The best little-known cities in Europe The most beautiful small medieval towns in Europe

The old continent is full of very pretty small towns. From villages with chocolate houses in Germany, passing through beautiful and colorful villages in the Scandinavian countries, Italy's flirty coastal cities, exciting mountain villages Switzerland, medieval towns Spain or the fabulous settlements of France.

This medieval, rather small town of 1,097 inhabitants is located in the province of Teruel (Spain), and tends to be at the top of all rankings for the most beautiful villages Spain. The village has been a National Monument since 1961, holds the Gold Medal of Merit in the Visual Arts in 1996, and has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is one of the five gems that 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 look of the sea citadel.

Located at the foot of a cliff, on the banks of the Dordogne River, this french city inhabited since prehistoric times, it is one of the most beautiful in Europe. He suffered a catastrophe 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 rebuilt with a new look, and this has allowed it to conquer the title of the bottom among the most beautiful cities in France.

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

It is the highest and most beautiful village in the canton of Bern (Switzerland), at an altitude of 1,650 m above the Lauterbrunnen valley. In this beautiful village, you can see three of the most famous mountains in Switzerland: Eiger, Mönk and Jungfrau. Tourism is very popular here both in winter and summer. Murrené has a population of only 450 people.

This small village of 350 inhabitants is located in Wiltshire, England. This oasis of peace and tranquility was rated second the best village country in 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 is located on the coast of Calabria and is one of the main points of the Italian seaside resort. 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. Her fourteenth-century homes will take you to another era. The place is absolutely worthy to be a 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 Siegen-Wittgenstein district of 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 city, with a population of 14,000 inhabitants, is one of the most beautiful, picturesque and spectacular corners of Belgium. It is located on the banks of the Moza and is sandwiched between rocks, which makes this city something unique.

This small fairytale town is located in southern Germany, on the edge of the Black Forest, in the Ortenau district of 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 to be on this list.

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

Gruyeres is a historic city and municipality in the Swiss canton of Friborg. Beautiful buildings and medieval castle, where nineteen counts lived, make it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

10. Oia

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

The magnificent architecture and the bay make Mont Saint Michel the most visited tourist spot in Normandy and one of the first in France (about 3.2 million visitors a year). Declared a Historic Monument in 1862, Mont Saint-Michel has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site 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. The place attracts a large number of tourists every year.

Reine was announced in the 70s as the most beautiful village in Norway. It has been a trading port since 1793 and a regular cruise destination in the Norwegian fjords. Located on Lofoten Islands, this picturesque village surrounded by mountains - obligatory place to visit in Norway.

San Gimignano is a small walled medieval town built on top of the hills of Tuscany in Italy. This beautiful city is characterized by its towers, which make it the European medieval Manhattan. The historic center of San Gimignano was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.

It is a beautiful small rural village located in a picturesque valley in Funes, Tyrol, Italy. 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 Ansbach region in Bavaria, Germany. It is a world famous tourist attraction thanks to its well-preserved medieval center. In addition to its beauty, Rothenburg ob der Tauber served as the inspiration for the village in Pinocchio.

This beautiful fairytale city belongs to the Haute Rhine department in the Alsace region, France. Walking through its streets, you can admire the views of the early Renaissance buildings of German Gothic buildings that will delight.

This beautiful and colorful fishing town is the 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 also the oldest, as evidenced by the cornerstone of the 1160 church of San Lorenzo.

Hallstatt 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 it often ranks at the top of the list of the most beautiful villages in Europe.

Popular tourist routes, as a rule, pass through the capitals and major cities of Europe. Let's turn a little to the side and get to know a dozen scenic spots, the existence of which most tourists do not know.
Here 10 most beautiful cities in Europe that you may have never heard of.

At the request of our readers, we have added to the article: what is the most convenient way to get to these places and where to stay. More detailed routes can be developed using Google maps.

