discoveries from the area.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Corinaldo, Italy<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622363\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622363\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622363 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Corinaldo, Italy\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Ancient-italian-village-of-Corinaldo-in-Ancona-Italy.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622363\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622363\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Ancient-italian-village-of-Corinaldo-in-Ancona-Italy.jpg\" alt=\"Corinaldo, Italy\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622363\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: ermess\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Italy is no stranger to medieval small towns perched atop a hill, but Corinaldo is among the best-preserved in the country. This village, in the province of Ancona, has defensive walls built in the 15th century and battlements that offer panoramic views of the countryside. Corinaldo is also an important religious destination as the birthplace and pilgrimage site of Maria Goretti, who was canonized in 1950. Other attractions include the Cannon of Fico, the historic House of Sucretto, the 100-step Piaggia stairwell, and the famous Well of Poleta.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Glorenza, Italy<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622379\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622379\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622379 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Glorenza, Italy\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Small-streets-of-the-Italian-village-of-Glorenza-in-Alto-Adige.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622379\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622379\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Small-streets-of-the-Italian-village-of-Glorenza-in-Alto-Adige.jpg\" alt=\"Glorenza, Italy\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622379\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Chris Rinckes\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Glorenza, or Glurns, is a German-speaking town in South Tyrol with fully intact medieval walls and towers and a fairytale setting in a green valley. Glorenza hit its stride between the 13th and 16th centuries when it saw major economic prosperity. Much of its architecture dates back to this period, including its many arcades and old patrician houses. Pay special attention to Glurns Castle, a manor house with a courtyard and tower, and the Fr\u00f6hlich House, with a facade painted with a Renaissance allegory. Outside the town walls you can see the Gothic church of St. James at S\u00f6les with origins dating to 1220, making it one of the oldest churches in Tyrol.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Monte Isola, Italy<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622384\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622384\" class=\"wp-image-622384 size-full wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Monte Isola, Italy, small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Monte-Isola-small-town-in-Lake-Iseo-Italy.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622384\" class=\"wp-image-622384 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Monte-Isola-small-town-in-Lake-Iseo-Italy.jpg\" alt=\"Monte Isola, Italy, small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622384\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: BNFWork\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Several small fishing towns, ports, and olive- and grape-growing villages dot this tranquil island in Lake Iseo. Despite what you might think, the island doesn\u2019t sit off Italy\u2019s east or west coasts but is located in the middle of Lake Iseo in the north. The about 1,800 people living on Monte Isola are spread over 11 villages and just 5 square miles, making it a truly unique destination in one of Europe\u2019s most picturesque regions. What truly gives the island a whimsical quality, however, is that cars are largely banned. Inhabitants are only allowed to walk, cycle, or use motorcycles. Given the island\u2019s small size, it\u2019s totally possible to explore the entire island via footpaths. It\u2019s particularly worth venturing to the top of the island to the Santuario della Madonna della Ceriola, where you\u2019ll get the best views.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h2>France<\/h2>\n<p><\/center><br \/>\n<center><\/p>\n<h3>Saint-Emilion, France<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622322\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622322\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622322 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Saint-Emilion, France\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Vineyards-around-the-old-town-of-Saint-Emilion-France.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622322\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622322\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Vineyards-around-the-old-town-of-Saint-Emilion-France.jpg\" alt=\"Saint-Emilion, France\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622322\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: sebduv\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>This UNESCO World Heritage site in France\u2019s Bordeaux region features Roman ruins and steep cobblestone streets. It is known for the 13th-century La Tour du Roy tower, Romanesque churches, and medieval streets, but it is also known for its wine. Saint-\u00c9milion has been producing wine since at least the 2nd century BC, and the surrounding vineyards remain central to the region\u2019s identity. Many of the estates sit just outside the town, where Ch\u00e2teau H\u00f4tel Grand Barrail operates as a five-star hotel set in a 19th-century ch\u00e2teau with parkland and vineyards, and Les Sources de Caudalie sits within vineyards near Bordeaux, with its spa and main buildings spread across a working wine estate.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Colmar, France<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_623923\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-623923\" class=\"size-full wp-image-623923 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"848\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2020\/10\/Colmar-France.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-623923\" class=\"size-full wp-image-623923\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2020\/10\/Colmar-France.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"848\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-623923\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: canadastock\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Colmar is a popular stop in France\u2019s Alsace region, and for good reason. The little cottages and colorful shops will transport you back in time. What makes Colmar stand out is the intersection of French and German culture. It is located in the Alsace region, which has passed between France and Germany over the centuries. Although occupied by Germany during World War II, it was among the last towns in France liberated by Allied forces and has remained French ever since. You\u2019ll still be able to see the German influence on Colmar\u2019s architecture, especially if you stay near the old town: La Maison des T\u00eates is a five-star Relais &amp; Ch\u00e2teaux hotel in a 1609 landmark building with a Michelin-starred restaurant, while L\u2019Esquisse H\u00f4tel &amp; Spa is a five-star MGallery hotel near Champ de Mars park, close to Little Venice and the half-timbered streets.