It’s tempting to stick with big cities when you’re planning a trip, but honestly, some of the best moments happen in small towns. There are loads of hidden gems scattered across the world—places where people actually say hello, shops feel one-of-a-kind, and life just slows down a bit. It’s refreshing.
You might stumble into your new favorite getaway somewhere you’ve never even thought to look. Wandering off the beaten path into these underrated small towns? That’s where you find the real stuff—the kind of experiences that stick with you.
13. Wengen, Switzerland
Wengen, in central Switzerland, may have only 1,300 permanent residents but you wouldn’t guess that from the crowds. The popular soars to 5,000 souls in the summer who come to hike 310 miles of trails and 10,000 people in the winter who come for the skiing.
Wengen is a popular venue for ski races. This holiday resort has historic homes dating to the Belle Epoque era. As you travel by train to Wengen, be on the lookout for climbers attempting to go up the north face of Eiger mountain.
12. Morella, Spain
Morella is an ancient walled city found in the province of Castellon. Architecture and history are the main attractions in Morella, and you won’t want to leave without seeing the Morella Castle, the Gothic Santa Maria la Mayor Basilic Church with its incredibly ornate interiors or the ancient Morella Walls.
As a delicious treat, head to a bakery for the local culinary specialty known as flaons, or sweet pastries filled with cheese. Morella can also serve as a home base for exploring the surrounding Maestrazgo Mountains.
11. Puerto Natales, Chile
© Kseniya Ragozina / DreamstimeLocated in Chile’s extreme south, Puerto Natales is the starting point for treks through Torres del Paine National Park and boating excursions to the Patagonian fjords. Boasting nearly 20,000 inhabitants, it’s an impressively size town for such a remote location.
In addition to gear shops selling everything you need for outdoor expeditions, you’ll find an array of tasty eateries, bars and boutique hotels. Nearly every place you visit offers views of snow-capped peaks rising up out the blue expanse of the Seno Ùltima Esperanza.
10. Ystad, Sweden
Located in Sweden’s southernmost Skåne (or Skania) County, the town of Ystad is an old one – dating back to the 11th century, the history of this place goes back almost a millennium. Aside from being the home of fictional detective Kurt Wallander, Ystad is known as a tourist destination for its heritage buildings, many of which – including the grand town hall – surround the Stortorget or Main Square.
It’s also home to Greyfriars Abbey, one of Sweden’s best preserved monasteries, and the medieval St. Mary’s Church – both particularly striking examples of the Brick Gothic style. East of Ystad is the megalithic monument of Ales Stenar, consisting of 59 large boulders forming a stone ship.
9. Hillsborough, North Carolina
© Lei Xu / DreamstimeHillsborough is another stunning historic town complete with heritage buildings. From the Federal-era plantation house Ayr Mount and grand Eagle Lodge, to the famous Greek-revival building of the Old Orange County Courthouse. The small town of Hillsborough is alive and well with a thriving downtown area and vibrant restaurant scene.
Not only that, the definitively charming Hillsborough is also a good place to base yourself if you’re interested in exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Eno River State Park offers up ample opportunities for camping, canoeing and fishing, whilst nearby Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area provides a wonderfully scenic location for hiking.
8. Bonito, Brazil
Bonito is ecotourism. The town itself has one street, but it contains everything you need to enjoy your ecotourism stay. Bonito is surrounded by incredible beauty that is fervently protected by the government and regulation. In fact, most of the surrounding area is off limits, but you can still enjoy some jaw-dropping scenery.
There are places where lakes form inside of caves full of stalactites, and where waterfalls pour into cooling rivers that are so clear you can snorkel without a mask.
7. Fort Pierce, Florida
Established in the 1900s as a fishing village, Fort Pierce has managed to retain its captivating antiquity. Sometimes regarded as the “Sunrise City,” this tiny town is home to spectacular natural and artificial reefs making it a great spot for diving adventures. Fort Pierce also flaunts an excellent waterfront which is sprinkled with diners offering the freshest fish.
However, the one thing that makes your visit to this charming Florida own absolutely worth your while is the 156-mile-long Indian River Lagoon – the largest biologically diverse estuary in the United States of America and home of more than 4,000 species of flora and fauna.
6. Kaikoura, New Zealand
A picture-perfect coastal town situated a few hours north of Christchurch, Kaikoura is famous among visitors for its marine mammals, eco-friendly lifestyle, and its landscape that brings the country’s stunning coastline shoulder to shoulder with its jagged mountains. Renowned for its fishing opportunities, the town is filled with activities to keep you occupied.
Spot dolphins, whales, and other exotic marine species on a cruise or join them with a wetsuit and scuba dive amidst some of the best reefs in New Zealand, or simply take a walking tour around this spectacular town.
5. Julian, California
Julian is an old Californian gold rush town that is situated in the Cuyamaca Mountains, just a few hours from San Diego. With its historic old buildings, this little town still retains the flavor of the Old West. There is even a local mine where you can enjoy a tour or try your hand at panning gold.
In the fall, Julian’s pick-your-own apple orchards attract a slew of visitors who want to search for their own fruit or bite into pies from the locally famous Julian Apple Pie Company. Other activities you might want to enjoy while in Julian include horseback riding, hiking or boating on the nearby Cuyamaca Lake.
4. Alice Springs, Australia
Usually referred to as “Alice,” Alice Springs in the Northern Territory could very well be regarded as a sanctuary to Australia’s outback charm. A pioneering history, deserts as far as the eyes can see, breath-taking gorges, and well-established historic Aboriginal communities, Alice Springs serves as the base for various hikes and other such outdoor activities.
The most prominent factor of this small town is its “close” proximity to Uluru, Kata Tjuta and the Kings Canyon. The town hosts quite a few annual events so check the calendar before you arrive. Activities such as Outback Ballooning, Camel Rides, and Quad-biking are extremely popular in the area. Clear stargazing can also be enjoyed in the town so wherever you are, just tip your head over and admire the sheer beauty.
3. Neive, Italy
Neive, located in Piedmont, is considered one of the loveliest villages in Italy. It has it all: narrow cobblestone streets, medieval architecture and colorful flowers climbing the stone walls of quaint cottages. Most people don’t visit Neive to experience this charm, though; they come to drink its famous wines.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must if you plan to explore beyond the wine bars. There’s an old watchtower; the Baroque Chisel di San Petro is considered one of the most important churches in the city.
2. Tavira, Portugal
Tavira, just two miles from the ocean on the southern coast of the Algarve, has been standing since the Bronze Age. Cut in twain by the Rio Gilão, Tavira is a walker’s paradise.
Cobblestone streets weave through shady parks, up to an elevated castle, over a romantic Roman bridge, and past plenty of Gothic and Renaissance churches. Fishermen bring daily catches to a modern riverside market and the city is just two miles to the white sand beaches of Ilha de Tavira.
1. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France
You’ll spot Moustiers-Sainte-Marie nestled right up against limestone cliffs in the Provence from far away. The place almost looks too perfect, with old stone houses and winding, narrow lanes climbing the hillside.
As you wander through town, you’ll catch sight of a star dangling from a chain above you. Locals love to share the legends about it—there’s a bit of mystery in the air. Pottery shops and little cafés invite you in. The village sits close to the Verdon Gorge, which, honestly, might be one of the most dramatic natural spots in France.
Definitely bring your camera—every turn seems to offer a new postcard scene. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie usually escapes the big crowds, so you can actually slow down and take it all in.
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