Top cosy towns and quaint villages

Hallstatt

A Fairytale Village by the Lake

8.6

The Evangelical church spire rises above a row of wooden houses on the lake. The lake water stays clear and cool even in midsummer. A funicular climbs to the Salzwelten salt mine, where miners have worked for thousands of years. Visitors can rent a rowboat and drift under the mountains.

Highlights:

• 🏛️ Explore the World Heritage Museum and local history
• 🌄 Admire panoramic views from the Hallstatt Skywalk
• ⛏️ Visit the Hallstatt Salt Mine and ride the funicular

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Half-timbered streets and a walkable town wall

8.3

A wall walk of about 2.5 kilometres circles this old Bavarian town. Half timbered houses with red roofs and flower boxes line the cobbled lanes. Visitors can climb the town hall tower for wide views over the roofs. A year round Christmas shop sells glass ornaments and wooden toys.

Highlights:

• ⚖️ Explore the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum exhibits
• 📸 Visit the iconic Plönlein for picturesque photo moments
• 🏰 Walk the well-preserved medieval town walls and towers

Gordes

Timeless stone charm amid lavender fields

9.0

Pale stone houses stack up a steep hill above the Luberon valley in Provence. The Village des Bories nearby has round dry stone huts. Visitors can visit Senanque Abbey to see lavender fields in July. The Tuesday market fills the main square with olive oil and cheese.

Highlights:

• 🗻 Climb to the top of the Château de Gordes ruins for panoramic views
• 🌸 Stroll through the lavender fields at sunrise for fragrant memories
• 🏰 Explore the hilltop village streets, admiring stone houses

Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Sunlit vineyards and historic hilltop charm

8.3

Marc Chagall is buried in the small cemetery of this hilltop village. Stone ramparts from the 1500s circle the village and give views to the sea. Visitors can walk the lanes to galleries and the Maeght Foundation art museum. Locals play petanque under plane trees in the shady main square.

Highlights:

• 🌅 Admire sunset views from the hilltop terraces
• 🚶‍♂️ Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Town
• 🖼️ Explore Fondation Maeght's modern art masterpieces

Bibury

Timeless stone cottages beside tranquil river

8.8

Arlington Row is a line of stone cottages first built in 1380. Weavers lived in the cottages in the 1600s and dried cloth on Rack Isle nearby. Visitors can walk beside the River Coln and see trout at Bibury Trout Farm. Stone bridges cross the stream near meadows.

Highlights:

• 🌊 Take a scenic walk by River Coln
• 🚶‍♂️ Stroll along Arlington Row’s charming cottages
• 🏰 Explore the medieval streets of Bibury

Hoi An

Charming Lanterns and Timeless Streets

8.0

On full moon nights the town turns off its lights and floats paper lanterns on the river. Silk lanterns in many colours hang over the narrow streets. Tailors in the old quarter sew shirts and dresses in a day or two. Bicycles and small boats are common ways to travel to nearby villages.

Highlights:

• 🏖️ Relax on scenic An Bang Beach nearby
• 🏮 Witness vibrant lanterns glowing at night
• 🏘️ Stroll through UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town

Colmar

A Fairytale Town in Alsace

8.3

From late November to Christmas Eve, six markets fill the old streets with lights. Half timbered houses in Little Venice reflect in the Lauch River. Flat bottomed boats glide along the canal past pastel houses. Stalls sell warm pretzels, gingerbread stars and mulled wine in paper cups.

Highlights:

• 🚤 Take a boat tour along Colmar’s picturesque canals
• 🖼️ Admire masterpieces at the Unterlinden Museum
• 🌈 Wander through the fairytale streets of Little Venice

Assisi

Hilltop Saints, Frescoes and Peaceful Views

8.7

Saint Francis was born in this hill town around 1181. He founded the Franciscan order and is buried in a basilica on a hill. Frescoes showing scenes from his life cover the walls of the upper church. Pink and white stone from Mount Subasio gives the streets a warm glow.

Highlights:

• 🏰 Climb to Rocca Maggiore for stunning views over Umbria
• 🚶‍♂️ Explore the medieval streets and piazzas of Assisi
• ⛪ Visit the Basilica of Saint Francis, a UNESCO site

Takayama

Old town, morning markets and Hida beef

8.1

Mountains of the Japanese Alps surround this old town in Gifu Prefecture. Sanmachi Suji street has dark wooden merchant houses and sake breweries. Cedar balls hang from the eaves of breweries when new sake is ready. Morning markets along the Miyagawa River sell pickles and fresh vegetables.

Highlights:

• 🏯 Tour the Takayama Jinya, the historic Edo government house
• 🍠 Visit the morning markets along the Miyagawa River
• 🏮 Wander through Takayama’s preserved old town of Sanmachi Suji

Visby

Medieval Walls, Roses and Ruins

7.9

A medieval wall about 3.4 kilometres long circles this island town. It has 27 towers and dates to the 1200s and 1300s. Each August a medieval week fills the streets with costumed visitors and jousting. Ruined churches with roofless stone walls stand among the wild roses.

Highlights:

• 🏛️ Explore the exhibits at Gotland Museum
• ⛪ Visit the historic St. Mary's Cathedral
• 🧱 Walk the medieval Visby City Wall and towers

Dingle

Wild Atlantic Views, Music & Craic

8.1

Boat tours leave the small harbour to see seabirds and the wild Blasket Islands. The nearby Slea Head Drive loops around the peninsula past stone beehive huts. Pubs in town host live folk music most nights. Irish is still spoken daily and street signs use it first.

Highlights:

• 🏰 Explore Dunbeg Promontory Fort and coastal cliffs
• ⛪ Visit the ancient Gallarus Oratory stone chapel
• 🚗 Drive the scenic Slea Head Loop with coastal views

Bamberg

Smoked beer and a UNESCO old town

7.9

The smoky smell of rauchbier, a beer brewed with smoked malt, drifts from taverns. The old town hall sits on a tiny island in the middle of the river. UNESCO lists the whole old town, which spreads across seven hills. Brewery taverns serve smoked beer with roast pork and dumplings.

Highlights:

• ⛪ Visit Bamberg Cathedral and see the Bamberg Horseman statue
• 🏛️ Take iconic photos at the Old Town Hall on the Regnitz River
• 🌉 Explore medieval streets and bridges of Bamberg Altstadt

Bellagio

Pearl of Lake Como’s Shores

7.6

Locals meet at cafes on the waterfront steps each evening for a spritz. This village sits on a point where Lake Como splits into two arms. Narrow stepped lanes called salite climb between shops selling silk scarves. Ferries link it to Varenna and Tremezzo across the water.

Highlights:

• ⛴️ Take a boat across Lake Como to explore nearby towns
• 🌸 Visit Villa Melzi Gardens for sculptures and blooming terraces
• 🌅 Stroll along Bellagio’s lakefront promenade and admire Como’s views

Hydra

Car-Free Charm and Greek Sun

8.4

Cars are banned on this small Greek island near Athens. Donkeys and mules carry luggage and supplies up the steep stone lanes. Water taxis link the harbour to swimming spots along the rocky coast. Grand stone mansions built by ship captains in the 1700s line the harbour.

Highlights:

• 🏖️ Relax on tranquil Vlychos Beach and swim
• ⛰️ Hike to Profitis Ilias Monastery for panoramic views
• ⛵ Wander bustling Hydra harbour filled with boats

Yufuin Onsen

Lakeside onsen town below Mount Yufu

8.4

Mount Yufu rises behind the village and often wears a cap of mist. Lake Kinrinko has warm spring water that makes fog on cold autumn mornings. Visitors can soak in outdoor baths at small inns beside rice fields. Shops on Yunotsubo Street sell cheesecake, pottery and handmade sweets.

Highlights:

• 🌅 Take a morning walk around tranquil Lake Kinrin
• 🛍️ Stroll along Yufuin’s picturesque Yunotsubo Kaido shopping street
• 🛀 Bathe in a private open-air onsen with mountain views

Giethoorn

Venice of the North, Without Roads

7.6

Thatched roof farmhouses sit on small islands linked by about 180 wooden bridges. Visitors get around by whisper boat or on foot. Electric boats keep noise low along the narrow waterways. Settlers in the 1200s found many goat horns in the soil, giving the village its name.

Highlights:

• 🍽️ Dine at a waterfront terrace overlooking the canals
• 🌸 Admire thatched cottages and flowered bridges along the waterways
• 🛶 Glide through Giethoorn’s canals on a whisper boat

Villa de Leyva

Timeless Cobblestones and Andean Skies

7.5

El Infiernito is a field of stone pillars used by the Muisca people to track the sun. The pillars sit on a dry plain near the town. Visitors can walk among the stones on a quiet dirt path. Cobbled streets in town are lined with whitewashed houses and tiled roofs.

