The Most Beautiful Small Towns and Villages in Europe
Do you love European Travel?
We’re not talking about the big cities here. There are some amazing small towns and villages in Europe that aren’t on everyone’s radar, but they should be! These places have a lot of character and charm, so if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a while, check them out. You won’t regret it!
Beautiful Small Towns and Villages in Europe
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos
Some of these towns are so cute that they look like something out of a fairy tale or movie set. They’re full of history too – there’s always something new to discover when you visit one. And with all the local attractions nearby, it’s easy to fill your days with fun activities once you arrive.
Perast, Montenegro
Photo Credit: Budget Travel Buff
by Trijit Mallick from Budget Travel Buff
Located on the Montenegro Coast, Perast is one of the most beautiful and charming towns in Europe. It offers a range of religious sights, marvelous buildings, 2 offshore church islands, and lots of activities on the Bay of Kotor. Montenegro itself is a budget-friendly European country and Perast is not a touristy place which is why it is a pretty affordable town.
Perast is located just 9 kilometers northwest of Kotor. It takes just 15 minutes to reach this idyllic place if you come by bus or taxi. If you want to spend a romantic vacation with your partner in fewer crowds, Perast is the perfect place for you. It is a small laid-back town that preserves its Venetian-era palaces, squares, and churches as reminders of the golden age of Perast.
Most people visit Perast as a day trip from Kotor but a night stay in Perast is highly recommended if you want to feel the peaceful vibe of the city. Located at the heart of Perast, St. Nicholas Church is one of the main highlights of the town. It has 55- meter high bell tower that offers a magnificent view of the town and the Bay o Kotor.
Take a small boat tour from the waterfront in Perast to Our Lady of the Rocks. It is an artificial island in the Adriatic. Explore the island and the church and take a small tour of the chapel and museum. There are many cute palaces in Perast; among which Bujovic Palace is the most famous one. Perast’s seafront promenade is a romantic walking route to explore the old town.
The best way to see Perast is by simply strolling the seafront and spending a few hours in a serene atmosphere.
Szentendre, Hungary
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Contributed by Linn Haglund of Brainy Backpackers
Only about a half an hour’s train trip from Budapest, you find one of the most enchanting towns in Hungary, Szentendre. Narrow streets lined with pastel-colored houses, old churches, and charming squares make for a beautiful stroll through the old town. Walk up the side streets and try something new, local food or drinks, or shop for souvenirs.
Szentendre is renowned for its art scene and you can enjoy several art museums like the Ferenczy Museum, the Art Mill, or the Ur Eleonora Batik Art Gallery. There is also the Hungarian Open Air Museum where you can learn more about the different Hungarian regions through houses featuring artifacts from each region.
If marzipan is your thing, make sure not to miss out on the Szamos Marzipan Museum where you can buy some tasty samples in their shop.
Walk up the hill to the church towering above the village or go for a wander along the Danube River.
To get to Szentendre from Budapest, the easiest is to either take the HEV 5 train or the boat. There are buses, but that gets more complicated. Alternatively, you can drive and there is parking outside the old town.
Cazorla, Spain
Photo Credit: Lin Haglund
Contributed by Linn Haglund of Andalucia Hiking
One of the most underrated villages in Europe is the charming mountain village of Cazorla, nestled in the mountains in the lesser-known Jaen region in southern Spain.
Cazorla is a dream destination for outdoor lovers with multiple hikes going straight from the village – from short, easy hikes like Rio Cerezuelo or to any of the Hermitages and castles surrounding the village – to longer, more strenuous hikes. If you have a car, make sure you head to Rio Borosa, which is arguable the most incredible river hike in Spain. It is recommendable to bring good water shoes for hiking so you can walk in the water too.
But even if you just want to hang out in the village, there is enough to do and it is so beautiful! Spend some time getting lost in the narrow streets between whitewashed houses, explore the castle and continue up the hill to the ruins of Castillo de Cinco Esquinas. From there, you will get sweeping views of the whitewashed village and the surrounding olive groves.
