The Best Towns in Europe for a Slower Summer Trip

Summer travel in Europe can easily turn into a loop of crowded squares, timed entries, and the need to move on too quickly. But, there are still plenty of places where that rhythm never really takes hold.

These towns don’t rely on major attractions or heavy foot traffic. They’re shaped by older patterns of life, whether that’s farming, fishing, or crafting traditions that still continue today. When you arrive, the downshift will be noticeable.

You’ll stay longer in one place, return to the same streets, and let the day unfold without too much structure.

Braemar, Scotland

Braemar sits within the Cairngorms, surrounded by landscapes that have long shaped Highland life. The village is closely tied to the Braemar Gathering, one of Scotland’s oldest Highland games, first held in the early 1800s.

You can walk from the village to the ruins of Kindrochit Castle, a 14th-century hunting lodge associated with Robert the Bruce, or follow trails along the River Dee that connect to older estate paths.

If you can treat yourself to a stay at The Fife Arms, it will give you direct access to the village itself, along with an in-house collection of art and artifacts that reflect both local and wider Scottish history.

Ardara, Ireland

Ardara has built its identity around weaving, particularly Donegal tweed, which is still produced locally.

You can visit small workshops in and around the town to see how the process continues today, particularly at Triona.

A short drive will bring you to Glengesh Pass, an old route through the mountains that was once used to move livestock between valleys. Nearby beaches like Maghera Strand remain largely undeveloped, with caves and rock formations that are accessible at low tide.

If you’re in for another treat, just outside of town, Lough Eske Castle makes for a wonderful base because it’s removed without being too far away.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has been known for faience pottery since the 1600s, and you can still visit workshops where the craft continues to be practiced. Walking through the village, you’ll pass small studios and shops that reflect that tradition.

From here, you can follow trails toward the Verdon Gorge or walk up to the chapel of Notre-Dame de Beauvoir, which sits just above the village, and has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. The climb itself is short, but a bit steep.

However, once you reach the top, it’ll give you a clearer sense of how the village is positioned within the landscape.

Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy

You can reach Civita di Bagnoregio by a long pedestrian bridge, which defines how the town has functioned for centuries. Once inside, you’ll see that the layout is largely unchanged, with narrow streets and small squares that reflect its Etruscan origins.

You can visit the Church of San Donato in the central piazza or walk along the edges of the town, where the surrounding valleys reveals the ongoing erosion that has shaped the hill it stands on.

Staying here overnight will also change the experience, especially once the day visitors leave and the town settles down in the evening light.