Europe’s Most Picturesque Towns: My Handpicked Favourites
Europe is full of places that stop you in your tracks, places where the architecture, the landscapes, and the atmosphere feel almost too beautiful to be real. Over the years, I’ve explored my fair share of cobbled lanes, waterfront villages and storybook hilltops, and these are the towns that truly stayed with me. Each one has that postcard moment, the kind you instantly want to photograph, frame, and revisit.
If you’re dreaming of history, romance, coastal escapes, or alpine charm, here are some of Europe’s most picturesque towns worth adding to your next itinerary.
Perast, Montenegro
Perast is one of those places that feels like it’s been plucked straight out of a Venetian dream. Sitting proudly along the Bay of Kotor, its baroque facades and serene blue waters make it impossibly photogenic. Spend an afternoon wandering between its stone churches, sip a coffee by the waterfront, or hop on a boat to the tiny islands just offshore — it’s slow travel at its finest.
Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Mostar is a symphony of Ottoman arches, riverside cafés, and one of Europe’s most iconic bridges. The Old Bridge (Stari Most) is the star of the show, but don’t miss climbing the minaret of the Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque for panoramic views of the emerald-green Neretva River. It’s atmospheric, soulful, and full of surprises.
Chiavenna, Italy
Chiavenna has my heart, a quiet alpine town in Lombardy where pastel shutters, stone bridges and dramatic mountains create the perfect backdrop for a peaceful escape. Wander its medieval lanes, explore the local palazzi and museums, or head into the mountains for hiking, skiing, or even a relaxed afternoon tasting the region’s famous bresaola. It’s a true hidden gem.
Langres, France
Perched high above the Champagne-Ardenne countryside, Langres is a fortified beauty wrapped in centuries of French history. The walled old town feels like stepping back in time - cobbled paths, half-timbered houses, and charming boutiques selling regional cheeses and artisanal goods. It’s quiet, classic France at its best.
Passau, Germany
Where three rivers meet, the Danube, Inn, and Ilz, you’ll find Passau, a pastel-washed Bavarian town that feels both elegant and serene. Its baroque old town, riverside promenades, and the impressive St. Stephen’s Cathedral make it one of Germany’s most underrated stunners.
Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is a lakeside village framed by mountains so dramatic you’ll think you’re looking at a painting. Wander past 16th-century houses, float across Hallstätter See, and soak in views that redefine the word “picturesque.” It’s popular for a reason, and trust me, it lives up to the hype.
Český Krumlov, Czechia
If fairytales were real, they’d look like Český Krumlov. Its UNESCO-listed castle towers over winding cobblestone alleys, colourful Renaissance facades, and riverside cafés. Spend your day exploring art museums, hidden courtyards, and charming bridges before ending with a sunset view from the castle gardens.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is one of the Adriatic’s brightest jewels, a city of ancient walls, terracotta rooftops, and cinematic sea views. Walking the fortified walls, exploring its medieval lanes, or spotting Game of Thrones filming locations, Dubrovnik delivers a perfect blend of culture, sunshine, and coastal beauty.
1. Portofino, Italy
Portofino is the definition of la dolce vita: pastel houses cascading down the cliffs, sparkling Ligurian waters, chic boutiques and cafés lining the marina. Relax, shop, or simply breathe in that Riviera air, Portofino is effortlessly romantic and forever stylish.
Rye, England
Rye feels like stepping into a storybook, cobbled lanes, higgledy-piggledy houses, and enough charm to fill a week’s itinerary. Visit St Mary’s Church, explore the antique shops and tea rooms, or time your visit with one of the town’s food or music festivals. It’s quaint, characterful, and one of England’s coziest coastal escapes.