Version. The most cozy cities in Europe

If you dream of visiting at least one of these fabulous European towns, filled with ancient charm and incredible beauty, or perhaps you have just begun your search best places? In any case, here we have collected 27 of the most beautiful small towns in Europe: from Norwegian fjords and the majestic Alps to sunny islands Greece.

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1

Manarola, Italy

First up on our list is one of Italy's most famous Cinque Terre towns - Manarola - filled with colorful rainbow houses carved into impenetrable stone walls along the Mediterranean coast. This charming fishing town is famous for its fabulous wines, especially Sciacchetra, and the paintings of Antonio Discovolors, an artist who fell in love with Manarola and dedicated much of his later work in the region to the town.

In Manarola there are no cars, no traffic lights, and therefore not a single sound from the squeal of tires. Of course, you can drive to Manarola, but you will have to leave the car outside the town and then take a bus, or start your journey on foot.

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2

Second on our list is the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Bavaria, Germany). This charming Bavarian mountain resort town 80 minutes by train from Munich. Once upon a time, these were two separate towns: one Roman, the other Teutonic, but in 1936 they united in honor of the Winter Olympic Games.

Partenkirchen was built in the 15th century, filled with narrow cobbled streets with historical buildings Bavarian-style Gasthaus: three or four storeys high, with open shutters and facades painted in pastel colors with images from pastoral or religious scenes.

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3

Despite the fact that we are talking about small towns, the town of Portree in Scotland is the most big city on the Scottish island of Skye. Portree is a port as well as a thriving cultural centre, although its population is less than 2,500. The city's harbor is a central location with pubs, restaurants serving amazing seafood and breathtaking views of the bay.

This is one of the best places to stay if you are planning to explore this incredibly scenic wilderness region due to its close proximity from the most exciting and unique attractions, including rock formations such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the extraordinary Quaraing Towers.

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4

Reine, Norway

Reine in Norway is a tiny fishing village on the picturesque Arctic island of Moskenesøy with a population of just over 300 inhabitants, but despite this it has rightfully been recognized as the most beautiful village in Norway. Situated north of the Arctic Circle in the Lofoten archipelago, this remote wilderness region is home to sapphire bays, breathtaking mountains and towering fjords. The fishermen's cabins have been converted into cozy visitor cottages with direct access to the Norwegian Sea, and the amazing night sky is a welcome addition with the prospect of seeing the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

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5

Colmar, France

The city of Colmar in France is a throwback to the 9th century. Since then, it has often been referred to as “Little Venice” due to the many water canals, like a breath of air among the medieval streets.

This well-preserved village in the Alsace region is also considered the capital of wine in an area renowned for its exquisite aromas. Thanks to the dual influences of Germany and France, you can easily find local bakeries offering sweet pastries and croissants with a variety of fillings, while eateries often specialize in sauerkraut and foie gras. In Colmar you will find different architectural styles: from French neo-baroque to German gothic.

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6

Marsaxlokk, Malta

Marsaxlokk is a busy trading port dating back to 900 BC, when the Phoenicians first landed on Malta. Today this picturesque city Ok is the main supplier of fish for the inhabitants of the island, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea. Marsaxlokk is well known for its massive markets, which stock a wide variety of fish, including the local favorite Lampuki (sea bream).

The rarity of this Maltese village is that it has no modern buildings, so as not to spoil its attractiveness. In such a quiet environment, which includes traditional Luzzu (fishing boats) designed by the most ancient Phoenicians Marsaxlokk is a particularly charming place to relax and learn about local history.

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7

Portmagee, Ireland

In a country filled with many beautiful cities, Portmagee is the clear favorite, being located near the Ring of Kerry in the south west coast Ireland. It's like a postcard - perfect seaside fishing village with a number of brightly colored buildings, along with a rich and impressive history.

The Bridge Bar offers a special atmosphere with live music, fantastic food and a pint of Guinness. Portmagee is also the departure point for the impressive Skelligs Rock and home to preserved monastic settlements dating back to the 6th century.

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8

Bled, Slovenia

Bled is a city in the northwestern part of Slovenia, protected magnificent mountains. Bled was created in 1004 and is considered so beautiful by the Holy Roman Emperor that it was donated to the Bishopric of Brixen.

