Small packages: 20 tiny places in Europe that punch above their weight

You might be in a village on an unfashionable stretch of coast when it happens, a sleepy sort of place where locals gather at sunset for an aperitivo, and a gossip. Or you might be on a road trip and break for lunch in a cosy little town and wonder why you’ve never heard of it before.

Where it happens doesn’t matter. But once it dawns on you that small destinations often hold their own against their larger cousins, it changes the way you travel.

This is particularly true in Europe. The continent is rich in modestly sized countries, cities, towns and villages that are more welcoming and easier to navigate than bigger bustling destinations, yet still offer an array of attractions that are worth diving into.

In selecting 20 of our favourite pint-sized Continental destinations, we had to acknowledge that size is relative. (All the listed population figures are estimates from various sources).

Identifying some of the smallest countries was easy enough, but elsewhere we had to draw some boundaries. Setting cut-off points of under 1000 people for a village, 30,000 for a town and 150,000 for a city, we still found plenty of examples of where it really does pay to think small.

COUNTRIES

Liechtenstein

Population 40,000

Why we love it Tucked between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is Europe’s most under-the-radar alpine escape. It is a semi-constitutional monarchy with a prince as head of state.

See + do Stroll through the pedestrianised capital of Vaduz and you will encounter some surprising attractions, including a contemporary art museum and the Schatzkammer, which showcases the princely collection, an intriguing grab bag ranging from Faberge eggs to lunar rocks.

A turreted castle, the prince’s residence, overlooks the city. It is closed to visitors, but the panoramic views from the grounds are worth the trip. There are plenty of terrific hiking and biking routes, too (the Drei-Lander cycling trail lets you wheel through three countries) and pretty mountain hamlets such as Triesenberg, where the medieval Walser culture still thrives.

Don’t miss The world’s smallest wine-producing country, Liechtenstein grows mainly riesling and gruner veltliner. Try them at the Hofkellerei, the royal wine cellars. See tourismus.li

San Marino

Population 33,000

Why we love it Mountainous San Marino sits in the Apennines, south of Ravenna, and is known as the world’s oldest surviving republic. It covers just 61 square kilometres but has plenty to explore.

See + do San Marino has its very own World Heritage listing, which covers the historic architecture of San Marino City – its ancient walls, gates, bastions and three fortification towers. Also included is Borgo Maggiore, the medieval town tucked just below the capital. Explore its picturesque streets then take the cable car to the top of Mount Titano for more glorious views.

Don’t miss Sink your teeth into San Marino’s signature dishes, which include rabbit stew, bean and bacon soup and the chocolate and hazelnut torta tre monti cake, named after the three towers. See visitsanmarino.com

Monaco

Population 38,000

Why we love it Think Monaco and you think the Formula 1, the casino, five-star hotels and restaurants – but there is more to this tiny principality than high-octane elegance.

See + do For many visitors, Monaco’s must see attraction is Musee Oceanographique, which has its own lagoon and 450 tanks that contain Mediterranean species. Then again, motoring devotees may choose Prince Rainier’s private collection of more than 100 rare vintage and racing cars. Our pick is a visit to the pretty Condamine neighbourhood for a glimpse into how locals actually live. At its daily market you can try traditional dishes such as socca, chickpea pancakes.

Don’t miss Jardin Exotique de Monaco, features an outstanding collection of cacti and succulents in a clifftop setting. See visitmonaco.com

Andorra

Population 80,000

Why we love it Andorra is wedged into the Pyrenees between France and Spain, about three hours’ drive from Barcelona or Toulouse, and is an unexpected high-altitude escape.

See + Do If you love crisp mountain air, Andorra is your kind of place. The country is best known for skiing thanks to its hundreds of kilometres of slopes, but it is also an increasingly popular summer destination, with excellent hiking, mountain biking and astro-tourism. Visit the capital, Andorra la Vella, for its old town and its Salvador Dali “melting clock” statue, La Noblesse du Temps, and head north to the pretty town of Ordino to admire its traditional stone architecture.

Don’t miss Some of Andorra’s best hikes are found in the World Heritage-listed Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley. See visitandorra.com

Vatican City

Population 500

Why we love it Where Rome’s traffic snarls stop is where the Vatican starts. At less than 50 hectares, this tiny papal pocket surrounded by Rome must hold the record for most attractions per square metre.

