As cities grow, life becomes increasingly difficult. Traffic has become unbearable, air quality and cleanliness have become fundamental needs, noise and light pollution are exhausting, and access to fresh food is steadily decreasing.
Considering that your soul also needs a vacation, we have selected 10 small villages where you can rest your soul, and that will surprise you both with their atmosphere and their architecture/geography. If your circumstances and health allow, we hope you’ll have the opportunity to see them in your lifetime.
Here are 8 beautiful villages and towns from around the world, each with a population under 70,000, for your consideration:
1) Tongli – China
Near Suzhou city in China, a tiny Venice: Tongli.
This village, with a history dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties’ rule, is a special place that must be explored for its canals and stone bridges.
Transportation: Fly to Suzhou airport, then travel to the city, and finally reach Tongli by buses.
2) Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Germany
Windows adorned with colorful flowers, stone streets, colorful gardens, and special architecture invite visitors to a vibrant world in the beautiful, long-named village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
This beautiful German village, offering a taste of medieval times, is located 90 kilometers from Nuremberg Airport and 160 kilometers from Frankfurt Airport. After arriving at the airports, you can reach the relevant cities and then access the village by bus.
3) Dinan – France
In France, on the banks of the Rance River, lies the wonderful village of Dinan, immersed in greenery and tranquility. Hidden among the streets, you’ll find colorful cafés, art galleries filled with various objects and paintings, shops, and much more awaiting you.
The nearest major French city to Dinan is Rennes, just a 45-minute distance away.
4) Hoi An – Vietnam
Hoi An is a historic village located at the mouth of the Thu Bon River in the Quang Nam region in central Vietnam. Under the protection of UNESCO World Heritage, the village displays a variety of cultural differences, including historic Japanese merchant houses, tea warehouses, and Chinese temples.
To reach Hoi An, Da Nang Airport, located 45 minutes away, is the most convenient option.
5) Alberobello – İtaly
Located in the Puglia region of Italy, Alberobello is one of the villages protected under the UNESCO World Heritage framework. With its conical-shaped roofs, white houses, and unique architecture, it offers sights worth seeing while continuing to bear traces of Italy’s incredible cuisine.
The nearest airport to Alberobello is in Bari.
6) Sidi Bou Said – Tunisia
On the Mediterranean coast, one of the most beautiful places in the geography is Sidi Bou Said. Whitewashed houses, blue doors, narrow streets… Known as the town of poets and artists, Sidi Bou Said combines traces of both Tunisian and Mediterranean life.
Located 20 kilometers north of the city of Tunis, the nearest airport to Sidi Bou Said is naturally in Tunis.
7) Albarracin – Spain
Abarracin is a place where you can leave behind the current time and the history around you, feeling as if you’ve stepped back 600 – 700 years.
In Spain’s Teruel region, the village is perched atop a hill, featuring labyrinth-like streets, sheltered walls, and much more that still stands and bears witness to history.
Located 3 and a half hours from Madrid, the nearest international airport to Abarracin is naturally Madrid Airport.
8) Bled – Slovenia
A staple in such lists, the picturesque town of Bled in Slovenia is a must-visit.
A top choice in Europe for those who love romantic getaways or wish to immerse themselves in nature, Bled stands out with its pristine lake, island with a church, castle, and architecture.
The nearest airport for accessing Bled is in Ljubljana.