Bled Castle is located in the heart of the picturesque lake of the same name with its glacial blue waters surrounding the tiny island. Bled also borders the town, known as the home of one of the most beautiful health resorts in the region. And if you climb to the top of the castle, especially stunning panoramic views will open up.

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9

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is one of the oldest settlements in Austria, founded in 5000 BC. to tap into the vast reserves of salt in the mountains surrounding this storybook town. For thousands of years, salt mining meant lasting prosperity for Hallstatt, which can be seen as a town with a beautiful square surrounded by ivy buildings.

The city still produces salt, but it is also considered a treasure trove of human history and one of the most picturesque cities in Austria with its magnificent setting on the shores of Lake Hallstätter. majestic mountains and the bright sunrise rising from the water's edge.

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10

Bibury, England

The lovely town of Bibury, England, nestled among the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, is often described as one of the most beautiful towns in England, and certainly has its place among the best and brightest in all of Europe. It was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, retaining a place in the past to this day. Much of Bibury still looks the same as it did hundreds of years ago.

The River Colne flows along main street, and lush meadows are adjacent to ancient stone cottages with sheer slanted roofs. The picturesque Arlington Row area is famous for its sepia-toned cottages, which were built in the 17th century as homes for weavers working at Arlington Mill.

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11

Annecy, France

Annecy is one of the most beautiful and romantic places on Earth - perhaps more stunning than the French Alps that surround it. Just 22 kilometers from Geneva in Haute-Savoie in eastern France, Annecy is divided into small water channels leading from sparkling blue lake Lac Annecy.

Light effects on the popular alleys leading along the canals give Annecy a special Venetian charm, and the famous Palais de l’Isle (Island Palace), built in the very center of one of the canals, will take you back to the distant 12th century.

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12

Goreme, Türkiye

Now Turkish national park Goreme was built during the Roman Empire against a backdrop of exquisite rock formations. Natural rocks served as a foundation and protection for those who built the city. Most of ancient architecture remains to this day with many churches carved into the rocks themselves. This beautiful city really needs to be seen with your own eyes to believe in its fabulous uniqueness.

One of the best ways see all the beauties of Goreme - from above - when every morning before sunrise, hundreds balloons take to the sky and soar over the rocks.

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13

Albarracin, Spain

Albarracin is a beautifully preserved medieval city ok in Northern Spain, whose roots go back to the 11th century. The cave paintings in the caves of the cultural park provide some of the most important evidence of Levantine prehistoric art in the country.

A piece of medieval Spain is preserved within the walls of Albarassin, which is filled with winding paths, narrow streets, ancient stone towers, castles and chapels. While here, you will feel as if you have been transported in a time machine to the Middle Ages.

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14

Pusice, Croatia

Arguably the most beautiful village in Croatia, Pušice is certainly one of the most scenic spots throughout Europe. Sparkling White stone from the island of Brac makes this small port town truly a one-of-a-kind destination and even an exquisite work of art.

Sitting on the northern coast of the island, sheltered by a bay, you can stretch out the pleasures on the untouched sands, soaking up the rays of the sun and cooling off in the sparkling water of the Adriatic Sea.

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15

Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

Vestmannaeyjar on the island of Heimaey - the largest of the 14 archipelagos of the Vestman Islands - is located near southwest coast mainland Iceland. Considered one of Iceland's best-kept secrets, this geographical treasure trove is known for its enormous biodiversity, including 150 species of plants that have yet to even be classified, as well as millions of birds that nest in the cliffs. Vestmannaeyjar is also one of the best places to see puffin seabirds.

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16

Cintra, Portugal

In 1809, Lord Byron wrote a letter to his friend Francis Hodgson, part of which read: “I must simply observe that the province of Cintra in Extremadura is the most beautiful place in the world.” This fairytale city ok in Portugal, located on the edge of Europe, has enchanted countless visitors over the centuries. The Romans made this place a lunar cult, calling it "Cynthia" after the goddess of the Moon.

Since 1840, the Pena Palace has been the so-called “highlight” as one of the most fantastic palaces in Europe. It is surrounded by the mystical Pena Park, filled with many trees and exotic plants from the former colonies of the Portuguese Empire, as well as numerous ponds, fountains, and even black swans.

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17

Burano, Italy

If you've ever needed a mood boost, this bright, cheerful town, which is actually a tiny island in the Venetian lagoon, should hit the magic button. Its bright colors, like fireworks, “explode” on the buildings, giving it a tropical atmosphere. All the houses here follow a specific color pattern that dates back to the island's "golden age" when it was first created.

