25 most comfortable cities in Europe. Small and cozy European cities that you want to visit. City of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

In old Europe there are many ancient and very picturesque cities. We are accustomed to what the most beautiful small towns in Europe look like: German settlements with "chocolate" houses, picturesque Scandinavian villages, coquettish old Italian towns on the Mediterranean coast, a magnificent backdrop of the Alps for old Swiss towns, the feeling of being in a fairy tale from French towns and Middle Ages - from the Spanish. It is impossible to choose the most picturesque of them, here only a dozen of the worst ones are offered.

1. Ronda (Spain)

Located in the south of Spain, in Andalusia, about 100 km from Malaga, Ronda is one of the oldest Iberian cities. There is a rich historical heritage from the Phoenicians and Celts, Arabs and Romans. The town is located on a rocky plateau, 750 meters above sea level, so the city is surrounded by picturesque mountains. At the very beginning, it was a modest village, but during the reign of Caesar in Rome, a castle was built here, into which people began to flock. Gradually, the village turned into a city. There is a lot to admire here - incredibly beautiful landscapes open up from anywhere in the city, and a huge number of various attractions scattered among the white houses are concentrated on a small area of ​​​​the city. Ronda is considered the birthplace of bullfighting, at least it is here that the oldest bullring in the country is located, which appeared back in 1784.

Every year the population of large cities, and, hence, their territory continues to increase steadily. Therefore, you can compare cities not only by ...

2. La Roque-Gageac (France)

The town of La Roque-Gageac stands on the banks of the Dordogne River, propped up by a high rock. This one of the most picturesque cities in Europe has been inhabited since time immemorial. In 1957, a catastrophe happened here when a huge piece of rock hanging over the city broke off and fell on the city. Then he pulverized 10 buildings, killed several local residents and blocked the city road for several years. But then the city was gradually restored with a somewhat new look, which allowed him to claim the title of one of the most beautiful small towns in France.
In addition to beautiful landscapes, La Roque-Gageac also grows rare Mediterranean and tropical plants, unusual for Aquitaine. A similar flora has taken root here due to the presence of all the same rocks that put a barrier to the north winds, so there is an almost tropical climate. The facades of the houses here are made of very beautiful cream and pink shell rock, thanks to which they are in perfect harmony with the rocks. Many city streets lead to the foot of the cliff, and from here a wonderful view of the Dordogne opens up. There are ancient caves of troglodytes in the rock - this is how the French called hermit monks who settled in natural grottoes, and sometimes cut them out on their own in the rocks.

3. Tropea (Italy)

The picturesque town of Tropea is located on the Calabrian coast and is one of the important resort destinations in Italy. It is famous for its huge cliff overlooking the beach. Because of this, Tropea is considered especially beautiful and attracts many tourists. It seems that the town seems to be growing out of a huge rock. The city is very compact - all its sights can be seen in less than an hour, and the rest of the time can be spent with a clear conscience on the local beautiful beaches.

Regular sociological surveys, which are conducted among the local population, are designed to identify the most comfortable cities for living in each country...

4. Dinan (Belgium)

The picturesque Ardennes mountains are located in the north-west of Belgium, on the slopes of which this small town is located. It attracts tourists with beautiful landscapes and ancient architecture, so it has become an important tourist destination for the people of the country. Although Dinan is small, it has many attractions that travelers especially appreciate. The population of Dinan is only 14 thousand people. The city, sandwiched between rocks, stands on the banks of the Mosa River, which makes its position unique. From here, its main attraction is obvious - a fortress, towering a hundred meters above the city. In the vicinity of Dinan there are caves that are decorated with stalactites.

5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Germany)

This old town is located in the Bavarian lands. Travelers who come here seem to plunge into the Middle Ages, since this city has almost completely preserved its historical authenticity. Here, fortunately, there is no modern architecture, skyscrapers and blinding neon advertising. The color of antiquity here even supports the appearance of telephone booths. The city authorities strictly monitor that the city does not lose the appearance of a 17th century settlement. To understand that this is still a modern city, you can only see modern cars running through the streets, mobile phones and clothes of passers-by. The view of Rothenburg from the outside is also impressive - it seems that it is hovering over the Tauber Valley. By the way, the name of the city just means "fortress over the river."

