Cozy streets. Cozy streets of Gamla Stan. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

In addition to world-famous resorts and popular tourist destinations, there are quite inconspicuous corners in the world that can charm their visitor and leave him no less pleasant impressions. What secrets does Europe hold? What places that very few people know about can you go in search of an intoxicating and unhurried vacation?

1. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Hidden in the south of Czech Bohemia is the charming town of Český Krumlov, captivating the hearts of its visitors with its fabulous atmosphere of cobbled roads, bridges that fall into view everywhere you look ... and, best of all: there is not a single McDonald's there! A small one-day trip to this place, especially in the warm season, will turn into a pleasant adventure. To complete the experience, it is also worth rafting down the Vltava River.

2. Colmar, France

Located in Alsace, the city of Colmar is a unique mixture of French and German architecture, culture and spirit. In reality, it is as colorful as you can see in the photos. Colmar can rightly be called one of the hidden gems of France.

3. Marsaxlokk, Malta

Cute and playful, full of real Maltese spirit, the town of Marsaxlokk is in fact the most important fishing village in the whole country.

4. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt, a small picturesque town in Austria, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is recognized by many as the most beautiful lakeside village in the world. Visiting Hallstatt in summer or winter, you will fall in love with the quiet charm of this place.

5. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is extremely popular with people who want to bring home wonderful photographs of the Lego houses that stand in the city center. Despite the tourist hype, this place remains one of the delightful classic corners of Europe.

6. Bled, Slovenia

In the Slovenian city of Bled, there are many pleasant places for visitors, but the most notable attraction is the famous Lake Bled, which is one of the most beautiful reservoirs on our planet.

7. Bibury, England

This small town is full of Old World charm and quite rightfully ranks as the most charming town in England. In the photo - one of the streets of Biburi most beloved by tourists, most often attracting photographers' lenses.

8. Albarracin, Spain

Just two hours from Valencia and 30 minutes by train from Teruel will bring you to the most charming Spanish village of Albarracin, a trip that will be hard to forget.

9. Pucisca, Croatia

Although Croatia opened as a tidbit for tourists relatively recently, its popularity is currently growing rapidly. The city of Puciscea, located on the Adriatic coast, is especially good for visiting. What is special about it? Seeing with your own eyes the beauty of this pearl of Breg Island, you will surely understand everything.

10. Eze, France

In the south-east of France, not far from Nice, the cozy city of Eze is located - the perfect place for a short vacation!

11. Annecy, France

The town of Annecy is built around a 14th century castle. Its streets are covered with an indescribable charm of antiquity, and the surroundings of the French Alps perfectly complement the picturesque picture of this wonderful place.

12. Manarola, Italy

This photo speaks for itself: how can you disagree that Manarola is a delightful tiny town on the coast of Italy?! However, this country is fraught with more than one such gift for a tourist - you just need to allocate more time to travel around it, and you can find another whole constellation of similar places.

13. Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

Do you find it difficult to read the name of this city aloud? As practice shows, it is no more difficult than getting to it. Only once a week a flight is sent from Iceland to the coast of Greenland, reaching which, striving to get to Ittoqqortoormiut, stubborn people must use the services of a helicopter. However, this amazing place is well worth the effort!

14. Reine, Norway

The small fishing village of Reine is incredibly picturesque! If we imagine that one image can replace a thousand words, then only a photo of this place expresses twice as much.

15. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

For some reason, pretty Mostar unfairly lacks the deserved tourist attention. But those who were lucky enough to be there, appreciate the charm of such an unexpected and pleasant find. By the way, when visiting Mostar, you should pay attention to the nearby town of Blagaj, which is also able to provide its visitors with many pleasant experiences.

16. Odense, Denmark

Although it is the third largest city in Denmark, Odense has a real small town charm that is hard to find anywhere else in the country. True treasure!

17. Freiburg, Germany

Perhaps this colorful photo will say more than any descriptions, why extra words in the presence of such beauty? Let's just note for general information that in Freinburg, a city with almost a thousand years of history, located in the southwest of Germany, there are about 230 thousand people.

18. Goreme, Turkey

This incredible ancient city was built by the Romans, who literally carved it out of the rocks.

19. Ghent, Belgium

Carrying the title of Flanders delight along with the city of Bruges, Ghent is just as charming, if somewhat less famous. However, the charm of this city is decidedly different from the atmosphere of its more popular neighbor. It will be a very difficult task to explain exactly how, so it is easier to advise you to see it with your own eyes.

20. Ljubljana, Slovenia

The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, is one of the “untested” cities so far by tourists. As a place of central importance, Ljubljana nevertheless retains a certain charm of a small European city.