Legend has it that local fishermen were the first to paint houses in these bright colors so that they could be noticed while they were fishing. Island residents are required to write to the government if they want to change the design of their home - officials will then respond to residents with a list of colors that can be used. If the rules are broken and residents use colors other than those specified in the response letter, they could end up behind bars. This is such a strict and bright town!

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18

Giethoorn, Netherlands

If you've ever fantasized about a simple life, this idyllic Dutch town located in the province of Overijssel may fit the bill. It has no roads, but is instead linked together by a network of ancient canals, creating small private islands for each home. The only access is by water, or on foot over its picturesque wooden arched bridges.

All vehicles must remain outside the city limits. There are four miles of canals and thatched farmhouses that date back to the 18th century. Giethoorn was founded by a group of fugitives from the Mediterranean region around 1230 AD, and became world famous in 1958 when it was featured in the Dutch film Fanfare.

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19

Eze, France

Eze is often described as an "eagle's nest", due to its location with stunning views from a high cliff, 1,400 feet above the Mediterranean Sea, along the exotic French Riviera, famous throughout the world for its stunning, panoramic views. The square has been inhabited since around 2000 BC, by the Roman Empire and the Moroccans, with the oldest building in the village, the Chapelle de la Sainte Croix, built in 1306.

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20

Tenby, Wales

Tenby, from the Welsh language, roughly translates to "little fortress of fish". A naturally sheltered town, with a generous harbor and access to the Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean, was founded in 900 AD. Following the Norman conquest of England, Tenby was fortified with a massive wall to keep local rebels at bay. Over the past few centuries, this picturesque town has become more famous for its beauty rather than its stone defenses.

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21

Folegandros, Greece

Santorini may be more well known, but its neighbor Folegandros has similar architecture, including whitewashed buildings decorated with bright colors, streets covered with slate slabs and, even, Greek orthodox churches with shiny blue domes. The difference is that you don't have to fight the crowds. On the beautiful, remote Katergo beach with its gentle, azure colored waves, you can even be in complete privacy and enjoy the company of the sea.

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22

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

This small medieval town is located in the south of the Czech Republic and may not be well famous place holiday destination for tourists, but this hidden gem is surely just waiting to be discovered, and most likely to inspire as much as the illustrious capital of Prague. Situated along the banks of the Vltava River, the castle was built around the 13th century with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. Thanks to its peaceful coexistence over many centuries, this beautiful architectural heritage has remained intact to this day.

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23

Gruyères, Switzerland

Gruyère is famous for its eponymous cheese, which has a mild, nutty flavor that melts so well in fondue. Few people are familiar with this lovely town, but this picturesque village in the upper valley of the Zane River should at least be well known for its beauty. With wide stone-paved streets leading to a stunning 13th-century castle, imposing fortifications and panoramic views of the surrounding alpine foothills, it certainly demands some attention.

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24

Dinan, Belgium

The city of Dinan, located between the Meuse River and its citadel, is known for its magnificent architecture and equally magnificent views of the city from the top of the fortress mountain. Spend the day visiting the Grotto of Dinant waterfalls or the Beauraing sanctuary, then book a table at one of the local cafes while enjoying views of one of the most beautiful towns Belgium and Europe.

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25

Telc, Czech Republic

This small town in the south historical region Moravia is filled with Baroque and Renaissance-style facades with high gables painted in pale pastel colors, now supporting small shops and cafes. This is another true fairytale town, with a romantic palace, crystal clear ponds surrounding it, and a public garden that looks like it came straight out of the pages of Hans Christian Andersen. This is one of the most perfect examples of the Italian Renaissance north of the Alps, and one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe.

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26

Cochem, Germany

Cochem is one of the most charming towns in all of Germany, with its own legend, local folklore and rich history, which can be found in any corner of this town. Situated in the picturesque Moselle River valley between the Eifel and mountain range Hunsrück, it's surrounded by rolling vineyards and quaint wine villages.

Soil and climatic conditions make the Moselle valley a prime area for growing the Riesling grape, which is used to produce some of Germany's best white wines, with numerous stop and sample opportunities available throughout this beautiful river valley.

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27

Smogen, Sweden

Smjön, located on the west coast of Sweden, is known as one of the country's most beautiful towns with a laid-back seaside atmosphere, along with cottages and fishing boats landing near the picturesque water.