Another must-do walk is over to the next village, La Iruela, which can be done on a trail past the Ermita de la Virgen de la Cabeza hermitage or along the road. The castle in La Iruela is also spectacular.
Plaka, Greece
Photo Credit:Haley Blackall
by Haley of HaleyBlackall.com
Perched at the top of the highest hill is the charming town of Plaka, on the Cycladic island of Milos in Greece. Known for being the artsy center of the island, Plaka, with its predominant locale, has been the capital of Milos for centuries.
Plaka is everything you imagine a quaint village in Greece to be. Light-colored cobblestone alleyways, white sugar-cube style architecture, and bougainvillea-draped facades. Small cafes with tables spilled out into the walkway, and fairy lights gracing each square. Plaka is definitely one of the most beautiful towns on the Greek islands.
What really makes Plaka enchanting is the view. Climb up to the top of the hill where the old fortress and church are located. Here you will get 360-degree views of the island of Milos and the turquoise-blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
If climbing stairs isn’t your idea of fun, head to the Church of Panagia Korfiatissa, a must-see in Plaka town. If you go to the viewing point in front of the church, you will find sweeping panoramas of Milos Bay, too. Don’t forget to peek inside to discover many ancient treasures.
After perusing the lovely lanes and chic shops of Plaka, take a seat at one of the open-air cafes and watch the world go by.
Want to travel to Greece from Home? Check out my family friendly activities.
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Photo Credit: Family Trip Guides
By Jennifer of Family Trip Guides
The quaint town of Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland is hands down the most enchanting town I’ve ever visited. It inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Rivendell in Lord of the Rings because of its 72 waterfalls surrounding all sides. As you enter the valley on the one road or one train track, the Swiss Alps are in front of you, and 2 more mountains on either side. The sound of the mountain-fed river and cowbells can be heard throughout the valley.
Lauterbrunnen is easy to visit as Zurich International Airport is only a 2-hour drive or 3-hour train ride away. Our family has returned a couple of times to this valley with our extended family and to just take in the beauty. Our favorite part of the valley is exploring the Alps at your front door.
You can explore all 3 sides of the mountains with different and interesting modes of transportation! Our favorite day is taking the train to the mountainside town of Wengen and then a gondola up to the peak of Mannlichen. You can then take a gondola down the other side of the mountain into the famous town of Grindelwald. You can also go from Lauterbrunnen to the highest point in Europe and see the glaciers at Jungfraujoch. And don’t miss Trummelbach Falls with waterfalls inside the mountain!
Finally, if you are worried about visiting one of the most expensive countries in the world, check out my 10 Switzerland budget travel trips that have saved us so much in our 3 family trips to this beautiful country!
Bosa, Italy
Photo Credit: Strictly Sardinia
You can easily get to Bosa from Alghero, about an hour by car. Alghero is connected to the rest of Italy and Europe via regular and budget flights.
Óbidos, Portugal
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by Izzy and Phil of the Gap Decaders
Óbidos is a picture-perfect historic walled town between Lisbon and Porto. Known as “the wedding city”, so beautiful was Obidos that it became the traditional bridal gift from the kings of Portugal to their queens. It’s a must-visit on any road trip of Portugal.
The town has a medieval feel, with a small castle, narrow cobbled streets, crooked buildings, and high ramparts, which can be climbed for amazing views. Most of what remains are not original, as Obidos was pretty much razed in the catastrophic Lisbon earthquake of 1755.
To avoid the Lisbon day trippers in summer, get off the beaten path to the cute and incredibly photogenic side streets and winding stairs that connect the different levels of the town. There you’ll find whitewashed houses, colorful bougainvillea which carpets the walls, and splashes of bright yellow and blue painted buildings.
If you can, sit out the day tour coaches and spend the night for a true insight into the “real” Obidos, when small restaurants serve local dishes paired with wines from the Obidos DOC wine region. An area of exceptional wine quality, you’ll also find many quintas in the lush green countryside of the area if you’re planning on traveling further afield.
