5 small towns in Europe you need to see

It's time to explore Europe's small towns that will delight you, perhaps even more than the big capitals. They will also be a great choice for weekend getaways in the coming winter months. So here are five gems worth visiting, with the nearest airports for easy travel planning.

5 small towns in Europe you need to see

15 small towns in Europe you need to see

1. Colmar, France

Colmar, situated in the northeastern part of France's Alsace region, is a charming little town with its pastel-colored houses and cute little streets. Don’t miss the chance to stop by one of local wine cellars and discover the Alsatian Christmas spirit at exceptional Christmas markets (if you are visiting the city in December).

Nearest Airport: Strasbourg Airport (45 min by car) or Zurich Airport

Colmar, France

2Colmar, France

2. Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is situated on the beautiful Bay of Kotor, often described as Europe’s southernmost fjord. It’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with cobbled streets, hidden courtyards, and medieval architecture. You can climb up to the fortress for a stunning view over the whole bay.

Nearest Airport: Tivat Airport (20 min by car)

Kotor, Montenegro

3Kotor, Montenegro

3. Giethoorn, Netherlands

Giethoorn is a fairytale village with no roads, only canals and with lots of thatched houses worth seeing. It is known as the “Venice of the North”. You can rent boats, board a guided cruise or visit a museum here, along with lots of choices of restaurants and cafes.

Nearest Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (1.5 hours by car)

Giethoorn, Netherlands

4Giethoorn, Netherlands

4. Gruyères, Switzerland

Gruyères has a lovely location on a hilltop, meaning gorgeous views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It offers a picturesque alpine setting with a medieval castle and cobbled streets. Don’t miss a visit to the Gruyères cheese factory!

Nearest Airport: Geneva Airport (1 hour 20 min by car)

Gruyères, Switzerland

5Gruyères, Switzerland

5. Ronda, Spain

Ronda is one of the oldest cities in Spain. It is famous for its dramatic cliffs and iconic 98-metre-high Puente Nuevo bridge, which offers stunning views of the El Tajo gorge. Explore the historic bullring and take in the charming streets of this unique Andalusian town.

Nearest Airport: Málaga Airport (1 hour 20 min by car)

Ronda, Spain

6Ronda, Spain

 These beautiful towns offer a unique slice of Europe’s diverse culture and landscapes. And with GoOpti, you can get there comfortably and affordably. Book your ride HERE.

You can also find great autumn destinations in the article Autumn in Europe: 5 destinations for an unforgettable experience.

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