The village is particularly attractive for its combination of shops and boutiques with old wooden houses overlooking the sea and the promenade, which extends almost 1000 feet. The society once captured several islands that were so close to each other that the space has since been filled and they are now all considered one island.

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Conclusion

This was an article about the smallest but very beautiful cities in Europe that you will want to visit. Thank you for your attention!

In addition to worldwide famous resorts And popular tourist places in the world, there are completely unnoticed corners that can charm their visitor and leave him with no less pleasant impressions. What secrets does Europe hide? What places that very few people know about can you go to in search of an intoxicating and leisurely vacation?

1. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Tucked away in the south of Czech Bohemia is the charming town of Cesky Krumlov, which captivates the hearts of its visitors with its fairytale-like atmosphere of cobbled roads, bridges, everywhere you look... and, best of all: there is not a single McDonald's there! A short one-day trip to this place, especially in the warm season, will turn into a pleasant adventure. To complete the experience, it is also worth rafting down the Vltava River.

2. Colmar, France

Located in Alsace, the city of Colmar is a unique blend of French and German architecture, culture and spirit. In reality it is as colorful as you can see in the photographs. Colmar can absolutely rightly be called one of the hidden gems of France.

3. Marsaxlokk, Malta

Cute and playful, full of true Maltese spirit, the town of Marsaxlokk is essentially the most important fishing village in the whole country.

4. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt, a small picturesque town in Austria, is among the sites cultural heritage UNESCO, and is also recognized by many as the most beautiful lakeside village in the world. Visiting Hallstatt in the summer or winter time, you will definitely fall in love with the quiet charm of this place.

5. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is extremely popular with people who want to bring home wonderful photographs of houses, as if built from Lego, that stand in the city center. Despite the tourist rush, this place remains one of the delightful classic corners of Europe.

6. Bled, Slovenia

The Slovenian city of Bled offers many pleasant places to visit, but the most notable attraction is famous lake Bled, which is one of the most beautiful bodies of water on our planet.

7. Bibury, England

This small town is brimming with Old World charm and deserves to be considered the most charming town in England. The photo shows one of the most beloved streets of Biburi by tourists, which most often attracts the lenses of photographers.

8. Albarracin, Spain

Just a two-hour drive from Valencia and a 30-minute train ride from Teruel brings you to Spain's most charming village, Albarracin, a trip that will be hard to forget.

9. Pucisca, Croatia

Although Croatia has only recently opened up as a tourist destination, its popularity is currently growing rapidly. The town of Pucisca, located on the Adriatic coast, is especially good to visit. What's special about it? Once you see with your own eyes the beauty of this pearl of Breg Island, you will surely understand everything.

10. Eze, France

In the southeast of France, not far from Nice, is the cozy city of Eze - an ideal place for a short vacation!

11. Annecy, France

The town of Annecy is built around a 14th century castle. Its streets are covered with the indescribable charm of antiquity, and the surroundings French Alps ideally complements the picturesque picture of this wonderful place.

12. Manarola, Italy

This photo speaks for itself: how can you not agree that Manarola is a delightful tiny town on the Italian coast?! However, this country is fraught with more than one such gift for tourists - you just have to set aside more time to travel around it, and you can find a whole constellation of similar places.

13. Illokqortoormiut, Greenland

Do you think it’s difficult to read the name of this city out loud? As practice shows, it is no more difficult than getting there. Only once a week, a flight departs from Iceland to the coast of Greenland, upon reaching which, stubborn people trying to get to Illokqortoormiut must use the services of a helicopter. However, this amazing place is worth the effort!

14. Reine, Norway

The small fishing village of Reine is incredibly picturesque! If you imagine that one image can replace a thousand words, then just a photo of this place expresses twice as much.

15. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

For some reason, pretty Mostar unfairly does not receive the tourist attention it deserves. But those who were lucky enough to be there appreciate the beauty of such an unexpected and pleasant find. By the way, when visiting Mostar, you should pay attention to the nearby town of Blagaj, which is also capable of providing its visitors with many pleasant experiences.

16. Odense, Denmark

Although it is the third largest locality in Denmark, Odense has a real small-town charm that's hard to find elsewhere in the country. A true treasure!

