The world's most beautiful small towns

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

Despite its tiny size, the picturesque town of Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular resorts. It sits at the foot of the Julian Alps, complete with a medieval fortress and museum, while the town’s charming church floats on an islet amid glassy Lake Bled.

This small Indian town runs on adrenaline. With an enchanting location at more than 6,000 ft (1,830 m) in the Himalayas, balanced on the fickle Beas River, Manali is a haven for hikers, climbers and skiers.

A lovely fishing village along the Great Ocean Road, Port Fairy is the unlikely host of one of the country’s largest music festivals: the Port Fairy Folk Festival. If you’re not here for this culture-filled event, don't worry: you can explore its many antiques stores or immerse yourself in the region’s maritime heritage.

Tucked in the Rocky Mountains, Telluride wholeheartedly warrants its title as a National Historic Landmark District. Nestled in a canyon, it boasts an incredible setting, and also has a handful of interesting art galleries. It’s worth timing your visit with the world-class Telluride Jazz festival.

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.

Spruce forests envelop this seaside town which is given added awe by majestic Mount Edgecumbe rising behind it. The town also boasts a fascinating Russian heritage, which can be soaked up at St Michael’s Cathedral, an imposing Russian Orthodox Church in downtown Sitka.

Lively Portree is the heart of Skye. Once you’ve admired the pretty harbour with its multicoloured houses and dinned on traditional cullen skink in the town itself, venture further into the Highlands and discover the rugged coastlines, jagged peaks and abundant wildlife of this sublime isle.

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.

One of the dreamy Lofoten Islands, Reine is made up of rustic fishermen’s cabins perched by the water’s edge. Activities include hiking up the Reinebriggen peak (not for beginners), which towers over the village, or taking to the glittering lake on a kayak. If you’re lucky, you may even spy the Northern Lights too.

The heart of this laid-back Cuban town is the Plaza Mayor, which includes the Museo Historico Municipal and the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco. Wander the cobbled streets, taking in the Colonial architecture and soaking up its old-world Spanish charm.

It’s no wonder that Hallstatt, with its breathtaking mountain views, muted pink-and-yellow houses, and enviable lakeside setting, is pitted as Austria’s most beautiful town. A tour of its ancient salt mines is worth signing up for too.

Complete with clapboard houses and neat-as-a-pin streets, Holland oozes small-town charm. In spring, locals celebrate the town’s Dutch heritage; millions of tulips line the streets (resembling the Netherlands’ bulb district) and residents come together to perform traditional dances.

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.