Where might one find the most breathtakingly small town in the world?
Small, picturesque villages that can only be reached by car, boat, trail, or ferry offer greater rewards for the discerning adventurer. On the world map, these beautiful villages and cities, if they are even marked, are recorded in the tiniest of letters. Despite their astonishing beauty, they remain content in their smallness, and it is this very quality that deserves a toast. They keep no secrets, but their remoteness often restrains their size, making them somewhat difficult to reach. Nonetheless, these towns are well worth the visit.
Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
**Population: 2,500**
Koh Phi Phi is no longer underrated by anyone. However, the throngs of tourists flocking to this Thai village do nothing to diminish its breathtaking beauty. Indeed, the bright tawny sands, the turquoise sea, and the towering limestone cliffs no longer evoke the sense of a secret paradise, but this does not make them any less magnificent. People gather on speedboats, Bob’s Booze Cruises, and at Monkey Beach, where daring primates come to forage. The beach resembles a painting of blues and greens, a trademark of Thailand’s coastline, and serves as a gateway for friendly tourists venturing into the countryside.
#### Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
**Population: 14,146**
Nestled in a bend of the Vltava River in South Bohemia lies a small town with red roofs surrounded by a green carpet. Český Krumlov is merely a dot on the map, yet it has etched its name in history as one of the most idyllic towns in the world. Admire the architecture ranging from Renaissance to Gothic to Baroque, and behold the magnificent castle. Savor the Old-World charm of cobbled streets and tangled alleys, painted in peeling hues of pale yellow, green, and pink.
#### Santa Maddalena, Italy
**Population: 334**
This small mountain town in the Dolomites is surrounded by jagged peaks and rolling green hills, a dreamlike place in the Alps. The South Tyrol region, to which this town belongs, lies in the southern part of Austria, and due to its historical background, signs are written in German, Italian, and the local Ladin language. This cultural blend is reflected in the cuisine of several restaurants. The most picturesque inland town in Italy becomes a snowy paradise for skiers in winter. Though not overflowing with nightlife and having few hotels, a two- or three-day stay offers ample opportunities for hiking in the nearby trails.
#### St Ives, Cornwall, England
**Population: 11,000**
Though the term “cultural city” can encompass many things, the annual art festival in September and the Tate Gallery are among the highlights here. Yet these are but acts in a larger performance. The headland, where the breakers of the Atlantic mingle with turquoise seas, boasts four golden sandy beaches. The harbor-side Downalong district is an enchanting maze of neat cottages, boutique craft shops, and studios for artists (many for performers). St Ives possesses a unique light that no architect or city planner could have envisioned. For nearly a decade, creative souls—from luminaries like Bernard Leach and Barbara Hepworth to amateur enthusiasts collecting their first watercolors—have been drawn to this town for that very reason.
#### Jajce, Bosnia
**Population: 30,000**
Bosnia is home to many ancient mountain cities, but none are as well-preserved as Jajce’s Stari Grad. Once the capital of medieval Bosnia, it still features an old castle atop a hill and invites exploration beneath its winding paved roads. Yet, Jajce’s greatest treasure is its natural wonder. At the confluence of the Pliva and Vrbas rivers, a 70-foot waterfall cascades in a pure, unspoiled flow. Surrounded by water on three sides, Jajce has become one of Bosnia’s prime spots for white-water rafting.
**Tulum, Mexico**
Population: 18,233
Just under an hour from the frenzy of Cancun, the small resort town of Quintana Roo feels like a world apart, a place where time slows down, barefoot strolls are the norm, and tranquility reigns supreme. Hammocks on balconies, road bikes leaning against rustic homes, shops showcasing local artisan brands—this is the essence of Tulum. To speak of this town is to speak in hushed, reverent tones. The warm waters of the Caribbean, serene sandy beaches, eco-friendly boutique hotels along the coast, and the divine tacos and margaritas savored in a beachside cabana—all pose the delightful challenge of deciding what part to rave about first to your friends. For nomadic millennials, there’s no place in Mexico more alluring. The sunrise over the beach seems tailor-made for morning yoga.
