The most comfortable cities in Europe. Version. Cozy streets of Barcelona Cozy streets of Europe

You can start closing “debts” using photo reports. Let's start, perhaps, with... Just a dozen months ago, we came to check out Catalan life in the capital of the Mediterranean Union - Barcelona.

Barcelona is wonderful. Sun-drenched cozy streets, not the most gloomy locals, delicious Rioja and excellent meat restaurants.
The streets are wonderful. Not very old, not very new - just the way I like them.
If you step away from the most touristy paths, you can take a walk outside the crowds of tourists.

Due to the architecture, the light in the city is especially magical. Just like in New York.

Everything is moderately clean, moderately neat.

So that cars can pass safely, there are mirrors like these at corners.

The climate in Barcelona is wonderful - the month of November is quite warm. Not hot, not cold - just how I like it.

This inconspicuous establishment Quimet Quimet is one of the coolest tapas bars we’ve been to. If you're in Barcelona, be sure to go!

But all these cozy streets, sunny weather and tapas bars came later. On the day of our arrival, Barcelona greeted us with a global strike of almost everything (including all city transport) and riots. Young Spaniards turned over cars and had fun in every possible way, but the police dispersed them. We decided to bypass this fun, however.

While most of the local population was busy vandalizing, Barceloneta's beach was empty.

The streets in the center were empty, local residents closed their shutters.

The Bronze Horseman keeps order.

And only the runners are put on the riots. They don't give a damn, they have a long run :)

It’s not for nothing that the Spaniards are the champions of the latest football championships - even at night there are guys on the field.

The city is doing well with cycling. Barcelona has an urban bike sharing system with hundreds of stations. You can pick up a bike at one station and leave it at another. However, it is worth remembering that these are city transport for locals, not pleasure bikes for tourists.

Morning revealed damaged shop shutters.

Barcelona's Arc de Triomphe.

Road to Agbar Tower.

Somewhere in the northern, mountainous part of the city.

Pensioners are active; instead of sitting on benches, they play Petang.

An angry pigeon escapes from the hot sun in a fountain.

Usually in cities there is someone besides pigeons? That's right - sparrows. However, I did not find them in Barcelona - instead of them, green Kalita parrots fly there.

Parrots, like sparrows, are no strangers to swimming in puddles.

Contemporary street art.

In my humble opinion, this is better than the graffiti tags of “artists”

One of Barcelona's tourist magnets is Park Guell. It’s very cool, but the impression is spoiled by the crowds of tourists.

Another tourist magnet is the Picasso Museum. My brain, hardened in New York, could not understand the fruits of the Master's work. I believe you need to have a very fine mental organization in order to fully appreciate the level of creativity and technology.

Well, where would we be without traditional levitography?

(c) Atilla 2008

Cats are dozing on the piers, boats are rocking on the waves, mountains are reflected in calm waters, the market near the fortress walls of the Old Town is full of ripe fruits and fresh fish is shimmering, and in the narrow streets clothes are drying on lines - here it is, far from a complete picture of this Montenegrin miracle nature and architecture. Kotor is called the most beautiful city, it is good both in bad weather, when the mountains are shrouded in fog, and in good weather, when the water in the Bay of Kotor becomes absolutely transparent due to the sun's rays.

The most photogenic places in Kotor: View from the embankment along Jadranska magistrala, observation deck on top of the fortress wall, streets of the Old Town.

Prague, Czech Republic

The first of the two capitals that we included in this list is Zlata Prague, as the city was once solemnly called.
Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the gloomy and solemn St. Vitus Cathedral, Tyn Cathedral - everyone, even those who have not been to Prague, know these places and can immediately imagine what they look like. It remains the same as it was centuries ago - narrow streets, cobblestone streets, red tiled roofs, old signs for restaurants and workshops. We always wanted to see this city in winter - covered with snow, even more cozy and pre-holiday. This is exactly how we saw it during a recent trip – it didn’t disappoint and was beautiful.

