12 Small Towns Locals Want to Keep Secret (+Photos)

Some towns are just too special—locals almost want to hide them. These places come with cozy main streets, beautiful nature, and a calm you just don’t get in big cities.

If you’re the type who likes stumbling across quiet spots far from crowds, you’ll want to hear about these hidden small towns. Maybe you haven’t heard their names yet, but honestly, their charm and peaceful vibe are hard to beat.

12. Morretes, Brazil

Deep in the south of Brazil, and the state of Parana, you’ll find the small colonial village of Morretes. This traditional village is accessible by the Serra Verde Express, a locomotive that snakes its way through the rain forests and down elevation from Curitiba. Departing every morning, this train is a great way to see the countryside of Morretes.

The historical center of town is small and explorable on foot. Few people in the area speak English, but you may be able to get some help touring yourself around town at the central historical center. There are a few churches built in the 1700s as well as the beautiful Nhundiaquara River that cuts Morretes in half. Try Barreado, a traditional Parana beef stew served at one of the many restaurants in the heart of town.

11. Thorn, Netherlands

ekenitr / Flickr

Located in Limburg near the border with Beligum, Thorn was a tiny principality back in the 12th century. The smallest independent state in the Holy Roman Empire, Thorn was ruled over by an abbess who was assisted by 20 nuns of noble birth. You can visit the ornate 10th century St. Michaelskerk Abbey Church, the focal point of the town. Today, Thorn is known as the “while village” because of the white-washed stone houses in the center of town.

10. Metamora, Indiana

With a population of under 200 people, Metamora is a tourist destination teeming with exciting and unique attractions. Visiting the town is taking a journey back in time, making it an exciting choice for a weekend vacation.

Once a stop along the Whitewater Canal, Metamora offers a fascinating insight into its past with a still-working grist mill and the only operating wood aqueduct in the United States. You’ll have the chance to journey down the Whitewater Canal on a 25-minute cruise inside a unique horse-drawn canal boat.

Other adventures to be had around Metamora include visiting the historic Whitewater Valley railroad, go gem mining at the downtown mine and hike or ride a horse along the canal. It’s best to visit the charming town of Metamora between May and October when the attractions are open to visitors.

9. Ojai, California

Located in Ventura County, just about an hour-and-a-half drive from Los Angeles, this pretty and peaceful little town has long been a popular weekend destination for L.A. residents seeking a getaway that will reinvigorate them both physically and mentally.

Popular activities include hiking the more than 20 paths in the area, biking and shopping at Ojai’s boutiques and galleries. Indulging in a little pampering at an area spa is also high on most visitor’s list. Seeking something a little more spiritual? Then you’ll want to check out Meditation Mount, which is a public meditation center.

8. Hongcun, China

A village shaped like an ox may sound far-fetched until you get to Hongcun near Mount Huangshan in Anhui Province. The head is a hill, two trees on it the horns, four bridges represent the legs, and the houses are the ox’s body.

A stream running though the village is the animal’s innards. Besides the unique shape, Hongcun is famous for its Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Hongcun is considered a traditional Chinese village, something that is fast disappearing these days.

7. Gruene, Texas

Renelibrary / Wikipedia

For all things old, vintage and antique, you should definitely make your way to Gruene. Much of this town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it a definitively historic place to wander around.

You can soak up the ambiance at the Gruene Hall – one of the oldest open-air dance halls in Texas – or even stay in a slice of the town’s heritage yourself at the Greune Family Home, an utterly charming Victorian-style building that dates back to 1872. When the tourist crowds get too much, head out of town and watch the Guadalupe River surge by.

6. Metsovo, Greece

Metsovo, in northern Greece, is a popular winter destination because it’s close to skiing, but any time is a good time to visit this picturesque village. Stroll the cobblestone streets starting from the central square.

Perhaps you’ll head up to the 15th century church of Agia Paraskevi, famous for its carved wooden temple. Or, you can visit a 17th century castle, a folk art museum or a monastery with a watermill or one with 17th century wall paintings. End the day by sampling locally made cheese and wine.

5. Brownsville, Oregon

Mattia Panciroli / Flickr

Another true small town (with less than 2,000 citizens) made famous in the 1980’s movie Stand by Me, Brownsville makes it to almost all the lists of “best small towns in Oregon for visitors”. What the city lacks in terms of population, it makes up for in its lovely natural landscape which lets visitors disconnect from the outside world.

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Founded in 1846, the town has surprisingly managed to preserve much of its glory and architecture from the old days. Walk around the historic downtown to gawk at structures that date as far back as the 18th century. For history buffs, a visit to The Moyer House is a must.

4. Bad Wimpfen, Germany

When you visit Bad Wimpfen, you’ll think you stepped into a fairy tale, with towers and spires popping up against the skyline. This ancient town, on Germany’s historic castle route, was once home to the largest royal palace north of the Alps.

If you climb the 167 steps to the Blue Tower’s viewing platform, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of this medieval town. Two events not to miss: the Talmarkt, a celebration of fun in July, and the traditional Christmas market that is considered one of Germany’s most beautiful.

3. Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Incorporated as a town in 1877, Summerside seems to have the perfect name to reflect the nature of the town itself. Though relatively small, this is Prince Edward Island’s second largest ‘city’, and as such there’s a lot to do here. History lives and breathes in the tree-lined streets with their stately heritage homes, and learning about Summerside’s past is possible in the beautiful Wyatt Historic House Museum.

The harborfront boardwalk with its seaside charm is a good place to eat, drink, shop, and see plays – at the Harbourfront Theatre, that is.

2. St. Wolfgang, Austria

Located at the foot of Schafberg Mountain and on the banks of Lake Wolfgang, St. Wolfgang is a very picturesque town that boasts a famous 14th century church. The site of this church was said to have been picked by St. Wolfgang, the Bishop of Regensburg.

The church is the ending point of a popular pilgrimage that takes devoted followers from the grave of St. Wolfgang in Regensburg to the village of St. Wolfgang. The church contains an elaborate altar — the Michael Pacher Altar — that some believe to be the most significant work of Gothic art in Austria. This town’s location makes it a great base from which to go skiing, hiking and biking.

1. Veli Losinj, Croatia

Slow down in Veli Losinj. This tiny little community on the island of Lošinj in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County in western Croatia is a collection of authentic houses, restaurants, hotels, shops and bars on a scenic harbor. Rovenska, another beautiful bay, is just a 10-minute walk from here.

The biggest attractions in Veli Losinj are the old sea captain’s houses that were adorned with exotic plants collected as prizes from long voyages. The houses line the main road to the bay. Be sure to look for dolphins playing in the harbor in April and May.