Highlights:

• 🏇 Ride horseback or ATV to the vibrant Pozos Azules
• 🦕 Explore the Fossil Museum and see the giant Kronosaurus
• 🌆 People-watch and relax in the huge Plaza Mayor

Eguisheim

Timeless village where history greets you

9.4

Circular streets wind around a small castle in the middle of this Alsace wine village. Half timbered houses in pink and yellow are covered with flower boxes. Visitors can taste Riesling and Gewurztraminer in family wine cellars. Storks nest on rooftops and church towers in spring.

Highlights:

• 🗡️ Explore the medieval castle ruins on the hilltop
• 🍷 Sip Alsatian wine at a local winstub
• 🏘️ Stroll through Eguisheim's colorful half‑timbered streets

Jiufen

Historic mountain town steeped in tea heritage

8.5

Shuqi Road is a narrow stone stairway lined with red lanterns and tea houses. The town grew during a gold rush in the 1890s. Visitors can sip oolong tea in a tea house with views over the sea. Street stalls sell taro balls, a chewy dessert served in sweet soup.

Highlights:

• 🌙 Climb to the night market, sample stinky tofu with locals
• 🍵 Taste taro balls and herbal tea in a hillside teahouse
• 🏮 Stroll down Shifen Old Street, lantern-lit at sunset

Arrowtown

Gold Rush History Amid Mountain Beauty

7.8

The Chinese Settlement by Bush Creek has restored miners' huts from the 1860s. Gold rush miners came to the Arrow River in 1862. Visitors can pan for gold in the river beside the town. Autumn turns the poplars and oaks along the streets bright gold and red.

Highlights:

• 🍂 Admire dazzling autumn colors in the surrounding hills
• ⛏️ Pan for gold in the Arrow River like early settlers
• 🏡 Stroll the historic gold rush-era streets and heritage cottages

Barichara

Colombia's most beautiful colonial gem

7.4

At sunset the pale stone streets of this Colombian town turn golden. Stone masons here still cut and set the paving and church walls by hand. The sandstone cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is on the main square. Guane village, a short walk down the old road, has a tiny museum.

Highlights:

• ⛪ Visit the sandstone cathedral at the village center
• 🥾 Hike the historic Camino Real trail to Guane
• 🏘️ Walk the cobblestone streets and admire colonial architecture

Carmel-by-the-Sea

European-style charm meets coastal beauty

7.8

Mission San Carlos Borromeo, founded here in 1771, has a stone church and gardens. Father Junipero Serra is buried inside the church. White sand at Carmel Beach and twisted cypress trees frame the cold Pacific. Small storybook cottages with tiled roofs line lanes with no street numbers.

Highlights:

• ⛪ Explore the historic Carmel Mission Basilica and gardens
• 🌅 Relax and watch sunsets at picturesque Carmel Beach
• 🛍️ Stroll along the charming Ocean Avenue shopping district

Giverny

Monet's living canvas of inspiration

7.4

Claude Monet moved here in 1883 and stayed until he died in 1926. He painted the water lily pond in his garden for years. Visitors can walk across the green Japanese bridge over the pond. The house has pink walls, green shutters and a bright yellow dining room.

Highlights:

• 🎨 Visit the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny
• 🌼 Wander through the colorful gardens that inspired Impressionism
• 🌸 Explore Monet’s house and the famous water lily pond

Moustiers Sainte Marie

Gateway to the Verdon Gorge

7.4

Water from a mountain stream tumbles through the middle of this village. A golden star hangs on a chain between two cliffs above the roofs. Workshops sell hand painted faience, a glazed pottery made here since the 1600s. Lavender fields near the Verdon Gorge bloom purple in July.

Highlights:

• ⭐ Admire the golden star suspended high between cliffs
• 🏺 Wander cobbled streets lined with artisan pottery workshops
• ⛪ Climb to the Chapel Notre-Dame de Beauvoir above the village

Shirakawa-go

Thatched gassho farmhouses in the Hida mountains

7.6

Steep thatched farmhouses in the gassho style, meaning praying hands, dot this mountain valley. The roofs are angled at about 60 degrees to shed heavy winter snow. Visitors can stay overnight in a farmhouse and eat local mountain vegetables. On select winter evenings the houses glow with warm light against the snow.

Highlights:

• 🏺 Visit the open-air museum to explore preserved houses
• 📸 Capture winter scenery with snow-covered village rooftops
• 🏡 Admire the traditional gassho-zukuri thatched farmhouses

Kinosaki Onsen

Seven bathhouses to stroll between in yukata

8.3

Guests walk between seven public bathhouses in cotton robes and wooden sandals. Willow trees line the small canal that runs through town. Each bathhouse has its own design and a different type of hot water. Visitors can buy a pass to enter all seven baths in a day.

Highlights:

• ⛩️ Visit the historic Kinosaki Shrine and participate in local rituals
• 👘 Stroll through the charming streets wearing a yukata and geta
• 🛁 Relax in a traditional ryokan and soak in private onsen baths

Albarracín

Coastal charm meets historic stone streets

8.8

Rose coloured walls and a hilltop wall run like a ribbon above the river. Wooden balconies overhang the narrow lanes on all sides. Visitors can hike to prehistoric cave paintings in the pine forests near town. The Guadalaviar River loops around the base of the rock.

Highlights:

• 🍖 Taste local jamón ibérico at a historic tavern
• 🏞️ Climb Castillo de la Zuda for sweeping town views
• 🚶‍♂️ Stroll through Albarracín's medieval cobblestone streets

Kurokawa Onsen

Riverside bath hopping in a Kumamoto valley

8.8

Visitors buy a wooden hand pass to soak in three baths at different inns. Around 30 small inns sit along a stream in a forested valley. Most baths are outdoors and surrounded by trees and stone. Lantern light glows along the stream path in the evening.

Highlights:

• 🏮 Enjoy seasonal lantern festivals lighting the village
• 👘 Stroll the charming streets in traditional yukata robes
• ♨️ Use the wooden pass for onsen hopping across baths

Shibu Onsen

Nine public baths and cobbled lanes

8.5

Nine public bathhouses in this village each have their own name and hot water. Visitors carry a towel and get a stamp at each bathhouse. Snow monkeys bathe in a hot spring at Jigokudani Monkey Park nearby. Wooden inns line a narrow street with steam rising from vents.

Highlights:

• 👘 Stroll historic streets wearing yukata robes
• 🐒 Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park to see bathing snow monkeys
• ♨️ Soak in nine unique public hot spring baths

Gjirokastër

Ancient stone streets echo timeless heritage

8.2

Grey slate roofs glisten after rain on the steep streets of this stone city. Its tall Ottoman houses have thick stone walls and tiny windows. A hilltop castle has a weapons museum and a captured American jet. Writer Ismail Kadare grew up here and wrote about the town.

Highlights:

• 🍽️ Taste local Berat bread and smoked cheese at a family taverna
• 🚶‍♂️ Stroll the cobblestone streets of Old Town, admire Ottoman architecture
• 🏰 Climb Gjirokastër Castle, explore the ancient citadel

Rye

Medieval citadel with smuggler's soul

7.9

Mermaid Street is a steep cobbled lane with crooked timber houses. Smugglers once drank at the Mermaid Inn, which dates to 1420. Visitors can climb the tower of St Mary's church to look over the marsh and sea. Nearby Camber Sands has wide dunes and a long beach.

Highlights:

• 🦅 Visit Rye Harbour Nature Reserve for birdwatching and wildflowers
• 🎥 Stroll along Mermaid Street, famous for its picturesque cobbled charm
• 🏰 Explore the historic Ypres Tower and learn about Rye’s medieval past

Telluride

Breathtaking box canyon mountain paradise

8.2

Bridal Veil Falls drops about 110 metres at the end of a steep box canyon. A free gondola links the old mining town to Mountain Village. Visitors can ski in winter or hike wildflower trails in summer. The town holds a film festival each Labor Day weekend.

Highlights:

• 🎬 Attend the Telluride Film Festival in late summer
• 🚡 Ride the free gondola for sweeping mountain views
• 🎿 Ski world-class slopes at Telluride Ski Resort

Pingyao

Ancient walls echo through timeless streets

8.6

Thick brick city walls, about six kilometres long, enclose this old Chinese town. In the 1800s its banks made it a financial centre for the country. Visitors can walk the top of the walls or stay in a courtyard house. Lantern lit alleys are quiet after tour groups leave.

Highlights:

• 🕯️ Stroll through cobblestone streets at night lanterns
• 📚 Explore Ming-era Imperial Academy courtyard
• 🏰 Walk ancient city walls of Pingyao

Cotswolds National Landscape

Honey-Colored Villages and Rolling Hills

8.3

Local builders still use honey coloured limestone from nearby quarries for walls and roofs. Arlington Row in Bibury is a row of stone cottages first built in 1380. Walkers can follow footpaths across fields of grazing sheep to nearby villages. Village pubs serve Sunday roast dinners beside crackling log fires.