The most photogenic places in Prague: view from the tower of the Old Town Hall, view from the Powder Tower, view from the tower of St. Vitus Cathedral.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The city of the Sun and eternal summer - you can come here in winter and still see bright fruits on orange trees, waves of the Adriatic Sea shimmering in the Sun, snow-white yachts and street cafes filled with visitors.
You are doomed to be in a good mood in Dubrovnik, no matter how depressed you get here. Even the songs of “Agatha Christie” are perceived here as a hymn to love of life, verified :)

The most photogenic places in Dubrovnik: View from the Minceta Tower, the Old Port embankment, Stradun Street, absolutely any point of the fortress wall (yes, this is not an exaggeration).

A city on the Baltic Sea coast, the sea gate of Poland. The foggy and restless Baltic endowed Gdansk with a lyrical and thoughtful atmosphere. This is not a vain place; in Gdansk you can spend hours alone with yourself and your thoughts, walking along its ancient embankments and spacious, uncrowded beaches.

The most photogenic places in Gdansk: Royal Route, view from the tower of St. Mary's Cathedral, embankment of the Motlawa River.

Hallstatt is so small that it is difficult to call it a city - it is more like a village, but located in such an ideal place from an aesthetic point of view that when you get there, you cannot believe that it is real. This is not a toy model, not a banner, not a picture from the Internet retouched 100,500 times - no, this is a real place on the shore of a pristine lake, surrounded by the Austrian Alps. Miniature houses, flowers on the windows, a quiet embankment, the smooth surface of the lake - it’s true that 10 minutes in Hallstatt can replace a pack of Novopasita.

The most photogenic places in Hallstatt: the view from the embankment of the Römisches district (this one, the most recognizable), the view from the “5 Fingers” observation deck, the observation deck on the mountain next to the Salt Cave (Salt Mines) - a funicular goes to it, almost from the city center .

Riga, Latvia

Another capital and another city on the Baltic coast. It formally became European quite recently, but in fact it has always been like this; it is no coincidence that all of the “Europe” of Soviet films was filmed here. Ancient streets, houses with lacy facades, church spiers, the brooding Gulf of Riga, boat trips along the Daugava River, the noise of cranes coming from the port - this is Europe, the closest to us.

The most photogenic places in Riga: View from the observation deck of St. Peter's Church, view from the Sky Line bar (26th floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija), Town Hall Square.

Porto, Portugal

There are many cozy and colorful cities in Portugal, including the capital - Lisbon, but we decided to stop at the very best - Porto. This is not a city, it’s just some kind of decoration for a film about love, passion and the sea - there’s no other way to say it. Although there is no sea here - the city is located on the Douro River, and after a few kilometers the mighty Atlantic begins. Old colorful houses (so picturesque, as if they were specially aged a little), street musicians, the aroma of port wine, warm evening air - a typical picture of Porto.

The most photogenic places in Porto: Douro River embankment, St. Catherine Street, Ribeira district, observation deck of the Clérigos Church.

Honfleur, France

Imagine a city in which time has stopped at midday on a summer Sunday, and you will understand how a person feels when he finds himself in Honfleur. The town lives its own leisurely life, here on every corner they sell homemade cider, Calvados and different flavors of caramel - lavender, rose petals, blackberry. The oysters in city restaurants are so delicious, the sun on the embankment is so gentle that you quickly join the rhythm of life of the locals and don’t want to return to the bustle of big cities.

The most photogenic places in Honfleur: Quai Sainte-Catherine and Quai Carentin.

Bruges, Belgium

Postcard city, gingerbread city, bedtime story city. Ours was simply in disgusting weather, in which in Moscow you want to shoot yourself - rain, cold wind, leaden clouds. But the city turned out to be so bright and cozy that the weather was simply not noticed. There were gingerbread and chocolate figurines in almost every window (Belgium, after all), there was a smell of fresh baked goods, and pleasure boats sailed along the canals decorated with flower pots.

