The Most Romantic Small Towns in Europe
The most romantic small towns in Europe, from Alpine hamlets to Greek island gems, maintain their historical beauty. The most beautiful settlements in Europe are rarely kept secret for very long. For centuries, travelers have spread throughout the continent in quest of these picture-perfect locations. They are associated with little villages and hamlets that are overflowing with memories. A picturesque setting is the first requirement for a perfect European town, among the sun-lit Greek islands or the Norwegian coastline. However, the most notable settlements also have distinguishing features, such as the centuries-old castle of Cong in Ireland. Excessive visitors can turn a once-calm community into an uncomfortable mob.
Take the five fishing villages of Cinque Terre in Italy, where wandering about on a warm evening feels more like strolling through a crowded theme park. There are expensive restaurants and souvenir shops here. However, Tellaro, another gorgeous beach village gloriously untouched and less accessible than the surrounding crowds, is only an hour’s drive down the coast.
It takes a little more work to visit the most romantic small towns in Europe, which are gorgeous European locations, and choosing one of these picturesque places could be challenging. But visiting one of these attractive places will be a great experience. So here is the list of romantic European towns that make your visit and honeymoon experience unforgettable.
Italy’s Tellaro
Tellaro’s winding clifftop roads and tiny harbor have shielded it from the tourists that have seized neighboring Ligurian seaside towns like Vernazza and Portofino. Here, a motley collection of colorful buildings clings precariously to the sheer coast, producing a visually striking cliff-hugging appearance similar to the busier locations.
The settlement is situated on the Golfo dei Poeti, so named in honor of the poets and literary luminaries. Who previously found inspiration in this Mediterranean retreat, including Lord Byron and D. H. Lawrence.
Bibury, England
Bibury is one of the most charming settlements in the mountainous Cotswold area of southwest England; it is famous for its natural beauty.” Meadows abound, as do stone cottages with steeply pitched roofs from the Dark Ages. The most picturesque spot is Arlington Row, a row of sepia-colored cottages constructed in the 17th century to house weavers from the neighboring Arlington Mill. The River Coln, which cuts through the village, connects with trout.
Hallstatt, Austria
Set in a picturesque position on the bank of the Hallstätter See, the town of Hallstatt has enjoyed continuous prosperity because of a millennium-long tradition of salt mining. The village is in a gorgeous market square surrounded by buildings covered in ivy. It provides a picturesque perspective as it sits between a clean lake and a lush mountain rising sharply from the water’s edge.
Folegandros, Greece
The streets of Santorini are crowded with admirers, but the nearby Cyclades island of Folegandros has similar visual features. Slate pavement lined the streets, whitewashed buildings glowed with vibrant flowers, and the odd Greek Orthodox church with a clear blue dome devoid of crowds could be found. Hike 1.5 miles to Katergo Beach, a sheltered stretch with calm blue-and-emerald waves lapping against a pebbly shore, for a private dip.
Colmar, France
In this well-preserved Alsatian village, where bakeries sell croissants and cake. Restaurants that specialize in foie gras. French and German influences coexist. The old town has various architectural styles, including French Neo-Baroque and German Gothic. Colmar was notably spared destruction during World War II, thanks in part to the historical charm of its half-timbered buildings, peaceful canals, and cobblestone roads.
Norway’s Reine
The Lofoten archipelago, a strikingly stunning stretch of Nordic wilderness where blue bays fill fjords and meet mountains, is home to the charming fishing community of Reine, which lies north of the Arctic Circle. Many vividly red or fishermen’s cabins have been transformed into cozy guest houses with easy access to the Norwegian Sea.
Whether you’re there to see beautiful scenery or take in the night sky’s breathtaking view, these are the ideal spots.
Telc, Republic of the Czech Republic
The residents of Telč, a little town in the Czech Republic’s Vysočina area, used to be intensely proud of their lovely homes. Still, these days, they have developed an extended center plaza where each building is more beautiful than the last. Today, buildings are constructed in the Classic and Renaissance styles, with tall roofs painted in gentle pastel colors.
Small shops and cafes are attached to buildings. Large, fish-filled ponds enhance the town center, and a grand castle dating back to the Renaissance guards one end of the plaza.
Albarracín, Spain
This community in the rugged heart of central Aragon preserves a slice of medieval Spain within its stone walls. Ancient stone towers, ochre castles, and chapels can be seen connected among the small lanes and alleyways of Albarracín. Follow the medieval walls for the best views of the old Moorish castle.
Pučišća, Croatia
Buses and cruise ships along Croatia’s balmy Croatian coast release tourists eager to explore the sights of Dubrovnik and the historic island city of Hvar. Meanwhile, fewer people visit Pučišća on the island of Brač. The reward for these intelligent visitors is an immensely picturesque seaside village with white stone cottages. There are terracotta roofs, narrow cobblestone lanes, and a square paved with stones. Benefit from the Adriatic Sea’s relative solitude and abundance of great swimming spots.