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Riquewihr, France<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622356\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622356\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622356 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Riquewihr, France\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Colorful-houses-in-Riquewihr-in-Alsace-France.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622356\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622356\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Colorful-houses-in-Riquewihr-in-Alsace-France.jpg\" alt=\"Riquewihr, France\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622356\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Boris Stroujko\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Riesling fans know Riquewihr for its famed wine appellation, and travelers love its town center, which has remained largely intact for hundreds of years. Located between the Vosges Mountains and the Plain of Alsace, Riquewihr feels like an open-air museum that has preserved its character in pristine fashion over the centuries. You\u2019ll find half-timbered houses from the 15th-century, a defensive gate from the 13th-century, and museums that illuminate the town\u2019s cultural and historic heritage, like the Thieves\u2019 Tower and the 16th-century Winemaker\u2019s House. In this part of Alsace, many visitors base themselves in the surrounding villages, and in nearby Kaysersberg, Le Chambard is a Relais &amp; Ch\u00e2teaux hotel set across multiple traditional Alsatian buildings, with a Michelin-starred restaurant and a level of service not found within Riquewihr itself.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Eguisheim, France<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622392\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622392\" class=\"wp-image-622392 size-full wow-me lazy\" alt=\"small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"892\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Townscape-Eguisheim-Old-Town-in-Alsace-France.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622392\" class=\"wp-image-622392 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Townscape-Eguisheim-Old-Town-in-Alsace-France.jpg\" alt=\"small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"892\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622392\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Boris Stroujko\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Half-timbered buildings and Alsace go together like wine and, well, Alsace. Eguisheim is a key stop on the Alsatian wine route and a must-see for the Riesling lovers out there. The town dates back to the Paleolithic period, following the discovery of a human skull in the area in 1865. The find was particularly important for proving the existence of prehistoric humans.<\/p>\n<p>Fast-forwarding a bit in time, Eguisheim is full of old cottages overgrown with vines, cheese shops, and medieval fountains and courtyards. The streets are arranged in concentric circles around the 11th-century castle in the middle, so it\u2019s pretty easy to find your way around. If you have a choice, try to visit in August so you can experience the winegrowers\u2019 festival, which is every bit as fun as it sounds. In case you still need convincing, Eguisheim was voted the Favorite French Village by the French themselves in 2013, and as we know, there\u2019s a lot of competition for that distinction.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h2>Spain and Portugal<\/h2>\n<p><\/center><br \/>\n<center><\/p>\n<h3>Ronda, Spain<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622360\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622360\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622360 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Ronda, Spain\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Puente-Nuevo-Bridge-in-Ronda-Spain.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622360\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622360\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Puente-Nuevo-Bridge-in-Ronda-Spain.jpg\" alt=\"Ronda, Spain\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622360\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Sean Pavone\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Three dramatic stone bridges span the El Tajo canyon over which the town is built. The birthplace of modern Spanish bullfighting, Ronda was once home to Ernest Hemingway, who spent time here during his travels through Spain. The New Bridge, completed in 1793, connects the old Moorish quarter with the newer part of town and remains the defining landmark. The views from the edge of the gorge are what people come for, and Parador de Ronda is the place to stay here, set beside the bridge in a former town hall with rooms that look directly out over the canyon.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Potes, Spain<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622368\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622368\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622368 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Potes, Spain\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Village-of-Potes-in-Spain.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622368\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622368\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Village-of-Potes-in-Spain.jpg\" alt=\"Potes, Spain\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622368\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: lunamarina\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In Spain\u2019s mountainous north, Potes straddles steep river terrain and is home to several centuries-old stone bridges, including the famous San Cayetano and La C\u00e1rcel. Located at the meeting point of four valleys in the Picos de Europa, the village is surrounded by hills and mountains.<\/p>\n<p>Its medieval town center is defined by a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and ancient streets, with houses of golden stone and a river crossed by several small stone bridges. Make sure you stop and appreciate the 13th-century Torre del Infantado fortification in the main square, containing illuminated manuscripts of the Book of Revelation and the old Gothic church of San Vicente with its Baroque altarpiece.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Santillana del Mar, Spain<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622390\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622390\" class=\"wp-image-622390 size-full wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Santillana del Mar, Spain small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Santillana-del-Mar-town-in-Spain.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622390\" class=\"wp-image-622390 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Santillana-del-Mar-town-in-Spain.jpg\" alt=\"Santillana del Mar, Spain small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622390\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Takashi Images\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Santillana del Mar is one of Cantabria\u2019s richest centers of art and history. Its medieval streets are lined with flowering balconies, and visitors quickly remark on how well preserved the place is. That\u2019s because strict rules were introduced in 1575 regarding town planning and development, which today includes a stipulation that only residents can bring their vehicles into the heart of town. That keeps tourist traffic at bay, and allows the town to retain its medieval character. It\u2019s also home to Altamira Cave, the \u201cSistine Chapel of cave art,\u201d which contains some of the most famous prehistoric paintings in the world.<\/p>\n<p>Santillana del Mar is affectionately known as the town of three lies. It is neither holy (santi), flat (llana), nor located by the sea (del mar). Visitors hardly seem to care, though, as the beauty before them is so magical.