The most comfortable cities in Europe. Version

Besides worldwide famous resorts and popular tourist places in the world there are completely inconspicuous corners that can enchant their visitors and leave them with no less pleasant impressions. What are the secrets of Europe? What places, which very few know about, can you go in search of a delightful and unhurried vacation?

1. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Lurking in the south of Bohemia is the charming town of Cesky Krumlov, captivating the hearts of its visitors with a fabulous atmosphere of cobbled roads, bridges that come into view everywhere you look ... and, best of all, there is not a single McDonald's there! A short day trip to this place, especially in the warm season, will turn into a pleasant adventure. For a complete experience, it is also worth rafting down the Vltava River.

2. Colmar, France

Located in Alsace, Colmar is a unique blend of French and German architecture, culture and spirit. In reality, he is as colorful as you can see in the photographs. Colmar can absolutely rightly be called one of the secret pearls of France.

3. Marsaxlokk, Malta

Cute and playful, full of true Maltese spirit, Marsaxlokk is in fact the most important fishing village in the whole country.

4. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt - small picturesque town in Austria - included in the number of objects cultural heritage UNESCO, and is also recognized by many as the world's most beautiful village located on the lake. Visiting Hallstatt in summer or winter is sure to fall in love with the quiet charm of the place.

5. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is extremely popular with people who want to bring home wonderful photos of houses that look like they were built from Lego sets in the city center. Despite the tourist excitement, this place remains one of the delightful classic corners of Europe.

6. Bled, Slovenia

The Slovenian town of Bled has many pleasant spots, but the most notable attraction is famous lake Bled, which is one of the most beautiful bodies of water on our planet.

7. Biburi, England

This small town is imbued with Old World charm and is considered the most charming city in England. The photo shows one of the most popular streets of Biburi among tourists, which most often attracts the lenses of photographers.

8.Albarracin, Spain

Just two hours from Valencia and 30 minutes by train from Teruel will take you to the most charming Spanish village of Albarracín, a trip that will be hard to forget.

9. Pucisca, Croatia

Although Croatia has opened up as a tasty morsel for tourists relatively recently, its popularity is currently growing rapidly. The town of Pucisca, located on the Adriatic coast, is especially good for visiting. What is special about it? Seeing with your own eyes the beauty of this pearl of the Breg Island, you will surely understand everything.

10. Eze, France

In the south-east of France, not far from Nice, there is a cozy town Eze - perfect place for a little vacation!

11. Annecy, France

Annecy is built around a 14th century castle. Its streets are covered with the indescribable charm of antiquity, and the surroundings of the French Alps perfectly complement the picturesque picture of this wonderful place.

12. Manarola, Italy

This photo speaks for itself: how can you not agree that Manarola is a delightful tiny town on the coast of Italy ?! However, this country is fraught with more than one such gift for a tourist - you just have to allocate more time to travel around it, and you can find a whole constellation of similar places.

13. Illokkortoormiut, Greenland

Do you find it difficult to read aloud the name of this city? As practice shows, this is no more difficult than getting to it. Only once a week there is a flight from Iceland to the coast of Greenland, after reaching which, stubborn people seeking to get to Illokkortoormiut must use the services of a helicopter. However, this delightful place is well worth the effort!

14. Reine, Norway

The small fishing village of Reine is incredibly picturesque! If we imagine that one image can replace a thousand words, then only a photo of this place expresses twice as much.

15. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The pretty Mostar for some reason unfairly does not receive the well-deserved tourist attention. But those who are fortunate enough to be there appreciate all the charm of such an unexpected and pleasant find. By the way, when visiting Mostar, you should pay attention to the nearby town of Blagai, which is also capable of providing its visitors with many pleasant experiences.

16. Odense, Denmark

Although it is the third largest locality in Denmark, Odense has a real small-town charm that is hard to find elsewhere in the country. A true treasure!

17. Freiburg, Germany

Perhaps this colorful photo will tell more than any descriptions, why unnecessary words in the presence of such beauty? Just note for general information that Freinburg, a city with almost a thousand years of history located in the south-west of Germany, is home to about 230 thousand people.

18. Goreme, Turkey

This incredible ancient city was erected by the Romans, who literally carved it out of the rocks.