See + do For a small country, Vatican City has one heck of a main square. St Peter’s Square is said to fit up to 300,000 people, and also contains a 335-tonne Egyptian obelisk. Take a stroll through the mighty St Peter’s Basilica before touring the Vatican museums, where the most famous highlights include the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael rooms.

Don’t miss One sight many visitors miss is the Vatican Gardens, which cover nearly half the country’s total area. Book well in advance to enjoy the various formal gardens, statues, fountains and even a small forest. See vaticanstate.va

CITIES

Valletta, Malta

Population 6000

Why we love it We think of warrior monks as being ascetic rather than aesthetic, but the baroque urban design of Valletta, commissioned by Knights of the Order of St John who once ran the island, is an absolute masterpiece.

See + do Highlights of Europe’s smallest capital city include the Grand Master’s Palace and the wonderfully over-the-top St John’s Co-Cathedral, which also houses two Caravaggio canvases. The National Museum of Archaeology showcases impressive prehistoric finds, including 5000-year-old figurines, while the views from Upper Barrakka Gardens are some of the best in town.

Don’t miss As a British outpost, Malta played a vital role in World War II. Learn all about it at the Lascaris War Rooms, the underground wartime command centre. See visitmalta.com

Neuchatel, Switzerland

Population 30,000

Why we love it An old town. A castle. A lakeshore studded with tiny vineyards. In Switzerland’s far west, where the Jura mountains cloak the horizon, the charming city of Neuchatel ticks all the boxes.

See + do Neuchatel’s city centre is made for meandering, with its ornate buildings of butter-coloured sandstone, plentiful fountains and shops with period interiors, although an electric train offers an alternative for the less mobile. Fuel up at one of the inviting creperies or chocolateries before exploring the lakeshore (plunge in for a swim or a paddle if the weather’s fine) and heading up to the castle. Sunset in a waterside bistro is a relaxing way to end the day.

Don’t miss The Areuse river flows serenely through the landscape until it enters the nearby Areuse Gorge, where it surges through steep-sided rocky narrows. Follow a riverside trail to witness its transformation. See myswitzerland.com

Delft, Netherlands

Population 95,000

Why we love it Its picturesque canals lined with eye-catching buildings make Delft a smaller, less-crowded alternative to Amsterdam.

See + do You don’t need a map in Delft: the city is compact enough that you will eventually wander past everything you want to see, including the grand town hall and not one but two extraordinary churches. The imposing Nieuwe Kerk contains the grand tomb of William of Orange, while the Oude Kerk is home to the plain grave of Delft-born painter Johannes Vermeer. The town’s pretty squares are great spots for an al fresco meal.

Don’t miss A former cable factory, Kabeldistrict is Delft’s centre of contemporary culture, complete with artists’ studios, a theatre and a Streetart Alley. See indelft.nl

Sibiu, Romania

Population 140,000

Why we love it Forget vampires. What Transylvania really deserves to be known for is its glorious landscapes. The walled city of Sibiu, along with its sister towns of Sighisoara and Brasov, all founded by 12th-century German settlers, are among the highlights.

See + do Sibiu is a tale of two cities. In the upper town, dominated by two grand squares, key buildings include the Roman Catholic church and the Council Tower, while the lower town, once the manufacturing area, is filled with colourfully painted houses. Take in the views from the old city wall and keep an eye out for Sibiu’s “eyes”, the eyelid-shaped windows scattered among the red rooftops.

Don’t miss Sibiu is also home to Romania’s oldest museum, the Brukenthal Museum of Art, which displays works by Rubens and Van Dyck. See romaniatourism.com

Trondheim, Norway

Population 147,000

Why we love it Almost 500 kilometres north of Oslo, the former Viking capital of Trondheim has healthy helpings of history and contemporary culture, the latter reflecting its high student population. No surprise, then, that the local microbrewery scene is flourishing.

See + do Walk it, kayak it, cycle it. Trondheim is beautiful from every angle. Highlights include the colourful Bakklandet neighbourhood and the imposing 700-year-old Nidarosdomen cathedral, a Gothic edifice with a rose window completed in 1930, made of antique glass from France, Britain and Germany.

