There’s something alluring about the charm and simplicity of a small town. It’s a feeling that big cities just can’t replicate.
If you’re planning to see Europe on a cruise, anytime soon, here are a few reasons why you should consider adding some small towns to your itinerary.
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Charm
Small towns are often characterized by picturesque streets, colorful houses, and cozy cafes. They offer visitors a chance to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. Take, for example, Colmar in France. This lovely little town, known as “The Little Venice” of Alsace, looks like something out of a fairytale book with its narrow cobblestone streets, flower-filled balconies, and traditional half-timbered houses.
Source: savoredjourneys.com
Authenticity
While big cities can be exciting and bustling, they can also be overwhelming and impersonal. In contrast, small towns provide a chance to slow down and get a real sense of local life. You can wander through the streets, chat with locals, and really immerse yourself in the culture. A great example of this is Ronda in Spain. This town is known for its stunning views, but it’s also home to some of the most authentic tapas bars in the country. Here, you can mingle with locals while sampling delicious Spanish cuisine. Remember to pack sunscreen and bring a sunhat too if you’re visiting in summer.
Scenery
Whether it’s a rolling countryside or a breathtaking coastline, small towns invariably offer visitors the chance to connect with nature in its most rugged form. That’s because many of these towns are situated in idyllic locations, such as the shores of a lake or nestled in the mountains. They offer opportunities for hiking, cycling, and a chance to relax in peaceful surroundings.
Hallstatt in Austria, for instance, is a small lakeside town surrounded by towering mountains, where visitors can enjoy such activities as boat rides on the lake, hiking in the nearby mountains, or simply soaking up the stunning scenery. This makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience.
Source: 3seaseurope.com
History
Another benefit of visiting small towns is that they often have a rich history and cultural heritage. Many of these towns have historic sites and monuments, such as ancient churches, castles, and museums. Take, for example, Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. This town, located in the southern Bohemia region, boasts a medieval castle, Renaissance-style houses, and winding streets. Visitors can take a stroll through the town’s historic center or tour the castle for a glimpse into the region’s colorful history.
Small towns also offer a chance to learn about local traditions and customs, such as regional cuisine, folk music, and artisanal crafts.
Serenity
Small towns offer visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities. They provide a sense of serenity and relaxation that’s hard to come by in busy urban areas. A good example of this is Giethoorn, a small town in the Netherlands that’s known for canals that wind through peaceful surroundings. In between canal boat rides, visitors have been known to relax in one of the town’s many cozy cafes, or simply ramble through the idyllic village.
Source: lonelyplanet.com
Culture
One of the biggest advantages of visiting a small town is the opportunity to experience the local culture. You can peek behind the curtain and see what daily life is like, as locals are usually more than happy to share their traditions and customs with interested visitors.
A great example of this is the town of Sintra, Portugal. Located just outside of Lisbon, Sintra is known for its picturesque palaces and castles, which have been the inspiration for many fairy tales. Also, the locals are friendly, welcoming, and always up for a chat about the town’s history.
Food
Another reason to visit small towns is for the food. Many small European towns are famous for their unique culinary traditions and local specialties. And because small towns are often off the beaten path, the food is more affordable than in big cities.
If you’re a foodie, you won’t want to miss the small town of Modica in Sicily, Italy. This town is famous for its chocolate, which has a unique grainy texture and rich flavor, as well as traditional Sicilian dishes like arancini and cannoli.
Source: thespruceeats.com
Outdoor Adventure
Small towns are also great for outdoor activities, as most of them are located in scenic areas, such as mountains or along the coast. This makes them ideal for hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying a relaxing day at the beach.
One town that stands out in this regard is Chamonix, France. Nestled in the French Alps, Chamonix is a popular destination for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, but it’s also a great place to visit in the summer.
Community
If there’s one thing that small towns are renowned for it’s their strong sense of community. You’re more likely to interact with locals and learn about their way of life than you would in a big city.
For instance, the small medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany has preserved its old-world charm, with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and a small community feel. The best time to visit is around Christmas, when the town’s famous Christmas market comes alive and visitors can take a tour of the town’s historic walls and visit the Christmas Museum, too.
Source: travagsta.com
Escape the Crowds
Most small towns have a slower pace of life and a more relaxed atmosphere, which can be a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of urban areas. One town that embodies this quality is San Gimignano in Tuscany, Italy.
Known for its stunning medieval towers, San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts thousands of visitors each year. However, despite its popularity, the town has managed to maintain a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. You can easily stroll through the town’s narrow streets, enjoy a glass of local wine, or take a cooking class to learn about Tuscan cuisine in one day.
When planning a European cruise, it’s easy to focus on the big cities like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona. But, small towns should not be overlooked. Since they’re less crowded than big cities, small towns offer a rewarding travel experience away from the crowds and long lines that come with popular tourist destinations.
As you can see, there are countless charming and picturesque villages and towns throughout Europe that are worth a visit. From Colmar’s beautiful streets to Hallstatt’s stunning scenery, there’s something special about these hidden gems that big cities can’t replicate.