Salzburg, Austria
Photo Credit: The Purposely Lost
Salzburg, Austria, is truly one of the most enchanting towns in Europe. Nestled in the Alps over the border from Germany, it’s surrounded by hills that inspired some of the most outstanding performers and works of modern music.
The iconic composing team Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II immortalized Salzburg in the famous Broadway musical The Sound of Music. Two centuries prior, this Austrian city nicknamed “The Stage of the World” was the birthplace and home of prolific composer and musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Since 1816, the lovely city of Salzburg has been a part of Austria. Barges bringing salt used to use the Salzach River, which flows straight through the city center, giving Salzburg its name.
The Old Town is filled with beautiful Baroque architecture, like the Salzburg Cathedral dedicated to Saint Rupert and Saint Vergilius or the world-famous Salzburg Marionette Theatre. Several plazas are around the city center, each surrounded by museums. In Mozartplatz, you can find a statue of the famous composer nearby the Salzburg Visitor Center.
A little further outside of the center, you can find a funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, which dates back to the 11th century, or Mirabell Palace and Gardens, an important location for the film version of The Sound of Music. You’ll have no problem visiting all of these landmarks with only 2 days in Salzburg.
Tartu, Estonia
Photo Credit: Travels with Erica
By Erica Riley of Travels with Erica
Tartu is located in southern Estonia, less than three hours away from Tallinn by bus. It is home to the country’s oldest university. Tartu is known as the intellectual capital of the country not only because of the prestigious university but also because the supreme court of Estonia is located in the city as well.
The town square in Tartu makes it one of the most enchanting cities in Europe. The Kissing Students statue in the middle of the square is the focal point of the city.
Students and tourists alike gather in the square to relax, enjoy a quick meal, and people-watch.
You can easily get lost wandering through the twisting streets of the old city or spend hours walking along the riverside on a warm day.
Other must-see attractions include St. John’s Church, Toomemägi ruins, and the monuments to great Estonians that are scattered throughout the city.
While the attractions in Tartu are why tourists come to visit, it is the people and atmosphere that make people fall in love with the city.
The mixture of culture, arts, history, and technology mixed with the youthful energy of university students is unbeatable and hard to find anywhere else in the world.
St. Wolfgang, Austria
Photo Credit: Travelin Mad
Waidhofen/Ybbs, Austria
Photo Credit: World of Lina
by Alina / World of Lina
Another one of the most enchanting towns in Europe lies in the small country of Austria. Waidhofen/Ybbs can be found in the state of Lower Austria, close to the borders of Styria and Upper Austria.
About 11,000 people live in this gorgeous town that lures its beautiful sights, including the Rothschild Castle, the 5-Elements-Museum showing the fascinating history of the town’s exciting past, and the historic town hall.
Most of them can be found in the center, besides numerous local shops and lovely, colorfully painted residential buildings. If you’re seeking some nature, check out one of the many small parks or take a stroll along the riverbanks of the Ybbs. For the best views of the town, climb up to the “Krautberg Kreuz” or any other of the surrounding hills.
If you’re looking for some exciting fun, check out the climbing park on the so-called “Buchenberg” hill, offering various difficulty levels, so there’s something for everyone!
Due to its excellent location, Waidhofen/Ybbs is also a good destination to choose as a day trip from Vienna, Linz or Salzburg. Whether you come by car or train, it’s an easy ride from any of these big cities.
Rovaniemi
Photo Credit: The Road Trip Guy
By Niels at The Road Trip Guy
Also known as the hometown of Santa’s workshop, Rovaniemi is a blend of culture, nature, history, and winter wonderland magic. Located close to the Artic Circle, this city offers a whole wide variety of fun and interactive adventures. In the morning, you can meet some furry friends by visiting a reindeer farm or you can go out for a husky sledding tour and get that perfect Instagram shot with you and your family hugging a beautiful husky.
Sounds like the perfect day, right? But Rovaniemi has so much more to offer as your day is just getting started.
In the afternoon you can plan a visit to the Santa Claus Village. This Christmas-themed amusement park offers a wonderful experience for the kids and adults who have lost touch with their inner child by getting a meet and greet with the big guy himself and, of course, all of his little helpers.
