梦幻般的小镇 | 全球最美 50 个小镇大盘点

Chalk it up to friendly locals, boutique hotels, or good old-fashioned charm, but we’ll never get tired of small town getaways. You’re probably already familiar with some of the greatest hits in Europe and the U.S. But pretty much every country on the planet has a fabulous small town worth seeking out, from historic villages in Japan to desert oases in Egypt.Population: 1,016Population: 1,000Population: 14,653Population: 5,535

To get you started on your next fairy tale adventure, we’ve rounded up 50 of the most beautiful small towns in the world. While you’ll find a few common themes throughout the list—cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, incredible views, etc.—there are enough activities and geographical diversity here to fit every type of travel need. We even threw in an Arctic town for good measure.This isolated mountain town along the Guadalaviar River is a major contender for the title of the prettiest small town in Spain, with pink- and orange-hued buildings that blend in seamlessly with the rocky surroundings. The village is particularly unique thanks to its history of both Muslim and Christian rule—where else can you find Gothic cathedrals and Moorish alcázar ruins within the same tiny town?Located on the Thailand–Myanmar border, Ban Rak Thai features thatched cottages backed by misty mountains, tea plantations, and a quiet reservoir. The tourist-free town is the perfect place to mingle with friendly locals and enjoy some alone time, especially on an early-morning boat ride across the lake.You’ll be hard-pressed to find a town with a more beautiful setting than Baños, a small town situated in the shadow of an active volcano and surrounded by waterfalls, dense forests, and the Amazon Basin. Baños is perhaps most known for “the swing at the end of the world,” an Instagram-famous rope swing that more than earns its nickname.It’s hard to ignore the proximity of Bar Harbor with Acadia National Park, which automatically earns it about a thousand beauty points. But the town itself is adorable in its own right, with a downtown area oozing with coastal flair, a harbor filled with whale-watching tour boats, and dozens of great restaurants and ice cream parlors.

Without further ado, here are the most beautiful small towns around the world.Stay here: Stay at Hospes Palau de la Mar in Valencia, then make day trips over to Albarracín (about a 2-hour drive).Stay here: Chasa RakThai Resort looks right out over the water and has tons of Chinese red lanterns that add some extra magical sparkle.Stay here: Luna Volcán, Adventure SPA is a romantic retreat perfect for vacationing couples—or solo travelers who really love in-room bathtubs and candlelit dinners.Stay here: Want something truly unique? Rent this renovated convent from the early 1900s on Airbnb, which has awesome details like OG stained glass windows and enough room for 16+ guests.

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Albarracín, Spain 1,016This isolated mountain town along the Guadalaviar River is a major contender for the title of the , with pink- and orange-hued buildings that blend in seamlessly with the rocky surroundings. The village is particularly unique thanks to its history of both Muslim and Christian rule—where else can you find Gothic cathedrals and Moorish alcázar ruins within the same tiny town? Stay at  in Valencia, then make day trips over to Albarracín (about a 2-hour drive).

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Ban Rak Thai, Thailand 1,000Located on the Thailand–Myanmar border, Ban Rak Thai features thatched cottages backed by misty mountains, tea plantations, and a quiet reservoir. The tourist-free town is the perfect place to mingle with friendly locals and enjoy some alone time, especially on an early-morning boat ride across the lake.  looks right out over the water and has tons of Chinese red lanterns that add some extra magical sparkle.

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Baños, Ecuador 14,653You’ll be hard-pressed to find a town with a more beautiful setting than Baños, a small town situated in the shadow of an active volcano and surrounded by waterfalls, dense forests, and the Amazon Basin. Baños is perhaps most known for “the swing at the end of the world,” an  that more than earns its nickname.  is a romantic retreat perfect for vacationing couples—or solo travelers who really love in-room bathtubs and candlelit dinners.