Don’t miss The city has a bike-sharing scheme and if you decide to hop on a bike, be sure to take a trip on the Trampe, a free bicycle lift that uses an underground cable to take cyclists up the steep Brubakken Hill. See visittrondheim.no

TOWNS

Motovun, Croatia

Population 900

Why we love it A church designed by the Renaissance architect Palladio is among the architectural highlights of this charming medieval hill town. Go there as an add-on trip from Trieste in Italy or Ljubljana in Slovenia, both about two hours away.

See + do It’s not all about the buildings: Motovun also has a reputation for its rich food scene, particularly its white truffles. The annual wine and truffle festival, held in October, is particularly lively, but you will find plenty of mouthwatering menu options any time. Konoba Mondo was a favourite restaurant of the late food-travel personality Anthony Bourdain.

Don’t miss Prefer thrillers to truffles? A July film festival holds outdoor screenings. See visit-croatia.co.uk

Radstadt, Austria

Population 5000

Why we love it Salzburg may overshadow its smaller neighbours but the tiny mountain town of Radstadt, just an hour away, beguilingly blends scenery, history and plenty of outdoor activities.

See + do Partial to a ruin or two? Large chunks of Radstadt’s old city walls, including a trio of towers, still stand, along with the remains of the old ditch that surrounded them. History buffs will also want to stop by Schloss Lerchen, a castle dating back to the 13th century that now houses the local museum. If you are keen to get active, not one but two major mountain ranges – the Dachstein Massif and the Radstadt Tauern group – are within easy reach.

Don’t miss Radstadt isn’t just a summer destination. In winter, it has some of the best skiing in the Salzburg region. See radstadt.com

Kinsale, Ireland

Population 6000

Why we love it The gorgeous multi-hued houses make this tiny fishing village south of Cork a must-visit, but it’s also a surprisingly lively place.

See + do From the busy harbour to the two historic forts – the star-shaped Charles Fort is noteworthy – Kinsale has plenty to offer, including an impressive food scene. A farmers’ market held every Wednesday morning is justly famous, plus there is a rich array of eateries. Splurge at the Michelin-starred Bastion or tuck in at the cheap and cheerful Saint Francis Provisions.

Don’t miss Golf fans should book well in advance to enjoy a round at the dramatic clifftop Old Head Golf Links. See kinsale.ie

L’Isle sur la Sorgue, France

Population 20,000

Why we love it Looking for the perfect Provencal town, with blue-shuttered buildings, soaring plane trees, weekly markets and plenty of antiques shops to browse? Welcome to L’Isle sur la Sorgue.

See + do The name says it all. L’Isle sur la Sorgue is embraced by the crystal-clear waters of two arms of the Sorgue river, and an afternoon sipping a refreshing beverage waterside is one of its simplest pleasures. The town is also Provence’s antiques capital. Rifling through its antiquarian and interiors shops will fill endless hours while the weekly antiques and flea market takes place on Sundays.

Don’t miss Keep an eye out for the old wooden water wheels that line some waterways. The wheels helped to propel the town’s fortunes during its days as a textiles and paper producer. See uk.islesurlasorguetourisme.com

Zakopane, Poland

Population 27,000

Why we love it Poland’s highest town, two hours out of Krakow and surrounded by towering peaks, is best known as a ski destination but its quirky alpine-meets-old-west vibe makes it worth a visit all-year-round.

See + do This is the gateway to the breathtaking Tatra National Park, where you can hike to the tranquil Morskie Oko lake, go rafting on the Dunajec river, or take the cable car to the summit of Kasprowy Wierch and then walk back to town. Not feeling energetic? Many Polish poets, painters and composers lived in Zakopane and their homes are now intriguing museums.

Don’t miss With 20 naturally heated thermal pools and no fewer than eight separate saunas, Bukovina Thermal Baths outside town is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. See zakopane.pl

VILLAGES

Nymfaio, Greece

Population 100

Why we love it No, this is not just another whitewashed Cycladic village. Tiny Nymfaio, around 200 kilometres from Thessaloniki in northern Greece, is defined by its grand stone mansions surrounded by verdant beech forest.

