Best Romantic Small Towns in Europe

Everyone has heard of Europe’s major cities like Paris and Prague being romantic, but what about some of the lesser known small towns?  Here is a list of some of the best romantic small towns in Europe– perfect for an engagement, or anniversary trip, or just a romantic getaway for you and your partner.

Colmar, France
Get away from crowded Paris and escape to Colmar, located in the Alsace region of France on the border with Germany.  Colmar is the quintessential romantic small European town, with narrow lanes and canals dubbed “petite Venice” surrounded by gothic and baroque architecture that looks like it is out of a storybook.  Colmar has a fantastic covered market– the perfect place to pick up some French cheese, wine, and charcuterie and take your partner on a romantic picnic.

Bruges, Belgium
Frequently called Europe’s most romantic small town, Bruges is rich with history, medieval architecture, beer, and the ultimate aphrodisiac– chocolate.  There is much to do in this romantic small town, from visiting museums to beer tours, to chocolate tastings and a cozy boat trip on the canals.

Giethoorn, the Netherlands
Dubbed the “Venice of the North” because of its quaint canals, Giethoorn, located in northern Holland is one of the best romantic small towns in Europe.  If you want to escape the crowds of Amsterdam, Giethoorn is the perfect place for you and your partner to get some romance.  Walk or cycle along the romantic tree-lined paths, hire a boat and float along the many waterways, and take in the scenic old wooden bridges and thatched roof homes of Giethoorn.

Bled, Slovenia
Located along Lake Bled in central Slovenia, this romantic small village is one of Europe’s hidden gems.  Take a ride on the lake in a pletna, a traditional wooden boat that is popular on Lake Bled.  Then visit the 11th-century Bled Castle on a cliff overlooking the lake for a romantic date out of a fairytale.

Aveiro, Portugal
Portugal is one of the most popular travel destinations right now.  But what if you want to escape the crowds of Lisbon and Porto?  Aveiro is a romantic small seaside town in northern Portugal.  Known for its Art Nouveau architecture, brightly colored buildings, canals filled with boats, and picture-perfect gardens, Aveiro is one of the most romantic small European towns to explore with your loved one.

Hallstätt, Austria
Located on the western shore of picturesque Lake Hallstätt and surrounded by the Dachstein mountains, Hallstätt is one of the best romantic small towns in Austria, and indeed all of Europe.  Hallstätt was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its outstanding cultural value.  The town has a bustling market square with quaint cafes and shops, as well as historic homes and churches, making it the perfect romantic, small-town retreat.

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