Highlights:

• 🥾 Hike the scenic Cotswold Way trail
• ☕ Enjoy afternoon tea in a charming village tearoom
• 🏘️ Wander through the honey-stone streets of Bibury

Provence

Sunlit lavender fields and historic villages

8.6

Purple lavender rows on the Valensole plateau bloom from late June to July. Hilltop villages such as Roussillon and Lourmarin sit in the Luberon hills to the west. Visitors can cycle between villages and stop at markets for olives and soap. Roussillon has cliffs that glow red and orange from ochre pigment.

Highlights:

• 🏰 Explore the medieval town of Gordes by foot
• 🍷 Sample rosé wine in a local vineyard
• 🌾 Stroll through lavender fields at sunset

Banff

Rocky Mountain Majesty, Endless Adventure

9.0

Mountains rise on every side of this small town in the Canadian Rockies. Elk often wander down the main streets and graze on the lawns. The Upper Hot Springs pool is warmed by mineral water on Sulphur Mountain. A gondola climbs the mountain for views of six mountain ranges.

Highlights:

• ♨️ Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs with mountain views
• 🥾 Hike Johnston Canyon and explore breathtaking waterfalls
• 🚡 Ride the Banff Gondola for panoramic Sulphur Mountain views

Cinque Terre

Colorful Cliffs and Coastal Charm

8.1

Five small villages cling to steep cliffs on Italy's Ligurian coast near La Spezia. A coastal trail and a small train link all five villages. Terraced vineyards with dry stone walls climb the slopes above the sea. Fishermen still salt anchovies, a local speciality served with lemon.

Highlights:

• 🏰 Climb the tower at Doria Castle for panoramic views
• 🏖️ Swim in the crystal-clear waters at Monterosso beach
• 🥾 Hike the scenic Blue Trail connecting all five villages

Luang Prabang

Laid-back charm by the Mekong River

7.5

Two rivers, the Mekong and the Nam Khan, meet at this old royal capital. Monks collect alms at dawn along the main streets. Kuang Si Falls has turquoise pools for swimming, a short ride south of town. UNESCO listed the town in 1995 for its temples and French colonial houses.

Highlights:

• 🌅 Climb Phousi Hill for panoramic sunset views
• 🏛️ Explore the historical Royal Palace Museum grounds
• 💦 Visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls and swim

Positano

Cliffside Beauty on Amalfi Coast

8.4

Pastel houses climb a steep hill in stacked rows above the beach. The tiled dome of Santa Maria Assunta church sits at the centre. Visitors can walk the Path of the Gods trail for wide coastal views. Small boutiques sell handmade leather sandals made to fit your feet.

Highlights:

• 🛥️ Cruise along the coast to explore hidden sea caves
• 🥾 Hike the Path of the Gods overlooking the Amalfi Coast
• 🌅 Watch the sunset from Spiaggia Grande beach with a spritz in hand

Český Krumlov

Fairytale Town with Rich History

8.1

Every June residents dress in Renaissance clothes for the Five Petaled Rose Festival. Knights, musicians and market stalls fill the old streets for several days. The rest of the year the Vltava River loops around the old town. A castle with a painted round tower watches over the red roofs.

Highlights:

• 🛶 Paddle a canoe through the winding river that circles the town
• 🌉 Stroll the cobbled streets of the old town by the Vltava River
• 🏰 Explore Český Krumlov Castle and climb its tower for views

Amalfi

Enchanting Coastal Italian Gem

8.0

Cliffs drop straight into the sea along this stretch of Italy's coast. Terraced lemon groves climb the slopes above the harbour and cathedral. The cathedral of Saint Andrew has a striped facade and a wide stairway. Small shops sell limoncello and handmade paper, a craft the town has kept for centuries.

Highlights:

• 🛥️ Take a boat trip to explore sea caves along the Amalfi Coast
• ⛪ Visit the Duomo di Amalfi and admire its Byzantine mosaics
• 🌅 Walk the spectacular coastal path between Amalfi and Atrani

Zermatt

Alpine Magic and the Matterhorn

9.3

The Five Lakes Walk passes small mountain lakes that mirror the Matterhorn in calm weather. The trail starts at Blauherd, reached by a funicular and a cable car. Riffelsee gives a classic reflection of the peak on calm mornings. Hikers finish at Sunnegga after about three hours.

Highlights:

• ❄️ Visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe’s highest cable car
• 🏞️ Hike to Riffelsee Lake and see the Matterhorn’s reflection
• 🚞 Ride the Gornergrat Railway for stunning Matterhorn views

Lucca

Medieval Charm and Hidden Gems

8.0

Each July the Lucca Summer Festival brings concerts to Piazza Napoleone. Renaissance walls circle the old town and are wide enough for a bike path. Visitors can cycle along the treetop lined walls for four kilometres. The oval Piazza dell'Anfiteatro follows the shape of a Roman arena.

Highlights:

• 🏛️ Visit the historic Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
• 🌳 Climb Torre Guinigi with its rooftop oak trees
• 🚴‍♂️ Walk or bike atop Lucca’s well-preserved city walls

Oia

Sunsets Over Whitewashed Cliffs

8.7

Like a stage set, white and blue houses step down the cliff above the caldera. Sunset crowds gather at the old castle ruins each evening. A stairway of about 300 steps leads down to Amoudi Bay. Small tavernas there serve grilled octopus and fresh fish beside the water.

Highlights:

• 🏘️ Wander the charming alleys with whitewashed houses
• 🏊‍♀️ Swim and cliff jump at Amoudi Bay
• 🌅 Watch the sunset from Oia Castle ruins

Lijiang

Ancient Charm and Mountain Majesty

7.2

Naxi people have lived in this old town for centuries. An earthquake hit the town in 1996 and UNESCO listed it in 1997. Canals run through cobbled lanes lined with tile roofed wooden houses. Visitors can hear Naxi musicians play ancient music at a hall in the old town.

Highlights:

• 🏔️ Take a cable car to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
• 🌊 Admire the stunning Black Dragon Pool views
• 🏘️ Wander the ancient streets of Lijiang Old Town

Annecy

Fairytale town by a crystal lake

8.2

Markets fill the old town streets on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings. Vendors sell Reblochon cheese, cured sausage and fresh bread. Canals lined with flower boxes run beside pastel houses. The Palais de l'Ile, a small stone castle, sits on an island in the canal. The lake has clear water for swimming.

Highlights:

• 🏰 Explore the historic Château d’Annecy and its museum
• 🚤 Cruise the crystal-clear waters of Lake Annecy
• 🏘️ Stroll through Annecy Old Town’s charming cobbled streets

Grindelwald

A Majestic Swiss Mountain Village

8.6

In winter the village fills with skiers and sledders below the Eiger north face. In summer hikers follow a steel cliff path built into the rock above First. Cows with large bells graze on the high green pastures all summer. A small train carries walkers up to Kleine Scheidegg.

Highlights:

• 🪂 Ride the First Flyer zip line over the valley
• 🏞️ Hike to Bachalpsee Lake for stunning alpine reflections
• 🌄 Experience the thrill of the First Cliff Walk by Tissot

Mdina

The Silent City of Malta

7.8

The Main Gate over a dry moat leads into a maze of quiet stone lanes. The city was Malta's capital until the Knights arrived in 1530. Very few cars are allowed inside the walls and the lanes stay peaceful. Cafes on the bastion serve cake with views over the island.

Highlights:

• 🏛️ Visit Palazzo Falson for medieval art and antiques
• ⛪ Explore the baroque St. Paul’s Cathedral and museum
• 🏰 Walk through the ancient Mdina Gate and fortified walls

Lauterbrunnen

Valley of 72 waterfalls

9.1

Staubbach Falls drops nearly 300 metres from a cliff above the village. The valley has 72 waterfalls along its rock walls. Trains and cable cars climb to Wengen and Murren, two car free villages. Hikers can walk flat trails past meadows and farmhouses along the valley floor.

Highlights:

• 🥾 Hike the scenic Valley of 72 Waterfalls trail
• 🌊 Explore the glacier-fed Trümmelbach Falls inside a mountain
• 💦 Admire the towering Staubbach Falls cascading nearby

Chefchaouen

Blue Medina, Mountain Views, Calm Vibes

6.8

Walls in shades of blue cover the lanes of this mountain town. Many residents repaint stairs and doorways with fresh blue paint. Mint tea and goat cheese are sold in the small square called Outa el Hammam. Trails lead up to the Spanish Mosque for sunset views over the town.

Highlights:

• 🏰 Explore the historic Kasbah and its lush gardens
• 🌅 Climb to the Spanish Mosque for sunset views
• 💙 Wander the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen Medina

Óbidos

A Fairytale Town Behind Ancient Walls

7.5

Medieval stone walls circle this hilltop village about an hour north of Lisbon. Visitors can walk along the top of the walls, which have no railings. Whitewashed houses with blue and yellow trim line the main street. Locals serve ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur, in small chocolate cups.

