Best Small Destinations in Europe

If you’ve already seen the big contenders, skip London, Paris and Rome and opt for a lesser-known European destination. Among abundant storybook charm and hidden gems, you may discover a new favorite spot on the globe.

Head to Hallstat, Austria, for what some consider the most picturesque lakeside village in the world. With fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, you can truly get away in this UNESCO World Heritage site known primarily for its prehistoric salt production and history stretching back to 1200 B.C.

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Boasting streets suitable for a fairytale princess, Rothenburg, Germany, is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The small town with a long past greets many visitors each year and was the inspiration for some of the settings in Walt Disney’s version of Pinocchio.

Known for the lake and castle by the same name as well as delicious pastries, Bled, Slovenia, received much attention as an aristocratic health resort in the 1800s. Now, it still attracts guests from all over Europe and offers an array of outdoor activities. Visit the church on the island in the middle of Lake Bled and ring the bell for good luck.

With nearly perfectly preserved medieval architecture and an abundance of locally produced wines, Riquewihr, France, is called one of the most beautiful villages in the country. The town was largely untouched during World War II, one of the few in the region, and features several museums celebrating its history.

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Situated atop a large canyon, Ronda, Spain, boasts the oldest bullfighting ring in the country and was once a popular getaway destination for both Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles. Romans originally established the current city at the height of the Roman Empire.

For a Mediterranean escape, book a trip to Marsaxlokk, a fishing village located on the island of Malta. Top village spots include the traditional market, seafood restaurants and nearby bay. The colorful boats dotting the water account for a large portion of Malta’s fishing industry.

Dinant, Belgium, derives its name from the Celtic words for “sacred valley.” Climb to the outcrop overlooking the town for spectacular views or enjoy a leisurely visit to the museum dedicated to Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone and Dinant native.