10 Secret Small European Villages

Europe is at its most charming in the small villages, where time stands still and life goes at a slower pace. Below are a selection of some of the most beautiful villages for your next trip!

1. Stazzema, Italy

Wikipedia / Via en.wikipedia.org

Just 20 km from the Tuscan coast, Stazzema is situated high in the Alpi Apuane (the Apuan Alps). The mountains trails of these lesser-known mountains are a hiker's dream, filled with unvisited mountain refuges and stunning views of the Ligurian sea.

2. Conques, France

Conques Tourism / Via tourisme-conques.fr

On the Camino de Santiago, this medieval village boasts the stunning St. Foy abbey, a popular stop for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. If the church architecture isn't attractive enough, the Avreyon region contains ten of France's "Plus Beaux Villages" for your eyes to feast on.

3. Staithes, England

Via northyorkshirestay.co.uk

Staithes was once the home to famed British navigator Captain James Cook, the first documented European to reach the eastern coast of Australia. Today it is a charming coastal fishing village on the Yorkshire coast, filled with art, scenery, and a good ol' smack of English culture.

4. Gruyères, Switzerland

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Yes, Gruyères like the cheese. With a charming town square and enough cheese to put you in a dairy coma, the village also offers a medieval town and a castle for the history-buffs.

5. Óbidos, Portugal

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Another medieval marvel, Óbidos has a medieval market filled with old-school jesters, minstrels, and jousters. And for those looking for a beach retreat, some of Portugal's most pristine beaches are just a 5 minute drive away.

6. Undredal, Norway

Wikipedia / Via en.wikipedia.org

A town where goats outnumber people 5 to 1, Undredal is in the heart of Norway's fjord country. It was only reachable by boat up until 1988, which means this village is about as remote as they get in the 21st century, perfect for the people-hating nature-lover.

7. Göreme, Turkey

Via traveldeztination.com

To most, a visit to Turkey largely entails a quick stop in Istanbul before heading for the crystal blue coast. But to those in the Turkish know, Göreme is a top attraction. People still live in the cave houses today, and hot air balloon tours are popular, littering the sky with colourful balloons at sunset.

8. Symi, Greece

Via skyscrapercity.com

With so many Greek islands, it's difficult to choose just one. But for a real secluded holiday off the tourist path, Symi, which is closer to Turkey than mainland Greece, is a must. The colourful buildings and Greek food will entice you and the beaches will assure you come back.

9. Škofja Loka, Slovenia

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Not so much a village as much as it is a small town, Škofja Loka is in the heart of under-visited Slovenia. The picture says it all - this town is completely out of a fairy tale.

10. Besalú, Spain

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This Catalonian gem is near the border of France, within reach of Barcelona and yet tucked into the gorgeous Pyrenees. Chock full of antiquity, this village is particularly notable for its pre-Spanish Inquisition Jewish history.

Of course, this list is far from comprehensive! What towns and villages have you visited and are on your must-not-miss list?