Travel guide for foodies: 11 most charming small towns in Europe

Guimarães, Portugal Photo by Filipe Silva on Unsplash

Guimarães is one of the finest historic towns of Portugal often regarded as the cradle of the country, since the first king, Afonso Henriques, was born here in the early 1100s. Its center has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, recognized for being a well-preserved example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern hub.

You can expect exciting Portuguese architecture spread across many spots throughout the city. There is the magnificent Gothic monastery of São Miguel, a 10th-century fortified castle, and an elegant 15th-century Braganza Palace of the Dukes. Sit back and relax in the Toural Square, where the smooth white granite floors reflect the sunlight onto the façade of monumental houses, or visit the Platform of Art Museum, which will introduce you to an immersive creative universe. With its charming plazas and vintage landmarks, Guimarães gives its guests a pleasing storybook feel of a small European village.

Your exploration of Spanish terrain won’t be complete without treating yourself to its bountiful fare. Le Babachris is a Michelin Bib Gourmand establishment that offers a contemporary Parisian dining experience with Mediterranean influences. Though the restaurant resides in the filigree Guimarães, everything Baroque is left outside the door as you enter a chic and modern front of the house. The interiors have leather-furnished dark chairs, subtle diffused lighting, and smooth white-washed walls.

The kitchen is helmed by owner and chef, Christian Rullán, a renowned French cook who delivers truly inspirational haute cuisine where the pure essence of each product can be felt. He presents a business fixed lunch, a four or six-course seasonal tasting menu for dinner, and every Saturday, a family-style rice dish is prepared in a paella pan. Sample delicious items, such as smoked duck foie gras with cherry pickle, crispy mackerel filet with eggplant in sweet pepper sauce, slow-cooked pork belly in ginger sauce with fluffy basmati rice, poached sea bass, and skate fish with padrón peppers. In desserts, try their signature blueberry dry meringue with yogurt foam and forest fruits in coffee cream.

Average bill – $45

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic Photo by Anna Gru on Unsplash

Nestled in Southern Bohemia, Český Krumlov is a beautiful vacation town with a stunning 13th-century Gothic castle. It is often called a miniature Prague, due to its UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed center, well-maintained Renaissance and Baroque architecture, manicured gardens, and one of the largest medieval palace complexes in Europe which overlooks the Vltava River.

Besides these gorgeous attractions, the city is very tourist-friendly and welcomes guests with open arms (which is unfortunately not particularly the case at the top destinations. Take Paris, for instance). There are lots of bars, cafés, and majestic riverside picnic spots. If you happen to come to this little haven in summertime, you can experience the International Music Festival (Mezinárodní hudební festival Český Krumlov) held every July and August, where famous artists perform songs belonging to a wide variety of genres.

There is also the Five-Petalled Rose celebration (Slavnosti pětilisté růže) – a sunny June Renaissance event. Gaze at a parade of people dressed in historical costumes, attend multiple energetic concerts, as well as see passionate theater shows. If you have always fancied Prague but hated the crowds, then Český Krumlov is the ultimate must-visit urban Thumbelina.

Český Krumlov boasts a myriad of establishments inviting you to sit down and relax at a table by the picturesque Vltava River, but there is something uniquely special about Papa’s Living Restaurant. It is a wonderful neighborhood dining place that is renowned for its Italian cuisine. Though they serve a varied international menu with some local delicacies as well, the town folks come to this spot for its impressive pasta offering.

The decor is homey and comforting, with pleasant interiors made up of wood and soft leather furnishings. Diners can enjoy delicious dishes, including salmon tagliatelle, carbonara, Spanish ham with pesto, grilled beef slices with bell peppers, confit duck leg with red cabbage, and vegetable lasagna. They also feature two serene outdoor terraces where visitors can sip on a glass of Czech, Italian, or French wine while listening to the flowing river murmur.

Average bill – $36

Eguisheim, France Photo by Héloïse Delbos on Unsplash

We have already explored some off-the-beaten-path destinations in France and their culinary highlights. In this review, we would like to provide insights into one more spot – Eguisheim – a medieval town in Alsace filled with vibrant half-timbered homes. The place has been ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in the country (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France) since 2003. The area has everything a globetrotter could hope for – cobblestoned streets, unique fairytale architecture, an abundance of summer flowers, lovely fountains, old churches, inviting courtyards, and a magical Christmas market in December.