The most photogenic places in Bruges: Observation deck of the Bruges Historical Museum, embankments along the Groenerei and Minnewatter canals

San Gimignano, Italy

A city in the center of Tuscany, located among vineyards on a high hill, on the side of the SR222 road. San Gimignano is not only the most Tuscan, but also the most Italian of all Italian cities. Here, street musicians play in the squares, noisy neighbors discuss the latest news, and old people with thoughtful faces look at passersby, sitting on indoor chairs placed right in the middle of the street.
Also, San Gimignano has the most delicious ice cream in Italy and the number of its types here is approaching infinity.

The most photogenic places in San Gimignano: Piazza Del Duomo, view from the Bell Tower (not only of the city, but also of the Tuscan fields surrounding it).

Strasbourg, France

The main city of the French province of Alsace, in which the atmosphere of France and the spirit of Germany, which is so close to the city, are intertwined. The classic French Cathedral of Notre Dame, and very close to it - a quarter of traditional German houses - all this is so picturesque and so unusual - it was this mix of cultures that captivated us, forcing us to choose Strasbourg for the selection from all the major French cities.

Restaurants with flowered terraces are comfortably located along the canals, and passengers of boats passing by hear the smell of foie gras, the clink of glasses and the sounds of musical instruments. In general, if you want a lot of France and a little Germany, then Strasbourg is for you.

The most photogenic places in Strasbourg: the Petite France area, view from the observation deck of Notre Dame Cathedral, Place Guttenberg.

Bergen, Norway

The northernmost and coldest city in the selection. It is located on the fjord-lined shores of the North Sea, here you can often see lead clouds overhead, and it is better not to appear on the street without an umbrella, but despite this, Bergen ended up in this article. This is because one look at its colorful small houses makes you feel warm, because here you can walk around the streets lined with wood, because the incredible beauty of the northern views opens up from the hills of Bergen. A cold city that gives warmth - that’s how it is, this Bergen.

The most photogenic places in Bergen: Bryggen embankment, view from the observation deck of Mount Fløyen.

We hope that these photographs of serene city landscapes have made your soul feel calmer and more comfortable.

Many of these settlements are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These corners of Europe are so beautiful that humanity is obliged to preserve them in their original form.

Albarracin

This medieval small town of 1,097 inhabitants is located in the province of Teruel, Spain, and usually ranks high in all rankings of the most beautiful villages in this country.

Vernazza

It is one of the five gems that make up the Cinque Terre region of Italy - five small fishing towns with World Heritage status. Choosing one of them is an almost impossible task. Vernazza, perhaps, has best preserved the spirit of a maritime citadel.

La Roque-Gageac

Situated at the foot of a cliff on the banks of the Dordogne River, this French city, inhabited since prehistoric times, is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Josselin

This city is located in France, in the Brittany region. This is a fairytale town, famous not only for its beauty, but also for its famous and impressive castle, built around 1008.

Murren

The highest and most beautiful village in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, at an altitude of 1650 m above the Lauterbrunnen valley. Here you can observe three of the most famous mountains in Switzerland: the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.

Castle Com

The village of 350 inhabitants is located in Wiltshire, England. This oasis of peace and tranquility was rated as the second best village in the country by the famous British newspaper The Times, and it certainly deserves it.

Rhonda

The “City of Bullfighting” stands on a huge picturesque rock, which makes it so amazingly beautiful.

Tropea

This Italian city is located on the coast of Calabria and is one of the main points of the Italian resort coast. One of its features is the huge cliff that overlooks the beach.

Bibury

For many, including the poet William Morris, Bibury is the most wonderful village in England. Its fourteenth-century houses will transport you to another era.

Freudenberg

The small town of Freudenberg is one of the most charming towns in Germany and Europe. It is located in the region of Siegen-Wittgenstein in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Dinan

The small town with a population of only 14,000 inhabitants is one of the most beautiful, picturesque and spectacular parts of Belgium. It is located on the banks of the Mosa and is sandwiched between rocks, which adds to the uniqueness of the place.