19. Ghent, Belgium

Carrying the title of Flanders' sophistication alongside the city of Bruges, Ghent is just as charming, albeit somewhat less famous. However, the charm of this town is drastically different from that of its more popular neighbor. It will be very difficult to explain exactly how, so it is easier to advise you to see it with your own eyes.

20. Ljubljana, Slovenia

The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, is one of the cities not yet “tried” by tourists. As a place of central importance, Ljubljana nonetheless retains some of the charm of a small European town.

21. Torun, Poland

For those who want to get a little away from the tourist bustle of popular Krakow and Warsaw, we recommend visiting the quiet Torun, located in the north of Poland and captivating with its uncomplicated but soulful coziness.

22. Rothenberg, Germany

Does this cityscape remind you of anything? Walt Disney used Rotenberg's imagery in his cartoon Pinocchio.

23. Arosa, Switzerland

A relatively small town in Swiss Alps is a favorite destination for members of the English royal family, so if Arosa is good enough for them, it will surely appeal to ordinary tourists as well.

24. Bergen, Norway

Located on west coast Norway's Bergen was founded around 1070. Fascinating with the view of its supposedly toy houses, this city is loved by Norwegians and tourists from different countries.

25. Leavenworth, USA

Of course, Leavenworth is not located in Europe at all, but in order to maintain the perfect balance, we decided to crown our selection with this city. Despite the fact that this city is located in the United States, it is built on the model of a Bavarian village and has a European spirit unusual for the American continent. For those who want to enjoy the classic European atmosphere even in the USA, the city of Leavenworth unexpectedly presents such an opportunity.

Based on materials from worldofwanderlust.com; translation and adaptation by Katrin Straszewski |

Many of these settlements are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These corners of Europe are so beautiful that humanity is obliged to preserve them in their original form.

Albarracin

This medieval small town of 1,097 inhabitants is located in the province of Teruel, Spain, and tends to be at the top of all rankings of the most beautiful villages of this country.

Vernazza

It is one of the five gems that make up the Cinque Terre region, Italy - five small fishing towns with World Heritage status. Choosing one of them is an almost impossible task. Vernazza is perhaps the best preserved spirit of the sea citadel.

La Roque-Gageac

Located at the foot of a cliff, on the banks of the Dordogne River, this french city inhabited since prehistoric times, it is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Josselin

This city is located in France, in the Brittany region. This fabulous city ok, known not only for its beauty, but also for the famous and impressive castle, built around 1008.

Murren

The highest and most beautiful village in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, at an altitude of 1,650 m above the Lauterbrunnen valley. Three of the most famous mountains in Switzerland can be observed here: the Eiger, Mönk and Jungfrau.

Castle Com

The village for 350 inhabitants is located in Wiltshire, England. This oasis of peace and tranquility was rated second the best village country in the famous British newspaper "The Times", and he certainly deserves it.

Rhonda

"City of Bullfighting" stands on a huge picturesque rock, which makes it so delightfully beautiful.

Tropea

This italian city located on the coast of Calabria and is one of the main points of the Italian seaside resort. One of its features is a huge cliff that overlooks the beach.

Bibury

For many, including the poet William Morris, Bibury is the most wonderful village in England. Her fourteenth century homes will take you to another era.

Freudenberg

The small town of Freudenberg is one of the most charming towns in Germany and Europe. It is located in the Siegen-Wittgenstein district of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Dinan

The small town of only 14,000 inhabitants is one of the most beautiful, picturesque and spectacular corners of Belgium. It is located on the banks of the Moza and is sandwiched between rocks, which adds to the uniqueness of the place.

Gengenbach

This fabulous city is located in southern Germany, on the edge of the Black Forest, in the Ortenau district of Baden-Württemberg. Due to his extraordinary beauty, he was selected for the filming of several films, such as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory".

Mykonos Town

Mykonos, also known as Chora, is a beautiful small city on the island of Mykonos (Greece). Its distinctive feature consists of small white and square houses with balconies, doors and windows painted in different colors.

Mortsund

Norwegian Mortsund is an enclave, a haven for fishermen. His extraordinary beauty and the solitude surrounded by nature beckons and attracts travelers.