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Zahara de la Sierra, Spain<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622380\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622380\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622380 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Zahara de la Sierra, Spain\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Mediaval-town-of-Zahara-de-la-Sierra-near-Sevilla-Spain.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622380\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622380\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Mediaval-town-of-Zahara-de-la-Sierra-near-Sevilla-Spain.jpg\" alt=\"Zahara de la Sierra, Spain\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622380\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: tokar\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Zahara de la Sierra spills down a hillside between olive orchards and vineyards and is one of the most stunning towns in the entire region. Immediately recognizable for its whitewashed houses, the town is built on the side of a hill and is fittingly known as the \u201cwhite village.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Sitting at the foot of the Sierra del Jaral, surrounded by the waters of the Zahara-el Gastor reservoir, the town lies in the shadow of the remains of a Moorish castle. Make sure to check out the 17th-century Santa Mar\u00eda de la Mesa Church, the 16th-century Torre del Reloj clocktower, and the ancient Roman Palominos Bridge. The town\u2019s center was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1983, so no matter where you wander in Zahara de la Sierra, you really can\u2019t go wrong.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Arcos de la Frontera, Spain<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622403\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622403\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622403 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Arcos de la Frontera, Spain\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Arcos-de-la-Frontera-town-in-Cadiz-Spain.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622403\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622403\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Arcos-de-la-Frontera-town-in-Cadiz-Spain.jpg\" alt=\"Arcos de la Frontera, Spain\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622403\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Jose Ignacio Soto\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Arcos de la Frontera \u2014 perhaps the most dramatic cliffside member of Spain\u2019s pueblos blancos (white villages) \u2014 is relatively well-preserved from its glory days on the front line of Spain\u2019s 13th-century campaigns to expel the Moors. The town is perched atop a limestone ridge and is known for its stone castle walls and \u2014 like the rest of the pueblos blancos \u2014 its whitewashed houses.<\/p>\n<p>The streets are a maze of cobblestone alleyways leading up to the sandstone Castillo de los Arcos. From here, you\u2019ll get clear views of the town and the plains beyond. Despite the majesty of the castle, the true center of Arcos de la Frontera\u2019s old town is the Plaza del Cabildo, surrounded by an impressive semicircular arcade. In 1962, the town was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in recognition of its scenic location and unique architecture.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>\u00d3bidos, Portugal<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622364\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622364\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622364 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"\u00d3bidos, Portugal\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Medieval-town-of-Obidos-in-Portugal-panoramic-view-with-sunset.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622364\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622364\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Medieval-town-of-Obidos-in-Portugal-panoramic-view-with-sunset.jpg\" alt=\"\u00d3bidos, Portugal\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622364\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Raul Luna\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>When \u00d3bidos was gifted by Afonso II to his wife Urraca of Leon in the 13th century, the town became associated with Portugal\u2019s queens, and it\u2019s easy to see why. Several of the buildings and monuments were either founded or funded by queens of Portugal, and the town itself is encircled by medieval castle walls. A walk around the small town might convince you that you are living in the shadow of the Portuguese monarchy.<\/p>\n<p>The town\u2019s historic homes are defined by whitewashed walls and yellow borders, and its narrow streets and hidden alleyways would take years to explore thoroughly. The castle, founded by the Moors in the 8th century, now serves as a heritage hotel, so you can book a room and live like royalty yourself.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Bragan\u00e7a, Portugal<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622370\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622370\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622370 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Bragan\u00e7a, Portugal\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Medieval-town-of-Braganca-in-Portugal.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622370\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622370\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Medieval-town-of-Braganca-in-Portugal.jpg\" alt=\"Bragan\u00e7a, Portugal\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622370\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: rubensantos\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Inhabited since the Paleolithic period, Bragan\u00e7a\u2019s old town walls, Renaissance buildings, and town hall (one of the oldest in Portugal) have managed to survive through the ages. Bragan\u00e7a is located in the Tr\u00e1s-os-Montes region, which means \u201cbehind the mountains.\u201d The name is fitting as the town sits in one of the most remote areas of mainland Portugal.<\/p>\n<p>Located atop a plateau near the Spanish border, the town is known for its walls and castle dating to the 12th century that still stand today. Stone houses line the streets, and the town is one of Portugal\u2019s last remaining examples of Romanesque civic architecture. Surrounding the town is the Parque Natural de Montesinho, where wild animals like boars and wolves inhabit the area.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>\u00c9vora, Portugal<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622408\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622408\" class=\"wp-image-622408 size-full wow-me lazy\" alt=\"small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"797\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Cathedral-in-Evora-small-town-in-Portugal.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622408\" class=\"wp-image-622408 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Cathedral-in-Evora-small-town-in-Portugal.jpg\" alt=\"small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"797\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622408\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Fotoeventis\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>An important trading and religious center in Portugal in the 16th century, now the city is known for the historic sites like Roman baths and the Roman Temple that sit within its 14th-century walls. Surrounded by the Alentejo region, a region dotted with olive groves, medieval-walled towns, and traditional Portuguese villages, \u00c9vora is the perfect base to explore the beautiful countryside.