The 15 Most Adorable Small Towns In Europe

Europe is the second smallest continent on the planet, after Australia, but what it lacks in dimensions it makes up for in beauty and splendor. Make a trip to such picture-perfect towns a priority on your bucket list. Their charming and breathtaking scenery will leave you in awe.

The most popular place in historic Colmar is Petite Venise (Little Venice). It's the village's most eye-catching quarter. Much of the small city's best architecture is crammed there. The half-timbered Alsatian houses on the edge of Lauch River are stunning. Just like in the real Venice, the best way to explore the village and see where fishmongers, leather tanners, and other merchants lived and worked is by boat. The House of Heads, built in 1609, is another must-see.

The remains of the village's rich history will leave you in awe. Bibury's main attraction is Arlington Row, a group of ancient cottages with steeply pitched roofs, overlooking a water meadow and river. If you like trout, you have to visit the famous Bibury Trout Farm. To get away from the crowds in the village, go on a charming walk through woodland and meadows rich in wildlife, across a Roman road and past a hidden dewpond.

The small town is actually a settlement on Brac Island. It originated on stone, at??? stone and from stone. The exhibits at the Stone Mason School are a very popular attraction. The town still has original Mediterranean characteristics. Its white roofs are creating a true ambient atmosphere. It is located at the bottom of a deep bay which splits into two smaller bays. The Renaissance palaces and Baroque buildings will leave you breathless.

This civil parish and seaside resort in Portugal is absolutely stunning. Ericeira is perched on high cliffs above a string of sandy beaches. It is home to one of the very few natural harbors between Cascais and Peniche, according to Travel in Portugal, making the small fishing village a major port. Ericeira is becoming a top surfing destination with an increasing number of surf schools and shops.

Tenby is a colorful little harbor town. Most entertainment spots such as restaurants, shops, cafes, and pubs are connected via picturesque cobbled streets. In fact, Tenby used to be referred to as the "Little England beyond Wales." Go on a day trip to Saunderfoot, visit a glassblower demonstrating his craft, play at Battlefield Live, which is an outdoor combat gaming facility, and go beach riding through dramatic coastal fields.

You will not get enough of this walled mountaintop town in Tuscany. You won't see many crowds there because most go to the more famous San Gimignano. People have lived on Volterra's steep hill since Neolithic times, but the city in its current design has Etruscan origins, according to In Italy. Visit and you are in for a treat of ancient ruins, art works and architecture from various historical periods, original and clean streets, and spacious charming squares.

Stay in the mountains of Austria and sleep in authentic 16th-century Alpine houses. The market municipality was already inhabited in the Iron Age, during which the civilization flourished. The Hallstatt-Dachstein alpine landscape is a World Heritage Site. Soaring mountains rise abruptly from narrow valleys. If you visit in the winter you will be walking through a wonderland.

This fjord village is a must-see if you are ever planning a trip to the Norwegian fjords. It is famous for its brown goat cheese. The Undredal Stave Church, built around 1147, is also an attraction. Until a new road was completed in 1988, Undredal was significantly isolated, and travel was only possible by boat.

Český Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to experience authentic Czech culture and architecture, visit this small village. It's most famous building is the Český Krumlov castle, which was built in the 13th century. Most other structures, including cafes and bars, are in renaissance and baroque styles. The village was largely left untouched even during Communist times.

Kilkenny used to be the medieval capital of Ireland. Walk through the narrow streetscapes and learn about the historical buildings and landmarks. There is an abundance of many beautiful walking trails and tours to choose from. Make sure you have time to see the historic Kilkenny Castle and the lavish parks and gardens. Fun fact: Ireland's only witch trials took place in Kilkenny in 1324.

Göreme is a town in the Cappadocia region of central Turkey. Have you ever spent the night in a cave? It can be a very cool (literally) experience in the summer. Many of the ancient cave dwellings that are now hotels were restored using reclaimed stone, woods, and iron. Rooms usually have air-conditioning and WiFi. Hot air balloon flights, quad-bike tours and horseback riding are popular activities.

Berat is a rare example of an architectural character typical of the Ottoman period, according to UNESCO. The town features a castle, locally known as the Kala, most of which was built in the 13th century, although its origins date back to the 4th century BC. The most famous attraction is the group of white Ottoman houses climbing up the hill to the castle. The citadel area numbers many Byzantine churches, mainly from the 13th century.

This tiny fishing town has about 4,000 inhabitants. Tourists love to try the wooden boats, called "luzzu," which create a unique scenic effect, painted in bright red, green, yellow and blue. The fishing boat design is said to date back to 800 BC during the time  the Phoenicians came to Malta.

Hike to seemingly inaccessible beaches and walk to family-friendly shores – either way, you will love the experience. You may even get to be the only person in the vicinity, feeling like the king of the coast for a few hours. Bike and boat tours are very popular in the small town. For a true Mediterranean fishing port experience, avoid visiting in the summer when crowds take over.

Freiburg is known as the "Flower City" because it's full of trees and hills covered with flowers. Residents are aware of the town's reputation and put in a lot of effort to keep it clean. Grass gardens, parks and other green projects are visible all over the city. Eco housing and car-free streets contribute to keeping the city's air fresh and clean.