Gruyere

Gruyere - historical city and a municipality in the Swiss canton of Friborg. Amazing buildings and medieval castle, where nineteen counts lived, make it one of the most interesting cities in Europe.

And I

Small town, island-owned Santorini, Greece. Hundreds of guests come to Oia to watch its world famous and beautiful sunset... Oia is also famous for its white houses in the rock of the volcano and blue domed churches.

Mont Saint Michel

The magnificent architecture and the bay make Mont Saint Michel the most visited tourist spot in Normandy and one of the first in France (about 3.2 million visitors a year).

Bled

Bled is a city located on the shores of Lake Bled in Slovenia. He is known for his glacial lake, castles and churches in the surrounding forests. The place attracts more and more tourists every year.

Reine

Reine was declared the most beautiful village in Norway in the 70s. It has been a commercial port since 1793 and a permanent destination for cruises in Norwegian fjords.

San gimignano

San Gimignano - small medieval town with a wall, built on top of the hills of Tuscany in Italy. It features towers that make the city a European medieval Manhattan.

Funes

It is a rural village located in a picturesque valley in Funes, Tyrol, Italy. It has a small beautiful church of Santa Magdalena and one of the most beautiful landscapes not only in Europe but in the whole world.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Belongs to the Ansbach region in Bavaria, Germany. It is a world famous tourist attraction due to its well-preserved medieval center. In addition to its beauty, Rothenburg ob der Tauber served as the inspiration for the village in Pinocchio.

Colmar

This beautiful fairytale town belongs to the Haute Rhine department in the Alsace region, France. Walking along its streets, you can enjoy the view of the buildings of the early Renaissance.

Manarola

This colorful fishing town is the second on this list - another place located in the Cinque Terre in Italy. Manarola is perhaps the most beautiful of the five, and seems to be also the oldest, as evidenced by the cornerstone of the 1160 church of San Lorenzo.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a village in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. In 1997 it was declared an object World heritage UNESCO. This place is simply amazing, very cozy and unusually beautiful!

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It's very simple: because this country is their homeland. Espresso is a method of making coffee invented in Italy in the late 19th century and has gained immense popularity around the world, especially in the United States. Beverages such as lattes and cappuccino also originated in Italy as different ways to add milk to espresso. Find out why coffee should not be drunk on an empty stomach.

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(c) Atilla 2008

Cats doze on the piers, boats sway on the waves, mountains are reflected in calm water, ripe fruits and fresh fish are dazzling in the market near the fortress walls of the Old Town, and clothes are drying on the lines in narrow streets - here it is, far from a complete picture of this Montenegrin miracle nature and architecture. Which is called the most beautiful city, it is good both in bad weather, when the mountains are shrouded in fog, and in good weather, when the water in the Bay of Kotor becomes absolutely transparent due to the sun's rays.

The most photogenic places in Kotor: A view from the embankment along the Jadranska magistrala, an observation deck at the top of the fortress wall, streets of the Old Town.

Prague, Czech Republic

The first of the two capitals that we included in this list is Zlata Praha, as the city was formerly solemnly called.
Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, gloomy and solemn St. Vitus Cathedral, Tyn Cathedral - everyone, even those who have not been to Prague, know these places and can imagine from the fly how they look. It has remained the same as it was centuries ago - narrow streets, cobbled streets, red tiled roofs, old signs of restaurants and workshops. We always wanted to see this city in winter - covered with snow, even more comfortable and pre-holiday. This is how we saw him during a recent trip - did not disappoint and was beautiful.

The most photogenic places in Prague: a view from the tower of the Old Town Hall, a view from the Powder Tower, a view from the tower of St. Vitus Cathedral.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The city of the Sun and eternal summer - you can come here in winter and still see bright fruits on orange trees, waves of the Adriatic Sea shimmering on the Sun, snow-white yachts and street cafes filled with visitors.
You are doomed to be in a good mood in Dubrovnik, no matter how depressed you get here. Even the songs of "Agatha Christie" are perceived here as a hymn to love of life, checked 🙂

The most photogenic places in Dubrovnik: View from the Mincheta Tower, the embankment of the Old Port, Stradun Street, absolutely any point of the fortress wall (yes, this is not an exaggeration).