<\/p>\n<p>Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, \u00c9vora has been designated as a museum-city thanks to its roots in the ancient Roman period. The \u00c1gua de Prata Aqueduct and the medieval cathedral, convents, palaces, churches, and squares give the city a distinctly historic character, which mixes well with the vibrance of its current university atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h2>Germany, Switzerland, and Austria<\/h2>\n<p><\/center><br \/>\n<center><\/p>\n<h3>Cochem, Germany<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622366\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622366\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622366 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Cochem, Germany\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Historic-town-of-Cochem-in-the-Moselle-River-in-Germany.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622366\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622366\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Historic-town-of-Cochem-in-the-Moselle-River-in-Germany.jpg\" alt=\"Cochem, Germany\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622366\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Boris Stroujko\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Once a Celtic, then Roman, outpost on the Rhine, Cochem is located in the heart of Germany\u2019s Riesling wine region. Half-timbered houses are topped with slate roofs, and strolling the winding streets, you\u2019ll notice quirky details like a merman carved into the side of a building. It\u2019s all overlooked by the imperial Reichsburg Cochem castle. Built around the year 1000, the medieval castle sits atop a vineyard-covered hill and was renovated in the mid-1800s to reflect a more Neo-Gothic style.<\/p>\n<p>Since you can\u2019t visit the Riesling region without sampling the goods, check out Family Winery Rademacher for a wine tasting and cellar tour. You\u2019ll learn about what it takes to produce wine from the winemaker himself and taste six different wines over the course of two hours.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Mittenwald, Germany<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622373\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622373\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622373 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Mittenwald, Germany\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Mountain-town-of-Mittenwald-in-Bavaria-Germany.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622373\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622373\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Mountain-town-of-Mittenwald-in-Bavaria-Germany.jpg\" alt=\"Mittenwald, Germany\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622373\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Daria Sleta\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Mittenwald pretty much has everything you could possibly want in a classic German mountain village: cobblestone streets and mountain vistas. A little river runs through the Altstadt (old town), and on the main street you\u2019ll find painted facades, called L\u00fcftlmalerei, decorating the houses \u2014 some of them dating back more than 250 years. The painted images tell the story of the town with pictures showing the profession of the homeowner, as well as scenes from festivals and religious iconography. In the main square, you can\u2019t miss St. Peter and Paul Church, built in 1315 and still serving churchgoers.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re eager to get out into the mountains, head to the nearby Karwendel Alps, the most extensive range of the Northern Limestone Alps. Intrepid hikers will find paths leading up to the peaks, but if you\u2019re just in it for the views you can take a cable car 7,300 feet up, where you\u2019ll find a telescope overlooking the Isar Valley.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Quedlinburg, Germany<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622386\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622386\" class=\"wp-image-622386 size-full wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Quedlinburg, Germany, small towns in Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Castle-Hill-in-Quedlinburg-in-Germany.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622386\" class=\"wp-image-622386 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Castle-Hill-in-Quedlinburg-in-Germany.jpg\" alt=\"Quedlinburg, Germany, small towns in Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622386\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: S-F\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Home to some of Germany\u2019s oldest buildings, Quedlinburg was spared the destruction that befell so many of Germany\u2019s cities during World War II. Cobblestone streets run through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with over 1,000 timber-framed homes, a stately castle, and a 13th-century church, Quedlinburg is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Germany. One house, which dates back to 1310, even served as a residence until as recently as 1965 (now it is a small museum).<\/p>\n<p>Towering above the town is the Schloss Quedlinburg, a castle perched atop sandstone cliffs. Visitors here can explore the myriad ornate rooms, see artifacts in the castle\u2019s museum, and enjoy the best view in town. The Marktkirche St. Benedikti Church is the other notable landmark in Quedlinburg, dating back to 1233. Its unique octagonal design sets it apart from other churches of the same era, and it serves as a home to various pieces of art, a late Gothic altar of St. Mary, and historic tombstones.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Lindau, Germany<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622388\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622388\" class=\"wp-image-622388 size-full wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Lindau, Germany, small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"741\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Harbor-in-Lake-Constance-in-Lindau-Bavaria-Germany.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622388\" class=\"wp-image-622388 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Harbor-in-Lake-Constance-in-Lindau-Bavaria-Germany.jpg\" alt=\"Lindau, Germany, small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"741\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622388\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Sergey Dzyuba\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Germany isn\u2019t typically known for its island destinations, and that\u2019s why Lindau is such a unique exception. Storied Lindau occupies an island in Lake Constance near the Austrian and Swiss borders. While a modern town is connected via a roadway, the city center retains its medieval core. This is most immediately noticeable in the Mangturm Lighthouse, dating to the 13th century, standing at the northern edge of the port. In the town itself, you\u2019ll be navigating winding cobblestone streets along the Maximilianstra\u00dfe \u2014 the main pedestrian promenade. The Old Town Hall, decorated with frescoes of cherubs, dates back to the 15th century, and the Romanesque Peterskirche is more than 1,000 years old, housing frescoes of the Passion of Christ.<\/p>\n<p>For a true dose of fantasy, check out Mainau, a small island nearby with a greenhouse butterfly sanctuary. The old city streets are great, but strolling among the 120 colorful butterfly species on this island might be what you remember most from your visit to Lindau.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Gruyeres, Switzerland<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622320\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622320\" class=\"wp-image-622320 size-full wow-me lazy\" alt=\"small towns in Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Medieval-town-of-Gruyere-in-Fribourg-Switzerland.