Highlights:

• 🏯 Explore the historic Óbidos Castle and courtyard
• 🍒 Taste local cherry liqueur, Ginja de Óbidos
• 🏰 Walk along well-preserved medieval town walls

Saint-Malo

Walled city, wild tides, pirate tales

8.3

Granite ramparts circle the old walled town on the coast of Brittany. Privateers sailed from here to raid English ships in the 1600s and 1700s. Visitors can walk the top of the walls at low tide and reach tidal islands on foot. Local crepe shops serve buckwheat galettes with ham and cheese.

Highlights:

• 🏯 Visit Château de la Duchesse Anne castle museum
• 🏖️ Relax at Plage du Sillon, Saint-Malo’s main beach
• 🏰 Walk the historic ramparts surrounding the old town

Sighișoara

Medieval magic in Transylvania

7.4

Each July this walled town holds a medieval festival with knights and archers. Sword fights and music fill the streets inside the citadel walls. Visitors can browse craft stalls selling clay pottery and leather goods. The tall clock tower marks the entrance to the old citadel.

Highlights:

• 🧛‍♂️ Visit Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace museum
• 🏘️ Explore the medieval citadel and colorful old town
• ⏰ Climb the historic Sighișoara Clock Tower for views

Nesebar

Ancient Black Sea charm and sun

7.8

A rocky peninsula linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway holds this old Black Sea town. Ruined and restored churches with red brick stripes stand between wooden houses. Visitors can walk the cobbled lanes and end the day at the windmill on the shore. Seafood restaurants along the harbour grill fresh fish each evening.

Highlights:

• 🏖️ Relax on Sunny Beach’s sandy shores nearby
• ⛪ Visit the Church of Saint Sophia ruins and museum
• 🚶‍♀️ Wander the cobbled streets of Old Nesebar, UNESCO site

Sirmione

Castles, Spas and Lake Garda Views

8.0

Scaliger Castle sits at the entrance with a drawbridge and three tall towers. The town lies on a thin peninsula reaching into Lake Garda. Visitors can soak in natural sulphur hot springs beside the lake. Roman ruins called the Grottoes of Catullus sit at the tip of the peninsula.

Highlights:

• 🏘️ Stroll through Sirmione’s charming historic Old Town
• 🏛️ Walk the ancient Roman ruins of Grotte di Catullo
• 🏰 Explore the medieval Scaligero Castle and its lake views

Reine

Lofoten’s Iconic Fjord Village

8.8

Red fishing cabins stand on stilts beside sharp peaks in this Lofoten village. A stone stairway of almost 2,000 steps built by Sherpas climbs Reinebringen. The top gives a wide view over the blue fjord and nearby islands. Kayakers paddle out from the harbour beneath steep mountain walls.

Highlights:

• 📸 Photograph iconic red rorbuer on Hamnøy Island
• 🛶 Kayak through the calm waters of Reinefjord
• 🥾 Hike steep Reinebringen for panoramic fjord views

Nafplio

Venetian Charm Meets Greek History

7.6

This seaside town sits on the Argolic Gulf in the Peloponnese. Palamidi Fortress on the hill above has stone walls built by Venetians in the 1700s. A small fort called Bourtzi sits on an island in the harbour. Neoclassical houses with flowering balconies line quiet streets near Syntagma Square.

Highlights:

• 🏘️ Stroll through Nafplio’s charming Venetian Old Town
• ⛴️ Take a boat tour to Bourtzi Castle in the harbor
• 🪜 Climb the 999 steps to historic Palamidi Fortress

Ravello

Romantic Gardens Above the Amalfi

7.1

Villa Rufolo has gardens that inspired the composer Richard Wagner during a visit in 1880. Its terraces look down to the sea from about 350 metres up. The summer Ravello Festival holds concerts on a stage above the sea. Villa Cimbrone has a marble terrace called the Terrace of Infinity.

Highlights:

• 🚶‍♂️ Stroll through the charming streets of Ravello’s historic center
• 🎶 Attend a classical concert at Ravello Festival
• 🌺 Visit Villa Rufolo’s gardens with breathtaking Amalfi views

Ouro Preto

Historic gold‑mining town with baroque charm

7.7

The sculptor Aleijadinho carved statues and church fronts across this town in the 1700s. The town grew rich during a gold rush in Brazil's Minas Gerais region. Steep cobbled streets link white churches with gold covered altars. Visitors can descend into an old gold mine at Mina do Chico Rei.

Highlights:

• 🎨 Wander inside Museu da Inconfidência
• ⛪ Visit Igreja São Francisco de Assis
• 🏰 Explore colonial streets of Ouro Preto

Flåm

Fjord Dreams and Railway Magic

8.4

Waterfalls roar beside the Flam Railway as it climbs steep mountain walls. The line rises about 860 metres over 20 kilometres. Passengers stop at Kjosfossen falls, where a singer in red appears on the rocks. The village sits at the end of Aurlandsfjord, a branch of Sognefjord.

Highlights:

• 🧗‍♂️ Explore Flåm Zipline for thrilling views over fjord
• 🛥️ Cruise the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord fjord landscapes
• 🚂 Ride the Flåm Railway, famous scenic mountain descent

Seydisfjordur

Colorful Fjord Village of the East

7.9

A blue church stands at the end of a rainbow painted street. The village sits at the end of a narrow fjord with waterfalls on both sides. Ferries from Denmark and the Faroe Islands dock at the small harbour. Artists run studios and small galleries in old wooden houses.

Highlights:

• 🌊 Visit Gufufoss waterfall, easily accessible by road
• 🎵 Hike to Tvísöngur, the interactive sound sculpture
• ⛪ Take a photo at the iconic Blue Church and Rainbow Street

Gramado

Brazil’s Alpine Escape in the South

7.4

This town sits about 800 metres high in the Serra Gaucha mountains of southern Brazil. German and Italian settlers shaped its timber houses and chocolate shops. Cool weather brings fog, fondue and a Christmas festival called Natal Luz. Hydrangeas fill the flower gardens along Avenida Borges de Medeiros.

Highlights:

• 🍷 Explore wineries and taste local wines
• 🚣‍♂️ Rent a pedal boat at serene Lago Negro
• 🏰 Stroll through the enchanting Mini Mundo miniature park

Skagen

Where Two Seas and Art Meet

7.7

Two seas, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, meet at the tip of Denmark. Visitors can stand with one foot in each sea at Grenen point. Painters in the late 1800s gathered here for the special light. Yellow houses with red tile roofs line quiet streets.

Highlights:

• 🖼️ Visit Skagens Museum showcasing famous Skagen painters
• 🏜️ Climb Råbjerg Mile, Denmark’s largest migrating sand dune
• 🌊 Stand at Grenen where Skagerrak and Kattegat meet

Geiranger

Majestic Fjords and Dramatic Waterfalls

8.3

Farmers once lived on tiny ledges high above this narrow Norwegian fjord. The abandoned Skagefla farm is reached by a steep stone path. The Seven Sisters waterfall drops in seven streams down the cliff across the water. Kayakers and small ferries move quietly through the deep blue fjord.

Highlights:

• 🦅 Drive the Eagle Road for breathtaking fjord views
• 🥾 Hike the Fosseråsa Trail to Storsæter waterfall's base
• 🚤 Take a scenic boat tour of UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord

Swakopmund

Coastal charm meets desert horizons

8.9

The Jetty, a long pier built in 1905, reaches into the cold Atlantic. A cafe at the end serves coffee above the waves. Colourful German colonial buildings with red roofs line the streets nearby. Visitors can climb the Woermann Tower for views across town and desert.

Highlights:

• 🤿 Scuba dive among vibrant coral reefs
• 🐪 Ride camel across the white dunes
• 🏖️ Sail on the Atlantic coast at sunset

Cefalù

Sicilian Charm, Beaches and History

7.6

King Roger II of Sicily began building the cathedral here in 1131. Byzantine gold mosaics of Christ Pantocrator cover its apse. A huge rock called La Rocca rises behind the town. Visitors can climb a steep trail to old ruins for views of the harbour. Fishing boats rest on the sandy beach below.

Highlights:

• 🏖️ Relax on the sandy beach below the historic town walls
• ⛪ Visit the Norman Cathedral and admire its golden mosaics
• 🌄 Climb La Rocca for panoramic views over Cefalù and the sea

Riomaggiore

Pastel Cliffs Meet Azure Sea

7.8

Tall houses in pink and ochre stack above a tiny harbour at the edge of Cinque Terre. Boats sit on the slipway in the middle of the village. Visitors can swim off the rocks or take a boat tour along the coast. Local trattorias serve anchovies and trofie pasta with basil pesto.