Gengenbach

This fabulous city is located in southern Germany, on the edge of the Black Forest, in the Ortenau district of Baden-Württemberg. Due to his extraordinary beauty, he was chosen for the filming of several films, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Mykonos Town

Mykonos, also known as Chora, is a beautiful small town on the island of Mykonos (Greece). Its distinctive feature consists of small white and square houses with balconies, doors and windows painted in different colors.

Mortsund

Norwegian Mortsund is an enclave, a haven for fishermen. Its extraordinary beauty and solitude surrounded by nature beckons travelers.

Gruyere

Gruyères is a historical town and municipality in the Swiss canton of Fribourg. Amazing buildings and a medieval castle where nineteen counts lived make it one of the most interesting cities in Europe.

And I

A small town belonging to the island of Santorini, Greece. Hundreds of visitors come to Oia to watch its world famous and beautiful sunset. Oia is also famous for its white volcanic rock houses and blue domed churches.

Mont Saint Michel

The magnificent architecture and bay make Mont Saint-Michel the most visited tourist destination in Normandy and one of the first in France (about 3.2 million visitors per year).

Bled

Bled is a city located on the shores of Lake Bled in Slovenia. It is famous for its glacial lake, castles and churches in the surrounding forests. Every year the place attracts more and more tourists.

Reine

Reine was declared the most beautiful village in Norway in the 70s. It has been a trading port since 1793 and a regular destination for cruises in the Norwegian fjords.

San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a small medieval walled town built on top of the hills of Tuscany in Italy. Its characteristic feature is the towers, which make the city a European medieval Manhattan.

Funes

This is a rural village located in a picturesque valley in Funes, Italian Tyrol. 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.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Belongs to the district of Ansbach in Bavaria, Germany. It is a world famous tourist attraction due to its well-preserved medieval center. In addition to its beauty, Rothenburg ob der Tauber served as inspiration for the village in Pinocchio.

Colmar

This beautiful fairytale city belongs to the Haut-Rhin department in the Alsace region of France. Walking along its streets, you can enjoy the view of early Renaissance buildings.

Manarola

Second on this list, this colorful fishing town is another place located in the Cinque Terre in Italy. Manarola is perhaps the most beautiful of the five, and seems also to be the oldest, as evidenced by the cornerstone of the Church of San Lorenzo from 1160.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a village in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. In 1997 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place is simply amazing, very cozy and incredibly beautiful!

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If you dream of visiting at least one of these fabulous European towns, filled with ancient charm and incredible beauty, or perhaps you have just begun your search for the best places? Either way, here we've rounded up 27 of the most beautiful small towns in Europe, from the Norwegian fjords and majestic Alps to the sunny islands of Greece.

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Manarola, Italy

First up on our list is one of Italy's most famous Cinque Terre towns - Manarola - filled with colorful rainbow houses carved into impenetrable stone walls along the Mediterranean coast. This charming fishing town is famous for its fabulous wines, especially Sciacchetra, and the paintings of Antonio Discovolors, an artist who fell in love with Manarola and dedicated much of his later work in the region to the town.

In Manarola there are no cars, no traffic lights, and therefore not a single sound from the squeal of tires. Of course, you can drive to Manarola, but you will have to leave the car outside the town and then take a bus, or start your journey on foot.

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Second on our list is the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Bavaria, Germany). This charming Bavarian mountain resort town is 80 minutes by train from Munich. Once upon a time, these were two separate towns: one Roman, the other Teutonic, but in 1936 they united in honor of the Winter Olympic Games.

Partenkirchen dates back to the 15th century, filled with narrow cobbled streets lined with historic buildings in the Bavarian Gasthaus style: three or four stories high, with open shutters and facades painted in pastel colors with images of pastoral or religious scenes.

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Despite the fact that we are talking about small towns, the city of Portree in Scotland is the largest city on the Scottish island of Skye. Portree is a port as well as a thriving cultural centre, although its population is less than 2,500. The city's harbor is a central location with pubs, restaurants serving amazing seafood and breathtaking views of the bay.