1. Cesky Krumlov, or Cesky Krumlov (Czech Republic)

- an old town with medieval red brick roofs, with an ancient town hall and gothic cathedrals.

Photo: Cesky Krumlov (Bohemia, Czech Republic)

Its main attraction is the huge Krumlov Castle. Among the castles with which it abounds, it is second in size only to the Prague Castle. If you love medieval romance and gothic ghost stories - you should definitely wander the streets of Cesky Krumlov!
How to get to Cesky Krumlov: from Prague, Vienna, Salzburg by beanshuttle buses (ride about 3 hours, price from 30 euros)
Where to stay: in one of the inexpensive guesthouses.

2. Annecy - a graceful pearl of France

Annecy delights travelers with the Island Palace in the middle of the city canal, where swans swim. This channel, called Tiu, was laid in the XII century. Annecy is often referred to as the French Venice.

Walking along the narrow embankments, you can admire the ancient stonework and turrets of the Island Palace. Then, at your own pace, walk to the Count's Castle on the hill, see the Late Gothic Church of St. Peter and take a walk to Lake Annecy.

How to get to Annecy: from Geneva 30 minutes by car or 1 hour by bus, from Lyon 2 hours by.

Where to stay: hotels in Annecy are expensive, see relatively inexpensive options near Annecy Castle.

3. Polperro - a small town on the Cornish coast in England

It stands on steep steep slopes on the shore of a small but amazingly beautiful cove. Is it amazing how houses don't fall off a cliff? This is one of the most beautiful places in the UK. I would like to take a brush and paint landscapes!

How to get to Polperro: from London by train 3.5 hours to Liskeard, then 40 minutes by local bus Plymouth Citybus to Polperro.

Where to stay: the bay is small, so there are few accommodation options for tourists. Better to stay in a nearby bay, in the beautiful West Loup, which is also a very picturesque place, don't miss it.

4. Sintra - a precious chest of Portugal

with three wonderful treasures: Pena Palace, National Palace and the Castle of the Moors. All of them are among the ten most scenic Portuguese attractions.

In the photo: the palace in Sintra (Portugal, Europe)

The fabulous Pena Palace and its lush gardens top the list of the most beautiful places in Europe. The dome of the palace and its fantastic turrets rise on the mountain above the city, and a romantic park stretches around it, where you can walk for hours.

How to get to Sintra: from Lisbon (stop Marquês de Pombal) 30 minutes by bus Vimeca, timetable.

Where to stay: most tourists come to Sintra only during the day, but in vain! This place is especially beautiful in the evening. Moreover, it is cheaper to stay here than in Lisbon. For example, in a wonderful 19th century mansion - Saudade - with a stunning view from the window. We recommend booking at least 2 nights, otherwise, when you want to extend it, there may not be places - but here you always want to stay longer.

5. Dolceacqua (sometimes written Dolceacqua), Italy

In the photo: the amazing town of Dolceacqua in Italy is still hiding from tourists

Italian town on the border with, in the province of Liguria, 30 km from San Remo. A charming place where you can feel like Byron! This poet loved to visit the banks of the Nervia River, on both sides of which is this city with ancient houses, tiers descending to the water. Claude Monet also visited this city, depicting on canvas old bridge(Ponte vecchio di Dolceacqua), which is the symbol of the city. Maybe you saw this famous painting… Why not see this bridge with your own eyes?

How to get to Dolceacqua: by car, drive from San Remo about 25 minutes, from Nice - 40 minutes. By bus, you need to change to Ventimiglia - it doesn't matter if you are coming from Sanremo or Nice - then take a bus to Dolceacqua for 17 minutes. By the way, from Nice to Ventimiglia can be reached by train in 40 minutes.

Where to stay: in Dolceacqua, we recommend living in an old restored building with a fireplace in the room. For example, the inexpensive Le Gemme is housed in a 17th-century building with a panoramic terrace. The hotel is located 400 meters from Dolceacqua Castle.