When darkness comes, and you finished up with the tastiest meal that the Finish cuisine has to offer, it is time to wear a thick jacket and a nice set of warm boots. Why? In the evening, you will go outside and experience the pride of the Scandinavian countries – the Northern Lights!
Guimarães, Portugal
Photo Credit: My Flying Leap
By Sam from My Flying Leap
Guimarães is a beautiful small medieval town in northern Portugal. It’s known to be the birthplace of the country, settled in around the 9th century BC. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site well worth visiting.
Guimarães is around an hour from Porto in northern Portugal, making it an easy day trip by bus or by train. It has a charming historic center with two squares, Tiago Square and Oliveira Square. They are lined with restaurants, and Oliveira Square overlooks the Gothic Monument of Salado, commemorating a battle fought against the Moors in 1340.
You’ll find some beautiful old churches in Guimarães. The Church of Our Lady of Oliveira in Oliveira Square dates back to the founding of the city. And the stunning Church of Our Lady of Consolation was designed by famed Portuguese architect Andre Soares.
Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza are within easy walking distance of the town center. They are interesting and historically important places to visit.
Then, ride the cable car up Penha Mountain to visit the Sanctuary of Penha at the top and take in the incredible views of Guimarães and the surrounding area.
A day in Guimarães is like walking back in time. When you visit, you can easily imagine what life was like hundreds of years ago in this picturesque and historic town.
Kotor, Montenegro
Photo Credit: Into the bold
by Annie of Into the Bold
The idyllic town of Kotor, Montenegro, is nestled at the furthest end of the Bay of Kotor, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. Surrounded by medieval stone walls, the oldest dating from the 9th century, you’ll find a wonderland of winding alleyways, cozy cafes, and historic sites. A walk along the city walls provides beautiful views of the turquoise waters below.
The architecture is Venetian in style, with the white stone buildings and red-tiled roofs providing a lovely contrast with the greenery of the surrounding mountains. You can spend a leisurely afternoon wandering through the pedestrian-only cobblestone streets, sipping local wine, and watching the world go by. You’ll find plenty of lovely cafes, outdoor dining spaces, and quaint shops selling local handicrafts as you explore. For relaxing near the clear waters of the bay, you can walk to Kotor Beach in less than ten minutes.
For a more active day, hike the 1,300 stairs to the ruined fortress at the top of the hill. Stop in the Church of Our Lady Remedy halfway up to catch your breath and admire the starry frescos. You’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic of the entire bay from the fortress! The view is worth the effort to make it to the top. If you want more information about planning your trip to Europe here’s an article you may find helpful.
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Photo Credit: Disha Discovers
Recommended by Disha of Disha Discovers
One of Europe’s most enchanting towns and villages is St. Moritz, Switzerland.
This picture-perfect town is known worldwide for its winter sports and mild summer climate. St. Moritz truly has everything from the stylish and glitzy ski resorts to the charming small-town.
What makes St. Moritz so beautiful is its charming small-town architecture that is surrounded by stunning nature. There’s a picture-perfect place everywhere you turn.
Located near the Alps in central Europe, St. Moritz is the perfect destination for adrenaline-seekers and nature-lovers alike.
For thrill-seekers, St. Moritz offers a range of activities from skiing and snowboarding in the winter months to hiking in the summertime.
The dramatic landscape is surrounded by waterfalls, lush green forests, and tall snowy mountains.
If winter sports aren’t your thing, St. Moritz has plenty of other things to do during the summer months. After hiking through breathtaking landscapes, you can check out one of the coffee shops and restaurants in the area for a well-deserved break. You can even dip in one of the many scenic lakes surrounding St. Moritz.
All in all, there is no place quite like St. Moritz. It’s the perfect destination to take in the outdoors and unwind.
Kinsale, Ireland
Photo Credit: Travel for a While
by Anda of Travel for a While
Kinsale is a small town in southern Ireland, about 30km from Cork. Few tourists from outside Ireland ever get here because it’s out of the way from Ireland’s most famous places.
