Sometimes you just need to get away from busy cities and daily stress. Nature has a way of making you slow down, breathe deeper, and see life differently.
Some small villages offer beautiful landscapes where the natural world really takes center stage. In these places, it’s the scenery, the peaceful surroundings, and the quiet moments that leave the biggest impression. If you love fresh air and untouched beauty, these villages are worth a closer look.
16. Castelmola, Italy
Castelmola is a small village on Sicily. Although it overlooks Taormina, a popular tourist destination, it gets few visitors outside of Sicilians. This may or may not be a good thing. The good thing is this means that Castelmola is relatively unspoiled.
The bad thing is that people who don’t make the trek up to Castelmola are missing out on views that are more spectacular than Taormina’s. The climb is steep, so reward yourself with locally made almond wine at the top.
15. Ainsa, Spain
In the shadow of the Pyrenees Mountains, there is a medieval town called Aínsa. A highlight of a visit to this town is undoubtedly the Aínsa Castle, which is found at one end of the Plaza de San Salvador. Parts of the castle are from the 11th century, although much of the building comes from the 16th century.
Two of the towers of the castle itself have been transformed into museums: the Ecomuseo, where you can learn more about the Pyrenees, and the Espacio del Geoparque de Sobrarbe.
14. Tepoztlan, Mexico
© Ramos Lara / DreamstimeVisitors flock to Tepoztlan, a popular day trip site from Mexico City, for a couple of reasons. One is to see the ruins of an ancient pyramid that sites atop a steep hill. The other is to sample its ice cream, a treat Tepoztlan is famous for; around 200 flavors are served at any one time.
Described as fun and funky, Tepoztlan is a good place to pick up native arts and crafts at the artisanal market, or visit a colonial convent and national palace. The entire town is easily accessible by foot so don’t be afraid to take a bus down from Mexico City. The adventurous can plan on a strenuous, 2.5-mile hike up the cliffs that envelope the town. The trailhead is known as Pirámide de Tepozteco.
13. Alpbach, Austria
Alpbach is a small but beautiful ski resort town in the state of Tyrol that also has another interesting claim to fame. Every year, it plays host to the Alpbach European Forum, a two-week conference that brings together leaders in the worlds of politics, business, science and culture. In addition, Alpbach was once voted the most beautiful town in Austria thanks to its typical timber houses and and lovely floral decorations. So to preserve its looks, starting in the 1970s, the town required that all new buildings had to be constructed in the traditional stone and wood style.
12. Oia, Greece
Oia has been attracting travelers since the 13th century. It’s continued over the ages until today it is one of Santorini’s top tourist destinations. People come here for the dramatic views, stunning sunsets and to look at the old captains’ houses – Oia was once a powerhouse in the shipping trade. Buildings are snow white; churches are topped with deep blue domes that match the water surrounding the island. The village is car-free, so you can safely walk the narrow streets, strolling among the many art galleries.
11. Esperance, Australia
Located in Western Australia, Esperance is supposedly considered as not just crazily gorgeous but also the most exquisite beachfront in the country. This charming small town is home to the world-renowned Pink Lake, officially known as Lake Hillier. Take a day cruise to one of the many isolated rock islands lining the coast or if the season is right, camp out in the middle of one of the islands, surrounded completely by nature and aquamarine water.
Spend the day sunbathing with kangaroos at Cape Le Grand National Park or indulge in water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and of course, surfing – after all, Esperance is home to the world’s heaviest wave known as Cyclops.
10. Reine, Norway
Another incredible small town in Norway is Reine, which, despite its size, is still a major tourist attraction in the country. And, how could it not! Reine lays on the scenic route that expands across the Lofoten islands.
Red and white fisherman huts can be found dispersed around the town and Reinefjorden stands as the backdrop. When here, enjoy hiking and kayaking the Reinefjorden to enjoy an epic view of the Lofoten Wall and of course, Reinefjorden.
Take a morning ferry to visit the beaches of Horseid and Bunes. Oh! And, do not miss out on catching the Northern Lights – Reine is considered as the prime location for viewing Aurora Borealis.
9. Yangshuo Town, China
© Danil Loshadkin / DreamstimeYangshuo Town on the beautiful Li River was once a backpacker’s paradise. It’s becoming more upscale now as more people discover the beauty of the area. There is something ethereal about the karst mountains and caves which surround the town, especially on a misty morning with fishermen out in their small wooden boats.