21. Torun, Poland

For those who want to get a little away from the tourist bustle of the popular Krakow and Warsaw, we advise you to visit the quiet Torun, located in the north of Poland and captivating with its uncomplicated, but spiritual comfort.

22. Rotenberg, Germany

Does this cityscape remind you of anything? Walt Disney used the images of Rothenberg when creating his cartoon "Pinocchio".

23. Arosa, Switzerland

The relatively small town in the Swiss Alps is a favorite haunt of the English royal family, so if Arosa is good enough for them, it's sure to please casual tourists too.

24. Bergen, Norway

Located on the west coast of Norway, Bergen was founded around 1070. Fascinating with the view of its supposedly toy houses, this city is loved by Norwegians and tourists from different countries.

25. Livingworth, USA

Of course, Livingworth is not located in Europe at all, but in order to maintain the perfect balance, we decided to crown our selection with this city. Despite the fact that this city is located in the United States, it is built on the model of a Bavarian village and has a European spirit unusual for the American continent. For those who want to enjoy the classic European atmosphere even in the USA, the city of Livingworth unexpectedly gives such an opportunity.

Adapted from worldofwanderlust.com; translation and adaptation by Catherine Straszewski|

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 in 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!

You can do the closing of "debts" according to photo reports. Let's start with .. Just a dozen months ago, we raided the capital of the Mediterranean union - Barcelona - with a check of the Catalan way of life.

Barcelona is wonderful. Sun-drenched cozy streets, not the most gloomy locals, delicious Rioja and excellent meat restaurants.
The streets are wonderful. Not very old, not very new - just the way I like it.
If you step aside from the most tourist trails, you can take a walk outside the crowds of tourists.

From chocolate house villages in Germany, through beautiful and colorful villages in the Scandinavian countries, through the flirtatious coastal towns of Italy, the breathtaking mountain villages of Switzerland, the medieval towns of Spain or the fairy-tale settlements of France.

There are plenty of decent small towns in Europe that could be on this list, but we've picked perhaps 25 of the very best.

25. Albarracin

Gamla Stan is a small area, the historical center of Stockholm. It is one of the largest and most heavily guarded medieval city centers in Europe. You will understand this as soon as you visit there, everything is covered with romance, and these streets will immediately mentally take you to medieval Sweden.

In 1252 Birger Jarl chose this place and laid the first wooden fortress on it. Of course, there is nothing left of that fortress - most of Gamla Stan was built up in the 16-17 centuries.

The narrow cobbled lanes in Gamla Stan are closed to cars, making walking around the Old City a real pleasure.

This area can be crossed at a fast pace in about 10 minutes.

But in the end, you can get stuck here for many hours, circling among the red-and-red houses and turning into tiny courtyards and squares.

This is a real paradise for photographers and tourists.

As in any center, you can sit in a cafe and feel the spirit of old Europe.

Marten Trozigs grand (Morten Trotzig Lane) is the narrowest street in Stockholm, its width is only 90 centimeters.

But other streets of the center are not very wide.

The widest streets of Gamla Stan were formed as a result of reconstruction and demolition of buildings.

Now it is hard to imagine that until the middle of the last century there were real slums in the place of these colorful houses and cozy streets.

The Swedes had to work hard to put this place in order and make it one of the most popular attractions in Stockholm.

There are also straight streets in Gamla Stan. Stora Nygatan (Big New Street) is one of them, and Lilla Nygatan runs parallel to it.

The oldest square in Stockholm, Stortorget (Great Square), is the historical center and heart of the city. Once there was a lively trade, and now there are numerous cafes. The red house with 92 white stones most often appears in the photos of tourists, perhaps the most famous in Stockholm. 92 white stones are built into the wall in memory of the 92 noble Swedes who were executed by the Danish king Christian II during the Stockholm bloodbath in 1520.

The German Church (Tyska kyrkan) is one of the symbols of the old part of Stockholm. Tourists can visit it completely free of charge during the hours when it is open.

The building was built in the Gothic style and originally belonged to a community of German sailors who lived in Stockholm in the 16th century.

And this is the Church of St. Nicholas (Storkyrkan). The cathedral was consecrated in 1306 and dedicated to the patron saint of sailors. It is believed that this is the oldest building in the center and was built along with the city itself. Coronations and weddings of Swedish monarchs take place here.

Riddarholmskyrkan Church on a neighboring island, it has existed since the thirteenth century and is also believed to have been built along with the city. Most of the members of the Swedish royal family are buried in it.

Riddarholmen Island (Knight's Island) also belongs to Gamla Stan, but there are no cafe-restaurants or souvenir shops at every step. And not too many tourists either.

The center of Stockholm is one of my top favorite places among European capitals. I would love to walk here again and again.

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