Highlights:

• ⚓ Relax at the picturesque harbor with colorful boats
• 🏰 Enjoy stunning views from the medieval Riomaggiore castle
• 🚶‍♂️ Hike the famous Via dell'Amore trail to Manarola

Varenna

Charming Lakeside Escape in Italy

8.0

Colourful houses step down to a small harbour on the eastern shore of Lake Como. A shore path called the Passerella runs along the water on wooden boards. Villa Monastero has botanical gardens along the lake for a quiet walk. Ferries cross to Bellagio in about 15 minutes.

Highlights:

• 🌅 Stroll along the Lover’s Walk for romantic lakeside scenery
• 🏰 Hike up to Vezio Castle for breathtaking Lake Como views
• 🏛️ Visit the historic Villa Monastero with its stunning gardens

Tofino

Wild Pacific, Rainforest, Endless Waves

8.1

Long sandy beaches such as Chesterman Beach face the open Pacific on Vancouver Island. Storm watchers come in winter to see huge waves crash on the rocks. Surfers ride cold water waves year round in thick wetsuits. Boat trips look for grey whales, sea otters and black bears.

Highlights:

• 🐋 Go whale watching in Clayoquot Sound waters
• 🥾 Explore Pacific Rim National Park Reserve trails
• 🏄‍♂️ Surf the waves at famous Chesterman Beach

Manarola

Enchanting Cliffside Coastal Village

8.0

Growers pick grapes by hand on steep terraces and use small cable trolleys. They make Sciacchetra, a sweet golden wine, in tiny cellars. Colourful houses stack above a rocky cove where swimmers jump from the rocks. A short walk from the station leads to a popular viewpoint.

Highlights:

• ⛪ Visit the historic Gothic-style Church of San Lorenzo
• 🥾 Hike the scenic trail from Manarola to Corniglia
• 📸 Capture iconic views from the famous Manarola harbor

Kurashiki

Canal town with storehouses and Western art

7.7

Boatmen in traditional clothes pole flat boats along the willow lined canal. White walled rice warehouses from the Edo period line the water. Many now hold museums, cafes and shops selling denim goods. Ohara Museum of Art opened in 1930 with works by Monet and El Greco.

Highlights:

• 🌿 Visit Kurashiki Ivy Square, a scenic former textile mill
• 🖼️ Explore the Ohara Museum of Art’s priceless collection
• 🏞️ Stroll the historic Kurashiki Bikan Quarter canals

Èze

Medieval Magic Above the Riviera

7.1

A medieval village perches on a 427 metre rock above the sea. The Exotic Garden at the top has cactus and views of the coast. Visitors can walk the Nietzsche Path, a steep trail down to the sea. Perfume workshops at the Fragonard factory offer free tours.

Highlights:

• ⛪ Visit the neo-classical Notre Dame de l’Assomption church
• 🛤️ Wander medieval cobblestone streets of Èze village
• 🌺 Explore the panoramic Jardin Exotique with Mediterranean views

Saas-Fee

Glaciers, Peaks and Alpine Serenity

8.8

Cars are banned in this Swiss village ringed by 13 peaks over 4,000 metres. Electric taxis carry visitors from the edge of town to hotels. Skiers can reach the glacier for turns almost all year. Wooden storehouses on stone stilts, used for grain, stand along the lanes.

Highlights:

• ❄️ Visit the fascinating Ice Pavilion inside Feegletscher glacier
• 🚡 Ride the Metro Alpin, highest underground funicular
• 🎿 Ski on the glacier at Saas-Fee Ski Resort

Kusatsu-Onsen

Steaming hot water field and bath hopping

8.1

Like a giant kettle, the Yubatake sits steaming in the middle of town. Wooden channels carry hot spring water across it to cool it down. Sulphur smells drift through the streets near free public foot baths. Visitors can watch a yumomi show where women stir the water with boards.

Highlights:

• 🌿 Relax in open-air baths at Sainokawara Park
• 🎍 Watch a traditional Yumomi hot water cooling show
• ♨️ Admire the steaming Yubatake hot spring field in the centre of town

Guatape

Colorful Streets and Lakeside Views

7.6

Colourful panels called zocalos line the lower walls like pages from a picture book. Each panel shows a scene from local life. Nearby a giant granite rock called El Penon rises about 200 metres. Visitors can climb 740 steps to the top for views of lakes.

Highlights:

• 🚤 Take a boat tour on Guatapé Reservoir
• 🎨 Explore colorful streets with vibrant zócalos
• 🧗‍♂️ Climb the iconic La Piedra del Peñol rock

Franschhoek

Wine, Mountains and Gourmet Living

7.4

Steep mountains ring this small valley in the winelands of South Africa's Western Cape. French Huguenots settled here in 1688 and named it French Corner. A hop on hop off wine tram and bike paths link the estates. Restaurants serve Cape Malay curry and fresh trout with local wine.

Highlights:

• 🏛️ Visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum and monument
• 🌿 Explore beautiful gardens at Babylonstoren Farm
• 🍷 Taste exquisite wines on the Franschhoek Wine Tram

Kawagoe

Edo-style warehouse town near Tokyo

7.8

Bells ring from a wooden bell tower called Toki no Kane above the old street. Rows of dark clay warehouses, called kurazukuri, line the street below. Shops sell sweet potato snacks, a local speciality since the 1700s. Candy Alley has old fashioned sweets and a smell of sugar.

Highlights:

• 🕰️ Visit the iconic Toki no Kane clock tower
• 🍠 Taste traditional sweet potato treats at Kashiya Yokocho
• 🏮 Stroll down Kurazukuri Street and admire Edo-era warehouses

Cape May

Victorian Charm Meets Atlantic Surf

7.4

Guests sip iced tea on the front porches of colourful Victorian houses. The town is a National Historic Landmark with over 600 Victorian buildings. Birdwatchers gather at the point each autumn to watch hawks and songbirds migrate. Cape May diamonds, clear quartz pebbles, wash up on Sunset Beach.

Highlights:

• 🏡 Stroll through the Victorian homes and gardens along Perry Street
• 🗼 Climb the Cape May Lighthouse for panoramic ocean views
• 🏖️ Relax on Cape May Beach and watch dolphins playing offshore

Clarens

Art, Adventure and Mountain Calm

7.4

Sandstone cliffs in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park rise near this Free State village. Artists run galleries and studios around the central square. Visitors can taste beer at a local brewery and try trout dishes. Hikers can follow trails to sandstone caves and small waterfalls nearby.

Highlights:

• 🎨 Visit the local art galleries and craft shops
• 🌊 Go white water rafting along the Ash River
• 🧗‍♂️ Explore Golden Gate Highlands National Park's sandstone cliffs

Wengen

Car-Free Alpine Bliss and Epic Views

8.8

Trains climb a steep slope from Lauterbrunnen to reach this car free village. The Lauberhorn ski race, one of the longest World Cup downhill courses, finishes here. In summer hikers walk from Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg with Eiger views. Cows wear large bells on the meadows above the village.

Highlights:

• ❄️ Visit the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe station
• 🥾 Hike the scenic trails to Kleine Scheidegg
• 🚡 Take the cable car to Männlichen for stunning views

Fenghuang

Ancient river town where history flows

8.3

Wooden stilt houses called diaojiaolou have stood over the Tuo River for centuries. The town was a military post in the Qing dynasty. Writer Shen Congwen was born here and wrote about its river life. At night lanterns light the river and small boats drift beneath the bridges.

Highlights:

• 🚤 Cruise Tuojiang River at sunset
• 🍜 Sample local stinky tofu and rice noodles
• 🏛️ Wander Ancient Town's cobblestone lanes

Nozawa Onsen

Thirteen free public baths and a ski area

8.3

Thirteen free public bathhouses stand around this Japanese ski village. Locals boil vegetables and eggs in the hot Oyu spring near the top of town. Each January a fire festival lights up the hillside with burning torches. Skiers finish the day at a bath in wooden bathhouses.

Highlights:

• 🔥 Experience the unique Ogama boiling hot spring kitchen
• 🥾 Hike trails around the scenic Nozawa Onsen village
• ♨️ Tour the 13 historic public hot spring bathhouses

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Sun‑kissed vineyards, historic hilltop charm

9.4

Large round stones called galets cover the vineyards of this Rhone Valley village. They hold heat from the sun and warm the grapes at night. Visitors can taste red wine in cellars and see the ruined papal castle. Popes of Avignon planted vines here in the 1300s.

Highlights:

• ⛰️ Climb to the hilltop chapel for panoramic valley views
• 🌸 Stroll through sunlit lavender fields surrounding Châteauneuf
• 🍷 Sip world‑famous Grenache blends at local vineyards

Alaçatı Mahallesi

Aegean charm meets windswept paradise

7.4

Old stone windmills stand on the hills above this Aegean coast town near Izmir. Former Greek houses with painted shutters line the narrow lanes. Steady sea winds make the bay one of Turkey's top windsurfing spots. Visitors sip iced coffee under bougainvillea in small courtyard cafes.