However, Kinsale is the gateway to the scenic Wild Atlantic Way and is just one reason to visit.
Picture this: one-story colorful houses and store facades, narrow streets, and a marina in the bay, all guarded by a fort in the distance. Kinsale is one of the most charming coastal towns in Ireland. And when I say colorful, I mean bright colors: orange, violet, pink and blue. It’s a happy and enchanting place. The boutique shops are also full of unique items; browsing with them is good therapy.
If you feel active, take the coastal Scilly Walk to Charles Fort and enjoy the sea air. Otherwise, just spend your time in Kinsale strolling around to find the next beautiful spot a few steps away. Complete laziness on a terrace, taking it all in, is another good option to enjoy Kinsale.
There’s also a beach very close to town, where you can sunbathe or do some paddling. And most importantly, Kinsale is one of the places where you can have a great lunch, a gourmet destination in Ireland.
Wroclaw, Poland
Photo Credit: Wyld Family Travel
Recommended by Bec from Wyld Family Travel
For anyone looking for the perfect enchanting town in Europe for a family getaway look no further than Wroclaw, Poland.
Poland is an amazing emerging holiday destination in Europe, and you can find so many wonderful things to do in Wroclaw. Wroclaw is full of history, culture, insta-worthy buildings, and amazing, hearty food.
Most people venture to Wroclaw, Poland to see the famous gnomes dotted through the city. Hidden in plain sight and some a little harder to find, you can easily wander the streets looking for these cheeky fellows. Finding the Wroclaw gnomes is a great way to see the city and is one of the best free things to do in Wroclaw.
Market Square is a popular place to sit in the sun and watch the world go by. Here you will find a plethora of Polish restaurants that serve everything from traditional Polish food to more modern takes on the hearty favorites. You will also find the square lined with beautiful, colorful houses that will make any insta feed look amazing.
Take your time to wander the Old Town Hall to immerse yourself in Polish history and learn how the city was affected by World War II. After you have visited the museum, get a bird’s eye view of the city from the lookout at the top of the Garrison Church. On a clear sky day, the colours of the buildings in Market Square bring the city to life from 90m up.
If you have time, a day trip from Wroclaw to Ksiaz Castle is a must. This amazing castle is stunning, sitting high above the Pelcznica River. Its history is like no other; here was where many gold hunters believed the famous Nazi Gold Train was hiding.
Whatever you are looking for, Wroclaw, Poland will have something that will make your trip to Poland unforgettable.
Rovinj, Croatia
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recommended by Places of Juma
One of the most beautiful, enchanting towns in Europe is definitely the romantic town of Rovinj in Croatia! Several wonderful highlights await you during a trip! Impressive is the location directly by the sea, where the colorful stone houses line up close to the hill. At the top is the stunning church of St. Euphemia – the landmark of the port city.
The historic old town is worth seeing and extremely romantic, where the beautiful stone alleys and colorful squares invite guests to linger. During a stroll through the center, you will enjoy a unique flair, there are numerous historical attractions and also interesting museums to discover! Fabulous is also the culinary offer, where delicious restaurants with a view of the sea invite tourists to enjoy and linger. A visit in the evening is also remarkable because on the city hill, you can experience stunning sunsets.
Another highlight are the magnificent beaches that line the coast and offer perfect conditions for unforgettable days on the Adriatic Sea. Perfect if you want to combine sightseeing and swimming in the sea.
But the region around this town is also worth seeing and is perfect for day trips! Beautiful is Cape Kamenjak with picturesque natural landscapes or the cute mountain village Motovun! All in all, is Rovinj unique and for sure one of the best towns in Europe!
Knaresborough, England
Photo Credit: Average Lives
By Rachel at averagelives.com
Knaresborough is a historic and beautiful market town in North Yorkshire, England, surrounded by spectacular scenery. The two closest cities are York and Leeds, which have direct trains that run to the town. Upon arrival, you’ll find cobbled streets, an impressive railway viaduct, and a peaceful riverside. It is a hidden gem in Europe that is worth exploring.