6. Bonifacio is an amazing Corsican city in France

This city soars over the sea to a height of 60 meters!

Bonifacio (Corsica Island, France) - one of the most beautiful cities in Europe

The houses here are frozen over the waves, and the clear horizon is visible from the windows. It stands out among other cities in Europe for its unusual location, because Bonifacio tops the list of amazing ones. It is surrounded by a powerful stone wall that has bitten into the chalk rock. If the enemy tries to penetrate this peninsula, he will be met impregnable fortress... But of course they will let you through! Travelers in Bonifacio are very hospitable.

How to get to Bonifacio: from Nice by plane fly 55 minutes, tickets. From Figari airport, take a taxi or rent a car, the journey will take 20 minutes.

Where to stay: There are many hotels in Bonifacio, ranging from inexpensive to luxurious.

7. Trogir is a coastal town in Dalmatia, Croatia

In the photo: the seaside town of Trogir is one of the most romantic places in Croatia

The narrow streets of the old town, paved with stone, are surprisingly well preserved. They are surrounded by houses with exactly the same square masonry. What to see in Trogir? We will not list - there are too many Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque churches and palaces; let us mention, however, the Kamerlengo fortress, from which you can admire Trogir from above. But you will see everything for yourself when you come to this medieval city!

How to get to Trogir: it is better to take a taxi or rent a car - the trip will take about 40 minutes. Otherwise, you will have to travel more than 2 hours with transfers.

Where to stay: there are many good and inexpensive apartments for rent in Trogir.

8. Grueira is not only cheese, but also a city in Europe

It is located, you guessed it, in Switzerland, among the alpine peaks, on the shores of the lake of the same name.

You can admire the surroundings, the pastoral pictures of mountainous Switzerland, and the pastures in the alpine meadows from the medieval city walls. A castle with the same name hangs over the city. And returning to the conversation about cheese ... Be sure to visit the La Mason du Gruyère cheese dairy to see for yourself how the famous Swiss cheese is made!

How to get to Gruyeres: from Lausanne by train with a change (in Romone), go 1.5 - 2 hours. The trains (Lausanne, metro line 4), with two changes (Palaisieux, Bul) take 2.5 hours - they run every hour.

Where to stay: in the city center, in an inexpensive guest house "Rooms" with a stunning view of the mountains. By the way, guests are given a 10% discount here. local restaurant where they cook deliciously.

9. Valldemosa - a town on the island of Mallorca, Spain

In the photo: the Spanish town of Valldemossa, Majorca island

Its golden buildings are surrounded by lush greenery and mountains rise all around. The place is exceptionally romantic, quiet and tending to a contemplative mood. Walking around this tiny town, where the walls of houses are hung with flowers, you will understand why the legendary Chopin loved him so much!

How to get to Valldemoza: fly to Palma Mallorca airport, see the cheapest tickets (from 10 euros). Then take buses to Valldemoza, 1.5 hours: change in the city center (from the Plaça d'Espanya stop, go to the Estació Intermodal stop, nearby) on bus 210.

Where to stay: in one of the local guesthouses to get a feel for the atmosphere of the city.

10. Hallstatt, or Hallstatt - Austrian town

This fabulous city is located in one of the most picturesque places in Austria.

Hallstatt is a beautiful city in Austria

The charming chalets of this European city come right on the banks of the river of the same name. It seems that from the wooden balconies you can reach both the river and the mountains ... The color of the waters is surprisingly blue, echoing the blue-green mountains that rise above Hallstatt, protecting and cherishing it. There are only a thousand people living in the town, and they, I must say, are surprisingly lucky!

Today, the catchphrase said by the writer and photographer Ilya Ehrenburg has become: "See and die." But in fact, in Europe, in addition to Paris (as well as Rome and Naples, from where the legs of this saying "grow"), there are so many beautiful places that half your life is not enough to see and explore them. We at TravelAsk decided to make our selection of the most mesmerizing places in Europe to see before you die. And they are so beautiful that you will definitely want to pack your bags for the trip!

