Ever get the itch to find a quiet, hidden small town that barely anyone knows about? Some places are so under-the-radar, locals almost seem to guard their secrets.
Stumbling onto these lesser-known spots lets you dodge the crowds and all those touristy headaches. Here are twelf secret small towns that most travelers just breeze past—but maybe they shouldn’t.
12. Sant’Antonino, Corsica
Sant’Antonino is a tiny extremely picturesque village that sits 460 meters (1,500 feet) above sea level on the island of Corsica, giving it the nickname “Eagle’s Nest.” It is one of the most beautiful and oldest places in Corsica. Known for its architecture, the village’s 75 houses are joined together. Besides stunning views, top sights include at 11th century church, medieval castle ruins and an old bread oven. It’s a good place to hike, ride a donkey or enjoy water sports on the nearby beach.
11. Duoyishu, China
© Kozi75 / DreamstimeDuoyishu is a village in southwest China’s Yunnan Province where the farmers are noted for the rice terraces. The terraces are spectacular and should be considered works of art. Duoyishu residents belong to the Hani and Yi minority groups.
Sunrise over the terraces is not to be missed. Viewing platforms allow you to get that perfect photo. Besides rice terraces, the Hani are known for their family-oriented Chinese New Year celebrations.
10. Frigiliana, Spain
In Malaga, there is a small mountain town called Frigiliana. Most of the homes are built in the traditional Andalucian style, and even the narrow streets are whitewashed. Frigiliana is the perfect place to stroll from spot to spot, keeping an eye out for the tiled signs explaining the history of the town.
Ctra Circunvalacion is the heart of this small town, and it is where you can shop for food, souvenirs or the handicrafts sold weekly at the Thursday market. From the overlooking balcony at Ctra Circunvalacion, there is an excellent view over the countryside towards the sea at Nerja.
9. Westport, Ireland
Three-time winner of the Irish Tidy Towns Award, Westport is the result of Georgian urban planning, with picturesque malls at its heart running either side of the Carrowbeg River. It was ‘founded’ in the 1780s when architect James Wyatt was tasked with creating a town for the workers and tenants of nearby Westport House, for which the original village of Cahernamart was cleared.
The famous peak of Croagh Patrick, locally known as The Reek, provides a stark backdrop for the town and is a site of national pilgrimage: St Patrick is thought to have spent 40 days fasting atop this mountain in 441 AD.
8. Rydzyna, Poland
A quaint yet delightful town in the province of Wielkopolska, Rydzyna is often nicknamed as the “Pearl of the Polish Baroque”, because of the several baroque palaces and structures that line the town’s streets. Most of the architecture in the area are accredited to 17th century architects Jan Stier and Pompeo Ferrari.
Today, the historic structures from the 18th and 19th century complement the surroundings they stand within, along with the most historically significant edifice in the town, the Rydzyna Castle. Also notable is the late Baroque style St. Stanisław’s Church, the final resting place of the town’s founder. The Holy Trinity Figure, erected in honor of the 1709 plague that decimated most of the town’s population.
7. Hawkshead, England
© Acceleratorhams / DreamstimeCarefully preserved Hawkshead was once home to William Wordsworth, who described it in his poem The Prelude. Beatrix Potter also lived here. Her former residence now open to the public – a great opportunity to feel snug inside a real English cottage.
Hawkshead is a tourist mecca not only for its whitewashed cottages, old pubs and cobbled streets, but also for its location: the Lake District. A beautiful English town famous for its lakes, fells and forests, hiking in English countryside is supremely idyllic here.
6. Flekkefjord, Norway
Named after the local fjord of Flekkefjorden, this town is brimming with activities and attractions which can keep you occupied for days if not weeks. Located in between the popular towns of Kristiansand and Stavanger, Flekkefjord offers rail bike tours that takes you through 17 tunnels and some wonderful views of the town.
Explore the Dutch Quarter and hike to the potholes of Brufjell Caves. Visit the Flekkefjord and Konstali Gard Museums. And, last but not the least, indulge in some luxury shopping at the niche stores spread across the town.
5. Wertheim am Main, Germany
Wertheim am Main is a stop on some river cruises in southwestern Germany. But the town is so picturesque, you may want to spend more than a few paltry hours here. Wertheim am Main has an outstanding medieval town center that is overlooked by an impressive 12th century castle on a nearby hill. The Pointed Tower is another landmark,, sometimes referred to as the Leaning Tower of Wertheim. Floods over the centuries have weakened the foundation, causing it to lean. If you’re looking for glass souvenirs, Wertheim am Main is famous for its glass-making.
4. Puyuhuapi, Chile
A sleepy hamlet with less than 1,000 residents, Puyuhuapi is one of the oldest villages in Chile’s northern Patagonia. Like other towns in the region, it was founded by German immigrants after World War I. Situated along the forested shores of the icy Glacier Sound, Puyuhuapi’s standout attractions are its natural hot springs. A visit to the luxury Termas de Puyuhuapi lets you soak lakeside in outdoor pools fed by the thermal waters. Puyuhuapi also makes for a scenic stopover for visits to the nearby Quelat National Park.
3. Apollo Bay, Australia
© Zoya Kurenkova / DreamstimeSituated along the Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay is the starting point for the Great Ocean Walk and is only about half an hour from the extremely prominent Hopetoun Falls. Around a couple of hours from Apollo Bay is the iconic Twelve Apostles and the lesser-known but equally stunning Lock Arc Gorge. Surfing, Zip lining, scuba diving, caving, and fishing are some of the popular activities in the area in and around Apollo Bay.
2. Pirenopolis, Brazil
© Barkstudio / DreamstimeEvery year, 45 days after Easter, the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo breaks out in the small Goias town of Pirenopolis. The popular mounted horse festival, along with colonial architecture and roaring waterfalls, makes this a popular tourist destination. The oldest church in Goias, Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário de Meia Ponte, can be found here amongst the magnificent buildings. And the Cavalhadas has been taking place since 1826, where horsemen dress up as Moors and Christians to recreate a battle waged by Charlemagne. Three towering waterfalls — Santa Maria, Abade and Rosario — surround this popular, festive town.
1. Pitigliano, Italy
Pitigliano is a small town in Tuscany that is known as “little Jerusalem” because of its strong Jewish community over the centuries, though few Jews live there now. A 16th century synagogue in the town is a top sight.
For a region with less than 4,000 people, there are a number of Catholic church, including the Church of Saints Peter and Paul a 16th century Catholic church also known as Pitigliano cathedral. Another must see is the Medici Aqueduct with its Fountain of Seven Taps.
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