Hidden Europe: 10 Small Towns You Will Want to Visit Before Everyone Else

Hidden Europe: 10 Small Towns You Will Want to Visit Before Everyone Else (Image: Canva)

Europe boasts of big cities and well-known attractions, but sometimes it is the small towns, the ones that are not overcrowded with most beautiful tourists. These are historical spots with a real culture and generate a feeling of exploration that you may not find in major urban centres.

Hallstatt, Austria- Located along an untouched lake and surrounded by snow-white mountains, Hallstatt resembles the one in the fairy tale.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic.- This is a meandering medieval town with a towering castle in its centre. Cesky Krumlov possesses a romantic image of cobblestone streets, Baroque buildings, and cafes along the riverside, without the crowds of Prague.

Giethoorn, Netherlands- Also known as the Venice of the North, Giethoorn is without roads, but has canals and footways. Tourists slide over the thatched-roof cottages in small boats, which makes this a serene, slow-moving getaway like no other in the Netherlands.

Kotor, Montenegro- Kotor lies along the Adriatic shore and has the outlook of a fjord and assorted medieval fortifications. An old town, a UNESCO-protected area, makes it feel like no time has passed, and climbing to San Giovanni Fortress rewards visitors with a view of the sea.

Colmar, France- Colmar, with its flowering canals and colourful half-timbered houses, is one of the loveliest towns of Alsace.

Rovinj, Croatia- Rovinj is a seaside town with a Venetian flair that leaves a lasting impression on tourists with its ancient harbour, the alleys, and the Church of St. Euphemia overlooking the city. The adventure is infused with a Mediterranean style by its beaches and seafood restaurants.

Sintra, Portugal- Sintra, just out of Lisbon, is an idyllic small town of palaces and gardens. Its colourful Pena Palace, mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, and wooded hills endow it with a magical, almost ethereal appeal to artists and tourists alike.

Gjirokaster, Albania- Stone City Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to houses built in the Ottoman period and a hill-top castle.

Reine, Norway- Comprised of sceneries of steep mountains and fjords, Reine is found in the Lofoten Islands. It is a heaven for photographers and nature lovers.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.- Mostar is known as the city of the legendary Stari Most bridge with its Ottoman and European influences. Trevellers receive an exquisite experience while driving through the Neretva river and walking through the old town bazars.

These ten cities represent the most genuine version of Europe: silent streets, historical sites, and stunning scenery without big crowds of people.