Switzerland’s Gruyères
The mildly nutty cheese that bears the same name and is typically served in fondue is the main attraction of Gruyères. Although not many people know, the town is a medieval hamlet in western Switzerland’s upper Saane River valley. The impressive 13th-century Gruyères Castle rises from a broad, stone-paved street to commanding vistas of the Alps.
Slovenia, Bled
The little island with a small Baroque chapel sitting in the glacial blue waters of Lake Bled is the focal point of this tiny Alpine town in northwest Slovenia. You can enjoy this picture-perfect view from the hilltop castle after taking a stroll around the lake, or you can recover in town with a slice of kremšnita, a pastry topped with sugar and filled with cream and custard.
Óbidos, Portugal
Remains of a medieval village survive within the crenelated walls of Ñbidos, a hilly town close to Portugal’s western coast. After captivating aristocrats in the thirteenth century, Óbidos never fails to astound those who go past its impressive defenses. Situated within the ramparts lies a maze of cobblestone streets, whitewashed cottages adorned with vibrant bougainvillea, and an abundance of bars prepared to serve shots of ginjinha, a sour cherry-based liquor.
Guarda, Switzerland
The isolated Alpine village of Guarda is reached via a winding mountain road in the Lower Engadine. A rough area of eastern Switzerland was devoid of the sparkle of the Upper Engadine, which is neighboring and home to upscale ski resorts like St. Moritz. It is situated between lush meadows and mountain peaks; this enclave is distinguished by its charming architecture, with numerous well-built homes adorned with traditional painted and carved details. Listen for Romansh speakers as you meander through the peaceful lanes. Romansh is a distinct language spoken only in this remote Alps area.
Malta’s Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a historic fishing village on Malta’s southeast coast. Its harbor is full of vintage fishing vessels known as fuzzified. These brightly colored boats with painted eyes on their bows are used to retrieve tuna, swordfish, and local lampuki. St. Peter’s Pool is a hidden limestone cove a short stroll down the coast where locals frequently jump into the glistening sea.
Netherlands’ Giethoorn
Giethoorn offers the peace of bygone eras to those looking for a getaway from the bustle of the metropolis. You cannot go by car, so boats are the primary means of transportation, not roads. Slide along the slender canals, past homes and farmhouses with thatched roofs trimmed with vibrant gardens.
These are also under the numerous wooden bridges spanning each verdant plot. Alternatively, you can go back during winter when the canals’ frozen surface is suitable for ice skating.
Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
It is easily reachable by taking a day trip from Budapest, a medieval village in southern Slovakia. The village’s former wealth is visible in the Renaissance and Romanesque castles, Gothic and Neoclassical churches, and elegant squares. The silver mines in this region fueled the historic center. Even though the mines’ excavations stopped a century ago, the gold and silver mines have become outdoor museums.
Germany’s Cochem
Cochem is a charming German village on the banks of the meandering Moselle River. The village square features typical half-timbered homes, while the cobblestone pathways are lined with adorable cottages. Stroll along the beautiful promenade beside the river to see the castle perched on top of the town.
The neighboring vineyards of the foggy Moselle Valley, whose terraced vines cling to steep slopes, provide enough opportunity to try the region’s floral white wines.
Bosa, Italy
On Sardinia’s northwest coast, Bosa is still an untouched gem, a world apart from the flashy beach resorts that have many lamenting the island’s overdevelopment. It is situated on the banks of the Temo River. The medieval town boasts a charming riverfront with pastel-colored palazzi and palm palms. Surrounded by a 12th-century hilltop stronghold, the historic center features stone steps, shaded piazzas, and homes with wrought iron balconies.
Poland’s Kazimierz Dolny
This well-preserved hamlet in central Poland, close to the Vistula River, has long attracted artists. Many painters have drawn inspiration from the unspoiled landscape surrounding Kazimierz Dolny, which has canyons and strange tunnels made by entwined tree roots. However, the town is brimming with art galleries hidden away on the quaint side streets, with its stone-paved market square and monuments dating back to the Renaissance.
Sweden’s Rättvik
Situated in Dalarna, a province commonly regarded as the nation’s core, Rättvik is a stunning example of traditional Swedish architecture. It is between acres of forest and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Siljan. Historic wooden structures in the town are painted a rich red color known as falu rödfärg, derived from a local copper mine. The country’s national symbol, Dala horses, originates in this region and may be found on shelves in the local gift shops.
Dinant, Belgium
In the French-speaking Wallonia region of Belgium, Dinant is a historic town perched on a narrow strip of land between cliffs and the Meuse River. Beer fans should visit Notre Dame de Leffe, a medieval abbey where monks first brewed.
Leffe is the quintessential Belgian beer. To learn more and sample the brew, cross the river to the Leffe beer museum at La Merveilleuse by Infiniti Resorts—a hotel housed in a former convent that provides panoramic views of the town and its clifftop citadel.