This is one of the best places to stay if you're planning to explore this incredibly scenic wilderness region due to its close proximity to some of the most spectacular and unique attractions, including rock formations such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the extraordinary Quaraing Pinnacles.

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Reine, Norway

Reine in Norway is a tiny fishing village on the picturesque Arctic island of Moskenesøy with a population of just over 300 inhabitants, but despite this it has rightfully been recognized as the most beautiful village in Norway. Situated north of the Arctic Circle in the Lofoten archipelago, this remote wilderness region is home to sapphire bays, breathtaking mountains and towering fjords. The fishermen's cabins have been converted into cozy visitor cottages with direct access to the Norwegian Sea, and the amazing night sky is a welcome addition with the prospect of seeing the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

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Colmar, France

The city of Colmar in France is a throwback to the 9th century. Since then, it has often been referred to as “Little Venice” due to the many water canals, like a breath of air among the medieval streets.

This well-preserved village in the Alsace region is also considered the capital of wine in an area renowned for its exquisite aromas. Thanks to the dual influences of Germany and France, you can easily find local bakeries offering sweet pastries and croissants with a variety of fillings, while eateries often specialize in sauerkraut and foie gras. In Colmar you will find different architectural styles: from French neo-baroque to German gothic.

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Marsaxlokk, Malta

Marsaxlokk is a busy trading port dating back to 900 BC, when the Phoenicians first landed on Malta. Today this picturesque town is the main supplier of fish for the inhabitants of the island, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea. Marsaxlokk is well known for its massive markets, which stock a wide variety of fish, including the local favorite Lampuki (sea bream).

The rarity of this Maltese village is that it has no modern buildings, so as not to spoil its attractiveness. In such tranquil surroundings, including traditional Luzzu (fishing boats) designed by the ancient Phoenicians, Marsaxlokk is a particularly charming place to relax and learn about local history.

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Portmagee, Ireland

In a country filled with many beautiful towns, Portmagee is a clear favorite, being close to the Ring of Kerry on the southwest coast of Ireland. It's a postcard-perfect seaside fishing village with a row of brightly colored buildings, along with a rich and impressive history.

The Bridge Bar offers a special atmosphere with live music, fantastic food and a pint of Guinness. Portmagee is also the departure point for the impressive Skelligs Rock and home to preserved monastic settlements dating back to the 6th century.

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Bled, Slovenia

Bled is a city in the northwestern part of Slovenia, protected by magnificent mountains. Bled was created in 1004 and is considered so beautiful by the Holy Roman Emperor that it was donated to the Bishopric of Brixen.

Bled Castle is located in the heart of the picturesque lake of the same name with its glacial blue waters surrounding the tiny island. Bled also borders the town, known as the home of one of the most beautiful health resorts in the region. And if you climb to the top of the castle, especially stunning panoramic views will open up.

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Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is one of the oldest settlements in Austria, founded in 5000 BC. to tap into the vast reserves of salt in the mountains surrounding this storybook town. For thousands of years, salt mining meant lasting prosperity for Hallstatt, which can be seen as a town with a beautiful square surrounded by ivy-clad buildings.

The city still mines salt, but it is also considered a treasure trove of human history and one of Austria's most picturesque cities, with its stunning setting on the shores of Lake Hallstätter, majestic mountains and a vibrant sunrise rising from the water's edge.

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Bibury, England

The lovely town of Bibury, England, nestled among the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, is often described as one of the most beautiful towns in England, and certainly has its place among the best and brightest in all of Europe. It was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, retaining a place in the past to this day. Much of Bibury still looks the same as it did hundreds of years ago.

The River Colne flows along the main street and lush meadows border ancient stone cottages with sheer slanted roofs. The picturesque Arlington Row area is famous for its sepia-toned cottages, which were built in the 17th century as homes for weavers working at Arlington Mill.

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Annecy, France

Annecy is one of the most beautiful and romantic places on Earth - perhaps more stunning than the French Alps that surround it. Just 22 kilometers from Geneva in Haute-Savoie in eastern France, Annecy is divided into small water channels leading from the sparkling blue Lac Annecy lake.