There are many exciting things to do in Knaresborough, and because of its small size, it is easy to get around on foot to most of the main attractions. One of these is Knaresborough Castle, which dates back to 1100. Although the castle is in ruins today, it stands proudly on a hill and is one of the best places in town to admire the town’s beauty from above. From this viewpoint, you can see the dramatic viaduct over the River Nidd and the people rowing boats underneath it.
Knaresborough is also home to the oldest chemist in England and Mother Shipton’s Cave, the oldest tourist attraction in England. Walking along the riverside and the shops gives you a sense of the town’s friendly atmosphere, beauty, and character. There are some great options for food and drink, with beautiful pubs (For example, The Mother Shipton Inn) and cafes overlooking the river to make your trip extra unique and memorable.
Skradin, Croatia
Photo Credit: Spiritual Travels
By Nick Kembel of Spiritual Travels
In Croatia, the islands and coastal towns often get all the attention, but one magical inland town should not be overlooked: Skradin. Often considered a stepping stone to nearby Krka National Park, most people visit the town merely to catch their ferry up the Krka River to the national park’s famous waterfalls. But once they lay eyes on Skradin, many wish they could stay longer.
Because Skardin sits on a vast point of the Krka River, it feels like a coastal town. A row of inviting restaurants and cozy guesthouses line the town’s small but picturesque harbor. At the same time, the ancient ruins of Turina Fortress dominate the town from a hilltop, providing the perfect easy scramble with a rewarding view. The laid-back town is small enough to explore in its entirety on foot in about an hour, while there’s a fine sandy beach along the river within walking distance from town. You can’t miss the local specialty, Skradin torte, a rich chocolate cake spiced with cinnamon and orange or lemon zest.
Besides soaking up the town’s casual vibes and taking a day trip to Krka National Park, no visit to Skradin would be complete without visiting the famous Bibich Winery in nearby Plastovo village. The welcoming, family-run winery specializes in native Croatian varietals and was famously visited by Anthony Bourdain on No Reservations. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Bill Gates has even called Skradin his favorite place in the world!
Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
Photo Credit: World Travel Connector
by Milijana Gabri of World Travel Connector
Olvera, Spain
Photo Credit: Routinely Nomadic
From Dean and Laynni of Routinely Nomadic
Touring Andalusia’s incredible “pueblos blancos” (white villages) offers endlessly fascinating views, history and culture. Scattered throughout the region, each of these picturesque Moorish/Spanish towns features its unique look and feel. Arguably the most scenic of the lot, though, is tiny Olvera.
Located roughly 100 km southeast of Seville in what one could loosely describe as “the middle of nowhere”, beautiful Olvera appears over the horizon like a fairy-tale village. Built on a steep hill topped by the twin landmarks of an enormous cathedral and iconic Arab castle, Olvera is outrageously photogenic.
Whether you are taking photos of the hilltop castle/church combo from a distance or enjoying the panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside from the impressively intact castle ramparts, you will never fall short of photo ops in Olvera.
Once you’ve spent enough time gasping at the views, wander down the charming Calle Calzada into the center of town to the lovely Plaza de Andalucía. Here, you can check out its pretty little waterfall, chirping birds and the short climb to El Monumento al Sagrado Corazón where you’ll find, gasp, more terrific views. Then head back down to the plaza and settle in at La Tarara Neotaberna for a drink overlooking the square, and maybe some of their delicious local specialties. Andalusia, in a nutshell.
Bray, Ireland
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Contributed by Krystianna from Volumes & Voyages
The walk is incredibly peaceful, even in summer. However, the most beautiful time of year to do the walk is in spring, as everything is starting to come alive again!
Ronda, Spain
Photo Credit: Andalucia Explored
by Becki from Andalucia Explored
Perched on a mountaintop overlooking the valley, you’ll find Ronda, one of the region’s most picturesque and enchanting towns. The old town is fairly small, so you could easily see all the highlights here in a few hours, or if you’re leisurely a day. Although you could get here via public transport or as part of a tour from major cities, such as Seville or Malaga, it’s easier to have a car and plan it as part of a road trip in the Andalucia region and tie in some of the iconic Pueblos Blancos, White Villages, nearby.