The town draws glory from its well-preserved historic constructions that have survived the ravages of war. Taking a stroll through Eguisheim’s winding roads, travelers can admire the different color palettes of the façades, visit the castle ruins of Les Trois Châteaux nearby, and end the day at the Chapelle Saint-Léon IX – a cathedral depicting the Saints of Alsace, featuring painted vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. For a complete experience, finish your evening by relishing a wholesome dinner at Auberge aux 4 Saisons.

Situated inside a large building from the 1920s, Auberge aux 4 Saisons is a homely restaurant run by husband and wife duo – Nicolas and Charlotte Rouault-Lorand. They both worked and perfected their culinary skills by training in some of the top establishments in the Alsace region. The charming dining room is comforting and welcoming in its atmosphere, decorated with wood paneling, modern furniture, herringbone parquet flooring, and stained glass windows.

Chef Nicolas offers a bistro menu for lunch where classic local dishes take center stage. In the evening, they present a 1, 2, or 3-course meal that honors the seasonal produce of the area. Patrons can opt for scrumptious items like roasted pike perch filet with Brussel sprouts, venison pâté en croûte with porcini mushrooms, trout tartare accompanied by smoked beetroot, Arctic char with caramelized carrots, and crispy duck breast in meat gravy with potatoes. Combine your lavish dinner with a gin & tonic pairing or a glass of organic and biodynamic wine from their shortlist.

Starter – $27
Starter + main course – $38
3-course menu – $50

Mdina, Malta Photo by Mike Nahlii on Unsplash

Comfortably sitting high up on a hill in the middle of Malta, Mdina is the former capital of the country and a delicately preserved fortified town that was founded over 4000 years ago. It is popularly called the Silent City, a term which was coined when Mdina ceased to be the administrative center.

After the capital was moved to Valletta, the area became uninhabited and was regarded as a ghost settlement. Today, it is no longer empty but transformed into a pilgrimage that many tourists flock to every year. Explore the extraordinary examples of medieval and Baroque architecture, complete with smooth limestone edifices, polished cobbled streets, pink bougainvillea-covered façades, Arabic arched doorways, serpentine catacombs, and impressive palaces.

The highlight of Mdina is that cars are not allowed within the stone walls, and there are horse-drawn carriages for transportation which adds to the vibe. The town lets people experience the past in a way that is nearly impossible to find anywhere else in the world. Fun fact: it was also the filming location for the entrance to King’s Landing in the first season of Game of Thrones.

Scala is an intimate and romantic establishment that promises to deliver an unparalleled gastronomic adventure. Housed inside a 200-year-old building, it boasts lavish and upscale interiors with an intricately designed spiral staircase. The ambiance is a mix of traditional and contemporary styles meshed together as a tribute to the city. They also feature a lovely outdoor terrace seating with panoramic views of the surroundings.

The kitchen team is run under the guidance of Chef Sheldon Sammut, who presents a unique Mediterranean cuisine prepared using classic French cooking techniques. Besides their à la carte offering, Scala also provides a 5-course degustation menu with wine pairing. Savor decadent creative delights, such as pan-fried scallops with brown buttered asparagus, ricotta gnocchi in sage butter, roasted lamb with caramelized fennel, beef sirloin with king oyster mushroom, and grilled sea bass with fondant potatoes. End your meal on a sweet note with baked white chocolate cheesecake with raspberry sorbet or praline bun with vanilla ice cream.

Degustation menu – $82

Ronda, Spain. Photo by Alexander London on Unsplash

The most unique thing about vacationing in Andalusia is the endless supply of pueblos blancos, or white towns, named for the uniform color of the houses. But Ronda is extra special, especially because of its location. It is a dramatic mountaintop city in the Malaga region that is perched on either side of a deep gorge called El Tajo.

The old and new settlements, one dating back to Moorish rule and the other from the 15th century, rest on two different summits and are connected by a marvelous feat of engineering referred to as Puente Nuevo – an ancient stone overpass. Though the 400-foot abyss with its stunning views and three bridges is what draws travelers to Ronda, it is not the only attraction here. Visitors can explore the twisting labyrinthine streets of the center, awe at the many exhibits of Moorish architecture, gaze at the iconic ruins of a 14th-century Arabic bathhouse, and get a glimpse of Spain’s traditions in the 18th-century bullring-turned-museum.