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622320\" class=\"wp-image-622320 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Medieval-town-of-Gruyere-in-Fribourg-Switzerland.jpg\" alt=\"small towns in Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622320\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: canadastock\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Famed for producing the cheese of the same name, Gruy\u00e8res is a medieval gateway to the Swiss Alps where traffic is limited and cows still pass through on their way to pasture. The cobblestone streets lined with flowers and traditional houses make the small town a well-preserved medieval Alpine village. One of the main landmarks in Gruy\u00e8res is the 13th-century Castle of Gruy\u00e8res, which is open to visitors, including the ramparts, towers, and gardens.<\/p>\n<p>The town is perhaps most notable, however, for Gruy\u00e8re AOP cheese. Visitors can watch the cheese-making process by taking an interactive tour.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Gimmelwald, Switzerland<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622348\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622348\" class=\"wp-image-622348 size-full wow-me lazy\" alt=\"small towns in Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"735\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Gimmelwald-village-in-Switzerland-with-Lauterbrunnen-Valley-and-Swiss-Alps-.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622348\" class=\"wp-image-622348 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Gimmelwald-village-in-Switzerland-with-Lauterbrunnen-Valley-and-Swiss-Alps-.jpg\" alt=\"small towns in Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"735\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622348\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Victor Flower Fly\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Step off the tram and into another century in Switzerland\u2019s best-preserved Alpine village. Since the whole community has been declared an avalanche zone, the town has managed to stave off modern development and retain its charm. Often neglected by tourists in favor of the nearby \u2014 and more famous \u2014 Grindelwald, Gimmelwald is a less-traveled village and a great alternative if you\u2019re looking to escape the crowds. Hanging off the edge of a cliff above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Gimmelwald is defined by its cattle troughs, barns, traditional chalets, and sweeping views of the mountains. For even better views, take the gondola up the Schilthorn to the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant, at an elevation of 10,000 feet, before hiking back down.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Hallstatt, Austria<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622369\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622369\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622369 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"840\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Hallstatt-historical-town-in-Austria-.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622369\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622369\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Hallstatt-historical-town-in-Austria-.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"840\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622369\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Boris Stroujko\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Located between the Hallst\u00e4tter See and the slopes of the Dachstein Mountains, this town is the quintessential image of a storybook lakeside village. The streets of Hallstatt are lined with tightly packed houses and narrow lanes that wind toward the water, with viewpoints opening across the lake at nearly every turn. For a broader perspective, the Hallstatt Skywalk sits high above the town, looking out across the Dachstein\u2013Salzkammergut region. One of Hallstatt\u2019s more unusual sites is the ossuary, where painted skulls are displayed due to the town\u2019s limited burial space. Staying close to the lake is what defines the experience here, and Heritage Hotel Hallstatt occupies several historic buildings along the waterfront, while Seehotel Gr\u00fcner Baum sits directly on the main square with rooms facing the water.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h2>Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg<\/h2>\n<p><\/center><br \/>\n<center><\/p>\n<h3>Bruges, Belgium<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622325\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622325\" class=\"wp-image-622325 size-full wow-me lazy\" alt=\"small towns in Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Medieval-buildings-in-Bruges-Belgium.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622325\" class=\"wp-image-622325 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Medieval-buildings-in-Bruges-Belgium.jpg\" alt=\"small towns in Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622325\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Ruslan Kalnitsky\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>If you\u2019ve seen the movie <em>In Bruges<\/em>, you probably don\u2019t need much convincing to go visit. In the movie, Brendan Gleeson\u2019s character sums it up perfectly when he says, \u201cIt\u2019s like a f*cking fairytale or something.\u201d The 14th century port city is defined by its cobbled squares and alleys, towering Belfry, and labyrinth of canals that earned it the nickname, \u201cThe Venice of the North.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>You can spend a full day cruising the canals or walking the alleyways, and staying in the historic center keeps you close to the main sites, including Hotel Dukes\u2019 Palace, a five-star hotel built on the site of the former palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, or Relais Bourgondisch Cruyce, a smaller property set in two canal-side houses in the old town. Visit the Hof Bladelin, once a branch of the Medici bank and now part of a convent, with limited visitor access.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Giethoorn, Netherlands<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622377\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622377\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622377 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Giethoorn, Netherlands\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Giethoorn-village-the-Venice-of-the-Netherlands.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622377\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622377\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Giethoorn-village-the-Venice-of-the-Netherlands.jpg\" alt=\"Giethoorn, Netherlands\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622377\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Hung Chung Chih\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>With several canals and wooden bridges, Giethoorn feels like a smaller, more relaxed version of Amsterdam. Little has changed here since the town\u2019s founding in the 13th century. The car-free village is full of lakes, reed beds, forests, farms, and paths perfect for walking and biking. If you prefer, you can get around by boat, which is probably the most picturesque way to see the old farmhouses and really take in the village\u2019s history. It\u2019s called \u201cDutch Venice\u201d for a reason. But unlike Venice, you won\u2019t have to deal with the crowds \u2014 there are only about 2,600 people living in the entire town.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Esch-sur-S\u00fbre, Luxembourg<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622381\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622381\" class=\"wp-image-622381 size-full wow-me lazy\" alt=\"small towns in Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"830\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Esch-Sur-Sure-Luxembourg-aerial-view.