The Town Less Travelled: Most Beautiful Small Towns in Europe

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, the Fjords of Norway, the Alps of Switzerland…we’re all familiar with Europe’s iconic locations. They’re beautiful, breath-taking and often life-changing. However, sometimes, we need to take the road less travelled. To abandon the good tread path and find something different and special. These iconic countries might stand tall and proud on a map but look between them. Inside the tucks and folds of Europe are stunning small towns. Each of which has its own character, its own history and its own unique characteristics to contribute to this charming continent.

At Thomas Cook, we believe in taking travellers wherever they want to be – from bustling cities to tiny quiet towns. So, if you’ve already visited the biggest cities in Europe, or are looking for a quiet and secluded town to slip into, we’ve got some destinations for you to consider.

Bled, Slovenia

Don’t let that prosaic name fool you. This small Slovenian resort town is found resting on the foothills of the Julian Alps. The highlight of this town is the beautiful Bled Lake – which is infused with every shade of shimmering blue and green. Take a walk on Soteska Vintgar – a scenic walkway along a historic gorge. Marvel at Bled castle, which is perched on a cliff edge and surrounded by thick green foliage. Visit Bled Island, which sits like a tiny jewel on the lake. Around this small town are plenty of National Parks and other small towns, making for a perfect getaway.

Albaraccin; Spain, Amongst Beautiful Small towns in Europe

Like a tiny ruby on Spain’s crown, Albaraccin is a small and isolated town located in the hills of east-central Spain. Stroll around the town’s beautiful streets, lined with homes that are smeared with Red and orange clay and propped by dark wood beams. Visit the stunning cathedral, designed with Gothic and Renaissance influences in mind. Visit the ruins of Albaraccin’s crumbling castle, perched on a hill that overlooks this town. In the evening, ably assisted by the rays of the sun, Albaraccin captures all the red gold glory of a sunset – perfect for a picture, right?

Suggested Read: 5 places to visit in Europe

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Curling up to the shores of this ancient, walled and medieval city are the gentle waves of the Adriatic Sea. Here, you can walk along the Dubrovnik walls, which loop around the entire city. You can wander around the Old Town, filled with narrow roads, small shops and great restaurants. Take a cable car ride, to get a bird’s eye view of the entire city. Adding a splash of celebrity to this small town is the famous Fort Lovrijenac, where Game of Thrones was shot. If that isn’t a reason to visit, we don’t know what is!

Giethoorn, Netherlands

When we mentioned going off the well-travelled path, we may have been speaking about Geithoorn. This gorgeous village in the Northeastern Dutch Province is largely car-free. What you’ll find in Geithoorn, in lieu of roads, are boat-filled waterways, bicycle trails and slender footpaths. Countless farms in Geithoorn are built on small peat islands, which are connected by 170 wooden bridges. This small village is Nature’s delight, personified. Lakes, reed beds and thick green forests all inhabit this beautiful space- bring a book and a boat – let Geithoorn handle the rest.

Asos, Greece

Looking for quiet, contentment and beauty? Then Assos should be on the top of your list. This serene village boasts of beautiful pebble beaches, hills, pine trees and a harbour shaped bay that welcomes the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Add platter after platter of fresh seafood, a beautiful fortress, beautiful weather and a village in bloom, and you’ve found a perfect slice of heaven.

Also Read : 10 Most Amazing Places To Visit In Greece

Isafjordur, Iceland

So much natural beauty deserves the best protection it can get, and that’s why this little town is snuggled safely in the embrace of tall mountains. Let the crisp cold air energise you as you bite into a wonderfully warm kringlas (a local bread, topped with caraway seeds). Next, take advantage of all that powdery snow and indulge in snowboarding, skiing and cross-country skiing. With all these winter sports at hand, it’s easy to work up an appetite, so head over to the town for the best Icelandic fish courses.

Vernazza, Italy, One of the Beautiful Small Towns in Europe

We can all agree that Italy was a land gifted by the gods. However, Vernazza might be as close as heaven that you can get. This traffic-free village is bursting with ripe beauty. Olive trees, lush gardens and vineyards crowd amongst the cream-toned houses and piazzas – all of which perches on a rocky crop of land. If sightseeing is on your mind, stroll over to the Doria Castle, the Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia, or to the Sanctuary of our Lady of Regio. If a lazy day at the beach is on your mind, take your pick of the small sandy beach near the harbour, or the larger one closer to the city.

Cobh, Ireland

Think of Cobh, and the first thing that comes to mind is the word charming. Candy-toned houses are stacked side by side, while the cathedral of the city towers over them. Cobh is a city with many memories – you’ll find multiple museums, walking tours, old time-photography studios and other activities that reflect its history. You’ll be intrigued to know that Cobh found its place in the history books by being the last port of call for the iconic RMS Titanic before it set out on its doomed journey. In fact, there’s even a commemorative museum in the city dedicated to the ship.

Interlaken, Switzerland

You may think of tranquillity and peace when you look at the emerald green waters, old timber houses, old churches and cosy marketplaces. However, that would discount the three massive peaks named Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch and the lovely Thun and Brienz lakes. These natural landscapes can raise all kinds of thrills as you partake in sledging, kayaking, hiking, swimming, paragliding and incredible skydiving experience. Now that’s one way to see the Alps, right?

Recommended Read: 20 Magnificent Places To Visit In Switzerland

Flam, Norway

A small port that receives ship after ship, Flam is well versed in welcoming travellers to its shores. This tiny town bursts with different shades – the blue sky contrasting with deep fjords, the lush greenery popping against the brightly painted buildings. Here you can cycle around town, visit the beautiful Railway Museum, try their locally brewed craft beer and go hiking across the gorgeous landscapes that surround the town. The crown jewel of Flam is undoubtedly Flamsbana – the world’s steepest railway. Take a train ride from Flam and you’ll pass snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and much more. You’ll want the window seat for this one!

These are just a few heavenly slices of European beauty – tiny towns and villages across the continent with their own personality and quirks. If you’re looking to experience Europe in all its magnificent minutia, then it’s time to explore these little corners of the continent. At Thomas Cook, you can book your flight tickets, your hotels, buy all the Euros you need and apply for your Schengen visa. So, if you’re headed to Europe, remember, not all roads lead to Rome – some of them take you to parts unknown.