City on the coast Baltic Sea, sea ​​gate Poland. The foggy and restless Baltic has rewarded Gdansk with a lyrical and brooding atmosphere. This is not fussy for you, in Gdansk you can spend hours alone with yourself and your thoughts, strolling along its old embankments and spacious, uncrowded beaches.

The most photogenic places in Gdansk: the Royal Route, the view from the tower of St. Mary's Cathedral, the embankment of the Motlawa River.

Hallstatt is so small that it is difficult to call it a city either - it is more of a village, but located in such an ideal place from an aesthetic point of view that when you get there you cannot believe that it is real. This is not a toy mock-up, not a banner, not a picture from the Internet, retouched 100,500 times - no, this is real place on the shore the purest lake surrounded by Austrian Alps... Miniature houses, flowers on the windows, a quiet embankment, a flat surface of the lake - that's really true, 10 minutes in Hallstatt can replace a pack of "novopasit".

The most photogenic places in Hallstatt: a view from the Römisches district embankment (this one, the most recognizable), a view from observation deck"5 fingers", an observation deck on the mountain next to the Salt Cave (Salt Mines) - to it, almost from the city center, there is a funicular.

Riga, Latvia

Another capital and another city on the Baltic coast. Formally, it became European quite recently, but in fact it has always been so, it is no coincidence that the entire "Europe" of Soviet films was filmed here. Ancient streets, houses with openwork facades, church spiers, the brooding Gulf of Riga, boat trips along the Daugava River, the noise of cranes coming from the port - this is the closest Europe to us.

The most photogenic places in Riga: View from the observation deck of St. Peter's Church, view from the Sky Line bar (26th floor of Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija), Town Hall Square.

Porto, Portugal

There are many cozy and picturesque cities in Portugal, including the capital - Lisbon, but we decided to stop at the very, very - Porto. This is not a city, this is just some kind of scenery for a film about love, passion and the sea - there is no other way to say. Although there is no sea here - the city is located on the Douro River, and after a few kilometers the mighty Atlantic begins. Old colorful houses (so picturesque, as if they were a little old on purpose), street musicians, the scent of port wine, warm evening air - this is a typical picture of Porto.

The most photogenic places in Porto: Douro embankment, St. Catherine street, Ribeira district, observation deck of the Clerigos church.

Honfleur, France

Imagine a city in which time stands still at noon on a summer Sunday, and you will understand how it feels to be a person in Honfleur. The town lives its own unhurried life, here on every corner they sell homemade cider, calvados and different flavors of caramel - lavender, rose petals, blackberry. Oysters in city restaurants are so tasty, the sun on the embankment is so gentle that you quickly join the rhythm of local life and don't want to return to the hustle and bustle of big cities.

The most photogenic places of Honfleur: Quay Sainte-Catherine and Quay Quarantine.

Bruges, Belgium

Postcard town, gingerbread town, bedtime story town. Ours was just in disgusting weather, in which in Moscow you want to shoot yourself - rain, cold wind, leaden clouds. But the city turned out to be so bright and cozy that the weather was simply not noticed. Gingerbread and chocolate figurines (Belgium, after all) stood in almost every window, smelled of fresh pastries, and pleasure boats sailed along the canals decorated with flower pots.

Most photogenic places in Bruges: Observation deck Historical Museum Bruges, embankments along the Groenerei and Minnewatter canals

San Gimignano, Italy

A city in the center of Tuscany, nestled among vineyards on a high hill, on the side of the SR222 road. San Gimignano is not only the most Tuscan but also the most Italian of all Italian cities. Here, street musicians play in the squares, noisy neighbors discuss the latest news, and old men with pensive faces, look at passers-by, sitting on room chairs set up right in the middle of the street.
Also, in San Gimignano, the most delicious ice cream in Italy and the number of its types here approaches infinity.

The most photogenic places in San Gimignano: Piazza Del Duomo, view from the Bell Tower (not only of the city, but also of the Tuscan fields surrounding it).

Strasbourg, France

The main city of the French province of Alsace, where the atmosphere of France and the spirit of Germany so close to the city are intertwined. The classic French cathedral of Notre Dame, and not far from it - the quarter of traditional German houses - all this is so picturesque and so unusual - it was this mix of cultures that bribed us, forcing us to choose from all the French major cities namely Strasbourg.