17. Freiburg, Germany

Perhaps this colorful photo will say more than any description; why use unnecessary words in the presence of such beauty? Just a note for general information, that about 230 thousand people live in Freinburg, a city with almost a thousand years of history located in southwest Germany.

18. Goreme, Türkiye

This one is incredible ancient city was built by the Romans, who literally carved it out of the rocks.

19. Ghent, Belgium

Sharing the title of Flemish delight alongside the city of Bruges, Ghent is equally charming, if somewhat less famous. However, the city's charm is decidedly different from that of its more popular neighbour. It will be a very difficult task to explain exactly how, so it is easier to advise you to see it with your own eyes.

20. Ljubljana, Slovenia

The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, is one of the cities that have not yet been explored by tourists. Being a place of central importance, Ljubljana nevertheless retains some of the charm of a small European city.

21. Torun, Poland

For those who want to move a little away from the tourist bustle of popular Krakow and Warsaw, we advise you to visit the quiet Torun, located in the north of Poland and captivating with its simple but sincere comfort.

22. Rotenberg, Germany

Does this cityscape remind you of anything? Walt Disney used Rotenberg's images when creating his cartoon "Pinocchio".

23. Arosa, Switzerland

A relatively small city in Swiss Alps is a favorite destination for members of the English royal family, so if Arosa is good enough for them, it will surely appeal to ordinary tourists.

24. Bergen, Norway

Located on the west coast of Norway, Bergen was founded around 1070. Fascinating with its seemingly toy houses, this city is loved by Norwegians and tourists from different countries.

25. Leavenworth, USA

Of course, Livingworth is not located in Europe, but to maintain the perfect balance, we decided to crown our selection with this city. Despite the fact that this city is located in the United States, it is built on the model of a Bavarian village and has a European spirit that is unusual for the American continent. For those who want to enjoy the classic European atmosphere even in the USA, the city of Livingworth unexpectedly provides such an opportunity.

Based on materials from worldofwanderlust.com; translation and adaptation by Katrin Straszewski|

Gamla Stan is a small area, historical Center Stockholm. It is one of the largest and most carefully preserved medieval town centers in Europe. You will understand this as soon as you visit there, everything here is shrouded in romance, and these streets will immediately mentally transport you to medieval Sweden.

In 1252, Birger Jarl chose this place and founded the first wooden fortress on it. Of course, nothing remains of that fortress - most of Gamla Stan was built up in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The narrow cobblestone lanes in Gamla Stan are closed to cars, making walking around the Old Town a real pleasure.

You can cross this area at a brisk pace in about 10 minutes.

But in the end, you can get stuck here for many hours, circling among the red houses and turning into tiny courtyards and squares.

This is a real paradise for photographers and tourists.

As in any center, you can sit in a cafe and feel the spirit of old Europe.

Marten Trozigs grand (Morten Trozigs Lane) is the narrowest street in Stockholm, its width is only 90 centimeters.

But other streets in the center are not very wide.

The widest streets of Gamla Stan were formed as a result of the reconstruction and demolition of buildings.

Now it is difficult to imagine that in the place of these colorful houses and cozy streets there were real slums until the middle of the last century.

The Swedes had to work hard to put this place in order and make it one of the most popular attractions in Stockholm.

There are also straight streets in Gamla Stan. Stora Nygatan (Great New Street) is one of them, and parallel to it is Lilla Nygatan.

The oldest square in Stockholm, Stortorget (Great Square) is the historical center and heart of the city. Once there was a lively trade here, but now there are numerous cafes. The red house with 92 white stones most often appears in tourists' photos; it is perhaps the most famous in Stockholm. 92 white stones are embedded in the wall in memory of the 92 noble Swedes executed by the Danish king Christian II during the Stockholm bloodbath in 1520.

The German Church (Tyska kyrkan) is one of the symbols of the old part of Stockholm. Tourists can visit it completely free of charge during the hours when it is open.

The building was built in the Gothic style and originally belonged to a community of German sailors who lived in Stockholm in the 16th century.

And this is the Church of St. Nicholas (Storkyrkan). The cathedral was consecrated in 1306 and dedicated to the patron saint of sailors. It is believed that this is the oldest building in the center and was built along with the city itself. Coronations and weddings of Swedish monarchs take place here.

Riddarholmen Church (Riddarholmskyrkan) on neighboring island, it has existed since the thirteenth century and is also believed to have been built along with the city. Most of the members of the Swedish royal family are buried there.