Spain is famous for its authentic establishments like small eateries and wonderful tapas joints. But in recent years, there has been a transformation in the dining scene of the country with the rise of modern brasseries, as they appeal to the younger generations. One such amazing venue worth visiting is Sensur Gastrobar in Ronda. Hidden inside Hotel Maestranza, it is a minimalist and contemporary restaurant serving some of the best local cuisine in the city.

The decor is calming and welcoming: wood-paneled floors, soft cushioned black sofa seats, white-washed walls, and natural greenery hanging from the ceiling. Indulge your taste buds on a flavorful journey by sampling specialties like shrimp croquettes, grilled octopus leg with spring onion, fried chicken wings in tangy mango sauce, crispy sea bass on a bed of barley risotto, and pan-fried salmon with squid ink spaghetti. In desserts, you won’t be able to resist their signature cheesecake with vanilla ice cream and key lime pie with mascarpone cream.

Average bill – $49

Giethoorn, Netherlands. Photo by Bjorn Agerbeek on Unsplash

Endearingly called the Venice of the Netherlands, Giethoorn is an idyllic Dutch village in the province of Overijssel. It is a serene fairytale land where locals can only sail around, walk, or cycle to transport themselves, as its center does not have roads to accommodate cars. The destination features hand-dug canals and small island homes which are connected to the mainland by 176 foot-over bridges.

Tourists can explore the place by renting a whisper boat, taking a guided cruise, or leasing a bike and riding on the Binnenpad – a cycling/walking path in the commercial heart of the village. As you wander around, you will be welcomed by boxes of blooming flowers on the wooden arches, immaculate farmhouses that were built in the 18th and 19th centuries, and typical Dutch cottages with thatched roofs, painted shutters, and gorgeous gardens. The water is full of ducks and swans going about their day and the nearby promenade restaurants have great communal benches for a picnic setting. In winter, people can ice skate on the frozen canals.

De Lindenhof is a splendid farmhouse lodge with a two-Michelin-starred intimate restaurant. It exudes elegance and boasts a unique gastronomic experience that is versatile. The place is run by Chef Martin Kruithof and his wife, Marjan, who are wonderful hosts. Along with the team, they organize not only a feast but also an entertaining water safari on their sailboat to spot numerous birds.

De Lundenhof includes a few guest rooms for a relaxing stay, an upscale dining hall with a warmly decorated interior, and a magnificent English Garden with a beautiful natural environment and a small vegetable farm. Besides a regular à la carte, they also give a 4-course daily menu, an 8-course surprise offering, and Chef’s special degustation. Some of the decadent delicacies you can relish here are pike perch with celery in truffle sauce, langoustine with capers in chamomile emulsion, grilled beef with shallots, and smoked salmon with horseradish.

4-course daily menu – $175
8-course surprise menu – $213
12-course Chef’s Parade – $246

Hallstatt, Austria. Photo by Sorasak on Unsplash

Austria’s Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe. It has a mesmerizing Alpine village setting full of traditional colorful houses with flower-draped balconies in the backdrop of surrounding mountains that descend into a crystal clear lake.

The biggest draw for tourists is the natural scenery, cave systems, waterfalls, and numerous activities. Your itinerary should definitely include a visit to the oldest salt mine in the world, taking a romantic boat ride on Lake Hallstatt, hiking to a breathtaking grotto environment in Obertraun, and sailing on Lake Gosau to marvel at the enormous Dachstein glacier. The dramatic landscape of Salzkammergut and Hallstatt-Dachstein was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, mostly due to the fine preserved architecture of the town. For an exciting bird’s eye view of the village take a trip to the nearby skywalk or ride the Salzbergbahn cable car to the top of the mountain.

Hallstatt is not a place where you would normally find upscale gastronomy, but Gasthaus Koppenrast is an exception to this – a family-owned and operated inn hidden on the outskirts of the village on Koppenpass, somewhat secluded in the forest. Koppenrast has become a local favorite restaurant popular with hikers, cave visitors, and rafting adventurers thanks to its down-to-earth regional cuisine and professional service.

