Small and cozy European cities that you want to visit. The most beautiful villages and small towns in Europe

The old continent is full of very beautiful small towns. 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.

This medieval, rather small town of 1,097 inhabitants is located in the province of Teruel (Spain), and usually occupies the top positions in all rankings of the most beautiful villages in Spain. The settlement is national monument since 1961, owns a gold medal for merit in fine arts in 1996 and proposed for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

This is one of five precious stones, which make up the "Cinque Terre" region (Italy) - five small fishing towns with World Heritage status. Choosing one of the five is an almost impossible task. Vernazza is perhaps the one that has best preserved the appearance of the maritime citadel.

Located at the foot of a cliff, on the banks of the Dordogne River, this French city, inhabited since prehistoric times, is one of the most beautiful in Europe. He suffered a disaster in January 1957 when a 5,000 m3 piece of rock broke off and fell on people, destroying ten houses, killing several people and blocking the road for several years. La Roque-Gageac has been restored with a new look and this has allowed it to win the title of the bottom among the most beautiful cities France.

Located in France, in the Brittany region, Joscelin is a beautiful fabulous city ok, known not only for its beauty, but also for the famous and impressive castle built around 1008.

This is the highest and most beautiful village in the canton of Bern (Switzerland), at an altitude of 1650 m above the Lauterbrunnen valley.In this beautiful village you can observe the view of the three most famous mountains in Switzerland: Eiger, Monck and Jungfrau. Tourism here is very popular in both winter and summer. Mürren has a population of only 450 people.

This a small village, consisting 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 is certainly one of the most beautiful in Europe.

In the mountains northwest of the province of Malaga (Spain), this bullfighting city sits in a privileged environment on a huge and breathtaking cliff, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

This beautiful italian city located on the coast of Calabria and is one of the main points of the Italian resort coast. One of its features is the huge cliff that overlooks the beach, making Tropea such a beautiful and unique city.

For many, including the poet William Morris, Bibury is the most beautiful village in England. Its fourteenth century houses will take you to another era. The place is absolutely worthy is part of this list.

The small town of Freudenberg is perhaps one of the most beautiful and most charming in Germany and Europe. It is located in the district of Siegen-Wittgenstein in North Rhine-Westphalia. In the city center, in an area called Alter Flecken, you can see many black and white half-timbered houses forming rows. This is Freudenberg's most characteristic and photographed image.

This small town, with a population of 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 makes this city something unique.

This little fabulous city is located in the southern part of Germany, on the edge of the Black Forest, in the district of Ortenau, Baden-Württemberg. Due to its extraordinary beauty, the city has been chosen as the backdrop for several films such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Mykonos, or also known as Chora, is a beautiful little town on the island of Mykonos (Greece). Its unusual beauty consists of small white and square houses, with balconies, doors and windows painted in different colors. It is very interesting to wander through its labyrinthine streets. It is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and deserves to be on this list.

Norwegian Mortsund is a beautiful enclave, a haven for fishermen. Its extraordinary beauty surrounded by nature attracts visitors who do not want to leave this beautiful and remote corner of Europe.

Gruyere - historical city and a municipality in the Swiss canton of Friborg. And medieval castle, where nineteen counts lived, make it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

10. Oia

This small town island-owned(Greece), is a point of global tourism. Hundreds of visitors come to Oia to watch its famous and beautiful sunset. Oia is also famous for its white volcano rock houses and its popular blue domed churches.

The magnificent architecture and the bay make Mont Saint-Michel the most visited tourist destination in Normandy and one of the first in France (about 3.2 million visitors a year). Declared historical monument in 1862, Mont Saint-Michel has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979 and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe.

Bled is a city located on the shores of Lake Bled in Slovenia. He is known for his popular glacial lake, castles and churches in the surrounding forests. Every year the place attracts a large number of tourists.

Reine was declared in the 70s as the most beautiful village in Norway. This Trading port from 1793 and permanent place for cruises in the Norwegian fjords. Located on Lofoten Islands, this picturesque village surrounded by mountains is a must-see in Norway.

San Gimignano is a small medieval walled city built on top of the hills of Tuscany in Italy. A characteristic feature of this beautiful city are the towers that make it a European medieval Manhattan. Historical Center San Gimignano was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.

This is a beautiful little rural village located in a picturesque valley in Funes, Italian Tyrol. It has a small beautiful church of Santa Magdalena, and one of the most beautiful landscapes not only in Europe but in the whole world.

Belongs to the district of Ansbach in Bavaria, Germany. It is a world famous tourist attraction thanks to its well-preserved medieval center. In addition to beauty, he served as inspiration for the creation of the village in Pinocchio.

This beautiful fairy tale city belongs to the Haut-Rhin department in the Alsace region of France. Walking along its streets, you can enjoy the view of the buildings of the early German Renaissance. gothic buildings that will excite.

This beautiful and colorful fishing town is second on this list and belongs to the area known as the Cinque Terre in Italy. Manarola is perhaps the most beautiful of the five, and seems to be the oldest as well, as evidenced by the keystone Churches of San Lorenzo 1160.

is a village in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. In 1997 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beauty here is so great that this place often ranks at the top of the rankings of the most beautiful villages in Europe.