Galešnjak Island, Croatia

Welcome to the island of love! A few kilometers from Zadar is amazing island in the shape of a heart, it is called Galshnyak. The island is very small (only 130 square meters) and completely uninhabited. Imagine what a wonderful journey you can take here, or fly over the island on hot-air balloon!

Hallstatt village, Austria

This remarkable Austrian village of only 800 people is so beautiful that an exact replica of it has been reproduced in China. It is located near Salzburg, and has been known since the beginning of the XIV century.

Mont Saint Michel, France

One of the most visited places in France, ahead of it, perhaps, only the Eiffel Tower. This is another symbol of the country, which is photographed by travelers from all over the world.

This island-fortress is located in Normandy, the city appeared here in 709! No more than 40 people live here, and the number of guests every year is about two million!

Faroe Islands, Denmark

Faroe islands are located between Scotland and Iceland and are autonomous within Denmark. Serenity, green roofs and beautiful landscapes, it seems that nature here has been preserved in its original form. However, not everything is as calm as it might seem. The locals have a bloody tradition called Grindadrap: they hunt black dolphins. They are driven by boats to the shore and killed with knives and axes.

Around a thousand grinds are played here every year. And during the hunt, even the sea turns red.

Meteora, Greece

You have probably seen these majestic monasteries in Greece, famous all over the world. But you can only feel the harmony of nature, the strength of the human spirit and incredible architecture here. Monasteries seem to hang in the sky!

Until the beginning of the twentieth century, one could only climb the peaks by a rope ladder or in special baskets carried by monks. Now there is a permanent staircase, so tourists have much more opportunities to see this miracle.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Iceland

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is some incredible sight, especially during sunset. Well, its main feature is that you can go behind the waterfall and see it from all sides.

Bled, Slovenia

This wonderful resort town with a population of 5 thousand people has established itself as one of the most beautiful in Europe. The city is located on the shores of Lake Bled, and there is definitely a lot to see here.

Bled Castle, built at the beginning of the 10th century on top of a steep cliff.

Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, located on a small island in the middle of Lake Bled.

Oludeniz, Turkey

Do you think Turkey won't surprise you anymore? See this beach, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. It is located, surrounded by mountains, on the territory of the reserve, and the hotels here are only first-class. One of best places to enjoy the turquoise water and the silence under blue flag.

St Kilda, Scotland

St Kilda is a Scottish archipelago located far from the United Kingdom. And this place is of particular value: marine, natural and cultural, there are very few such places on the planet. The thing is that no one lives here, and in the most densely populated times hardly more than 200 people lived. There are stone houses left from people here, giving the islands a special flavor.

However, there are inhabitants here: birds and animals, they can be observed in wildlife.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

You will surely fall in love with Plitvice Lakes: it is one of the most beautiful parks in Europe. 16 large lakes with sky-colored water, which are connected to each other by waterfalls. There are about a hundred of the latter. The most interesting thing is that waterfalls appear constantly: the fact is that the mountains here are limestone, they are constantly eroded, and tree trunks that have fallen into the water form natural barriers over time.

Lavender fields, France

These incredible landscapes seem like a fairy tale, but they really exist! To capture this enchanting beauty, millions of travelers travel to Provence. Fluffy lavender fields extend several kilometers to the horizon and look more like a soft carpet on which you want to lie down and fall asleep to see even more fantastic dreams, isn't it?

Dark Hedges Alley, UK

If you think this fabulous and a little scary forest is a prop from a science fiction movie, you are wrong. See how amazing nature can be.

These beech trees are about three hundred years old and grow near the village of Armoy in Northern Ireland. Thousands of photographers come here to capture this beautiful alley.