Highlights:

• 🥗 Dine at a garden restaurant and try Aegean meze
• 🏄‍♀️ Go windsurfing in the turquoise waters of Alaçatı Bay
• 🏘️ Wander the cobblestone streets lined with stone houses and boutiques

Sidi Bou Said

White-blue gem overlooking Mediterranean Sea

6.9

Blue doors and window grilles brighten the whitewashed walls of this hilltop village. Mint tea with pine nuts is a local treat at Cafe des Nattes. Visitors can look over the Bay of Tunis from the hilltop lanes and terraces. Artists Paul Klee and August Macke visited in 1914.

Highlights:

• 🏛️ Visit the Dar el-Annabi museum inside a traditional mansion
• 🍵 Enjoy mint tea with pine nuts at Café des Délices
• 🌊 Wander through the blue-and-white streets overlooking the Mediterranean Sea

Leavenworth

Charming riverfront town with vibrant fall colors

7.8

The town was rebuilt in the 1960s to look like a Bavarian village. Wooden buildings with painted signs and flower boxes line the main street. Visitors can see Oktoberfest each autumn and a Christmas lighting festival each December. The Wenatchee River and Cascade mountain peaks are just a short drive away.

Highlights:

• 🍺 Attend Oktoberfest celebrations during fall harvest season
• 🥨 Taste authentic pretzels at a local bakery
• 🏰 Explore the charming Main Street and its German boutiques

Wuzhen

Timeless canals weave historic charm

9.2

Water canals run beside wooden houses with stone bridges in this old Chinese town. Boats glide along the water in the evening under lantern light. Visitors can tour a dye workshop where blue cloth dries on tall poles. Locals sell steamed buns and sweet rice cakes along the canal.

Highlights:

• 🎶 Attend a traditional Chinese music performance in old theater
• 🥟 Sample local Wuzhen dumplings at night market
• 🚤 Wander ancient canals, capture lantern-lit reflections

Val d'Orcia

Rolling vineyards cradle historic hilltop charm

9.3

Rows of tall cypress trees line curving roads across green rolling hills. Small hill towns such as Pienza and Montalcino sit on the ridges. Visitors can taste Brunello wine in Montalcino or soak in the hot springs at Bagno Vignoni. Pecorino cheese from Pienza is aged in caves.

Highlights:

• 🍷 Taste Brunello di Montalcino wine at a local winery
• 🚗 Ride a vintage car in Val d'Orcia landscapes
• 🏰 Stroll through medieval streets of Siena

Bruges

Medieval Charm and Chocolate Bliss

8.6

Bells from the medieval Belfry tower ring out over red roofs and calm canals. The tower has 366 steps and a wide view from the top. Swans glide under stone bridges while boats pass beneath low arches. Chocolate shops and lace makers fill the streets around the market square.

Highlights:

• 🏘️ Stroll across Markt Square and admire the colorful guildhouses
• 🏰 Climb the Belfry Tower for panoramic city views
• ⛵ Take a romantic canal cruise through Bruges’ medieval heart

Bled

Fairytale Lake and Alpine Beauty

8.2

A small church on Bled Island has a bell that visitors ring for luck. Traditional wooden boats called pletna carry passengers across the lake. A medieval castle on a cliff above the water has a wine cellar and print shop. Locals serve kremsnita, a vanilla custard cream cake, at lakeside cafes.

Highlights:

• 🏰 Explore medieval Bled Castle perched above the lake
• 🥾 Hike to Mala Osojnica for a postcard-perfect lake view
• 🛶 Take a traditional pletna boat to Bled Island

Antigua Guatemala

Colonial Charm and Volcanic Views

7.5

Colourful buildings and cobbled streets feel like a small Spanish city stuck in the 1700s. Volcan de Agua rises behind the yellow Santa Catalina Arch. Visitors can climb the active Pacaya volcano and roast marshmallows on hot rock. Market stalls sell jade and woven textiles from nearby villages.

Highlights:

• ⛪ Visit the ruins of the historic Antigua Cathedral
• 🥾 Hike Cerro de la Cruz for panoramic city views
• 🌉 Snap a photo under the iconic Santa Catalina Arch

Kotor

Medieval magic on a fjord-like bay

7.2

Early mornings are quiet in this bay town before cruise passengers arrive. Stone streets open onto small squares with cafes and old churches. The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, built in 1166, has twin bell towers. Climbers start up the fortress steps at sunrise to beat the heat.

Highlights:

• ⛪ Visit St Tryphon’s Cathedral and its art museum
• 🚶‍♂️ Wander the medieval streets of Kotor Old Town
• 🏰 Climb the ancient walls to San Giovanni Fortress

Mont Saint-Michel

A Medieval Island Rising from the Sea

8.8

Benedictine monks began building the abbey in 966. It crowns a granite island in a bay with some of Europe's highest tides. At high tide the water can rush in quickly. Visitors can join guided walks across the bay at low tide. Fluffy omelets, cooked in copper bowls over open flames, are a local speciality.

Highlights:

• 🌊 Cross the tidal bay with a guided walk
• 🚶‍♂️ Walk the cobbled streets of La Grande Rue
• ⛪ Tour the medieval Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel

Taormina

Sicily’s Cliffside Charmer by the Sea

8.2

A Greek theatre from the 3rd century BC faces Mount Etna and the sea. Concerts and plays are still held there on summer nights. Visitors can ride a cable car down to the beach at Isola Bella. Corso Umberto is a pedestrian street with cafes and shops.

Highlights:

• 🍦 Walk the Corso Umberto for boutiques and Sicilian gelato
• 🏖️ Take the cable car down to Mazzarò Beach for a swim
• 🎭 Admire ancient ruins at the Greek Theatre of Taormina

Ronda

Clifftop drama and Andalusian soul

7.7

A stone bridge crosses a gorge about 100 metres deep in the middle of town. It was finished in 1793 after decades of work. Visitors can walk down paths for views of the bridge from below. The bullring dates to 1785 and is among the oldest in Spain.

Highlights:

• 🐂 Tour the historic bullring, one of Spain’s oldest
• 🏛️ Stroll through Ronda’s Old Town and visit Plaza Duquesa de Parcent
• 🌉 Admire the breathtaking views from Puente Nuevo Bridge

Rovinj

Adriatic Charm, Art and Sunsets

7.9

A bell tower with a copper statue of Saint Euphemia rises above the town. The church stands at the top of a hill on a former island. Visitors can wander cobbled lanes lined with small art galleries. Fishing boats return to the harbour each afternoon with fresh catch.

Highlights:

• 🏖️ Relax on the pebble beaches of Lone Bay and Punta Corrente
• 🕍 Climb St. Euphemia Church bell tower for panoramic views
• 🏘️ Wander the cobbled streets of Rovinj’s Old Town

San Miguel de Allende

Colonial Charm with Artistic Soul

7.1

The pink Parroquia church has a spire that looks like a Gothic castle. A local builder designed it in the 1880s after postcards of European churches. Visitors can browse art galleries and craft shops in old colonial houses. Rooftop bars offer sunset views over domes and cobbled streets.

Highlights:

• 🖼️ Explore vibrant art galleries at Fabrica La Aurora
• 🌳 Stroll through the colorful Jardín Allende plaza
• ⛪ Admire the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel

Colonia del Sacramento

Timeless Streets on the Río de la Plata

7.4

The old quarter of Colonia was listed by UNESCO in 1995. Cobbled lanes have oil lamps and old stone houses with tiled roofs. Visitors can rent golf carts or bikes to tour the old quarter. Sunset over the wide Rio de la Plata draws small crowds to the waterfront.

Highlights:

• 🚶‍♂️ Walk along Calle de Los Suspiros, the famous street
• 🌅 Climb El Faro Lighthouse for panoramic river views
• 🏘️ Explore the UNESCO-listed Barrio Histórico old town

Piran

Venetian Alleys, Adriatic Sunsets, Charm

7.5

Tartini Square is a wide oval plaza named for a famous violinist born here. Venetian style houses in pink and yellow crowd the narrow streets. Visitors can climb the town walls for views of red roofs and the Adriatic. Salt pans at nearby Secovlje still produce salt by hand.

Highlights:

• 🏰 Walk along the ancient Piran Town Walls
• 🌄 Climb St. George’s Church bell tower for breathtaking views
• ☕ Explore Tartini Square and its vibrant cafes

San Gimignano

Medieval Towers and Tuscan Charm

7.6

Fourteen medieval stone towers rise above the village skyline. Rich families built them in the 1200s to show their power. Visitors can climb the tallest tower, Torre Grossa, for wide views over vineyards. The local white wine Vernaccia is served in wine bars along the lanes.

Highlights:

• 🎨 Visit the Duomo di San Gimignano, with its beautiful frescoes
• 🏰 Explore the medieval towers and historic walls of San Gimignano
• 🌅 Climb Torre Grossa for panoramic views of Siena and the Tuscan countryside

Carcassonne

Medieval Walls, Towers and Timeless Magic

7.7

Like a castle from a storybook, La Cite has double walls and 52 towers. It sits above the Aude river in southern France. Visitors can walk along the walls and cross the drawbridge into cobbled lanes. Restaurants serve cassoulet, a slow cooked stew of beans and duck.

