10 Most Beautiful Small Towns to Visit Around the World

Has a small town ever stirred your soul? Maybe it was the morning light that hit the cobblestone just right, the flower boxes that overflowed with geraniums, or the church bells that echoed in the distance.

These are the kind of places where charm is naturally baked into the bricks, painted into the shutters, and rooted in centuries of history. Whether they’re perched on a seaside cliff or nestled in a green valley, small towns invite you to slow down, look closer, and fall in love.

As an ode to their beauty, we’ve curated a list of ten of the most beautiful small towns around the world, mostly from America and Europe. Each one is ready to welcome you with open arms and a warm cup of tea.

Kenmare, Ireland

At the edge of the Ring of Kerry, cradled by misty mountains and kissed by Kenmare Bay, you’ll find a sweet little town that feels both old and alive. Kenmare is pure Irish charm, with its painted shopfronts and flower-filled squares. Here, the locals will greet you like a friend, and the music of a fiddle will float out of every pub come nightfall.

Founded in the 17th century by a group of monks, Kenmare has always been a place of peace and beauty. When you’re here, you can explore nearby hiking trails through Killarney National Park, take a boat ride on the bay, or simply wander through the town’s boutiques and artisan shops. Come nightfall, all you have to do is settle in for a hearty meal, a pint of Guinness, and a fireside trad session you’ll never forget.

Bibury, England

If Jane Austen had designed a town, it might look like Bibury. Nestled into the heart of the Cotswolds, Bibury is famous for Arlington Row, a cluster of 17th-century weavers’ cottages so picturesque they’re featured on the inside cover of British passports. The entire village looks like it’s been lovingly preserved in honey-colored stone.

Bibury sits pretty along the gentle River Coln, surrounded by rolling green hills and sheep-dappled fields. Be sure to visit the historic Bibury Trout Farm, stroll through the wildflower gardens, and cross the stone bridge that ties the town together. With every turn, it feels like you’ve stepped into a painting by a very nostalgic and hopelessly romantic artist.

Telluride, Colorado

High in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, Telluride is a town where nature and beauty collide in cinematic flair. Originally a silver mining town in the 1800s, today, Telluride is known for its alpine scenery and charming downtown framed by peaks that soar into the sky like cathedral spires.

The streets are lined with Victorian-era buildings that now house galleries, coffee shops, and cozy restaurants. In the summertime, waterfalls tumble down the cliffs and wildflowers bloom across the acres of meadows. In the wintertime, the town transforms into a snowy paradise for skiers and snowboarders alike. No matter the season, as the day draws to a close, be sure to take the free gondola up to Mountain Village at least once for sunset views that are nothing short of soul-stirring.

Hallstatt, Austria

Tucked between a serene lake and the stoic Dachstein Alps, Hallstatt looks like a dream you’d swear you once had. This Austrian village is impossibly photogenic, with 16th-century pastel houses that seem to float above the water, their reflections rippling gently in the glassy lake. It’s no wonder Hallstatt inspired the creators of Arendelle in Disney’s Frozen. It’s fairytale living at its finest.

The town dates back thousands of years, once home to a thriving salt mining industry that shaped its history and wealth. Today, Hallstatt invites us to explore its scenic lanes, take a boat ride across the lake, and ascend the nearby mountains via a funicular for panoramic views of the town. Don’t miss the Beinhaus (Bone House), a small chapel with a strangely beautiful collection of painted skulls, a reminder of how deeply rooted the history is here.