The decor is welcoming and simple, with design elements like wood, bricks, metal, and soft cushions. They also feature a guest garden where diners enjoy the sun while savoring their meals. The kitchen is run by Chef Herbert Stricker, who provides a menu of authentic delicacies cooked in a refined way. Savor bold creations like grilled vegetable salad with prosciutto, Arctic char ceviche with mustard caviar, duck liver terrine with rosemary brioche, roasted pork shoulder with horseradish, and porcini mushroom risotto with chicken.

Average bill – $55

Korčula, Croatia. Photo by Lidija Divjak on Unsplash

The country of Croatia is home to over 1200 islands, so it is easy to miss out on a few of them. But one such amazing archipelago is Korčula – a Dalmatian village of just 276 square kilometers. It lies safely between Split and Dubrovnik but gets very little attention as compared to other idyllic stone towns of the region. The area possesses a variety of nicknames, including Little Dubrovnik, The Crown Jewel of the Adriatic, and the Emerald Isle, as it is a true example of the natural beauty that Croatia boasts. Korčula has a stunning blue sea coastline, with lots of pebble or rocky beaches, and a few sandy ones in Lumbarda. Due to the pebbles, the water around this island is some of the clearest you will ever see in the world.

Besides the marvelous shoreside, the land is very fertile and densely covered with pines, Mediterranean plants, and herbs. They farm and grow olives, grapes, and citrus fruits like pomegranates, figs, and carobs. There is also a range of animal life inhabiting this oasis, and if you are lucky, you might spot a mongoose, wild boar, tortoise, pheasants, snakes, and an array of birds.

If you are seeking an unforgettable dining experience in Croatia, then Restaurant Filippi is the place to check out. Situated along the promenade in the old town, it has an outdoor seating space overlooking the sea, the Pelješac channel, and the surrounding islands. Filippi is a wine lover’s paradise with a drinks list that is a testament to the rich culture of the region.

They offer only labels from Korčula, Pelješac, and Hvar, to promote the local makers. The menu is created by Chef Dragan Kordić, who has over 10 years of gastronomic training in some of the top restaurants in the country. He features modern Dalmatian cuisine, focused on seasonal produce accompanied with homemade pasta, and fresh herbs. Taste delicious items, such as tuna tartare, pan-fried scallops, macaroni with prawns, sous vide lamb with parsnip cream, and braised beef cheeks with pickled beetroots. Whether you plan to dine during the day in the cool breeze, or at night in the stunning backdrop of an illuminated city, Filippi’s ambiance is sure to captivate.

3-course menu – $80
4-course menu – $95

Bled, Slovenia. Photo by Johnny Africa on Unsplash

Slovenia is not the first idea that comes to mind when you think about natural beauty. But it is an underrated tourist spot with some of the most remarkable scenery on the continent. Take Bled, for example, – a petite charming town nestled on the shores of a pristine lake. It ranks among the best alpine resorts in the world, renowned for thermal heated baths with the Julian Alps range as a backdrop. With a 12th-century castle on a hill and a white church dotted on a little islet surrounded by emerald green waters, the place looks like it has popped out of a romantic fairy tale. The surrounding center of the village is just as lovely as its picture-perfect landscape. The fresh air from the forest, the serene views, and the mountains mirrored in the lake make Bled an ideal destination for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday.

Have you ever fancied dining like royalty? This dream can come true in Slovenia. Bled Castle Restaurant is a culinary destination situated inside the oldest citadel in the country. The gourmet establishment is managed by the Jezeršek family, who serve modern interpretations of recipes handed down to them by their grandmother.

The interiors are elegant and lavish in their ambiance, adorned by natural elements like wood, marble, granite, and fabrics. They also feature an outdoor terrace that can accommodate over 100 guests, and a special chef’s table inside the Knight’s Hall (Viteška dvorana). The menu is designed by Chef Luka Jezeršek, who in collaboration with Executive Chef Blaž Demšar creates a gastronomic experience like no other.