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622381\" class=\"wp-image-622381 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Esch-Sur-Sure-Luxembourg-aerial-view.jpg\" alt=\"small towns in Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"830\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622381\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: IURII BURIAK\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Built along a bend in the River S\u00fbre, Esch-sur-S\u00fbre was officially founded during Charlemagne\u2019s reign and is home to a stunning Gothic castle \u2014 one of the oldest in Luxembourg \u2014 built on high ground above the town around 920. The castle\u2019s ruins, which you\u2019re free to explore, give you a view of the village, whose infrastructure has remained largely unchanged since the Middle Ages. After the castle was built, the village grew around it, constructing smaller lookout towers and a defensive wall, the ruins of which remain today. The castle\u2019s ruins are preserved as a historic site and illuminated each night.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Echternach, Luxembourg<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622382\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622382\" class=\"wp-image-622382 size-full wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Echternach, Luxembourg, small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"848\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Echternach-Luxembourg-Historical-Center.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622382\" class=\"wp-image-622382 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Echternach-Luxembourg-Historical-Center.jpg\" alt=\"Echternach, Luxembourg, small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"848\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622382\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: trabantos\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Echternach sits right on the banks of the S\u00fbre River, about as close as you can get to Germany without actually being on German soil. Just a three-minute walk across the bridge will bring you to Echternach\u2019s sister town in Germany called Echternacherbr\u00fcck. But there\u2019s plenty in Echternach to keep you occupied, like exploring the old town square, visiting the seventh-century abbey, or relaxing on a caf\u00e9 patio on the cobblestone streets. Beyond the central marketplace, you can tour the ancient city wall and get lost in the labyrinthine streets.<\/p>\n<p>Just outside town you\u2019ll find the M\u00fcllerthal Trail leading through the \u201cLittle Switzerland\u201d region of Luxembourg. The region is so named for its craggy terrain, unique rock formations, lush forests, and streams resembling the composition of Switzerland\u2019s landscape. The M\u00fcllerthal Trail is an unforgettable hike complete with waterfalls, epic canyons, and castles, and Echternach is the perfect home base.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h2>Norway<\/h2>\n<p><\/center><br \/>\n<center><\/p>\n<h3>Balestrand, Norway<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622396\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622396\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622396 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Balestrand, Norway\" width=\"1280\" height=\"719\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Small-town-of-Balestrand-in-Fjordane-Norway.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622396\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622396\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Small-town-of-Balestrand-in-Fjordane-Norway.jpg\" alt=\"Balestrand, Norway\" width=\"1280\" height=\"719\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622396\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Marius Dobilas\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>With a population of about 2,000, Balestrand is located on the Sognefjord in Norway between Oslo and Bergen along the Sognefjord. It\u2019s world-renowned for its wooden villas, mountainous backdrop, and calming views of the fjord.<\/p>\n<p>One of the town\u2019s most unique structures is St. Olaf\u2019s Church, which was built in 1897 but recalls the classic stave church design used throughout Scandinavia. After you\u2019ve checked out the church, head to the beach. Balestrand has several public beaches where you can relax or even swim, including the Kvams\u00f8y recreation area and the Lunde Arboretum, which also features a botanical garden. If you want to do more than sightsee \u2014 or combine sightseeing with exercise \u2014 take the Fossetien hiking trail, which takes you through 14 waterfalls and seven mountain lakes. For a place to stay right on the water, Kviknes Hotel stretches along the fjord at the center of the village, with views across to the mountains on the opposite shore.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h2>Central and Eastern Europe<\/h2>\n<p><\/center><br \/>\n<center><\/p>\n<h3>\u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov, Czech Republic<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622353\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622353\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622353 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"\u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov, Czech Republic\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Cesky-Krumlov-Czech-Republic-townscape-aerial-view-.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622353\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622353\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Cesky-Krumlov-Czech-Republic-townscape-aerial-view-.jpg\" alt=\"\u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov, Czech Republic\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622353\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Nataliia Budianska\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, \u010cesk\u00fd Krumlov\u2019s outsized castle (the second-largest in the Czech Republic) provides a striking backdrop to this Baroque town. On the banks of the Vltava River, the town was built around a 13th-century castle. The former feudal settlement dates back to the Middle Ages and later saw Renaissance and Baroque additions, though its street layout and many historic buildings remain intact. The castle itself reflects several periods, with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. For a stay that matches the setting, Hotel R\u016f\u017ee occupies a former 16th-century Jesuit monastery in the heart of the old town.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Znojmo, Czech Republic<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622391\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622391\" class=\"wp-image-622391 size-full wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Znojmo, Czech Republic small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/St-Nicholas-Deanery-Church-in-Znojmo-Czech-Republic.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622391\" class=\"wp-image-622391 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/St-Nicholas-Deanery-Church-in-Znojmo-Czech-Republic.jpg\" alt=\"Znojmo, Czech Republic small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622391\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Sergey Fedoskin\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Historically, the city of Znojmo is famous as the site of the Battle of Znaim in 1809, where Napoleon Bonaparte defeated the Austrian army. The medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings in Znojmo\u2019s old town are lovely, and the Gothic Church of St. Nicholas is certainly worth visiting, but the best of Znojmo is actually underground. The town sits atop a vast underground labyrinth of tunnels, escape routes, and interconnected cellars dating back to the 14th century.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most extensive tunnel systems in Central Europe, the Znojmo tunnels extend for 16 miles. Consisting of medieval cellars linking to homes and palaces, the tunnels were expanded in the 19th century to protect the city\u2019s residents during times of war and featured traps like treacherous pits to defend against invaders. The system is so large that they have not yet been completely mapped. The tunnels are open for public exploration, and guided tours are offered regularly.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Sibiu, Romania<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622375\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622375\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622375 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Sibiu, Romania\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Main-Square-and-City-Hall-in-Sibiu-Romania.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622375\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622375\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Main-Square-and-City-Hall-in-Sibiu-Romania.jpg\" alt=\"Sibiu, Romania\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622375\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: emperorcosar\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>This Transylvanian city dates back to the 12th century. Its medieval center, open squares, stone walls, towers, and centuries-old churches are still intact, now meshing with a modern Bohemian-chic vibe that makes the city a cultural powerhouse.<br \/>The square of Pia\u021ba Mare has been the center of Sibiu since the 15th century. Now it is home to many of the city\u2019s best restaurants and hosts cultural events, concerts, and festivals. From Pia\u021ba Mare, walk down the Strada Nicolae B\u0103lcescu, the main pedestrian road connecting the square to the rest of the city. The thoroughfare is lined with pastel buildings and eye-catching flower displays, but the views really don\u2019t get much better than from the top of the Council Tower. Dating back to the late 16th century, the tower sits between Pia\u021ba Mare and Pia\u021ba Mic\u0103, giving you panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h2>The Balkans<\/h2>\n<p><\/center><br \/>\n<center><\/p>\n<h3>Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622398\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622398\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622398 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Historic-town-of-Mostar-in-Bosnia-and-Herzegovina.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622398\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622398\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Historic-town-of-Mostar-in-Bosnia-and-Herzegovina.jpg\" alt=\"Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622398\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Mike Ilchenko\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Mostar\u2019s blend of Ottoman architecture and Mediterranean feel makes it a unique destination in Europe. The city came under Ottoman control in the 15th century and has been greatly influenced by Ottoman and Turkish culture. Wander the stone streets where artisans sell handcrafted items, and if you\u2019re really looking for a souvenir, check out the Old Bazaar Kujund\u017eiluk just east of the bridge. If you\u2019ve ever been to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, this market will certainly look familiar.<\/p>\n<p>The most recognizable landmark in Mostar is Stari Most, its iconic Old Bridge, destroyed during the Croat-Bosniak war in 1993 and later rebuilt. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bridge is a popular spot for locals to prove their courage \u2014 and put on a show \u2014 by diving into the water below.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h2>Greece<\/h2>\n<p><\/center><br \/>\n<center><\/p>\n<h3>Monemvasia, Greece<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622355\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622355\" class=\"wp-image-622355 size-full wow-me lazy\" alt=\"small towns in Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"861\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Aerial-view-of-the-ancient-town-of-Monemvasia-in-the-Peloponnese-Peninsula-Greece.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622355\" class=\"wp-image-622355 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Aerial-view-of-the-ancient-town-of-Monemvasia-in-the-Peloponnese-Peninsula-Greece.jpg\" alt=\"small towns in Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"861\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622355\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Pit Stock\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Originally settled in the 6th century as a fortress refuge for Greeks fleeing invasion, Monemvasia has repelled invaders \u2014 cultural and physical \u2014 ever since. Located on the southeastern coast of the Peloponnese, the town was built into the back of a sea rock in the Middle Ages to conceal its presence from hostile forces. A classic medieval castle town, its setting on a rocky island adds to its isolation, with the main settlement hidden behind sheer cliffs and reached by a narrow causeway. Within the walls, stone houses and narrow lanes define the layout, while just beyond the fortress the Kinsterna Hotel is set across a restored historic estate with courtyards, olive groves, and vineyards, and operates as one of the few full-service hotels in the area.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Molyvos, Greece<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622389\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622389\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622389 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Molyvos, Greece\" width=\"1280\" height=\"773\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Ancient-town-of-Molyvos-in-Lesvos-Island-Greece.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622389\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622389\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Ancient-town-of-Molyvos-in-Lesvos-Island-Greece.jpg\" alt=\"Molyvos, Greece\" width=\"1280\" height=\"773\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622389\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: leoks\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>On the island of Lesvos, the town of Molyvos looks more like a painting than a town. Declared a protected site by Greek authorities in 1965, it\u2019s known for its stone and wood houses and its amphitheater-like construction. Traditional houses wrap around the coastal road leading up to a castle at the top, meaning walking around Molyvos takes a bit of legwork. As you might expect, though, it\u2019s totally worth it.<\/p>\n<p>Molyvos\u2019s main road is covered by wisteria, giving the cobblestone streets a striking purple hue when the flowers are in full bloom. Once you\u2019ve finished admiring the traditional villas, check out the Byzantine churches of Agios Panteleimon and Taxiarchis. The town is also home to what many consider the world\u2019s most beautiful street, which begins at the top of the village at the \u201cMythimna Market\u201d sign. Walking uphill to the castle, you\u2019ll be treated to views of the valley of Molyvos on one side and the shimmering coast on the other.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h2>UK and Ireland<\/h2>\n<p><\/center><br \/>\n<center><\/p>\n<h3>Burford, England<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622383\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622383\" class=\"wp-image-622383 size-full wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Burford, England, small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Burford-Town-Cotswolds-Oxfordshire-England.