**Shirakawa-go, Japan**
Population: 1,734
Nestled in the mountains, this secluded village transforms into a magical Alpine Christmas scene in winter, floating in the cold, clear streams. The houses, resembling gingerbread cottages, are actually traditional gassho-zukuri structures with steep thatched roofs, designed to withstand heavy snowfall. These “praying hands” roofs earned the village UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995. In winter, the snow atop these buildings mingles with the scent of wood-burning stoves, creating an enchanting winter wonderland. In summer, the white landscape turns deep green, wildflowers bloom along the paths, and the air is filled with the fragrant aroma of nature, reminiscent of a potpourri dish. The view from the Shiroyama Tenbodai Observatory is unparalleled.
**Wanaka, New Zealand**
Population: 6,471
Flying over the Southern Alps towards Queenstown Airport, always secure a window seat. Here, amidst this desert-like region, you find the airports of Queenstown and Wanaka, with their winter views more majestic than the southern peaks. Overshadowed by the adventure-sport vibe of Queenstown, the small town of Wanaka is the true gem of this area. Adjacent to its serene downtown lies a magnificent mountain lake, where families and tourists picnic and swim in the shadows of the purple-hued peaks. For an unparalleled view, tackle the world’s highest waterfall via ferrata at Wildwire Wanaka’s “Lord of the Rungs.” Ascend the 1,300-foot cliffside and traverse metal bridges with the waterfall cascading below you.
**Alberobello, Italy**
Population: 11,000
In a sun-drenched corner of Puglia, you’ll find 1,500 of the most curious stone houses, known as trulli. Are they all the same once you’ve seen one? Hardly. Each trullo boasts its own symbols, warding off the evil eye or honoring Saturn of Roman mythology. Inside, discover craft shops or restaurants serving Puglian barbecue and homemade pasta. The allure of Alberobello lies in the unique delights each trullo holds.
**Paraty, Brazil**
Population: 35,000
Bougainvillea blossoms photogenically from red-tiled roofs, while authentic Portuguese gates line the streets, perfect for snapping photos. Yet, Paraty is more than just picturesque. Nestled on Brazil’s Atlantic coast, halfway between Rio and São Paulo, this bayside town thrives at the rhythm of horse-drawn carriages on cobblestones, with bright colonial architecture framed by swaying palm trees. Boats of all colors gently bob in the harbor, inviting you to choose one and set sail for a secluded island beach.
**Stepantsminda, Georgia**
Population: 2,000
It’s rare for a place to captivate so passionately with its architecture and natural beauty. This valley village draws eyes to the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church and its bell tower, set against the backdrop of the 16,560-foot glacial Mount Kazbek. While its natural beauty is undeniable, Stepantsminda is also the ideal base camp for exploring Kazbegi National Park’s hot springs, waterfalls, and mineral lakes. Situated just miles from the Russian border, this town’s allure is often overshadowed by its strategic location. In a nation of 350,000 wineries boasting over 500 grape varieties, the only debate worth having here is whether to enjoy a red or a white.
**Cefalù, Italy**
Population: 13,000
While the bustling cities of Sicily are vibrant, to truly understand the Mediterranean’s largest island, visit its small towns. Cefalù, an hour’s drive from Palermo, clings to a promontory jutting into the Tyrrhenian Sea. The immense Norman cathedral, built in the 12th century, may seem out of scale, but when set against Cefalù’s massive granite backdrop, its grandeur becomes clear. Nearby, ancient Greek ruins and volcanic Aeolian Islands offer enticing day trips.
