The 12 most romantic small towns in Europe
In need of a little romance away from the bustling crowds, city lights and sounds? Head to one of these romantic small towns in Europe for a holiday you (and your partner) will never forget…
1. Brugge, Belgium
Brugges is often cited as Europe’s most romantic little town – and it’s not hard to see why. Whether you visit in Summer or Winter (or in between), its impossible not to fall in love with effortlessly romantic Brugges.
2. Hallstatt, Austria
This little hidden gem is the perfect winter escape you’ve been looking for. Snow? Check. Charm? Check. Dark cozy nights by the fire? Check.
3. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Just a couple of hours drive south of Prague one will find the impossibly charming Cesky Krumlov. It’s the perfect place to escape reality for a few days and enjoy true Czech hospitality that you just won’t find in the busy capital!
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4. Cinque Terre, Italy
It’s no secret this would have to be one of the most romantic picks in all of Europe. Sure, it’s ‘been done before’. But one look at that picture and you know why… it’s hard to beat! Cinque Terre is in fact an area made up of a few little towns – giving you more than one reason to visit!
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5. Wroclaw, Poland
Lesser known Wroclaw is a perfect choice for travellers looking to get off the beaten path and enjoy a town less frequented by crowds of tourists. It is also home to oodles of charming and colourful architecture with each building distinct from the next! Sure, Wroclaw is a large city itself – but the old town of Wroclaw won our hearts and subsequently a place on the list.
6. Bavaria, Germany
Why include just one town when you can visit many? Although Bavaria is a region in Germany, it is eerily similar throughout – and we couldn’t pick just one town to visit! Hire a rental car and make a road trip out of it – this is undoubtedly the most romantic area in all of Germany!
7. St Moritz, Switzerland
Although it is packed with avid ski enthusiasts during the winter, St Moritz is a true hidden gem in the warmer months. There’s a great variety of hiking in the area and the small Swiss village seems as if it could pass as a ghost town during summer – making it the perfect escape for couples.
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8. Haarlem, the Netherlands
Lesser known Haarlem has all the Dutch charm of Amsterdam and more. If you’re looking to get off the beaten path in the Netherlands, this is our top pick!
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9. Porto, Portugal
Whilst Porto was once overlooked by tourists and travellers heading straight for the capital, Lisbon, the fishing town has now become a strong contender for tourism. It is impossibly charming and an accurate depiction of Portuguese culture past & present. Porto is in fact the second largest city in Portugal — but the old town is simply too charming for this destination to not be included.
10. Colmar, France
With a strong German influence just over the border into France, Colmar is a romantic dreamboat if ever there were one.
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11. Gdansk, Poland
Although lesser known to the likes of Warsaw and Krakow, Gdansk is equally charming and certainly the top choice for the closet romantic. Expect fascinating architecture, lively restaurants and bars, and more than enough romance to keep you loved up for a few days.
12. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled hardly needs an introduction… especially if a picture tells a thousand words. There could quite possibly be nothing more romantic than a visit to one of Europe’s most stunning lakes, rowing a boat to the island and climbing the stairs to the church once there.Category:
