The world's most beautiful small towns
Colmar, France
This quaint town in France’s Alsace region is well-known for its kaleidoscopic, timbered houses and winding cobbled streets. Grand St Martin’s church, which dates back to 1235, and the historical Unterlinden Museum are must-visits.
Bibury, England
A tiny village in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, Bibury sits on the banks of the River Coln. Rack Isle, a boggy expanse home to an abundance of wildfowl, and Arlington Row, a picturesque line of weavers’ cottages, are two of the main draws.
Goreme, Turkey
This whimsical town could have been plucked straight from a fairytale. The best way to take in Goreme is from the air – climb into a hot air balloon and fly over the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia with its elaborate caves and “fairy chimneys”.
Morro de São Paulo, Brazil
Life moves at a slower pace in Morro de São Paulo, a romantic village on the island of Tinharé. Embrace its car-free expanses and spend your days roaming the palm-tree clad beaches and enjoying the calm, shallow waters.
Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira is a refreshing alternative to the dusty roads and labyrinthine souks of Marrakech. Watch the town’s weather-worn blue boats battle the tide, wander its winding streets, and be sure to taste the catch of the day.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Pretty port town Lunenburg has an interesting past. Learn about its tumultuous maritime history at the celebrated Fisheries Museum, then admire the area’s famously colourful houses, before ducking into one of the many family-run restaurants.
Shirakawa-go, Japan
Shirakawa-go is best-known for its Gassho-zukuri-style architecture, characterised by sloping thatched roofs. Not yet overrun with tourists, this tiny mountain village gives a unique glimpse into the lives of rural Japanese communities.
Camden, Maine, USA
Though at its best when under a canopy of fall foliage, the coastal town of Camden is picturesque year-round. Take in stunning views from the harbour or, weather permitting, enjoy the New England scenery with a hike in the Camden Hills State Park.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang sits at the confluence between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers in northern Laos. It's an intriguing spot thanks to its rich monastic culture and history, and its astonishing natural beauty. It also boasts a cocktail of architectural styles: elaborate stone pagodas sit alongside humble wooden houses and decorative colonial buildings.
Bled, Slovenia
Manali, India
Port Fairy, Australia
Telluride, Colorado
Picton, New Zealand
This delightful port town is the perfect place from which to explore the sunken valleys of Marlborough Sounds, with their fascinating marine life and verdant hills. The town itself has many a draw too; bask on its sandy shores, and be sure to taste fresh seafood in one of the many independent restaurants.
Sitka, Alaska
Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Zhouzhuang, China
Fondly nicknamed the “Venice of China”, this town is famous for its canals. A gondola ride is the best way to see the elegant stone bridges and whitewashed houses, which are beautifully lit at night.
Reine, Lofoten, Norway
Trinidad, Cuba
Hallstatt, Austria
Holland, Michigan, USA
Manarola, Italy
Manarola is one of Italy’s most sought-after Cinque Terre towns. Its brilliant buildings tumble down a steep gorge to a dramatic, craggy coastline. Be sure to sample a cool glass of Sciacchetrá wine (the town’s pride and joy) during your visit.
Read next
The World's most amazing urban green spaces
From a calm oasis right in the heart of Brazil's most populous city to gravity-defying gardens in Singapore, there are so many ingenious new spaces bringing nature back into our cities.
15 of the prettiest places in Europe
From the fragrant lavender fields of Provence to to the incredible travertine pools of Pamukkale, check out our list of Europe's most beautiful spots.