The island of Riddarholmen (Knight's Island) also belongs to Gamla Stan, but there are no cafes, restaurants, or souvenir shops at every turn. And not too many tourists either.

The center of Stockholm is among my top favorite places European capitals. I would gladly walk here more than once.

All my travel posts

Many of these settlements are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These corners of Europe are so beautiful that humanity is obliged to preserve them in their original form.

Albarracin

This medieval small town of 1,097 inhabitants is located in the province of Teruel, Spain, and typically ranks at the top of all world rankings. beautiful villages of this country.

Vernazza

It is one of the five gems that make up the Cinque Terre region of Italy - five small fishing towns with World Heritage status. Choosing one of them is an almost impossible task. Vernazza, perhaps, has best preserved the spirit of a maritime citadel.

La Roque-Gageac

Situated at the foot of a cliff, on the banks of the Dordogne River, this french city, inhabited since prehistoric times, is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Josselin

This city is located in France, in the Brittany region. This is a fairytale town, famous not only for its beauty, but also for its famous and impressive castle, built around 1008.

Murren

The highest and most beautiful village in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, at an altitude of 1650 m above the Lauterbrunnen valley. Here you can observe three of the most famous mountains in Switzerland: the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.

Castle Com

The village of 350 inhabitants is located in Wiltshire, England. This oasis of peace and tranquility was rated second best village country in the famous British newspaper “The Times”, and he certainly deserves it.

Rhonda

The “City of Bullfighting” stands on a huge picturesque rock, which makes it so amazingly beautiful.

Tropea

This Italian city located on the coast of Calabria and is one of the main points of the Italian resort coast. One of its features is the huge cliff that overlooks the beach.

Bibury

For many, including the poet William Morris, Bibury is the most wonderful village in England. Its fourteenth-century houses will transport you to another era.

Freudenberg

small town Freudenberg is one of the most charming towns in Germany and Europe. It is located in the region of Siegen-Wittgenstein in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Dinan

The small town with a population of only 14,000 inhabitants is one of the most beautiful, picturesque and spectacular parts of Belgium. It is located on the banks of the Mosa and is sandwiched between rocks, which adds to the uniqueness of the place.

Gengenbach

This fabulous city is located in southern Germany, on the edge of the Black Forest, in the Ortenau district of Baden-Württemberg. Due to his extraordinary beauty, he was chosen for the filming of several films, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Mykonos Town

Mykonos, also known as Chora, is a beautiful small town on the island of Mykonos (Greece). Its distinctive feature is small white and square houses with balconies, doors and windows painted in different colors.

Mortsund

Norwegian Mortsund is an enclave, a haven for fishermen. Its extraordinary beauty and solitude surrounded by nature beckons travelers.

Gruyere

Gruyères is a historical town and municipality in the Swiss canton of Fribourg. Amazing buildings and medieval castle, where nineteen counts lived, make it one of the most interesting cities Europe.

And I

Small town belonging to the island Santorini, Greece. Hundreds of visitors come to Oia to watch its world famous and beautiful sunset. Oia is also famous for its white volcanic rock houses and blue domed churches.

Mont Saint Michel

Magnificent architecture and the bay make Mont Saint-Michel the most visited tourist place in Normandy and one of the first in France (about 3.2 million visitors per year).

Bled

Bled is a city located on the shores of Lake Bled in Slovenia. It is famous for its glacial lake, castles and churches in the surrounding forests. Every year the place attracts more and more tourists.

Reine

Reine was declared the most beautiful village in Norway in the 70s. It has been a trading port since 1793 and a regular destination for cruises in the Norwegian fjords.

San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a small medieval walled town built on top of the hills of Tuscany in Italy. Its characteristic feature is the towers, which make the city a European medieval Manhattan.

Funes

This is a rural village located in a picturesque valley in Funes, Italian Tyrol. It has a small beautiful church Santa Magdalena and one of the most beautiful landscapes not only in Europe but throughout the world.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Belongs to the district of Ansbach in Bavaria, Germany. It is a world famous tourist attraction due to its well-preserved medieval center. In addition to its beauty, Rothenburg ob der Tauber served as inspiration for the village in Pinocchio.

Colmar

This beautiful fairytale city belongs to the Haut-Rhin department in the Alsace region of France. Walking along its streets, you can enjoy the view of early Renaissance buildings.

