The World's Most Charming Small Towns
Fifteen of the world's most charming small towns – from Hallstatt and Colmar to Chefchaouen, Hoi An and Positano – with tips on visiting without the crowds.
Some places are charming because they're small: a walkable old town, a single square, a harbour or a river, and a pace of life that hasn't changed much in centuries. These fifteen small towns around the world are among the most picture-perfect – and most of them are best enjoyed by staying overnight, when the day-trippers have left.
Europe
1. Hallstatt, Austria
Wooden houses on a narrow strip between a lake and mountains – so beautiful it has been copied in China. Visit early or stay overnight; the town limits tour buses.
2. Colmar, France
Half-timbered houses, canals and flower boxes in Alsace's wine country. Little Venice is the prettiest corner, and the Christmas markets are magical.
3. Giethoorn, Netherlands
A village with canals instead of streets, thatched farmhouses and wooden bridges. Rent a quiet electric "whisper boat".
4. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
A medieval town wrapped in a loop of the Vltava river, below a huge castle.
5. Positano, Italy
Pastel houses tumbling down a cliff on the Amalfi Coast. Arrive by boat for the best first view.
6. Castle Combe, England
Often called England's prettiest village – see our Cotswolds guide.
7. Dingle, Ireland
A colourful harbour town with music in every pub – read our Dingle guide.
8. Ronda, Spain
A white town split by a deep gorge and linked by the dramatic Puente Nuevo bridge.
9. Reine, Norway
Red fishing cabins below jagged peaks in the Lofoten Islands.
Africa and the Middle East
10. Chefchaouen, Morocco
The famous "blue pearl" of the Rif mountains, with lanes painted in every shade of blue.
11. Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
Whitewashed houses with blue doors on a cliff above the Gulf of Tunis.
Asia
12. Hoi An, Vietnam
A historic trading port with yellow merchants' houses, lantern-lit streets and riverside markets.
13. Shirakawa-go, Japan
A UNESCO village of steep-roofed gassho-zukuri farmhouses, magical under snow.
The Americas
14. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Colonial streets, a pink neo-Gothic church and a lively art scene.
15. Guatapé, Colombia
Colourful houses decorated with painted reliefs, near the giant El Peñol rock.
Tips for visiting small towns
- Stay overnight to enjoy mornings and evenings without crowds.
- Respect residents: many of these towns are struggling with overtourism – keep noise down and use official parking.
- Travel off-season for lower prices and a more local atmosphere.
- Want cities instead? See our guide to hidden gems in the world's coolest cities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most charming small town in the world?
It's subjective, but Hallstatt in Austria, Colmar in France, Chefchaouen in Morocco and Hoi An in Vietnam are regularly named among the most beautiful.
How do you avoid crowds in popular small towns?
Stay overnight, explore early in the morning and in the evening when day-trippers have gone, and visit outside peak summer.
Keep reading
Castle Combe and the Prettiest Villages of the Cotswolds
Castle Combe, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, the Slaughters, Lacock and Broadway – how to visit the Cotswolds' most beautiful villages, with tips for avoiding the crowds.
Hidden Gems in 10 of the World's Coolest Cities
Balat in Istanbul, Tempelhof in Berlin, Yanaka in Tokyo, LX Factory in Lisbon and more – lesser-known spots in ten of the world's coolest cities.
Dingle, Ireland: A Guide to the Wild Atlantic Way's Most Charming Town
Colourful pubs with live music, the Slea Head Drive, Gallarus Oratory, boat trips and beaches – the best things to do in Dingle on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way.
The Best Countries in the World to Retire: Beautiful, Safe and Affordable
Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece, France and Cyprus – comparing the best countries to retire on safety, cost of living, healthcare, climate and visas.