Light effects on the popular alleys leading along the canals give Annecy a special Venetian charm, and the famous Palais de l’Isle (Island Palace), built in the very center of one of the canals, will take you back to the distant 12th century.

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Goreme, Türkiye

Nowadays, Turkey's Goreme National Park was built during the Roman Empire against a backdrop of exquisite rock formations. Natural rocks served as a foundation and protection for those who built the city. Much of the ancient architecture survives to this day, with many churches carved into the rocks themselves. This beautiful city really needs to be seen with your own eyes to believe in its fabulous uniqueness.

One of the best ways to see all the beauty of Goreme is from above - when every morning before sunrise, hundreds of hot air balloons take to the sky and soar over the rocks.

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Albarracin, Spain

Albarracin is a beautifully preserved medieval town in Northern Spain with roots dating back to the 11th century. The cave paintings in the caves of the cultural park provide some of the most important evidence of Levantine prehistoric art in the country.

A piece of medieval Spain is preserved within the walls of Albarassin, which is filled with winding paths, narrow streets, ancient stone towers, castles and chapels. While here, you will feel as if you have been transported in a time machine to the Middle Ages.

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Pusice, Croatia

Arguably the most beautiful village in Croatia, Pušice is certainly one of the most picturesque places in all of Europe. The sparkling white stone from the island of Brac makes this small port town a truly one-of-a-kind destination and even an exquisite work of art.

Sitting on the northern coast of the island, sheltered by a bay, you can stretch out the pleasures on the untouched sands, soaking up the rays of the sun and cooling off in the sparkling water of the Adriatic Sea.

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Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

Vestmannaeyjar on the island of Heimaey, the largest of the 14 Vestman Islands archipelagos, is located off the southwest coast of mainland Iceland. Considered one of Iceland's best-kept secrets, this geographical treasure trove is known for its enormous biodiversity, including 150 species of plants that have yet to even be classified, as well as millions of birds that nest in the cliffs. Vestmannaeyjar is also one of the best places to see puffin seabirds.

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Cintra, Portugal

In 1809, Lord Byron wrote a letter to his friend Francis Hodgson, part of which read: “I must simply observe that the province of Cintra in Extremadura is the most beautiful place in the world.” This fairytale town in Portugal, located on the edge of Europe, has enchanted countless visitors over the centuries. The Romans made this place a lunar cult, calling it "Cynthia" after the goddess of the Moon.

Since 1840, the Pena Palace has been the so-called “highlight” as one of the most fantastic palaces in Europe. It is surrounded by the mystical Pena Park, filled with many trees and exotic plants from the former colonies of the Portuguese Empire, as well as numerous ponds, fountains, and even black swans.

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Burano, Italy

If you've ever needed a mood boost, this bright, cheerful town, which is actually a tiny island in the Venetian lagoon, should hit the magic button. Its bright colors, like fireworks, “explode” on the buildings, giving it a tropical atmosphere. All the houses here follow a specific color pattern that dates back to the island's "golden age" when it was first created.

Legend has it that local fishermen were the first to paint houses in these bright colors so that they could be noticed while they were fishing. Island residents are required to write to the government if they want to change the design of their home - officials will then respond to residents with a list of colors that can be used. If the rules are broken and residents use colors other than those specified in the response letter, they could end up behind bars. This is such a strict and bright town!

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Giethoorn, Netherlands

If you've ever fantasized about a simple life, this idyllic Dutch town located in the province of Overijssel may fit the bill. It has no roads, but is instead linked together by a network of ancient canals, creating small private islands for each home. The only access is by water, or on foot over its picturesque wooden arched bridges.

All vehicles must remain outside the city limits. There are four miles of canals and thatched farmhouses that date back to the 18th century. Giethoorn was founded by a group of fugitives from the Mediterranean region around 1230 AD, and became world famous in 1958 when it was featured in the Dutch film Fanfare.

