Hum, with its 30 inhabitants, is the smallest city in the world. It is located in the heart of Istria, in the municipality of Buzet. Located just one hour from Umag and 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Rijeka, Hum is believed to be the smallest city in the world. The population is 17, 18, 21 or 23 (depending on who is asked and what time of year it is), but the official number matters little.
With its two streets and three walls of houses, this is a charming Croatian who holds a lot in its small frame. Some would say that Albarracín is the most charming town in all of Spain. It is only a two-hour drive from Valencia and 30 minutes by train from Teruel. Freiburg is home to some 230,000 people and is located in southwestern Germany.
This is one of Germany's best-kept secrets. Today, travelers are looking for Berlin and Munich, for a particular festival that you have surely heard of; Oktoberfest. But if you get off the beaten track in Germany, you'll find many of these small towns. This is a great way to meet locals and immerse yourself in German culture.
Bergen is undoubtedly Norway's most charming and picturesque city. Located on the west coast of the country, Bergen was established before 1070 AD. Today, the city of Bergen retains all its original charm, plus some modern additions. This is a great city to visit before embarking on a tour of the Norwegian fjord lands.
The smallest city in the world, Hum in Istria, in northwestern Croatia, is about to become part of the European Union. The medieval city overlooking the Mima Valley is a popular tourist destination. The people of Hum hope that accession to the EU will generate more revenue from tourism. The city of Giethoorn is one of the oldest in the Netherlands, and its history dates back to the flagellants of the 13th century.
Canals built for irrigation and agriculture are everywhere in Giethoorn, giving many of the homes and restaurants waterfront views. The lush vegetation, well-kept lawns and traditional architecture only add to the beauty of the city. Make the most of your time in Giethoorn by taking a boat tour along the canal and taking photos of the many impressive bridges that cross the water. Let yourself be transported to a medieval fairy tale with a visit to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic.
The city itself is divided by the waters of the Vltava River, and the center of Cesky Krumlov is an amazing 13th century Gothic castle. 18th century baroque dwellings line the streets, paving the way to the castle itself that breathes. Whether you're eager to immerse yourself in detailed architecture or natural scenic beauty, Cesky Krumlov has a series of perfect views you'll never forget. Around the city of Ronda in Spain are the main tourist centers such as Malaga and Marbella.
Ronda, however, is a step back in time and you'll find an incredible collection of historic architecture. One of Ronda's most emblematic ruins is the Arab bathhouse, which was built in the 14th century. Crossing the Puente Nuevo Bridge through the El Tajo Gorge is probably the most popular thing to do in Ronda, as well as exploring the narrow, winding streets of the old town. The medieval center of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most emblematic and attractive places in all of Europe.
The small German town built its walls in the 14th century, and much of the architecture of the old town is similarly aged. Apparently untouched by time, Rothenburg ob der Tauber has medieval palaces, administrative buildings and traditional Bavarian half-timbered houses. Walking tours are the best way to see the ancient walls and as much of the picturesque architecture as possible. This city of stone-walled houses with slate roofs is touted as the smallest city in the world, but it makes up for its size with an abundance of fantastic architecture, not to mention the largest topiary garden in the world.
The lakeside town of Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has even been nicknamed the most beautiful lakeside village in the entire world. Full of narrow streets, charming cafes, bustling boutiques and the iconic church of Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, the best of the city is seen from the water, so take a boat or ferry ride when you visit. If you're planning an upcoming getaway to the continent, here are just a few of the most beautiful small towns in Europe. The name of the city makes a nod to its picturesque location on the Rhine River, and its old town, surrounded by pastel-colored buildings, is not to be missed.
Anger is mounting in Europe and elsewhere over renewed coronavirus restrictions introduced by governments in a bid to tackle another deadly wave of infections. Its streets are lined with sweet-colored houses and many ice cream parlors; the city descends to a small sandy beach and Cinque Terre's only natural harbor. Within the UNESCO World Heritage city there are churches dating back to the 12th century, a bustling market square and many cozy candlelight restaurants. Located on Iceland's incredibly beautiful western fjord peninsula, the small town of Iìsafjoìrí°ur is almost engulfed by the imposing mountains that surround it.
The coastal town of Positano is located on the Italian coast of Amalfi, but most of its visitors seem to be hikers from nearby places like Sorrento. Between the afternoons of swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing, stroll through the historic center (soak in the city's medieval cathedral to see the mosaics on the ground dating back to the 12th century) and take a day trip to beautiful Lecce, the Florence of the south. On the western coast of Sweden is the small town of Smogen, a coastal destination to get to is half the fun. The city was first mentioned in 1102 as Cholm (from the Italian Colmo) and began life simply as a watchtower, designed to ensure that the region was not taken by surprise by marauders and attackers.
When winter comes, the city is filled with skiers, snowboarders and other snow-loving sports enthusiasts, perhaps even Olympic medalists in deep training. From a small Icelandic outpost surrounded by stunning landscapes to an ancient coastal settlement on the Black Sea, here are 17 small towns in Europe to add to your travel list. Whether it's a lakeside village in Austria or a hauntingly beautiful village in Romania, these storybook cities are what European holidays dream about. .
.
