15 Stunning Small Towns Around the World You Can’t Miss
Small towns steal hearts, while big cities have bright lights. Small towns have all the charm, rich cultural heritage, and promise of a tranquil adventure.
This is your ultimate guide to wanderlust-worthy hidden treasures. This list of 15 breathtaking small towns, from Europe’s cobblestone marvels to Asia’s picturesque valleys, will make you wish you had unlimited vacation days.
Hallstatt, Austria
Pure magic is the lakeside village of Hallstatt in the Alps. It’s lined with gingerbread-style houses along the shores of Hallstätter Sea, and the stunning alpine views are made for Instagram.
Did you know that Hallstatt’s salt mines are some of the world’s oldest, dating back 7,000 years? Pro tip: Golden leaves make this dreamiest spot picture-perfect in autumn when visitation is lower.
Positano, Italy
Positano, the jewel of the Amalfi Coast, is a “vertical village with flair,” as travel expert Rick Steves puts it. This Mediterranean gem is famous for its mouthwatering seafood, colorful cliffside houses, winding streets, and, if you’re lucky, beautiful views around every turn. Remember your comfy shoes because you’ll be walking and gawking a lot.
Takayama, Japan
Takayama is a small town in the Hida region of Japan. Its old town features old wooden houses, sake breweries, and artisan shops. The charming old town is a perfect, enjoyable walk away. Don’t miss Japan’s most beautiful festivals, which celebrate spring and autumn and date back to the 1600s.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Known as Morocco’s “Blue Pearl,” Chefchaouen is a breathtaking town painted entirely in shades of blue. Some believe the color does away with mosquitoes, others the divine energy. In all cases, this vibrant gem in the Rif Mountains will leave you amazed or stunned around every corner as you walk by your Instagram feed.
Banff, Canada
Banff’s location in the stunning Canadian Rockies makes it a perfect home for adventure lovers. Aside from its title as home to the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise and world-class ski resorts, it’s an excellent place to witness wildlife, such as moose and grizzly bears. The ultimate outdoor escape, Banff is jaw-dropping scenery that needs no filter.
Colmar, France
Step into a fairytale in Colmar, the charming town nicknamed “Little Venice” for its canals and colorful, water-lined houses. As a wine lover heaven, Colmar’s vineyards do not disappoint, producing some of France’s best Alsace wines; Colmar is a dream destination for both sips and sights!
Queenstown, New Zealand
If Queenstown is too vague for you, it’s the ultimate adrenaline hub, calling all adventure lovers! There’s plenty to do, from bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge to paragliding over Lake Wakatipu, hiking Ben Lomond, or simply wandering along the trails around Queenstown or through private vineyards. It remains part of a global Dark Sky Reserve, and its night skies are ideal for memorable stargazing.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Blagaj
Surrounded by a simple cluster of old houses, a 600-year-old Dervish monastery is tucked into a cliff facing the turquoise Buna River at Blagaj, one of the best-preserved gems in Dalmatia. This must-visit spot has charm and postcard-worthy beach views, perfect for tranquility seekers or off-the-beaten-path photographers!
Reine, Norway
Norway’s Lofoten Archipelago, called Reine, is the ultimate Arctic escape. It is surrounded by dramatic fjords and rugged peaks and is billed as one of Norway’s most stunning spots. Come visit in winter, and we will put you in front and center for the magic of the Northern Lights!
Fenghuang, China
Fenghuang, or the “Phoenix Ancient Town,” is a picturesque village of wooden stilt houses along the Tuojiang River. Its ancient architecture is a natural beauty. Listen to it vibrate with Chinese flutes playing in the air and stroll its stone-paved streets; it’s a dream.
Eguisheim, France
Only 6 km from Colmar, Eguisheim has even more charm with its turning roundabout-like streets and pastel half-timbered houses. This storybook gem was named ‘France’s Most Beautiful Village’ in 2013, and it’s just got to be seen!
Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
Sidi Bou Said is the best-kept secret of the Mediterranean. White walls, bright blue doors, and flowers overflow across balconies, and its signature white walls and bright blue doors are reminiscent of the Greek Isles. Get ready to shake your mocktails while looking out over sparkling waters.
Sayulita, Mexico
Sayulita is a small surf town near Puerto Vallarta, surrounded by boho beach vibes and a close-knit community. It’s renowned for its laidback charm, top-notch surf schools, colorful markets, and hotspot status for surfers and free spirits alike. You must grab your sunscreen because staying indoors here should be illegal!
Chinchón, Spain
Don’t leave Chinchón without visiting the Plaza Mayor, a circular gem that, depending on the season, functions as a bullring, theater, or market. Add its medieval charm and delicious local specialties like “ajillo” garlic soup, and you’ve got the perfect Spanish escape!
Jiufen, Taiwan
It might be for all you Hayao Miyazaki fans out there! And Jiufen is pure magic with its red lantern-lit streets, tucked away teahouses, and unobstructed sea views from the mountainside town ‘which they say inspired Spirited Away.’ Make sure to stop by for that glow as the sun begins to set!
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Read More:
- 10 Extreme Measures People Took To Travel on the Cheap
- Do You Need A Passport To Go on A Cruise
- 15 Best Countrıes to Vısıt in Afrıca
