Europe is home to countless beautiful villages and small towns, offering great opportunities for relaxation!
City dwellers suffering from stress and workaholism are increasingly feeling the urge to experience the peaceful rural life. Here are five charming, lesser-known European destinations that could be the perfect choice for your next vacation!
Gásadalur, Faroe Islands
On the island of Vágar, we find one of the most impressive sights of the Faroe Islands, which belong to the Kingdom of Denmark. The now almost completely depopulated village of Gásadalur and the nearby waterfall are absolute favorites for photographers. Like everything in the Faroe Islands, this area also has a legend. According to the tale, Gásadalur was named after a woman named Gasa, who made the mistake of eating meat during a fasting period. After the church took away her land, she moved to Vágar, and the small settlement there was named after her.
Until the tunnel was built in 2004, the village was extremely difficult to access due to its location. People could only reach Gásadalur by crossing the mountains or climbing the steep cliffs from the sea. As a result of its isolation, the village’s population dramatically decreased, despite the many high-quality cultivable lands. The area is still dominated by untouched nature, making it a perfect spot for hiking and peaceful retreats.
Manarola, Italy
The postcard-perfect Cinque Terre is located at the junction of Liguria and Tuscany. The area is home to five small villages, which are worth exploring on foot if you truly want to experience the authentic atmosphere of Cinque Terre. Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore are all worth a visit, with their colorful buildings built into steep cliffs and their coastal locations making them particularly special. The picturesque region has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1997, and for good reason. The area features numerous hiking trails, each offering exciting sights and natural beauty.
It is important to note that hiking in Cinque Terre is far from easy due to the ascents, stairs, and elevation differences. It requires good endurance and preparation, but the colorful villages, the crystal-clear sea, and the captivating view of the olive groves will make up for every bit of fatigue!
Eguisheim, France
Anyone arriving in the Alsace region for the first time won't believe their eyes: a landscape and townscape appear that few would have thought still exists today. Vibrantly colored houses line both sides of cobblestone alleys, with countless small restaurants offering fine wines, mostly made from the produce of the surrounding landscapes. Near Colmar, three larger picturesque villages—Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg—are located, but in addition to these, we can choose from several dozen smaller villages.
The picturesque Eguisheim is located in a sunlit valley at the foot of the Vosges Mountains. This charming medieval village was founded in 720 by Count Eberhard. It is a typical Alsatian town, just a short drive from Colmar. The flower-filled balconies, historical fountains, rustic manor houses, and the popular annual Christmas market are all must-see attractions in the town.
Hallstatt, Austria
This popular lakeside town is located in the heart of Austria, southeast of Salzburg, and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. Thanks to its rich historical past and the picturesque landscape surrounding the town, it is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The town can be explored on foot in just half an hour, which is a benefit given the heavily restricted car traffic. Hallstatt is home to the world's oldest known salt mine, part of which has been operating as a museum since 2002 and is open to tourists. When visiting Hallstatt, it’s worth stopping by the Cultural Heritage Museum and the Beinhaus, where you can learn about the town's diverse history.
Those who enjoy active relaxation won’t be disappointed when visiting the town, as the surrounding area offers opportunities for boating, hiking, and even surfing. Among the sights, be sure not to miss the Rudolf Tower, which offers a stunning view of the entire region.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
In the heart of Bavaria, the charming Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Germany's best-preserved medieval walled towns. The town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage, and with its 13th-century city walls, it feels as if time has stood still in this place. Thanks to its winding cobblestone streets and timber-framed houses, visitors can experience authentic Bavarian romance when they visit this region.
When arriving in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, there are various activities to choose from: we can take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the charming streets, shop in the many unique small stores, admire the medieval and Renaissance buildings, or taste delicious beers and even more delicious local specialties. The town also offers entertainment options that evoke the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Jousting tournaments, demonstrations, and parades are often held.