6. Manarola (Italy)

The unusually picturesque Italian town of Manarola belongs to the Cinque Terre (“five lands”) group. But of these, it is perhaps the most beautiful, and indeed the oldest, according to the cornerstone laid in the foundation of the church of San Lorenzo in 1160. In Manarola, along the sea coast, there is an impenetrable stone wall made up of houses of various colors. In this fishing town you can taste the wonderful Sciacchetra wine. The paintings of Antonio Discovolors, an artist in love with this city, who devoted most of his later creations to the landscapes of Manarola, are exhibited here. The city does not allow driving cars, so you won’t hear the nasty squeal of tires here. You can drive to Manarola, but you will have to leave the car outside the city, and then take a bus or go on a trip on foot.

Every locality, from a giant metropolis to a tiny village, has a name and a history associated with it. Many of them are named after...

7. Colmar (France)

Once in the French city of Colmar, a person seems to be in the 9th century. Even then it was called "little Venice" because Colmar also has many canals. In fact, this is a large and well-preserved village in Alsace. Fine wine with exquisite aroma is made in its district. Since Alsace has always been influenced by both France and Germany, croissants with various fillings and German-style sweet pastries are equally good in local bakeries, and foie gras and sauerkraut can be tasted in local eateries. Different styles are visible in the architecture of Colmar - German Gothic is adjacent to the French Neo-Baroque style.

8. Marsaxlokk (Malta)

When in the 9th century BC. e. The Phoenicians first landed on the island of Malta, they founded a trading port there, which became quite busy. And now this small town supplies fish to Malta. Marsaxlokk has become famous for its fish markets, on the shelves of which you can see all sorts of things, but the crucian carp, which is loved by the Maltese, is especially popular here. Modern buildings never appeared in this ancient settlement, which is for the better, since the more valuable historical authenticity of Marsaxlokk is preserved. Here you can see "luzzi" - copies of fishing ships used by the Phoenicians, study the centuries-old history of the town and just enjoy your vacation.

9. Albarracin (Spain)

In the north of Spain there is a well-preserved medieval small town of Albarracin, whose history begins in the 11th century. In the vicinity of the city there are caves in which rock paintings were found, attributed to the period of Levantine prehistoric art. Fragments of medieval Spain are visible here in the fortress walls of the town. Albarracín itself has all the medieval attributes: narrow winding streets, chapels, towers and ancient castles. Therefore, the traveler feels here as if in a medieval novel.

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10. Hallstatt (Austria)

One of the oldest settlements in Austria is the town of Hallstatt, which existed for several thousand years BC. e., because it was a place of extraction of precious salt in those days. Salt mining ensured the prosperity of the small town for thousands of years. Now there is a beautiful square, which is surrounded by cute houses, twined with ivy. Salt is mined here today, but now the city is more important as a treasure trove of a long history, as well as an extremely picturesque Austrian city located near the Hallstetter lake. Beautiful alpine peaks rise around it, and magnificent sunrises are visible from the surface of the lake.

Joscelin is located in France, in the region of Brittany. This fabulous town is known not only for its fantastic views, but also for its medieval castle.

Murren

The highest and most beautiful village in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, at an altitude of 1650 m above the Lauterbrunnen valley. Here you can see the three most famous mountains in Switzerland: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Castle Com

The village of 350 inhabitants is located in Wiltshire, England. This oasis of peace and tranquility was rated as the second best village in the country by the famous British newspaper The Times, and it certainly deserves it.

ronda

The “City of Bullfighting” stands on a huge picturesque rock, which makes it so delightfully beautiful.

Tropea

This Italian city is located on the coast of Calabria and is one of the main points of the Italian resort coast. One of its features is a huge cliff that overlooks the beach.

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Bibury

For many, including the poet William Morris, Bibury is the most wonderful village in England. Its fourteenth-century houses will take you to a fairy tale.

Freudenberg

The small town of Freudenberg is one of the most charming towns in Germany.

Dinan

The small town of just 14,000 inhabitants is one of the most beautiful, picturesque and spectacular parts of Belgium. It is located on the banks of the Mosa and is sandwiched between rocks, which adds to its uniqueness.

Gengenbach

This fabulous city is located in southern Germany, on the edge of the Black Forest, in the district of Ortenau, Baden-Württemberg. Due to his extraordinary beauty, he was chosen to shoot several films, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Mykonos

Mykonos, also known as Chora, is a beautiful little town on the island of Mykonos (Greece). Its distinctive feature is small white and square houses with balconies, doors and windows painted in different colors.