Zaanse Schans, Netherlands

These mills, surrounded by tulip fields, are famous all over the world. is not just a village, it is a museum under open air where the best examples of Dutch wooden architecture are presented.

Etna, Italy

Etna is undoubtedly the most famous volcano in Europe. But it is also one of the most active volcanoes in the world: it has more than 100 eruptions per century. All this power and strength is definitely worth seeing with your own eyes.

Fjords, Norway

This is one of the best places for meditation: cliffs and mountains that rise from the water, covered with dense greenery and snow caps. You just need to visit it at least once in your life.

Travel broadens your horizons. It is one thing to look at postcards and photographs of beautiful places and want to be there, and it is quite another thing when you actually get to those places in photographs.

Sometimes they turn out to be more beautiful than the photographs can convey, and sometimes the beauty of the places being photographed is overestimated. However, we hasten to assure you that the European places you will see on this list are actually stunningly beautiful and simply breathtaking.

From charming and winding streets of Prague to snowy peaks Swiss Alps, below are twenty-five places of breathtaking beauty in Europe:

25. Fjords, Norway

The fjords are formed by the Scandinavian mountains flowing into the sea. The immensity of the fjords should certainly make them a place on your itinerary through Europe.

24. northern Lights, Sweden


The Northern Lights tend to appear during the winter. You have to drive out of town on a clear night to see nature's greatest show.

23. Chamonix, France


The site of the first Winter Olympic Games is located in the shadow of the very high peak Alps, Mont Blanc.

22. Amfalfi Coast, Italy


The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most visited regions in Italy.

21. Halstatt, Austria


High in the Austrian Alps, this serene mining village is renowned for its incredible scenic beauty among tourists.

20. National park Plitvice Lakes, Croatia


This area, which is one of the oldest national parks in southeastern Europe, famous for its cascading lakes.

19. Monasteries of Meteora, Greece


This is one of the largest complexes of monasteries in Greece, "Meteora" literally translates as "suspended in the air."

18. Lake Annecy, France


It is known as the most clear lake Europe, and the area itself is famous for tourism and aquatic species sports.

17. Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland


These stone pillars, formed by an ancient volcanic eruption, have been called one of Britain's natural wonders.

16. Preikestolen, Norway


Also known as the Pulpit, this steep cliff is one of Norway's most popular tourist attractions.

15. Matterhorn, Switzerland / Italy


The Matterhorn, known for its distinctive pyramidal shape, rises above the Swiss town of Zermatt and is sometimes referred to as the mountain of all mountains.

14. Cappadocia, Turkey


This region, popular with tourists, is famous for its distinctive rock formations known as "fairy chimneys".

13. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany


Neuschwanstein Castle, the real inspiration for the construction of Disney Castle, is a popular tourist destination in the Bavarian region of Germany.

12. Mont Saint-Michel, France


Mont Saint-Michel, an insular commune in France, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in France.

11. Thira (Santorini), Greece


Thira is a Greek island southeast of the mainland. Thousands of years ago, it was destroyed by one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in human history. However, today it is known for its Mediterranean and laid-back atmosphere.

10. Verdon Gorge, France


The Verdona Gorge, often considered one of the most beautiful river canyons in Europe, reaches a depth of almost 700 meters.

9. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland


An incredibly picturesque waterfall in Iceland. In order to enjoy the striking scenery you can stroll behind it.

8. Tuscany, Italy


The Tuscany region is known for its landscapes, traditions and history. The most big city the region is Florence.

7. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland


With nearly 1 million tourists every year, these cliffs are among the most visited sites in Ireland.

6. Teide, Spain


Volcanic peak on Canary Islands(Canary Islands) in National park Teide National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the world.

5. Lake Geneva(Lake Geneva), Switzerland / France


Lake Geneva, one of the largest lakes in Europe, is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, castles and breathtaking vineyards.

4. French Riviera or French Riviera, France


French Riviera, one