Besides their à la carte, Bled Castle also presents a seasonal tasting menu made using local ingredients. Guests can indulge in sea bream filet with polenta in lemon butter sauce, slow-roasted lamb with Brussel sprouts in yellow carrot cream, smoked duck breast with roasted pear, veal filet with creamy gnocchi, and roasted carrots in spiced cauliflower cream.

Tasting menu – $68

Sighișoara, Romania. Photo by Majkl Velner on Unsplash

For adding a little fear factor in your holiday destination, the Transylvanian city of Sighișoara is the best fit one could imagine. It is one of the most pretty and well-preserved medieval towns in Europe and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The intact 16th-century castle with nine towers, cobble-stoned streets, and ornate churches rivals the likes of Old Prague and even Vienna. But the biggest draw here is that it is the birthplace of Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), the vicious ruler of Wallachia from 1456 to 1462. He is the one who inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional creation – Count Dracula. For real chills, you can tour his childhood home, which also includes a torture museum, or explore the Holy Trinity Church’s spooky and creaky stairwell after dark. If this seems too eerie, there are other attractions as well like a cathedral on the hill with 500-year-old frescoes, a 13th-century Venetian House, and a Dominican Monastery with oriental carpets, a Renaissance-era altarpiece, and a 17th-century organ.

Housed inside the medieval Sighisoara Castle dating back to the 13th century, Casa Georgius Krauss is an ancient hotel in the heart of the city. It was originally the home of noble chronicler Georgius Krauss, who wrote the history of Transylvania in the 17th century. The decor is antiquated and classic, complete with lamp lighting, old wooden chairs, brick-lined walls, and white arched ceilings.

The team is guided by Head Chef Florin Mihalache, who has perfected his culinary craft with decades of work experience by cooking in some of the top kitchens in Romania. They serve authentic Transylvanian cuisine with a little international flair. Some of the special and refined meals to try here are tender beef filet served with spinach leaves in balsamic vinegar sauce, truffle oil-flavored creamy vegetable soup with prosciutto, smoked pork sausages with grilled polenta, and pork neck stew with tarragon. For dessert, we recommend caramelized parfait with coffee ice cream and fresh apple pie with cinnamon.

Average bill – $58

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany. Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash

Last but not least, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a German town in Bavaria, known for its cobblestoned lanes, half-timbered houses, and ancient architecture. There are very few places in the world where you will find such a wealth of original constructions dating back to the Middle Ages. It makes one feel as though time has stood still in this village. You can spend a whole week marveling at the secluded squares, medieval Old Center, vintage fountains, tall towers, and the many wine taverns.

The little gem draws millions of visitors every year thanks to its Instagrammable multicolored façades and host of festivals. In summer, people enjoy performances of the original 1631 Meistertrunk play or watch Schäfertanz – a traditional shepherd's dance from the days of the plague. During the peak tourist season, the Rothenburg Wine Festival (Rothenburger Weindorf) is held, where you get an opportunity to sip on superb local wines and food. But if you swing by in December, the place will transform into a winter Wonderland, with snow-dusted rooftops, illuminated storefronts, and Reiterlesmarkt – one of the best Christmas markets in the country.

After walking around the fabled medieval village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, we recommend coming over to one of the finest Mediterranean establishments in the country – Michelangelo. It is a family-owned and operated enterprise with the most passionate Italian head chef.

The dining room is upscale and modern in design, enveloped in cream leather furnished banquettes, white large ceilings, and contemporary light fixtures. The menu is crafted by Chef Michele Savino and his wife, Barbara, who pamper their guests with homemade pasta specialties, different pizza variations, and daily offerings of meat and fish delicacies. Patrons of the restaurant can sample authentic gastronomic delights, including octopus carpaccio with celery, salmon lasagna, spaghetti carbonara, pork filet with ham in white wine reduction, roasted guinea fowl with beluga lentils, baked cod with asparagus, and braised veal shanks with saffron risotto. They also provide a lovely terrace seating where foodies can sip on fine French, German, and Italian wines while taking in the glorious views.

Average bill – $54

Certain places on earth possess an indefinable vibe enchanting tourists in a way that makes them come back for more. Many of the above towns have a real character, a sense of belonging, and most importantly, a welcoming feel that is undeniable. You probably have heard of some of the described small cities, but we are sure a few were a pleasant hidden surprise. If you have already visited any of these gems, share your experience in the comments below.