It’s a great place to take a bike ride in the country. Like many other travelers, you may enjoy a boat ride to Guilin on the Li River and then cycling back.
8. Hokitika, New Zealand
Located within proximity of the namesake river, Hokitika gained popularity in the 1860s as a gold mining town. Today, it sits extremely close to many natural wonders of South Island such as the Arthur’s Pass National Park and the Franz Josef Glacier. While exploring the area, you must visit the Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve and enjoy white-water kayaking in the area.
Walk the 20-meter-high steel platform to stroll around the West Coast Rainforest treetops and breathe out your worries as you watch a breath-taking sunset at Sunset Point. There are also opportunities to go water skiing and fishing at Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve.
7. San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
San Pedro de Atacama is a centuries-old town that grew up around an oasis on an arid plateau high in the Andes mountains of northeast Chile. The nearby archeological site of Tulor features artifacts of the Atacama culture that date back to 800 B.C. Basketworks and pottery made by modern-day Atacameños are sold in town. Otherworldly landscapes make a visit to this ancient outpost a memorable experience. The terrain around San Pedro includes deserts, salt flats, steaming geysers, rock formations and the active Licancabur volcano.
6. Korcula Town, Croatia
© Nikolai Sorokin / DreamstimeVisit Marco Polo’s birth house while in Korcula Town on the island of Korcula in the Adriatic Sea. It’s a legend that he was born in this stunning seaside fortress town, but it sure is convincing. The old town is a fortified citadel that seems to float upon the ocean. There is an open-air theater in the old town where you can take in free shows during warmer months. The fortress has been transformed into a beautiful collection of shops, galleries, bars, restaurants and boutiques, making Korcula Town a very popular destination for the locals and tourists alike.
5. Lencois, Brazil
You’ll find the adventurous about to explore nearby Chapada Diamantina National Park in Lencois. The northeastern part of Bahia is mostly dusty sertao desert, but Lencois is situated in a beautiful mountainous wooded area. It is an old diamond mining town that is still showing off the riches it once accumulated. Hole-in-the-wall restaurants can be found lining the cobblestone streets and brightly colored 19th-century buildings really catch the eye. Be sure to ask the locals about nearby adventures. Caves, waterfalls, beautiful rivers and towering plateaus wait to be explored.
4. Peillon, France
Peillon is unique among France’s charming, picturesque small towns. For one, it’s perched on a cliff about 18 km (11 miles) north of Nice on the French Riviera. Secondly, it’s pedestrian only. Thirdly, it lacks the numerous souvenir stands, restaurants and shops found elsewhere, though there are a couple at the village entrance.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must as you walk through the village with its sometimes steep stairs and low passageways. And, of course, the views from here are spectacular.
3. Mittenwald, Germany
“A picture book come alive” is how Goethe described Mittenwald. Once there, you’ll agree wholeheartedly that Mittenwald is, indeed, the Bavarian Alps most beautiful village. Medieval buildings with color-laden window boxes, streetside planters with even more gorgeous flowers and a stream running through the town. With the Alps in the background, it just doesn’t get much prettier than this. Enjoy a stroll down Obermarkt, the town’s main street, where you’ll see how prosperous Mittenwald used to be when it was an important stop on medieval trade routes.
2. Marvao, Portugal
South of Almeida, built high on a hilltop, rests Marvao. This town of less than 5,000 is not for the faint of heart. The ancient, narrow alleys of the town are carved right into a crag jutting out from the hillside. The houses in Marvao are bright and adorned with flowers.
The view is breathtaking and panoramic allowing you to take in Portugal’s eastern landscapes. A castle defends the town, but there isn’t much history of siege or war which leaves the old time buildings intact. A handful of guestrooms lure travelers looking for the road less traveled.
1. Gimmelwald, Switzerland
If you’re headed for Gimmelwald, an off-the-beaten path destination in the Bernese Alps, leave your car behind. There are no roads to the village, so access is by foot or cable car. Gimmelwald is a sleepy farming community surrounded by fields of hay and majestic mountains.
The village is so tiny, there’s no local school; students must travel to Lauterbrunnen. Gimmelwald houses are notable for stones called Schindles that sit atop the roofs to protect them from winter’s strong winds coming off Jungfrau Mountain.
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