Highlights:

• ⛪ Visit the stunning Basilique Saint-Nazaire with stained glass
• 🏰 Tour the historic Château Comtal fortress and towers
• 🛡️ Walk atop the medieval walls of La Cité de Carcassonne

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Charming Wine Country by the Lake

7.7

Historic Queen Street has Georgian shops and a clock tower built as a war memorial in 1922. Fort George nearby, built in the 1790s, has costumed guides and cannon fire. Visitors can bike between wineries that make ice wine from frozen grapes. Shaw Festival theatres stage plays from April to December.

Highlights:

• 🚴‍♂️ Cycle or walk along the scenic Niagara River Parkway
• 🏰 Visit the stunning Niagara-on-the-Lake Fort George
• 🛍️ Stroll along the historic Queen Street, full of boutique shops

Szentendre

A riverside town of art and charm

7.3

Baroque houses in pastel colours surround small squares near the Danube. Serbian settlers built Orthodox churches here after fleeing Ottoman rule in the 1690s. Visitors can tour the Marzipan Museum to see sculptures made from sweet almond paste. Artists run galleries and studios along the winding lanes.

Highlights:

• 🏘️ Admire the colorful baroque facades around the Main Square
• 🏡 Visit the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum and explore traditional houses
• 🎨 Wander through Szentendre’s charming cobbled streets and art galleries

Essaouira

Atlantic Breeze, Blue Medina, Bohemian Vibe

7.4

The Skala de la Ville sea wall has rows of old cannons facing the Atlantic. Orson Welles filmed scenes from Othello here in the 1950s. Visitors can walk the ramparts at sunset above crashing waves. Gnawa musicians play trance music at street cafes and in the annual June festival.

Highlights:

• 🐟 Explore the bustling fishing port and feast on fresh seafood
• 🌅 Watch the sunset from historic Skala du Port ramparts
• 🏘️ Wander through Essaouira’s UNESCO-listed medina streets

Paraty

Colonial Charm and Tropical Beauty

6.9

Each July authors and readers gather here for FLIP, a literary festival. Colonial houses with blue and yellow doors line the stone streets. Boats from the harbour reach islands and beaches in a few minutes. The Gold Road from Minas Gerais ended at this port in the 1700s.

Highlights:

• 💦 Hike to Cachoeira Toboga natural waterslide waterfall
• 🚤 Cruise the serene Saco do Mamanguá fjord
• 🏘️ Explore Paraty’s charming colonial historic center

Matera

The ancient cave city of Italy

7.7

The Sassi district looks so much like ancient Jerusalem that filmmakers used it as a set. Mel Gibson filmed The Passion of the Christ here in 2003. Cave homes cut into the rock now hold small hotels and restaurants. A short walk leads to a wide viewpoint over the Gravina canyon.

Highlights:

• 🥾 Hike through Murgia Materana Park for breathtaking views
• 🎨 Visit the frescoed Crypt of the Original Sin
• 🏞️ Explore the ancient Sassi di Matera cave dwellings

Trogir

Medieval Marvel on the Adriatic

7.8

Kamerlengo Fortress, built in the 1400s, guards the southern edge of the old town. Its stone towers look over the harbour and the bridge to the island of Ciovo. Visitors can climb the walls to see the red roofs below. Concerts are held in its courtyard on summer evenings.

Highlights:

• 🚶‍♂️ Wander the narrow streets of UNESCO-listed Old Town
• 🏰 Explore medieval Kamerlengo Castle and its ramparts
• ⛪ Climb St. Lawrence Cathedral bell tower for views

Korčula

Medieval charm meets Adriatic beauty

7.7

This island in the Adriatic has a walled old town shaped like a fish bone. Streets curve in a herringbone pattern to break the strong winds. Visitors can climb the cathedral bell tower of St Mark for harbour views. Nearby vineyards make Posip, a crisp white wine.

Highlights:

• 🌍 Visit the reputed birthplace of Marco Polo
• 🔭 Climb St. Mark’s Cathedral bell tower for views
• 🏰 Explore Korčula Old Town’s medieval walls and streets

Alberobello

The fairytale town of trulli

7.1

Cone roofed stone houses called trulli were built here without mortar, mostly in the 1600s. More than a thousand of them fill the Rione Monti district. UNESCO named the town a World Heritage Site in 1996. Visitors can stay overnight in a restored trullo with thick cool walls.

Highlights:

• 🚶‍♀️ Walk through the peaceful Rione Aia Piccola district
• 🏰 Visit Trullo Sovrano, the largest two-story trullo
• 🏠 Explore the unique trulli houses in Rione Monti

Suzdal

Time Travel to Old Russia

7.2

Wooden churches and white stone monasteries with gold or blue domes dot this Russian town. The Kremlin, a walled complex with a cathedral from the 1200s, sits by the river. Visitors can sample honey mead, a local drink, in small taverns. Each July a cucumber festival fills the streets with food stalls.

Highlights:

• ⛪ Discover the impressive Spaso-Evfimiev Monastery complex
• 🏠 Explore the Museum of Wooden Architecture and churches
• 🏰 Visit the historic Suzdal Kremlin dating to the 10th century

Sankt Gilgen

Lakeside Charm in the Alps

7.9

Wolfgang Mozart's mother was born in a house on the main square. The house is now a small museum about the Mozart family. Visitors can take a cable car up the Zwolferhorn for lake views. Historic paddle steamers cross Wolfgangsee to the village of St Wolfgang.

Highlights:

• 🎻 Stroll through Mozartplatz and see the Mozart statue
• 🛶 Cruise across serene Wolfgangsee lake by boat
• 🚠 Take the Zwölferhorn cable car for panoramic mountain views

Portree

Colorful Harbour in the Scottish Highlands

7.5

Bright painted harbour houses in pink, yellow and blue line the small port. Fishing boats still unload fresh scallops and crab at the pier. Visitors can take a short drive to Kilt Rock, where a waterfall drops into the sea. Its Gaelic name means Port of the King after a royal visit in 1540.

Highlights:

• 🌇 Hike to the Apothecary Tower viewpoint at dusk
• 🍤 Dine on fresh local seafood by the waterfront
• ⛵ Admire colorful fishing boats in Portree Harbour

Göreme

Fairy Chimneys and Cave Dwellings

7.8

At dawn dozens of hot air balloons lift off over the rock valleys nearby. Flights run most mornings if the winds are calm enough. Visitors can sleep in a cave room carved into soft volcanic rock. The Open Air Museum has painted rock churches from the 1000s and 1100s.

Highlights:

• 🥾 Hike through the colorful Red and Rose Valleys
• 🏛️ Explore the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open-Air Museum
• 🎈 Take an early morning hot air balloon ride over Göreme

Dinant

Cliffs, Saxophones and River Views

7.3

Few towns are as musical as this one, where Adolphe Sax was born in 1814. Colourful saxophone statues line the Charles de Gaulle bridge in his honour. A cable car climbs to a citadel above the river. Locals bake couque de Dinant, a very hard honey cookie, in carved moulds.

Highlights:

• 🎷 Discover the life of Adolphe Sax at the Sax Museum
• ⛪ Visit the gothic Collegiate Church of Our Lady
• 🏰 Explore the medieval Citadel of Dinant for stunning views

Trinidad

Cuba’s Colonial Gem by the Sea

6.4

Playa Ancon is a long white beach about 12 kilometres from the old town. The Topes de Collantes mountains behind town have waterfalls and coffee farms. Visitors can swim in a natural pool at Salto del Caburni. Old cobbled streets are quiet in the early morning.

Highlights:

• 🏺 Visit Museo Romántico in Palacio Brunet for 19th-century artifacts
• 🏞️ Climb the historic Convento de San Francisco de Asís for panoramic views
• 🌸 Stroll through Plaza Mayor, the heart of Trinidad's colonial charm

Polignano a Mare

Dramatic Cliffs and Crystal Waters

7.5

Cliffs of white limestone rise straight from the sea at this Puglia town. Houses sit on the cliff edge above sea caves such as Grotta Palazzese. Visitors can swim at Lama Monachile, a small pebble beach between two cliffs. A bronze statue of singer Domenico Modugno stands by the sea.

Highlights:

• 🎵 Visit the Domenico Modugno statue and feel the music
• 🏖️ Relax at the picturesque Lama Monachile beach cove
• 🏘️ Explore the charming old town’s narrow stone alleys

Lindos

Ancient Ruins Meet Pristine Beaches

7.5

Whitewashed houses with pebble courtyards crowd the narrow lanes below a cliff top acropolis. The acropolis has a temple of Athena from the 4th century BC. A steep path and a donkey ride lead to the top. St Paul's Bay, a tiny round cove, has calm turquoise water for swimming.

