Are you searching for your next holiday travel destination? You will see most lists mentioning Rome, Paris, Barcelona, England, and the list goes on. These metropolitan cities are worth exploring and have massive monuments and attractions, but they don’t offer the charm and authenticity of real people or a traditional experience. So, if you want to experience real Europe, then we have the ten most charming destinations that are magical and have lots to offer the true spirit of their nation.
Guimarães is now a UNESCO-listed city, and most of its downtown dates back 600 years, even the fantastic Portuguese-styled street tiles. It is often referred to as the “Cradle City” since Afonso Henriques, their first-ever king, was born here. The city center and most of its plazas give off an old architecture feeling with shops and establishments owned by families. You will feel a truly European feel here no matter which street you turn to, as if you are in a magical fairy tale.
You will find the whole streets of colored houses in this small Scottish town, which is the capital of a chain of islands. With a fantastic backdrop of small mountains, the calm waters of the harbor, and the Shingle beach, Portree is scenic all around. Enjoy the calmness and serenity of a small town, enjoy the journey there by the ferry, and come back refreshed from a weekend there.
The amazing and serene Austrian town is a winter destination for skiing and snowboarding, while summer activities like swimming and cycling in the summer. Whether it’s the winter when people are skiing or the summer, the mountain Schmittenhöhe will give a great view no matter the season. Even going there via the Lokalbahn vintage train is an adventure in itself.
Just an hour’s drive from Prague, this Cesky Krumlov town is finally getting the recognition it deserves as more are visiting it as a tourist destination. Though you won’t find many tourists in the winter, its cobblestone roads and a picturesque town full of small artisan stores, you will have a great experience. You can also plan to go there in summer and enjoy the raft trip down the Vltava River. It will be a day well spent.
This alpine town is a beauty with rocky-faced mountainsides, serene peaks, and many flowery meadows. In architecture, the houses are chalet-styled, small village churches and small population combines into a sight to behold. Did you know that Rivendell in Lord of the Rings books is inspired by this magical town? Moreover, the town boasts a few of the tallest waterfalls in Europe and is a sight to behold.
The first fishing village on our list is now the most loved place for those who love fishing, seafood restaurants, and enjoying the waters in your boat. Whether you enjoy the breeze in a fishing boat or a more relaxed endeavor in an upgraded sailboat, it is your choice. History-wise, the town was dedicated to the god Juno and had a base temple in this scenic village. A must-visit place when you are in the fabulous capital of Malta.
Most houses in this small town are traditional style, as if brown and golden from the sun, but the baroque churches are the place to visit. After you are tired from exploring this golden-colored town, you can enjoy the wonderful valley from the hilltop castle. Furthermore, everything you see is made impressive in the backdrop of Mount Etna. Indeed, a few hundred selfies are warranted here.
When you are in France, it is without a doubt, you should at least once visit. But you should also visit Colmar as it boasts a mix of French and German architecture situated in Alsace. The hidden gem of a town is pleasantly colorful and reminiscent of fairy tales you see in pictures or movies.
The magic is further enhanced if you visit the town during Christmas, as the market is full of stalls and shops, giving you a true European feeling. No extra frill, no façade, true to the colors and food Christmas market.
The town is pretty small and might not garner all the attractions and reviews you might see online. The compelling things surround the town, and it is one of the best scenic places in Europe. You can see or visit different churches on small islets dotted in clear crystal blue waters that most would only see in wallpapers or documentaries. A well-maintained 12-century castle is situated on the hill, from where you can see much more than just water.
Everything is surrounded by Julien Alps, which you can enjoy more when sipping your tea or coffee in the cafes or having dinner in the candlelit evenings. Finally, finish the tour with rowboats that can give you an authentic European feel.
There are Borealis lights in the north, metropolitan cities like Stockholm and Malmo, or their vast serene steppes. But once you are tired of these, tons of small towns give these giants a different feel. Smogen is a small town you can visit on the western coast of Sweden.
The village is charming because of the colorful houses in the port, the cliffs and mountains, and lots of panoramic views that are heavenly to experience. Enjoy a weekend in this town and rejuvenate all your senses before returning to your itinerary.
Traveling is an adventure in itself, and it isn't complete if you visit only well-known significant cities and visit tourist attractions. True adventure begins when you explore new gems and experiences authentic to the country or city's culture. We hope this list will scratch that adventurous itch.