Manarola

Second on this list, this colorful fishing town is another place located in the Cinque Terre in Italy. Manarola is perhaps the most beautiful of the five, and seems also to be the oldest, as evidenced by the cornerstone of the Church of San Lorenzo from 1160.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a village in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. In 1997 it was declared an object World Heritage UNESCO. This place is simply amazing, very cozy and incredibly beautiful!

16.05.2016

What is the “poverty trap”?

Sociologists call a “poverty trap” a situation where children growing up in poverty cannot, for this reason, receive a decent education, a well-paid profession and a decent pension, and are forced to remain on the social bottom all their lives. According to the latest data from Rosstat, in Russia the share of children from low-income families is 26% of the total: all of them are at risk of falling into the “poverty trap.”

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Why do espresso and other drinks made from coffee beans have Italian names?

Very simple: because this country is their homeland. Espresso is a method of preparing coffee, invented in Italy in the late 19th century, that has gained immense popularity around the world, especially in the United States. Drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos also originated in Italy as different ways to add milk to espresso. Find out why you shouldn't drink coffee on an empty stomach.

What was Leonardo Da Vinci's last name?

How did mosquitoes kill 52,000,000,000 people?

Almost half of all people who have ever lived on Earth - over 50 billion - died from diseases carried by mosquitoes, namely: smallpox, measles, malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, etc. Mosquitoes carry everything that possible: bacteria, viruses, parasites, as well as their bites can cause allergic reactions of varying severity, up to anaphylactic shock.

(c) Atilla 2008

Cats are dozing on the piers, boats are rocking on the waves, mountains are reflected in calm waters, the market near the fortress walls of the Old Town is full of ripe fruits and fresh fish is shimmering, and in the narrow streets clothes are drying on lines - here it is, far from a complete picture of this Montenegrin miracle nature and architecture. which is called the most beautiful city, he is good at bad weather, when the mountains are shrouded in fog, and in good times, when due to the sun’s rays the water in the Bay of Kotor becomes absolutely transparent.

The most photogenic places in Kotor: View from the embankment along Jadranska magistrala, observation deck on top of the fortress wall, streets of the Old Town.

Prague, Czech Republic

The first of the two capitals that we included in this list is Zlata Prague, as the city was once solemnly called.
Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the gloomy and solemn St. Vitus Cathedral, Tyn Cathedral - everyone, even those who have not been to Prague, know these places and can immediately imagine what they look like. It remains the same as it was centuries ago - narrow streets, cobblestone streets, red tiled roofs, old signs for restaurants and workshops. We always wanted to see this city in winter - covered with snow, even more cozy and pre-holiday. This is exactly how we saw it during a recent trip – it didn’t disappoint and was beautiful.

The most photogenic places in Prague: view from the tower of the Old Town Hall, view from the Powder Tower, view from the tower of St. Vitus Cathedral.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The city of the Sun and eternal summer - you can come here in winter and still see bright fruits on orange trees, waves of the Adriatic Sea shimmering in the Sun, snow-white yachts and street cafes filled with visitors.
You are doomed to be in a good mood in Dubrovnik, no matter how depressed you get here. Even the songs of “Agatha Christie” are perceived here as a hymn to love of life, verified :)

The most photogenic places in Dubrovnik: View from the Minceta Tower, the Old Port embankment, Stradun Street, absolutely any point of the fortress wall (yes, this is not an exaggeration).

City on the coast Baltic Sea, sea ​​gate Poland. The foggy and restless Baltic endowed Gdansk with a lyrical and thoughtful atmosphere. This is not a vain place; in Gdansk you can spend hours alone with yourself and your thoughts, walking along its ancient embankments and spacious, uncrowded beaches.

The most photogenic places in Gdansk: Royal Route, view from the tower of St. Mary's Cathedral, embankment of the Motlawa River.

Hallstatt is so small that it is difficult to call it a city - it is more like a village, but located in such an ideal place from an aesthetic point of view that when you get there, you cannot believe that it is real. This is not a toy model, not a banner, not a picture from the Internet retouched 100,500 times - no, this is a real place on the shore cleanest lake, surrounded by the Austrian Alps. Miniature houses, flowers on the windows, a quiet embankment, the smooth surface of the lake - it’s true that 10 minutes in Hallstatt can replace a pack of Novopasita.