The capitals of any country, of course, are known to the whole world, and they are the most visited cities of the state. But, for example, Europe is not only Rome, Berlin and Paris. It is also a whole series of small pretty towns, travel through which can be no less enjoyable. And maybe even more. Here is a list of small European towns that may be of interest to tourists.

Manarola, Italy

The population of this city is just over 350 people, but it is one of the most famous cities of the Cinque Terre, a national park in Italy. Manarola is famous for its scattering of rainbow-colored houses, built in the most picturesque way on the rocks near the coast, and fabulous wine. There are no cars, no traffic lights, no screeching tires. You can get to Manarola by car, but you will have to park somewhere near the city and then get there on foot.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

The charming Bavarian mountain resort with a population of 26,000 is just an hour and a half train ride from Munich. This town was formed as a result of the merger of two ancient settlements - ancient Roman and ancient Teutonic, which were united in 1935 for the 1936 Winter Olympics. Particularly impressive is the former Partenkirchen, founded in 15 AD, with its narrow cobbled streets and Bavarian-style buildings with pastel-coloured walls frescoed with historical or religious themes.

Portree, Scotland

Portree is the largest city on the Scottish Isle of Skye and its thriving cultural center, although the town has a population of less than 2,500. Portree Harbor is a row of pubs, seafood restaurants and breathtaking views of the bay. It is in Portree that you should stop if you plan to explore the incredibly picturesque wild island lands, in addition, in the immediate vicinity of Portree there are unique attractions - Mount Storr and Kilt Rock Falls.

Reine, Norway

Less than 250 people live in this tiny fishing village on the picturesque island of Moskenesøy, but the town is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in Norway. Located north of the Arctic Circle, the city is a sapphire bay, mesmerizing northern lights, breathtaking mountains and fjords. Many of the bright red rorbuers, or fishermen's houses, have been converted into cozy cottages overlooking the Norwegian Sea - perfect for a couple of nights.

Colmar, France

The history of the town with a population of 67,000 dates back to the 9th century. Even in old sources, this city is often referred to as "Little Venice" because of its many canals. This ancient Alsatian village is also considered the region's wine capital, and German and French influences will become apparent as you stroll through the medieval-flavoured streets: bakeries offer kugelhopfs and croissants, and sauerkraut and foie gras can be tasted in cafes. In architecture - the same mix: from French neo-Baroque to German Gothic.

Marsaxlokk, Malta

The bustling trading port of Marsaxlokk was founded in 900 BC when the Phoenicians first landed on Malta. Today, this picturesque town with a population of 3,200 is the island nation's main supplier of fish in the Mediterranean. The uniqueness of the town lies in the fact that it has no modern buildings - only traditional fish markets, old houses and brightly decorated luzzu fishing boats.

Bled, Slovenia

Protected by majestic mountains, the town of Bled was founded in 1004. The Holy Roman Emperor liked Bled so much that he even gave it to the Bishop of Brixen. Bled Castle, the main attraction of the town with a population of 5 thousand people, is located on an island in the center of the picturesque Lake Bled with glacial blue waters.

Hallstatt, Austria

With less than 1,000 inhabitants, Hallstatt is one of the oldest settlements in Austria. It was founded in 5000 BC for salt miners in the mountains. The city on the shores of Lake Hallstatt has continuously flourished thanks to this work - it still has salt mines, but today they are more of a tourist attraction, and the whole city has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is insanely beautiful, its square is especially good, surrounded by buildings entwined with ivy.

Annecy, France

This is one of the most beautiful and romantic places on earth. Maybe even more beautiful here than in the stunningly majestic French Alps that surround the city. Located 35 km from Geneva, the city of 51,000 people is famous for the small canals stretching through the city from the blue glittering Lake Annecy, which make the city look like Venice. Among the main attractions of Annecy is the Island Palace, a picturesque 12th-century castle built right in the middle of one of the canals.

Albarracin, Spain

Albarracín is a well-preserved medieval town in northern Spain with a history dating back to the 11th century. The rock paintings in the caves of the Albarracín Cultural Park are one of the most important evidences of Levantine prehistoric art, and the ancient fortifications with winding paths, narrow lanes, ancient stone towers, castles and chapels are also impressive. A trip to Albarracin seems to take you back to the Middle Ages.