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Eze, France

Eze is often described as an "eagle's nest", due to its location with stunning views from a high cliff, 1,400 feet above the Mediterranean Sea, along the exotic French Riviera, famous throughout the world for its stunning, panoramic views. The square has been inhabited since around 2000 BC, by the Roman Empire and the Moroccans, with the oldest building in the village, the Chapelle de la Sainte Croix, built in 1306.

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Tenby, Wales

Tenby, from the Welsh language, roughly translates to "little fortress of fish". The naturally sheltered city, with a generous harbor and access to the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, was founded in 900 AD. After the Norman Conquest of England, Tenby was fortified with a massive wall to keep local rebels at bay. Over the past few centuries, this picturesque town has become more famous for its beauty rather than its stone defenses.

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Folegandros, Greece

Santorini may be more well known, but its neighbor Folegandros has similar architecture, including whitewashed buildings decorated with bright flowers, slate-tiled streets and, even, Greek Orthodox churches with brilliant blue domes. The difference is that you don't have to fight the crowds. On the beautiful, remote Katergo beach with its gentle, azure colored waves, you can even be in complete privacy and enjoy the company of the sea.

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Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

This small medieval town lies in the south of the Czech Republic and may not be a well-known tourist destination, but this hidden gem is surely just waiting to be discovered, and most likely to inspire as much as the illustrious capital Prague. Situated along the banks of the Vltava River, the castle was built around the 13th century with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. Thanks to its peaceful coexistence over many centuries, this beautiful architectural heritage has remained intact to this day.

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Gruyères, Switzerland

Gruyère is famous for its eponymous cheese, which has a mild, nutty flavor that melts so well into fondue. Few people are familiar with this lovely town, but this picturesque village in the upper valley of the Zane River should at least be well known for its beauty. With wide stone-paved streets leading to a stunning 13th-century castle, imposing fortifications and panoramic views of the surrounding alpine foothills, it certainly demands some attention.

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Dinan, Belgium

The city of Dinan, located between the Meuse River and its citadel, is known for its magnificent architecture and equally magnificent views of the city from the top of the fortress mountain. Spend the day visiting the Grotto of Dinant waterfalls or the Beauraing sanctuary, then book a table at one of the local cafes while enjoying the views of one of the most beautiful towns in Belgium and Europe.

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Telc, Czech Republic

This small town in the southern historical region of Moravia is filled with Baroque and Renaissance-style facades with tall gables painted in pale pastel colors, now supporting small shops and cafes. This is another true fairytale town, with a romantic palace, crystal clear ponds surrounding it, and a public garden that looks like it came straight out of the pages of Hans Christian Andersen. This is one of the most perfect examples of the Italian Renaissance north of the Alps, and one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe.

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Cochem, Germany

Cochem is one of the most charming towns in all of Germany, with its own legend, local folklore and rich history that can be found in every corner of the town. Situated in the picturesque Moselle River valley between the Eifel highlands and the Hunsrück mountain range, it is surrounded by rolling vineyards and quaint wine villages.

The soil and climatic conditions make the Moselle valley a prime area for growing the Riesling grape, which is used to produce some of Germany's best white wines, with numerous stop and sample opportunities available throughout this beautiful river valley.

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Smogen, Sweden

Smjön, located on the west coast of Sweden, is known as one of the country's most beautiful towns with a laid-back seaside atmosphere, along with cottages and fishing boats landing near the picturesque water.

The village is particularly attractive with its mix of shops and boutiques with old wooden houses overlooking the sea and the promenade that stretches almost 1000 feet. The society once captured several islands that were so close to each other that the space has since been filled and they are now all considered one island.

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Conclusion

This was an article about the smallest but very beautiful cities in Europe that you will want to visit. Thank you for your attention!

From the chocolate-house villages of Germany, passing through the beautiful and colorful villages of the Scandinavian countries, the flirtatious coastal towns of Italy, the breathtaking mountain villages of Switzerland, the medieval towns of Spain or the fairytale villages of France.

There are many worthy small towns in Europe that could be on this list, but we've selected perhaps the 25 best.