Highlights:

• 🚶‍♀️ Wander through the charming whitewashed streets of Lindos Village
• 🌴 Relax on the sandy beach of Saint Paul's Bay
• 🏛️ Climb the Lindos Acropolis for panoramic views and ancient ruins

Orvieto

Umbrian hilltop gem

7.7

A striped cathedral with a golden mosaic front rises above this hilltop town. It sits on a flat block of volcanic rock with steep cliffs on all sides. Visitors can tour underground caves, cisterns and tunnels cut into the soft rock. Local white wine called Orvieto Classico is poured in small wine bars.

Highlights:

• 🌇 Climb Torre del Moro for panoramic city views
• ⛏️ Descend St. Patrick’s Well, a Renaissance engineering marvel
• 🏰 Admire the intricate façade of Orvieto Cathedral

Kaş

Turquoise Coast's Hidden Gem

7.2

In ancient times this Turkish coastal town was a Lycian port called Antiphellos. A Lycian rock tomb with carved columns stands above the harbour. Divers explore reefs, caves and shipwrecks in the clear water offshore. Small pebble beaches and quiet cafes fill the harbour area near the old Greek houses.

Highlights:

• 🎭 Discover ruins at the Hellenistic Theatre
• 🏖️ Relax on Kaputaş Beach, Turkey’s stunning turquoise gem
• 🏺 Explore the ancient King's Tomb in Uzun Çarşı

Hermanus

Whale Watching and Coastal Wonders

7.8

A shepherd named Hermanus Pieters gave this Cape coast town its name in the 1800s. Today southern right whales come close to shore from June to November. Cliff paths run for 12 kilometres along the coast. A town crier blows a kelp horn to announce sightings.

Highlights:

• 🏖️ Relax and sunbathe at beautiful Grotto Beach
• 🥾 Hike through scenic trails in Fernkloof Nature Reserve
• 🐋 Watch Southern Right Whales from Hermanus cliff path

Villa la Angostura

Patagonia's Hidden Gem

7.5

The Arrayanes Forest has trees with smooth cinnamon coloured bark. A wooden boardwalk crosses the forest on a small peninsula in Lake Nahuel Huapi. Visitors can take a boat or a long walk to reach the trees. Wood cabins in town sell chocolate and smoked trout.

Highlights:

• 🏞️ Relax along the tranquil shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi
• ⛷️ Admire panoramic views from the Cerro Bayo ski resort
• 🌲 Hike the enchanting trails of Los Arrayanes National Park

Pucon

Volcano Views and Adventure Bliss

7.6

Villarrica Volcano rises above the lake with a snowy cone and a glowing crater. Guides lead climbs to the summit on summer days when the weather is clear. Thermal pools in forests near town steam in cool weather. Lake Villarrica has black volcanic sand beaches and calm swimming water.

Highlights:

• 🚣‍♂️ Kayak on Lake Villarrica to private, serene beaches
• ♨️ Soak in the soothing waters of Termas Geometricas hot springs
• 🌋 Climb the active Villarrica Volcano and enjoy crater views

Gruyères

Medieval Charm and Cheese Delights

7.8

Cheesemakers heat milk in copper vats at the nearby show dairy. The hilltop town has a 13th century castle with wide views. Visitors dine on fondue made with local cheese at old wooden inns. H R Giger, the artist behind Alien, has a museum in the town.

Highlights:

• 👽 Explore the surreal HR Giger Museum of Alien art and design
• 🧀 Taste authentic Gruyère cheese at La Maison du Gruyère dairy
• 🏰 Tour the medieval Gruyères Castle and enjoy sweeping mountain views

Purmamarca

Rainbow Hills and Andean Traditions

7.0

A hill of seven colours rises behind this small town in northern Argentina. The rock bands show red, pink, green and yellow minerals. Visitors can walk the Paseo de los Colorados loop at the base of the hill. Craft stalls in the main square sell wool ponchos and llama textiles.

Highlights:

• 🏛️ Explore the quaint Plaza 9 de Julio
• 🥾 Walk the scenic Paseo de los Colorados trail
• 🌈 Hike the colorful Hill of Seven Colors

Amboise

Renaissance Charm along the Loire

7.5

In 1516 Leonardo da Vinci moved to a manor called Clos Luce in this Loire town. He lived there until he died in 1519. Visitors can tour his workshop and see models of his machines in the park. A royal castle above the river has a small Gothic chapel.

Highlights:

• 🌊 Stroll along the scenic banks of the Loire River
• 🎨 Explore Leonardo da Vinci’s residence at Clos Lucé
• 🏰 Visit the Renaissance Château Royal d'Amboise

Murten

Charming medieval lakeside town

7.8

Medieval walls with a covered wooden walkway circle the old town on Lake Murten. Walking the full ring takes about 30 minutes and shows views of the lake. A clock tower with a Baroque gate spans the main street. Locals eat Nidelkuchen, a sweet cream tart, in old town cafes.

Highlights:

• 🏘️ Stroll through charming Old Town with colorful buildings
• 🏰 Visit Murten Castle and its scenic tower views
• 🧱 Walk along the well-preserved historic Rampart Walls

Birgi

Timeless Ottoman Village Charm

6.4

Wooden Ottoman mansions with carved balconies line the narrow lanes of this village. The Cakiroglu mansion has painted ceilings and rooms from the 1700s. The Great Mosque of Birgi, built in 1312, has a carved wood door. A cool stream runs beside the main road through the village.

Highlights:

• 🏡 Stroll cobblestone streets lined with traditional Ottoman houses
• 🏛️ Visit Çakırağa Mansion with its stunning Ottoman frescoes
• 🕌 Explore the 14th-century Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey Mosque’s intricate woodwork

Hida

Carp canal and sake town near Takayama

7.3

Koi carp splash in a narrow canal beside white walled storehouses in Furukawa. Hida Furukawa, the historic quarter of the city, is a short walk from the station. Old shops sell hand dipped candles and local sake. The sound of running water follows walkers along the Seto River.

Highlights:

• 🚆 Ride the scenic Hida-Furukawa rail line through mountain valleys
• 🍶 Take a sake brewery tour and sample local varieties
• 🏮 Wander through the preserved streets of Hida-Furukawa

Alquezar

A Medieval Gem in the Mountains

7.0

The sound of the Vero River rises from the canyon below this hill village. A castle and collegiate church from the 1100s crown the rock above the houses. Visitors can walk metal footbridges along the canyon walls on the Pasarelas trail. Arcades around the small main square hold cafes and shops.

Highlights:

• 🖼️ Explore prehistoric cave paintings in Rio Vero Canyon
• ⛪ Visit the historic Colegiata Santa Maria la Mayor
• 🌉 Walk the Pasarelas del Vero cliffside walkways

Plovdiv

Europe’s Oldest City, Alive with Art

7.0

The city was a European Capital of Culture in 2019. Wooden houses with bright painted upper floors line the old town hills. Visitors can climb Nebet Tepe hill for views over red roofs and the river plain. Small museums fill the restored houses, including one for regional ethnography.

Highlights:

• 🎭 Visit the Ancient Roman Theater still used for performances today
• 🌄 Climb to the top of Nebet Tepe for city views
• 🏛️ Wander the cobbled Old Town of Plovdiv and admire Roman ruins

Berat

City of a Thousand Windows

6.8

White stone houses stack up the hillside like seats in a theatre. A lived in castle at the top has small Byzantine churches. An Ottoman bridge with seven arches links the Gorica quarter to the town. Visitors can visit the Onufri museum in a church inside the castle.

Highlights:

• 🖼️ Visit the National Iconographic Museum Onufri for sacred art
• 🌉 Walk across the picturesque Gorica Bridge
• 🏰 Explore Berat Castle with its historic churches and mosques

Bovec

Slovenia’s Adventure Capital

7.8

Soldiers fought in these mountains during World War One on the Isonzo front. Old forts and trenches in the hills around town remain open to visitors. Today the emerald Soca River draws rafters and kayakers. Small farms sell Bovec cheese, a hard sheep milk cheese, in the town.

Highlights:

• 🌊 Explore Virje Waterfall, perfect for a refreshing dip
• 💦 Visit the breathtaking Boka Waterfall, Slovenia’s tallest
• 🚣 Raft the emerald green Soca River’s thrilling rapids

Gero

One of Japan's three great hot springs

7.5

Along with Arima and Kusatsu, this town is ranked among Japan's three famed hot springs. The alkaline water feels silky and smooth on the skin. Free foot baths and small shrines dot the streets beside the Hida River. Gassho Village nearby has thatched farmhouses moved from other regions.

Highlights:

• 🚶🏻 Stroll along the Gero Onsen street and footbaths
• 🏮 Stay overnight in a traditional ryokan inn
• ♨️ Soak in Gero’s famous natural hot spring baths