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622383\" class=\"wp-image-622383 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Burford-Town-Cotswolds-Oxfordshire-England.jpg\" alt=\"Burford, England, small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622383\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: abcbritain\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>You don\u2019t have to look far in England\u2019s Cotswold Hills to find enchanting small towns, and Burford is one of the most picturesque. Referred to as the \u201cgateway\u201d to the Cotswolds, Burford has about 1,500 residents and is the perfect example of what you can expect from this bucolic English region. The town\u2019s High Street slopes down to the River Windrush, where it reaches a three-arched medieval bridge. You won\u2019t find any chain stores here, but there are plenty of antique shops, art galleries, old-fashioned candy stores, and tearooms.<\/p>\n<p>Venture outside Burford to the broader Cotswolds area, known for having some of the most beautiful countryside in England. The area is famous for its Jurassic limestone bedrock, rare grassland habitat, and sleepy countryside villages that transport you to a simpler time.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Castle Combe, England<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622400\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622400\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622400 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Castle Combe, England\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Castle-Combe-and-Bybrook-River-in-Cotswolds-England.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622400\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622400\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Castle-Combe-and-Bybrook-River-in-Cotswolds-England.jpg\" alt=\"Castle Combe, England\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622400\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Adam Springer\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Castle Combe in Wiltshire is a bit of a misnomer. It\u2019s not actually a castle but a town of just under 350 people. No new houses have been built in Castle Combe since the 1600s, and its stone cottages have stood intact since at least the 17th century. Strict parking restrictions have also allowed this town to retain its historic character.<\/p>\n<p>In the village itself, you can visit the medieval market cross monument near St. Andrew\u2019s church and check out Doctor Doolittle\u2019s house from the 1967 movie. If you\u2019d rather see the town from above, walk up the footpath from Market Place that goes into the woods. The whole loop is just under six miles and will give you a great view of the village and surrounding landscape. When you get back into town, pop in for a drink at The Castle Inn whose old courtyards, cozy fireplaces, and hearty English meals make them the perfect spots to recharge.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Chipping Campden, England<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622409\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622409\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622409 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Chipping Campden, England\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Chipping-Campden-in-Gloucestershire-Cotswolds-England.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622409\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622409\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Chipping-Campden-in-Gloucestershire-Cotswolds-England.jpg\" alt=\"Chipping Campden, England\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622409\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Dave Knibbs\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>With buildings dating back to the 14th century, Chipping Campden is one of the best-preserved towns in the Cotswolds. Historian G.M. Trevelyan even described the town\u2019s High Street as \u201cthe most beautiful village street now left in the country,\u201d due to its gentle curve and elegant, unbroken trajectory. The town is also known for its gardens. The Hidcote Manor Garden truly looks like a scene from a Disney movie, and the Kiftsgate Court Gardens feature colorful flower beds, a water garden, and walking paths. The iconic Market Hall was built in 1627 to provide shelter for traders and is still used by merchants today. You can also venture outside town on a brief walk to Broadway Tower, a tower sitting atop Cleeve Hill.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Portree, Scotland<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622387\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622387\" class=\"wp-image-622387 size-full wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Portree, Scotland, small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Small-town-of-Portree-in-Isle-of-Skye-Scotland.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622387\" class=\"wp-image-622387 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Small-town-of-Portree-in-Isle-of-Skye-Scotland.jpg\" alt=\"Portree, Scotland, small towns Europe\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622387\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Nataliya Hora\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The main town on Scotland\u2019s Isle of Skye, Portree is one of Scotland\u2019s more remote destinations, but you won\u2019t be sorry for making the trip. Located on a bay on the east side of Skye, the fishing village of Portree is surrounded by rolling hills and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The town itself is defined by colorful houses overlooking the water. The best part about Portree, however, is that it serves as the perfect base for exploring the rest of the Isle of Skye.<\/p>\n<p>From town, you\u2019re just a short drive away from the Old Man of Storr hike past prehistoric-looking rock formations and the clear Fairy Pools famous for their small waterfalls. Since it\u2019s Scotland, you probably shouldn\u2019t expect blue skies \u2014 but the mist that usually hangs over the island only enhances the magical aesthetic. For a place to stay just above the harbor, Cuillin Hills Hotel looks out over the bay toward the Cuillin mountains, a short drive from the center when you want to be back in town.<\/p>\n<p><center><\/p>\n<h3>Dingle Peninsula<\/h3>\n<p><\/center><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_622372\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622372\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622372 wow-me lazy\" alt=\"Dingle Peninsula\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Colorful-houses-in-the-main-street-of-Dingle-in-Ireland.jpg\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-622372\" class=\"size-full wp-image-622372\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.matadornetwork.com\/blogs\/1\/2014\/08\/Colorful-houses-in-the-main-street-of-Dingle-in-Ireland.jpg\" alt=\"Dingle Peninsula\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-622372\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: 2checkingout\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>If you\u2019ve seen <em>Leap Year<\/em>, you might think Dingle is just the magical little town in Ireland where Amy Adams accidentally met the love of her life. Well, you\u2019re not wrong, but Dingle is also a real place that feels every bit as whimsical in person. You\u2019ll find wooden fishing boats lazily bobbing in the harbor, shepherds moving their flocks through rock-walled pastures, and plenty of cozy pubs.<\/p>\n<p>The Dingle Peninsula stretches about 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland\u2019s southwestern coast and is dominated by mountains from the Slieve Mish range to the Conor Pass and Mount Brandon. The coastline is defined by steep cliffs running down to beaches. The fishing port of Dingle sits on an estuary on the southwestern coast of the peninsula and is known for its colorful buildings, ancient streets, and relaxed atmosphere. 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