See + do Those impressive mansions – relics of a time when this was the centre of gold- and silver-smithing in the Balkans – have been converted into cafes and restaurants, shops and guesthouses. Perhaps the grandest, the Neveska Chrisikos House, is now the local museum. Nymfaio looks particularly enchanting under a layer of snow, but we recommend a spring or autumn visit for forest hikes, horseback riding or birdwatching in the nearby wetlands.

Don’t miss Take the short trip to the nearby Arcturus wildlife sanctuary, where once-captive brown bears are being rehabilitated in natural surrounds. See visitgreece.gr; arcturus.gr

Braemar, Scotland

Population 500

Why we love it Epic mountain scenery has won this village, in the Cairngorms National Park, plenty of fans including generations of the royal family.

See + do For the full Gaelic immersion, visit Braemar in September for the Braemar Gathering and Highland Games, where pipe bands, Highland dancers and athletes regale visitors (the royals are regulars.) Stroll down the high street, where the Victorian-era buildings are filled with upmarket shops and boutiques; take a tour of Braemar Castle; and if the weather holds, get active with hiking, climbing or skiing.

Don’t miss A former coaching inn, the surprisingly luxe Fife Arms has inviting rooms, a world-class art collection and a superb restaurant. See braemarscotland.co.uk

Chassepierre, Belgium

Population 500

Why we love it This ensemble of centuries-old whitewashed buildings, beside the Semois River near the French border, is beloved by local painters.

See + do There’s more to this village than meets the eye: some of Chassepierre’s most intriguing attractions actually lie underground. The connected subterranean galleries known as Le Trou des Fees (the fairy hole) were dug by hand out of soft volcanic rock. Other highlights include the Saint-Martin church and the Old Presbytery.

Don’t miss In August, Chassepierre hosts the International Street Arts Festival. It is attended by around 50 international arts companies and covers everything from theatre to dance, music to puppetry. See visitwalloniabe

Monreal, Germany

Population 800

Why we love it Pretty Monreal, which sits about halfway between Frankfurt and Bonn near Koblenz, offers plenty of photo opportunities, from half-timbered houses to not one, but two ruined castles.

See + do After you have snapped your shots of the distinctive red half-timbered houses that line the banks of the Elzbach stream, stop in at the centuries-old Holy Trinity Church before walking up to the remains of the Lowenburg Castle and Philippsburg Palace. These two monuments tower above the town and were built by the feuding Count Herman II of Virneburg and his brother Philipp in the 13th century.

Don’t miss Refuel with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake at the lovely Cafe Plusch. See eifel.info

Monsanto, Portugal

Population 900

Why we love it A drive of around three hours from either Lisbon or Porto will take you to this extraordinary spot, where stone dwellings are built around and under giant granite boulders.

See + do This part of eastern Portugal is packed with idyllic villages including Piodao and the Roman-era Idanha-a-Velha, but Monsanto stands apart. It is the boulders, some of which weigh 182 tonnes, that have shaped this hilltop hamlet, with its narrow streets twisting around the natural obstacles. The sweeping views over the plains are incredible, especially at sunset. No wonder that part of the TV series The House of the Dragon was filmed here.

Don’t miss When you walk down the Rua de Santo Antonio, look for the house marked with a skull and crossbones – this was once the home of Monsanto’s executioner. See visitportugal.com

If you must go big in Europe …

London, England The city’s many moods, from the elegance of Mayfair to hip hoods such as East London, and a population heading towards 10 million put it firmly in the powerhouse category.

Paris, France If you are one of the many visitors who have never gone beyond the central arrondissements, you may never have realised that this city is home to 11 million people.

Madrid, Spain Barcelona tends to hog the spotlight, but with a population close to 7 million, elegant streetscapes and vibrant nightlife, Madrid is a heavy hitter in its own right.

Rome, Italy Once the centre of an ancient empire, Rome remains Italy’s liveliest and most populated city, with a population of almost 4.5 million.

Istanbul, Turkey True, the city famously straddles two continents and only part of Istanbul is in Europe, but with a population of 16 million, this beguiling metropolis can’t be overlooked.