Paris, Rome, London and other world capitals need no introduction. They are loved and visited by most tourists and travelers. However, a little off the beaten track are the most wonderful, beautiful and interesting places. You will be surprised to discover that some of the most wonderful cities in Europe are also the smallest.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

This wonderful corner of history is one of the oldest settlements in the Czech Republic, the city belongs to the UNESCO world heritage and stands on the Vltava River. In the historical center of the city there is a Gothic castle of the 13th century and the church of St. Vitus. The narrow streets of Český Krumlov, paved with old cobblestones, are full of buildings from the Early and High Renaissance and Baroque eras, which now house art galleries, cafes and cozy hotels. To appreciate the views, you can raft down the Vltava on a wooden raft.

Palmanova, Italy

This small commune was built in 1593 in the form of an octagon. The top view is amazing! The city is like a perfect, complex snowflake. In addition to historical charm, Palmanova offers travelers excellent Italian cuisine. The local Chardonnay goes well with fresh fish and seafood from the nearby Adriatic lagoon. When dining in a restaurant, try to sit on the terrace - night lighting turns the city into a fairy tale.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Located on the "romantic path", the Bavarian city captivates not only with its rich history, but also with a lively, pulsating social life. Even if you come here for two days, you can feel like a part of the life of the beautiful Rothenburg. Here you can explore unique historical sites and interesting museums, such as the Museum of Medieval Criminalistics, as well as enjoy local variations on the theme of Bavarian cuisine.

Bibury, England

Once called "the most beautiful place in England", the tiny town of Bibury sits on the River Colne and delights the eye of visitors with its "toy" cottages and the charm of an old English countryside. The most popular place in Bibury is Arlington Row, a narrow street with low stone houses built in the 14th century.

Durnstein, Austria

This unimaginably modest and beautiful city, with a population of only a thousand people, is sheltered by the shadow of a medieval castle and is washed by the waters of the Danube. It seems that absolutely everything - from red, tiled roofs and cobbled streets to the clock on the town hall, is copied and reproduced directly from the fairy tale of the Brothers Grimm. In addition to peace and solitude, Dürnstein offers a rich selection of local wines. If you decide to visit it in the spring, choose the moment when the apricot trees are in bloom - you will drown in the pink color and sweet aroma!

Binn, Switzerland

Once in this tiny village, you will feel like you are in another world. Life here flows slowly, measuredly, and this is the choice of 150 local residents who decided to save the village and the surrounding mountain valley as a park. There are no ski resorts and freeways here, the time capsule called Binn will fill you with calmness and a sense of peace.

Tremola, France

Not far from the Lascaux cave with the oldest rock paintings, in the north of France, there is a small medieval town of Tremola. The main historical value of the city is the church dating back to the 11th century, but the main attraction for which tourists from all over France and not only come to the modest town is the Les Truffieres restaurant. Here, dishes are served on the table from products grown on a local farm. The food is delicious, fresh and inexpensive! All of Europe flocks for bio-delicacies, so you need to reserve a place in a restaurant.

Tenby, Wales (UK)

In the Middle Ages, the walls of the city frightened off the invaders, and now they attract tourists. An extraordinarily vibrant city right on the seafront, Tenby invites you to appreciate its historical past by walking along the steep, narrow streets, or enjoy the beautiful sea views from the heights of the cliffs and city walls.

Ericeira, Portugal

The town is a picture-perfect picture of a Portuguese fishing village, from tiled roofs and cobbled streets to traditional fishing boats. As a fishing port, Ericeira is famous for its fresh seafood, especially lobster. The town is of particular interest to surfers as its location provides consistent waves.

Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

Iceland is famous for its untouched nature and friendly locals, however, crowds of tourists come to the island every year, in any season and any weather. The Vestmannaeyjar archipelago is located away from the tourist pilgrimage and consists of 15 islands with a population of 4 thousand people. Local fishermen will gladly agree to take desperate travelers to one of the uninhabited islands of the archipelago. For lovers of civilization, local restaurants offer a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood.

If you dream of visiting at least one of these fabulous European towns filled with ancient charm and incredible beauty, or perhaps you have just started looking for the best places? In any case, here we have compiled 27 of the most beautiful small towns in Europe, from the Norwegian fjords and majestic Alps to the sunny islands of Greece.