The most photogenic places in Hallstatt: the view from the embankment of the Römisches district (this one, the most recognizable), the view from observation deck“5 Fingers”, an observation deck on the mountain next to the Salt Cave (Salt Mines) - a funicular goes to it, almost from the city center.

Riga, Latvia

Another capital and another city on the Baltic coast. It formally became European quite recently, but in fact it has always been like this; it is no coincidence that all of the “Europe” of Soviet films was filmed here. Ancient streets, houses with lacy facades, church spiers, the brooding Gulf of Riga, boat trips along the Daugava River, the noise of cranes coming from the port - this is Europe, the closest to us.

The most photogenic places in Riga: View from the observation deck of St. Peter's Church, view from the Sky Line bar (26th floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija), Town Hall Square.

Porto, Portugal

There are many cozy and colorful cities in Portugal, including the capital - Lisbon, but we decided to stop at the very best - Porto. This is not a city, it’s just some kind of decoration for a film about love, passion and the sea - there’s no other way to say it. Although there is no sea here - the city is located on the Douro River, and after a few kilometers the mighty Atlantic begins. Old colorful houses (so picturesque, as if they were specially aged a little), street musicians, the aroma of port wine, warm evening air - a typical picture of Porto.

The most photogenic places in Porto: Douro River embankment, St. Catherine Street, Ribeira district, observation deck of the Clérigos Church.

Honfleur, France

Imagine a city in which time has stopped at midday on a summer Sunday, and you will understand how a person feels when he finds himself in Honfleur. The town lives its own leisurely life, here on every corner they sell homemade cider, Calvados and different flavors of caramel - lavender, rose petals, blackberry. The oysters in city restaurants are so delicious, the sun on the embankment is so gentle that you quickly join the rhythm of life of the locals and don’t want to return to the bustle of big cities.

The most photogenic places in Honfleur: Quai Sainte-Catherine and Quai Carentin.

Bruges, Belgium

Postcard city, gingerbread city, bedtime story city. Ours was simply in disgusting weather, in which in Moscow you want to shoot yourself - rain, cold wind, leaden clouds. But the city turned out to be so bright and cozy that the weather was simply not noticed. There were gingerbread and chocolate figurines in almost every window (Belgium, after all), there was a smell of fresh baked goods, and along the canals decorated flower pots, pleasure boats passed by.

The most photogenic places in Bruges: Observation deck Historical Museum Bruges, embankments along the Groenerei and Minnewatter canals

San Gimignano, Italy

A city in the center of Tuscany, located among vineyards on a high hill, on the side of the SR222 road. San Gimignano is not only the most Tuscan, but also the most Italian of all Italian cities. Here street musicians play in the squares, noisy neighbors discuss last news, and old people with thoughtful faces look at passers-by, sitting on indoor chairs placed right in the middle of the street.
Also, San Gimignano has the most delicious ice cream in Italy and the number of its types here is approaching infinity.

The most photogenic places in San Gimignano: Piazza Del Duomo, view from the Bell Tower (not only of the city, but also of the Tuscan fields surrounding it).

Strasbourg, France

The main city of the French province of Alsace, in which the atmosphere of France and the spirit of Germany, which is so close to the city, are intertwined. The classic French Cathedral of Notre Dame, and very close to it - a quarter of traditional German houses - all this is so picturesque and so unusual - it was this mix of cultures that captivated us, forcing us to choose from all the French ones for the selection major cities namely Strasbourg.

Restaurants with flowering terraces are comfortably located along the canals, and passengers of boats passing by hear the smell of foie gras, the clink of glasses and sounds musical instruments. In general, if you want a lot of France and a little Germany, then Strasbourg is for you.

The most photogenic places in Strasbourg: the Petite France area, view from the observation deck of Notre Dame Cathedral, Place Guttenberg.

Bergen, Norway

The northernmost and coldest city in the selection. It is located on the fjord-lined shores of the North Sea, here you can often see lead clouds overhead, and it is better not to appear on the street without an umbrella, but despite this, Bergen ended up in this article. This is because one look at its colorful small houses makes you feel warm, because here you can walk around the streets lined with wood, because the incredible beauty of the northern views opens up from the hills of Bergen. A cold city that gives warmth - that’s how it is, this Bergen.

The most photogenic places in Bergen: Bryggen embankment, view from the observation deck of Mount Fløyen.

We hope that these photographs of serene city landscapes have made your soul feel calmer and more comfortable.