25. Albarracin

This medieval, rather small town with 1,097 inhabitants is located in the province of Teruel (Spain), and, as a rule, occupies the top position in all rankings of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

The village has been a national monument since 1961, won a gold medal for excellence in fine arts in 1996, and has been proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

24. Vernazza

It is one of the five gems that make up the Cinque Terre region of Italy - five small fishing towns with World Heritage status. Choosing one out of five is an almost impossible task. Vernazza is perhaps the one that has best preserved the appearance of a maritime citadel.

23. La Roque-Gageac

Situated at the foot of a cliff on the banks of the Dordogne River, this French city, inhabited since prehistoric times, is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

It suffered a disaster 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 restored with a new look, and this has allowed it to win the title of one of the most beautiful cities in France.

22. Josselin

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

21. Murren

This is the highest and most beautiful village in the canton of Bern (Switzerland), at an altitude of 1650 m above the Lauterbrunnen valley. This beautiful village offers views of three of the most famous mountains in Switzerland: the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.

Tourism here is very popular both in winter and summer. Mürren has a population of only 450 people.

20. Castle Com

This small village of 350 residents is located in Wiltshire, England. This oasis of peace and tranquility has been rated as the country's second best village by the renowned British newspaper The Times and is certainly one of the most beautiful in Europe.

19. Rhonda

In the mountains north-west of the province of Malaga (Spain), this bullfighting city enjoys a privileged setting - on a huge and spectacular cliff, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

18. Tropea

This beautiful Italian city is located on the coast of Calabria and is one of the main points of the Italian resort coast. One of its features is the huge cliff that overlooks the beach, making Tropea such a beautiful and unique town.

17. Bibury

For many, including the poet William Morris, Bibury is the most beautiful village in England. Its fourteenth-century houses will transport you to another era. The place absolutely deserves to be part of this list.

16. Freudenberg

The small town of Freudenberg is perhaps one of the most beautiful and most charming in Germany and Europe. It is located in the region of Siegen-Wittgenstein in 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.

15. Dinan

This small city, with a population of 14,000 inhabitants, is one of the most beautiful, picturesque and spectacular parts of Belgium. It is located on the banks of the Mosa and is sandwiched between rocks, which makes this city something unique.

14. Gengenbach

This small fairy-tale town is located in southern Germany, on the edge of the Black Forest, in the district of Ortenau, 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.

13. Mykonos Town

Mykonos, or also known as Chora, is a beautiful small 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 certainly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and deserves to be on this list.

12. Mortsund

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

11. Gruyere

Gruyères is a historical town and municipality in the Swiss canton of Fribourg. Beautiful buildings and a medieval castle where nineteen counts lived make it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

10. Oya

This small town, belonging to the island of Santorini (Greece), is a global tourism destination. 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.

9. Mont Saint Michel

The magnificent architecture and bay make Mont Saint-Michel the most visited tourist destination in Normandy and one of the first in France (about 3.2 million visitors per year). Declared a historical 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.

8. Bled

Bled is a city located on the shores of Lake Bled in Slovenia. It is known for its popular glacial lake, castles and churches in the surrounding forests. The place attracts a large number of tourists every year.

7. Reine

Reine was declared in the 70s as the most beautiful village in Norway. It has been a trading port since 1793 and a regular destination for cruises in the Norwegian fjords. Located in the Lofoten Islands, this picturesque village surrounded by mountains is a must-see in Norway.

6. San Gimignano

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

5. Funes

This is a beautiful small rural village located in a picturesque valley in Funes, Italian Tyrol. 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.

4. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

3. Colmar

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

2. Manarola

This beautiful and colorful fishing town is the second on this list, which belongs to the area known as Cinque Terre in Italy. Manarola is perhaps the most beautiful of the five, and seems also to be the oldest, as evidenced by the cornerstone of the Church of San Lorenzo from 1160.

1. Hallstatt

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 this place often ranks top in rankings of the most beautiful villages in Europe.

And at the end of the video: beautiful places in Europe.