Small towns in Europe that will surprise you

If there's one thing I've learned from traveling around Europe, it's that sometimes the best places are in small towns.

You know that feeling of finding a hidden corner, without crowds, where everything seems like it came out of a movie?

Well, that's exactly what I felt in some small towns that I ended up discovering along the way and that, seriously, everyone should visit at least once in their life!

One of the first cities that made me sigh was Colmar, in France. Girl, what a cute city!

It feels like you've stepped into a fairy tale, with those colorful little houses, narrow streets and canals that look like a mini version of Venice.

I spent hours wandering aimlessly, going into craft shops and tasting local wines.

The atmosphere there is pure romance, even for those traveling alone, as was my case.

I just know that I left there completely in love and already dreaming of going back for Christmas, because they say it makes it even more magical.

Another place that took me by surprise was Hallstatt, in Austria, a small town with mysteries covered in snow.

When I got there and saw that lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, I was sure I was in a postcard.

The city is tiny, you can explore everything in one day, but the energy of the place is so good that you want to stay forever.

I went up to the Salzbergbahn viewpoint and almost cried with emotion at the view, one of the most charming cities I have ever seen.

And I'm not one of those people! But you know that place that makes you feel like you're part of something bigger? Hallstatt is like that.

Then there was Annecy, in France, which was love at first sight.

I love cities with water, and Annecy has a lake so blue it seems unreal.

I took a bike and went cycling along the shore, stopping to have an ice cream and watch the swans swimming.

It's the kind of city where there's not much to "do", but there's a lot to feel, you know? It gave me an incredible sense of peace.

Now, if you like medieval towns that look like they came out of a history book, you need to visit Český Krumlov, in the Czech Republic.

I had heard about it before, but I had no idea it was so amazing.

The castle, the stone streets, the river that runs through the city… It all looks like a movie set!

And there are also some super charming cafes where you can sit, have a hot chocolate and watch life go by.

It was one of the places that surprised me the most on the trip.

Oh, and I have to mention Bibury, in England! If someone ever asks me what I imagine a typical British village to be like, I'll show them a picture of Bibury, a true and typical small town.

Stone houses, flower gardens and a delicious silence.

I stayed in a bed & breakfast so cozy it felt like my grandmother's house.

It was a completely different experience from the hustle and bustle of London and made me love England even more.

Speaking of surprising places, Albarracín, in Spain, was another one that left me speechless.

Imagine a medieval city in the middle of the mountains, with gigantic walls and earth-colored houses. It looks like a scene from Game of Thrones!

I spent an entire day walking up and down alleys, discovering incredible viewpoints and wondering how this place isn't super famous yet.

And there was Dinant, in Belgium, which I discovered completely by chance.

I was in Brussels and decided to take a train to somewhere different. I ended up getting off in Dinant and it was the best decision of the trip!

The city is squeezed between a cliff and a river, has a beautiful Gothic church and, to my surprise, is the birthplace of the saxophone.

Yes, the instrument! So, besides the incredible landscape, there were also saxophone sculptures scattered around the city. I found it charming.

Now, if you want a destination that is truly off the radar, write it down: Gjirokastër, in Albania.

I had never thought about visiting Albania, but a friend convinced me, and I'm glad he insisted! Gjirokastër is a small stone town, with an imposing castle and a surreal view.

And the food… Wow! I ate some of the best dishes of the trip there. And the best part? I hardly saw any tourists.

Speaking of incredible views, I can't leave out Bled, in Slovenia, a small city full of charm.

That turquoise lake with a little island in the middle and a castle on top of the hill looks like something out of a dream.

I took a traditional boat to get to the island and rang the church bell, which is said to bring good luck. Whether it worked or not, I don't know, but the experience was wonderful!

And, to top it off, Civita di Bagnoregio, in Italy.

This place is so surreal that to this day I still can't believe I was there.

The city is located on top of a hill and can only be accessed by a bridge. It looks like a scene from a medieval film!

I was enchanted by the cobblestone streets, typical of a small town, the cozy restaurants and the unique atmosphere. There is just one sad detail: due to erosion, the town is slowly disappearing.

So, if you want to know, you better go now!

So, have you been to any of these small towns? Or do you have any others you would like to recommend? I love discovering these hidden corners of the world, so send me a tip and I’ll add them to my list for my next trip!