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Manarola, Italy

First on our list is one of Italy's most famous Cinque Terre towns - Manarola - filled with many brightly colored rainbow houses carved into the impenetrable stone wall along the Mediterranean coastline. This charming fishing town is famous for its fabulous wines, especially Sciacchetra, and for the paintings of Antonio Discovolors, an artist who fell in love with Manarola and devoted much of his later work in the region to the town.

There are no cars in Manarola, no traffic lights, and therefore - not a single sound from the squeal of tires. Of course, you can drive to Manarola, but you will have to leave the car outside the town and then, take a bus, well, or start your journey on foot.

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Second on our list is the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Bavaria, Germany). This charming Bavarian mountain resort town is an 80-minute train ride from Munich. Once, these were two separate towns: one Roman, the second - Teutonic, but in 1936 they united in honor of the Winter Olympic Games.

Partenkirchen dates back to the 15th century and is filled with narrow cobbled streets lined with historic buildings in the Bavarian Gasthaus style: three or four stories high, with open shutters and facades painted in pastel colors with images from pastoral or religious scenes.

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Despite the fact that we are talking about small towns, the city of Portree in Scotland is the largest city on the island of Scotland - Skye. Portree is a port and also a thriving cultural center, although it has a population of less than 2,500 people. The city's harbor is the central location, with pubs, restaurants with amazing seafood and breathtaking views of the bay.

This is one of the best places to stay if you are planning to explore this incredibly picturesque wilderness area due to its close proximity to some of the most breathtaking and unique sights, including rock formations like the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the quirky Quaraing pinnacles.

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Reine, Norway

Reine in Norway is a tiny fishing village on the picturesque Arctic island of Moskenesøy with a population of just over 300 residents, but despite this, it has rightfully been recognized as the most beautiful village in Norway. Located just north of the Arctic Circle in the Lofoten archipelago, this remote wilderness region is home to sapphire bays, breathtaking mountains and towering fjords. The fishermen's cabins have been converted into cozy visitor cottages with direct access to the Norwegian Sea, and the amazing night sky is a welcome addition with the prospect of seeing the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

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Colmar, France

The city of Colmar in France is a throwback to the 9th century. Since then, it has often been referred to as "Little Venice" due to its many water channels, like breathing among the medieval streets.

This well-preserved village in the Alsace region is also considered the wine capital of an area known for its exquisite flavors. Thanks to the influence of two countries - Germany and France - you will easily find local bakeries offering sweet pastries and croissants with many fillings, while eateries often specialize in sauerkraut and foie gras. In Colmar, you will find different architectural styles, from French Neo-Baroque to German Gothic.

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Marsaxlokk, Malta

Marsaxlokk is a busy trading port, established as far back as 900 BC when the Phoenicians first landed on Malta. Today, this picturesque town is the main supplier of fish for the inhabitants of the island, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea. Marsaxlokk is well known for its massive markets stocked with a wide range of fish species, including the local favorite Lampuki (sea bream).

The rarity of this Maltese village is that it does not have modern buildings, so as not to spoil its attractiveness. In such a quiet environment, which includes traditional Luzzu (fishermen's boats) built according to the designs of the ancient Phoenicians, Marsaxlokk is a particularly charming place to relax and study the local history.

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Portmagy, Ireland

In a country filled with many beautiful towns, Portmagee is a firm favorite, near the Ring of Kerry on the southwest coast of Ireland. It's like a postcard - a picture-perfect seaside fishing village with a row of brightly colored buildings, along with a rich and impressive history.

At The Bridge Bar you will experience a special atmosphere with live music, fantastic food and a glass of Guinness beer. Portmagee is also a departure point for the impressive Skelligs Rock and home to preserved monastic settlements dating back to the 6th century.

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Bled, Slovenia

Bled is a city in the northwestern part of Slovenia, protected by magnificent mountains. Bled was created in 1004 and considered so beautiful by the Holy Roman Emperor that it was donated to the Bishopric of Brixen.

Bled Castle is located in the heart of the picturesque lake of the same name with its glacial blue waters surrounding the tiny island. Bled also borders the city, known as the home of one of the most beautiful health resorts in the region. And if you climb to the top of the castle, especially stunning panoramic views will open.

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Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is one of the oldest settlements in Austria, founded in 5000 BC. to use the huge reserves of salt in the mountains surrounding this city with a collection of fairy tales. For thousands of years, salt mining has meant enduring prosperity for Hallstatt, which can be seen as a town with a beautiful square surrounded by ivy-covered buildings.

The city still mines salt, but it is also considered a treasure trove of human history and one of the most picturesque cities in Austria, with its magnificent setting on the shores of Lake Hallstetter, majestic mountains and a bright sunrise rising from the water's edge.

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Bibury, England

The pretty town of Bibury in England, nestled in the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds, is often referred to as one of the most beautiful towns in England, and certainly has its place among the finest and most vibrant in all of Europe. It was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, retaining a place in the past and still today. Much of Bibury still looks the same today as it did hundreds of years ago.

The River Coln flows along the main street, and lush meadows adjoin ancient stone cottages with sheer, sloping roofs. The picturesque area of ​​Arlington Row is known for its sepia-hued cottages, which were built in the 17th century as homes for the weavers working at Arlington Mill.

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Annecy, France

One of the most beautiful and romantic places on Earth, Annecy can be more stunning than the French Alps that surround it. Just 22 kilometers from Geneva in Haute-Savoie in eastern France, Annecy is divided into small water channels running from the sparkling blue lake Lac Annecy.

Light effects on the popular canal avenues give Annecy a special charm of Venice, and the famous Palais de l’Isle (Island Palace), built in the very center of one of the canals, will take you back to the distant 12th century.

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Goreme, Turkey

Today, Turkey's Göreme National Park was built during Roman times against the backdrop of exquisite rock formations. Natural rocks served as a foundation and protection for those who built the city. Much of the ancient architecture survives to this day, with many churches carved into the rock itself. This beautiful city really needs to be seen with your own eyes to believe in its fabulous uniqueness.

One of the best ways to view all the beauties of Goreme is from above - when every morning before sunrise, hundreds of hot air balloons soar into the sky and hover over the rocks.

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Albarracin, Spain

Albarracín is a well-preserved medieval town in northern Spain with roots dating back to the 11th century. The cave paintings in the cultural park's caves provide some of the most important evidence of Levantine prehistoric art in the country.

A piece of medieval Spain has been preserved on the territory of the fortress walls of Albarassina, which is filled with winding paths, narrow streets, ancient stone towers, castles and chapels. Being here, you will feel as if you were transported by a time machine to the Middle Ages.

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Pusice, Croatia

Perhaps the most beautiful village in Croatia, Pusice is certainly one of the most picturesque places in all of Europe. The sparkling white stone from the island of Brac makes this small port town a truly one-of-a-kind destination and even an exquisite work of art.

Sitting on the northern coast of the island, sheltered by a bay, you can stretch out your pleasure on the pristine sands, soaking up the sun and cooling off in the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea.

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Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

Vestmannaeyjar on Heimaey Island - the largest of the 14 archipelagos of the Westman Islands - is located just off the southwest coast of the Icelandic mainland. Considered one of Iceland's best-kept secrets, this geographic treasure trove is known for its vast biodiversity, including 150 plant species that are still unclassified, as well as millions of birds that nest in the rocks. Vestmannaeyjar is also one of the best places to see puffin seabirds.

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Cintra, Portugal

In 1809, Lord Byron wrote a letter to his friend Francis Hodgson, part of which read: "I must simply remark that the province of Cintra in Extremadura is the most beautiful place in the world." This fabulous town in Portugal, located on the edge of Europe, has captivated countless visitors over the centuries. The Romans made this place a cult to worship the moon, naming it "Cynthia" after the goddess of the moon.

Since 1840, Pena Palace has been the so-called "nail" as one of the most fantastic palaces in Europe. It is surrounded by the mystical Pena Park, filled with many trees and exotic plants from the former colonies of the Portuguese Empire, as well as numerous ponds, fountains, and even black swans.

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Burano, Italy

If you've ever needed a mood boost, this bright, fun town that's actually a tiny island in the Venetian lagoon should be that magic button. Its bright colors, like fireworks, "explode" on the buildings, giving it a tropical atmosphere. All of the houses here adhere to a particular color pattern that traces back to the island's "golden age" when it was first created.

Legend has it that local fishermen first painted their houses in these vibrant colors so they could spot them while they were fishing. Residents of the island are required to send a letter to the government if they want to change the design of their dwelling - officials will then respond to the residents with a list of colors that can be used. If the rules are violated and residents use colors other than those specified in the response letter, they may end up behind bars. Here is such a strict and bright town!