**Hallstatt, Austria**
Population: 860
Reaching Hallstatt is no simple task. The drive weaves through quaint Austrian spa towns like Bad Ischl, with its humorous, easily missed turn-offs. Upon arrival, treat yourself to a Stiegl pint—you’ll need it after absorbing the breathtaking scenery. Claimed to be Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited village, Hallstatt boasts centuries of Alpine history. Baroque pastel houses and wooden cottages cling precariously to steep slopes. Boats drift leisurely on the lake, surrounded by the towering Austrian Alps.
**Furnas, Azores**
Population: 1,439
The Azores are swiftly gaining recognition. Built atop literal volcanic craters, this island teems with geysers, fumaroles, and hot springs, earning Furnas the moniker “Hydropolis of the World.” Traditional meat stews, slow-cooked in volcanic steam, are a local specialty. Particularly enchanting are the sulfurous hot springs of Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. A dip in these orange-hued waters, despite their sulfuric scent, will melt away your stress.
**Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany**
Population: 10,930
Germany’s Romantic Road lives up to its name with its charming towns and castles, but Rothenburg ob der Tauber (one of several Rothenburgs) stands out as the best-preserved medieval walled town. With pastel half-timbered houses, medieval stonework, and kitsch-free shopping, it epitomizes Bavarian charm. The Medieval Crime Museum delves into the dark history of torture. The surrounding Franconian vineyards, steeped in centuries of history, offer superb wines perfect for a fairy-tale ending.
**Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italy**
Population: 1,500
Each of Cinque Terre’s five towns is stunning, but why don’t more people visit? Perhaps it’s the 7-10 hour hike along the trails, packed in summer. Picturesque Riomaggiore, the southernmost town, is where you can strike a pose against the sapphire sea and the play of shadows on red, yellow, and pink buildings. Watch children leap from seaside cliffs as you savor spaghetti alle vongole.
**Suzdal, Russia**
Population: 10,500
The smallest town in Moscow’s “Golden Ring” is the brightest gem. Nothing rivals the starry onion domes atop the 13th-century Cathedral of the Nativity. Explore ancient frescoes at the Monastery of Saint Euthymius or wander through dandelion-filled meadows to the all-wood Church of the Transfiguration. Only the clip-clop of hooves, the whisper of the wind, and the hum of bees break the silence. How has Suzdal maintained this bucolic bliss? By losing the bid for the Trans-Siberian Railway in the 1840s, the town avoided industrialization and modernization, escaping most 20th-century woes.
**Èze, France**
Population: 3,000
Discover this beloved medieval village carved into a 1,400-foot-high hill between Nice and Monaco. Winding cobblestone streets feature 18th-century statues and charming boutiques adorned with bright flowers. No visit is complete without exploring the Jardin Exotique d’Èze, where cacti bloom amid panoramic views of the Côte d’Azur, creating an enchanting atmosphere unique to the French Riviera. Locals recommend sunset drinks at Château Eza for the best Mediterranean vistas—beauty so astounding, it’s almost unbelievable.
**Port Douglas, Australia**
Population: 3,200
Humid and breezy, Port Douglas feels Caribbean, facing a dreamy blue sea with five shades of green and cascading waterfalls. This mainland town, still unfamiliar to many, moves to the beat of its own tropical rhythm. At Iron Bar Saloon, mingle with well-heeled vacationers, backpackers, and beach bums prepping for treks in the Daintree Rainforest or dives at the Great Barrier Reef. Once ready, drive the scenic Captain Cook Highway to Cairns, a tropical version of the Pacific Coast Highway.
**Simiane-la-Rotonde, France**
Population: 568
A photographer’s dream, Simiane-la-Rotonde is among France’s “Cités de Caractère,” known for its rich architectural heritage. Nestled on a hilltop in Provence, the village offers stunning views of lavender fields beneath a medieval castle. Once a 17th-century glass-making hub, its cobbled streets still feel unchanged. Wander the flower-lined lanes, step into the 500-year-old market hall, and browse the few shops for souvenirs. This town is also famed for its essential oils, a fragrant reminder of Provence.