Ronda is fascinating because it is split across the two sides of the El Tajo, the gorge’s name. Essentially, one side of the gorge is the new town, dating from the 15th century, and the other is the old town, returning to the Morish rule.
Rondas most iconic landmark, the Puente Nuevo, connects the old town to the new town. The massive stone, the arched bridge spans across the gorge allowing cars and pedestrians to cross from one side to the other. The bridge was completed in 1793 and took 34 years to build. The reason it’s called Puente Nuevo, New Bridge, is that a previous bridge once stood here. It only lasted six years and then collapsed, catastrophically killing 50 people. So the Puente Nueve was built with three thick vertical walls to ensure it never happened again.
There are several lookout points on the bridge itself, which overlook the valley and farmland below. There are also viewpoints at either end of the bridge, so you can look back and photograph it. However, the best viewpoint is from below. It doesn’t take long to walk down; it’s a clearly defined path; sometimes, with steps, other parts are slopes. From below, looking up, you get a real sense of scale as to just how incredible this bridge is.
Ronda is a very photogenic town with quaint cobbled streets and ancient buildings. One of the more notable places to visit is the Mondragón Palace, which features typical Andalucian-style courtyards. Everywhere is close in Ronda, so you’ll be able to see all the highlights within a few hours. Other places worth visiting are the Duchess of Parcent Square, Plaza Duquesa de Parcent and the ancient Puerta de Almocabar and Walls, dating back to the Moorish time. This was once the main entrance to the city.
Dinant, Belgium
Photo Credit: To Some Place New
By Mayuri from To SomePlace New
Dinant is a very beautiful town located in the Namur province of Belgium. Dinant is quiet, laidback, romantic, and offbeat, which is perfect for solo, family, or couple travels.
Situated only a few hours from the French border, Dinant is very different culturally and geographically from France and Belgium. And it is a must-add to your Belgium itinerary.
Public transportation can easily reach Dinant and won’t need a car. You can hop on the train to reach Dinant from Brussels and other cities in Belgium. Being a small town, you can cover the entire place on foot.
Dinant is unique in the River Meuse that runs through the little town, mountains, and a ton of colorful saxophones sprinkled throughout. You can easily find resorts and restaurants by the riverside for a stay or for a nice meal with views!
Dinant is also perfect for a weekend of rejuvenation. Go on a lovely stroll across the bridge, overlooking the river Meuse. Or you can also hike to the top to explore the Citadel of Dinant. This is a fort that dates back to the 11th century when the town was originally fortified.
Dinant is also home to Adolphe Sax, the founder of Saxophone, who was born here. If interested, visit the museum and other sites related to the first world war.
After sightseeing, make time to relax by taking a cruise on the river and watching the sun go down, which is absolutely beautiful.
Giethoorn, the Netherlands
Photo Credit: Tassie Devil Abroad
by Kristy from Tassie Devil Abroad
You may have already heard about it, but Giethoorn in the Netherlands is one of the most enchanting towns in Europe. It’s often called ‘the town with no roads’, which isn’t quite correct as there are some roads – but large parts of this idyllic spot can only be traversed by foot or boat. Indeed, renting a ‘whisper-boat’ and exploring the canals, bridges with flower boxes and cute cottages is the best way to explore Giethoorn.
Since it’s about an hour and a half drive from Amsterdam (and more like two hours using public transport), it feels like you’ve stepped into the past into a fairy-tale-like village. It is a very popular destination for tourists, but if you stay overnight (or longer), or visit during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, you’ll be able to enjoy some quiet moments without any crowds.
There are some small museums, shops, cafés, and restaurants lining the canals, but the main drawcard is the charming ambiance. Nearly all the cottages have thatched roofs, colorful shutters on the windows and pretty flowers in the garden. If you explore by boat, you’ll share the waterways with ducks and swans. In winter, if it gets cold enough for the canals to freeze, you’ll see Dutch locals ice-skating on them!