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Giethoorn, The Netherlands

If you've ever fantasized about the simple life, this idyllic Dutch town, located in the province of Overijssel, might fit the bill. It does not have any roads, instead they are connected together by a network of ancient canals, creating small private islands for each house. The only access is by water, or on foot over its picturesque wooden arch bridges.

All motor vehicles must remain outside the city limits. There are four miles of canals and thatched farmhouses dating back to the 18th century. Giethoorn was founded by a group of fugitives from the Mediterranean region around 1230 AD, and became world famous in 1958 when it was featured in the Dutch film Fanfare.

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Eze, France

Eze, often described as the "Eagle's Nest" due to its location with stunning views from a high cliff 1400 feet high above the Mediterranean Sea, along the exotic French Riviera, known worldwide for its stunning, panoramic views. The area has been inhabited since about 2000 BC by the Roman Empire and Moroccans, with the oldest building in the village, the Chapelle de la Sainte Croix built in 1306.

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Tenby, Wales

Tenby, from the Welsh language, translates roughly as "little fish fortress". The naturally protected city, with a generous harbor and access to the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, was founded in 900 AD. After the Norman Conquest of England, Tenby was fortified with a massive wall to keep the local rebels at bay. During the last few centuries, this picturesque town has become better known for its beauty than for its stone defences.

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Folegandros, Greece

Santorini may be more well known, but its neighbor Folegandros has similar architecture, including whitewashed buildings adorned with bright colors, streets covered in slate slabs and even Greek Orthodox churches with gleaming blue domes. The difference is that you don't have to fight the crowd. On the beautiful remote beach of Katergo with gentle, azure colored waves, you can even be in total privacy and enjoy your company with the sea.

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Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

This small medieval town lies in the south of the Czech Republic and may not be a well-known tourist destination, but this hidden gem is sure to be just waiting to be discovered, and likely to inspire as much as the illustrious capital city of Prague. Situated along the banks of the Vltava River, the castle was built around the 13th century with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. Thanks to its peaceful coexistence, over many centuries, this beautiful architectural heritage has remained intact until now.

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Gruyères, Switzerland

Gruyere is famous for its namesake cheese, with a mild nutty flavor that melts so well in fondue. Few people are familiar with this beautiful town, but this picturesque village in the upper Zane valley must at least be well known for its beauty. With wide stone-paved streets leading to a stunning 13th-century castle, imposing fortifications and panoramic views of the surrounding Alpine foothills, this is definitely worth a look.

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Dinan, Belgium

The city of Dinant, nestled between the river Meuse and its citadel, is known for its magnificent architecture and equally magnificent views of the city from the top of the fortress mountain. Spend the day visiting the Grotto of Dinant waterfalls or the Beauraing sanctuary, then book a table at one of the local cafes while taking in the views of one of the most beautiful towns in Belgium and Europe.

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Telc, Czech Republic

This small town in the southern historical region of Moravia is filled with baroque elements and renaissance-style façades with high gables painted in pale pastel colors, now supporting small shops and cafés. It's another real fairy tale city, with a romantic palace, crystal clear ponds surrounding it, and a public garden that looks like it's straight out of the pages of Hans Christian Andersen. It is one of the most perfect examples of the Italian Renaissance north of the Alps, and one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe.

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Cochem, Germany

Cochem is one of the most charming cities in all of Germany, with its own legend, local folklore and rich history that can be found anywhere in this town. Nestled in the picturesque Moselle Valley between the Eifel and the Hunsrück, it is surrounded by steep vineyards and quaint wine villages.

The soil and climatic conditions make the Moselle valley a prime growing area for the Riesling grape, which is used to produce some of Germany's finest white wines, with numerous opportunities to stop and taste available throughout this beautiful river valley.

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Smjogen, Sweden

Smjogen, located on the west coast of Sweden, is known as one of the country's most beautiful towns with a laid-back maritime atmosphere, along with cottages and boats that land near picturesque waters.

The village is particularly attractive for its combination of shops and boutiques with old wooden houses overlooking the sea and the waterfront that stretches nearly 1,000 feet. The Society once took over several islands that were so close to each other that the space has since been filled in and they are now all considered to be one island.

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Conclusion

This was an article about the smallest but very beautiful cities in Europe that you will want to visit. Thank you for your attention!