Along the canals, restaurants with flowering terraces are comfortably located here, and passengers sailing by boats hear the smell of foie gras, clinking glasses and sounds musical instruments... In general, if you want a lot of France and a little Germany, then you are in Strasbourg.

The most photogenic places in Strasbourg: the "Petite France" area, a view from the observation deck of Notre Dame Cathedral, Gutenberg square.

Bergen, Norway

The northernmost and coldest city of the collection. It stretches along fjord-rugged shores North Sea, here you can often see lead clouds overhead, and it is better not to appear on the street without an umbrella, but despite this Bergen ended up in this article. This is because from one glance at its colorful little houses it becomes warm, because here you can walk along the streets lined with trees, because the northern views of incredible beauty open up from the hills of Bergen. Cold city, who gives warmth - such is he, this Bergen.

The most photogenic places in Bergen: Bryggen embankment, view from the observation deck of Mount Fløyen.

We hope that these photographs of serene cityscapes will make you feel calmer and smoother in your soul.

Gamla Stan is a small area, the historical center of Stockholm. It is one of the largest and most carefully guarded medieval city centers in Europe. You will understand this as soon as you visit it, everything here is covered with romance, and these streets will immediately mentally take you to medieval Sweden.

In 1252 Birger Jarl took a fancy to this place and laid the first wooden fortress on it. Of course, nothing remained of that fortress - most of Gamla Stan was built up in the 16-17 centuries.

The narrow cobblestone alleys in Gamla Stan are closed to cars, making walking around the Old Town a pleasure.

This area can be crossed with a brisk pace in 10 minutes.

But in the end, you can "stick" here for many hours, circling among the red-and-red houses and turning into tiny courtyards and squares.

This is a real paradise for photographers and tourists.

As in any center, you can sit in a cafe and feel the spirit of old Europe.

Marten Trozigs grand (lane Morten Trotzig) - the narrowest street in Stockholm, its width is only 90 centimeters.

But other streets of the center are not very wide either.

The widest streets of Gamla Stan were formed as a result of rebuilding and demolition of buildings.

Now it is difficult to imagine that on the site of these multi-colored houses and cozy streets until the middle of the last century there were real slums.

The Swedes had to work hard to put this place in order and make it one of the most popular attractions in Stockholm.

There are also straight streets in Gamla Stan. Stora Nygatan (Large New street) is one of them, and parallel to it is Lilla Nygatan.

Stockholm's oldest square, Stortorget, is the historic center and heart of the city. Once there was a lively trade, but now there are numerous cafes. The red house with 92 white stones most often appears in the photos of tourists, perhaps this is the most famous in Stockholm. 92 white stones are embedded in the wall in memory of the 92 noble Swedes who were executed by the Danish king Christian II during the Stockholm bloodbath in 1520.

The German Church (Tyska kyrkan) is one of the symbols of the old part of Stockholm. Tourists can visit it completely free of charge during the hours when it is open.

The building was built in the Gothic style and originally belonged to a community of German sailors who lived in Stockholm in the 16th century.

And this is the Church of St. Nicholas (Storkyrkan). The cathedral was consecrated in 1306 and dedicated to the patron saint of sailors. It is believed that this is the oldest building in the center and was built together with the city itself. Here the coronations and marriages of Swedish monarchs take place.

The Riddarholmskyrkan Church (Riddarholmskyrkan) on a neighboring island has existed since the thirteenth century and is also believed to be built along with the city. Most of the members of the Swedish royal family are buried in it.

Riddarholmen Island (Knights' Island) also belongs to Gamla Stan, but there are no café-restaurants or souvenir shops at every turn. And tourists are also not very much.

The center of Stockholm was included in my top favorite places among European capitals... I would love to walk here more than once.

All posts of my journey

From villages of chocolate houses in Germany, passing through beautiful and colorful villages in the Scandinavian countries, Italy's flirty coastal towns, breathtaking mountain villages Switzerland, medieval towns in Spain or fabulous settlements in France.

There are many decent small towns in Europe that could be on this list, but we've picked perhaps 25 of the best.

25. Albarracin