And at the end of the video: beautiful places in Europe.

We bring to the attention of the reader a list of places in Europe little known to the average tourist, which, nevertheless, are fabulously beautiful and worthy of attention. Walking along these streets is our cherished dream! Many of these settlements are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These corners of Europe are so beautiful that humanity is obliged to preserve them in their original form.

Albarracin

Vernazza

La Roque Gageac

Joscelin

Murren

Castle Com

ronda

Tropea

Bibury

Freudenberg

Dinan

Gengenbach

Mykonos city

Mortsund

Gruyere

And I

Mont Saint Michel

bled

Reine

San Gimignano

Funes

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Colmar

Manarola

Hallstatt

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. Here is the rich historical heritage from Phoenicians and Celts, Arabs and Romans. The town is located on a rocky plateau, 750 meters above sea level, so the city is surrounded 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 - from anywhere in the city you can see incredible beautiful landscapes, and on a small area of ​​​​the city, a huge number of various attractions are concentrated, scattered among the white houses. 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.

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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 for several years blocked city ​​road. 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.

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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 beautiful scenery And ancient architecture, so it became 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, 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 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.

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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. In the architecture of Colmar are visible different styles- 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 is famous for its fish markets, on the shelves of which you can see all sorts of things, but the crucian carp, which the Maltese love, 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 medieval Spain here are visible 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 treasury 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.

In addition to world famous resorts and popular tourist places in the world there are completely inconspicuous corners that can charm their visitor and leave him no less than the most 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

In the south of Czech Bohemia, the charming town of Cesky Krumlov lurks, captivating the hearts of its visitors fabulous atmosphere paved roads, bridges in sight everywhere you look... and, best of all, there is not a single McDonald's! 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 - small picturesque city in Austria - is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is also 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 famous lake Bled, which is one of the most beautiful reservoirs our planet.

7. Bibury, England

This small town is filled with Old World charm and has the right to be considered the most charming city 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 Pucisca, located on the coast, is especially good for visiting. Adriatic Sea. 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 worth the effort!

14. Reine, Norway

small fishing village 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? Just note for general information that in Freinburg, a city with almost thousand years of history, located in the southwest of Germany, is home to about 230 thousand people.

18. Goreme, Türkiye

This incredible ancient city was erected 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 an unusual American continent European spirit. 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 the charm of antiquity and incredible beauty, or perhaps you have just started your search 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, our list will open one of the most famous cities of the Cinque Terre in Italy - Manarola - filled with many bright rainbow houses, carved into an impenetrable stone wall along mediterranean coast. 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 was built in the 15th century, filled with narrow cobbled streets with historical 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 most major city on the island of Skye, Scotland. Portry is a port and also a thriving Cultural Center, although its population is less than 2,500 people. The harbor of the city is central location, where pubs, restaurants with amazing seafood and breathtaking views of the bay are located.

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 various 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 in that it does not have modern buildings, so as not to spoil its attractiveness. In such a quiet environment that includes traditional Luzzu (fishermen's boats) designed by ancient Phoenicians, Marsaxlokk is a particularly charming place to relax and learn about 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 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 a 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 the 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 Book doomsday 1086, keeping the place in the past and still. Much of Bibury still looks the same today as it did hundreds of years ago.

The Koln river flows along main street, and lush meadows adjoin ancient stone cottages with sheer sloped 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

Annecy is one of the most beautiful and romantic places on Earth - maybe 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 sparkling blue lake Lac Annecy.

Light effects on the popular canal avenues give Annecy a special Venice charm, and famous castle 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, Türkiye

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. Most of ancient architecture preserved to this day with many churches carved into themselves rocks. 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 balloons soar into the sky and soar over the rocks.

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Albarracin, Spain

Albarracín is a well-preserved medieval town in Northern Spain whose roots go 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 definitely one of the most scenic spots throughout Europe. sparkling White stone from the island of Brač 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 close to southwest coast mainland Iceland. 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 a nice 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 former colonies 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 little town is actually tiny island in the Venetian lagoon, should become that very 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 above 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, slate-covered streets and even Greek Orthodox churches with brilliant 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 view of the 13th century castle, imposing fortifications and panoramic views of the surrounding alpine foothills, this certainly requires due attention.

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Dinan, Belgium

The city of Dinant, located between the Meuse River and its citadel, is known for its magnificent architecture and no less great view on the city from the top of the fortress mountain. Spend the day visiting the Grotto of Dinant Falls or the Beauraing Sanctuary, then book a table at one of the local cafes while enjoying views of one of the most beautiful towns Belgium and Europe.

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Telc, Czech Republic

This small town in the south historical region Moravia is filled with baroque and renaissance 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 Alpine mountains, 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 throughout Germany, with its own legend, local folklore and rich history that can be found in every corner of this town. Situated in the picturesque valley of the Moselle between the Eifel and mountain range The Hunsrück is surrounded by steep vineyards and quaint wine villages.

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 stopping and tasting opportunities 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!