Giethoorn is truly a magical destination and definitely one to make time for if you’re visiting the Netherlands. Read more about visiting Giethoorn here.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Photo Credit: Meet me in Departures
By Becki from Meet Me In Departures
The post-card perfect town of Bled is nestled harmoniously in a valley in the Julian Alps. The town is also home to Slovenia’s most photographed lake, Lake Bled, which was nominated as one of the world’s new seven wonders. You may have seen images of a pretty white church sitting on a small green island in the middle of deep blue water, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Although the lake is popular with locals and visitors, Slovenia, as a country, is still vastly under-visited and underrated compared to its neighbors, Italy and Croatia.
Although the lake does take the lion’s share of the fame, there are loads of other places of interest both in the town and the surrounding area, so plan at least a couple of days into your Slovenia itinerary to do this area justice.
Overlooking the lake, you’ll find the 12th Century Bled Castle. From the town, it’s a scenic yet steep 15-20 minute walk to the top; the views from the top are worth the effort of the climb. If you’re after a more leisurely walk, there is the circuit walk which follows the 6km (3 miles) perimeter of the lake. You can also hire paddleboards, rowing boats, and kayaks from various vendors around the lake.
One thing you’ll hear whilst in Bled is the ringing of the bell from the church on the island. The name of the church is the Assumption of Mary. Legend says your wishes will come true if you ring the bell. Whether or not you believe the legend, it just adds to the enchanting feel of the town. While visiting Bled, visiting a few nearby attractions, such as Vintgar Gorge, which follows the stunningly blue Radovna River. If you have a car, drive the iconic Vrši Pass, and if you’re an adrenalin junkie, you’ll find plenty of activities like white water rafting, climbing, and mountain biking.
Hindeloopen
Photo Credit: KarsTravels
Suggested by Cosette from KarsTravels.
Hindeloopen is a small city in The Netherlands. It’s in Friesland, which is up North.
Go on a (self-)guided walk through the picturesque city. Admire the Commandeurswoning, the Sylhús, and the City Hall from 1795. Don’t forget about the small harbor, you’ll have a beautiful view here and several terraces where you can sit down. The town has beautiful old buildings and houses with red and black tiled roofs. Small black and white wooden bridges span the creek running through the town. The well-preserved houses make it one of the best cities in The Netherlands to visit.
Hindeloopen is one of the Friese Eleven Cities, where the Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities tour) is ridden. Those eleven cities are the ones that got city rights. The Elfstedentocht is a 200-kilometer (120 miles) long-distance tour skating event on natural ice.
There are two museums you should visit in Hindeloopen. The Eerste Friese Schaatsmuseum (First Fries Ice Skating Museum), tells all about the history of ice skating and the Elfstedentocht. Second, you should visit the Museum Hindeloopen, which has several exhibits about the history of Hindeloopen.
Pocitelj, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Photo Credit: Far Away Worlds
By Roxanne of Far Away Worlds
Situated along the Neretva River in the Herzegovina region of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Pocitelj, a delightful, fortified village tucked into the hills. Pocitelj was first mentioned in historical records as early as 1444 and functions as an open-air museum.
With a population of only 800 people, the village is small but captivating, with the tower of a mosque rising halfway up the hill and a ruined castle at the top. It’s worth the walk up to the castle – the view from the top is mesmerizing, looking out over the deep blue Neretva River and the surrounding countryside.
The river is startlingly blue as it winds through the countryside, and the white buildings dotted around the hillside add to the fairy-tale feel. The cobblestone streets wind between green trees and bushes, and the medieval buildings add to the appeal.
Of course, being a charming, historic town, Pocitelj isn’t empty. In pre-Covid years, tour groups stopped here regularly, usually on a day trip to Mostar from neighboring Croatia. Saying that it’s never been busy, and it’s easy enough to find a quiet space. In fact, as you wander through, it’s even possible to feel like you have the entire village to yourself, if only for a few moments.
Himare, Albania
Photo Credit: Raw Mal Roams
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