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Bar Harbor, Maine 5,535It’s hard to ignore the proximity of Bar Harbor with Acadia National Park, which automatically earns it about a thousand beauty points. But the town itself is adorable in its own right, with a downtown area oozing with coastal flair, a harbor filled with whale-watching tour boats, and dozens of great restaurants and ice cream parlors. Want something truly unique? Rent this  on Airbnb, which has awesome details like OG stained glass windows and enough room for 16+ guests.

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Biei, Japan 10,374The prefecture of Hokkaido is a treasure trove of natural beauty, from dazzling blue lakes and hot springs to snow-capped mountains. The town of Biei will make you consider a summer trip to the skiing destination, as its vast fields become carpeted with lavender, poppies, marigolds, and other technicolor flowers.  offers seasonal local food, a quiet library, and minimalist villas that let the scenery steal the show.

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Bled, Slovenia 8,171There’s a reason Lake Bled is one of Slovenia's most popular sites. With its emerald waters, church-dotted islet, views of the Julien Alps, and a 12th-century castle on a hill, you won’t be short on picture-perfect views. The surrounding town of Bled is just as charming, with candlelit restaurants and traditional wooden rowboats just waiting for visitors. At the waterfront —located in one of former Yugoslavia president Tito’s old mansions—the only thing upstaging the French-influenced meals are the unobstructed lake views.

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Bocas del Toro, Panama 7,366Comprising nine islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama, the Bocas Del Toro archipelago is one of the most underrated—and most beautiful—beach destinations in the world. Make the province’s capital (technically also called Bocas del Toro, but locally referred to as Bocas Town) your home base, appreciating the unique stilted houses before embarking on jungle safaris and nighttime snorkeling trips through bioluminescent waters. Wide gleaming wood floors, a friendly bar and decent waterside restaurant, and a commitment to sustainable development make the  a must-stay.

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Carmel-by-the-Sea, California 3,196Dotted with European-style cottages that house art galleries and specialty boutiques, Carmel-by-the-Sea serves as the perfect starting point to explore greater Monterey County. You probably already know about the town’s famous California beaches and drives on Highway 1, but there’s a lot more to Carmel than coastlines—like excellent local cuisine, boutique hotels, and a burgeoning wine scene. Retreat to , an intimate stucco inn built in 1929 and now run by Relais & Chateaux, with a beautiful central courtyard that feels straight out of rural France.

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Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay 26,231Take a two-hour ferry ride from Buenos Aires to reach this frozen-in-amber town, sitting on the eastern shores of the River Plate and steeped in colonial history. Founded by the Portuguese in the 17th century, Colonia del Sacramento features cobbled streets, vintage cars, and a UNESCO-protected historic center lined with stone walls and tiled roofs. Just a 10-minute drive from Colonia, the  are about as dreamy as accommodations get—think hammocks, fairy lights, and homemade jam from the hosts.

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Castle Combe, England 357Castle Combe is a quintessentially  located in the southwest county of Wiltshire. No new houses have been built here since the 1600s, so the town is a well-preserved stretch of Cotswold stone cottages and old pubs and churches. For a real taste of the town, stop in for afternoon tea at The Old Rectory Pop Up Tearoom.  has sumptuous interiors and a foundation dating back to the 14th century, plus quiet gardens just begging you to grab a cup of tea and a book.

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Esperance, Australia 13,883Esperance makes a compelling case for making the trek to Western Australia. The coastal town has some of the most picture-perfect beaches in the country—ones teeming with kangaroos, no less—which you can enjoy between browsing farmer’s markets and downing fish and chips at some waterfront restaurants. The A-frame cabins and communal fire pits at  perfectly encapsulate the laid-back vibe of this Aussie town.

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Giethoorn, Netherlands 2,795If you’re desperately seeking canals but fear the crowds of Venice, we humbly present Giethoorn: a Dutch town with no roads, just bike lanes and waterways. (It’s not called the “Venice of the Netherlands” for nothing.) Explore Giethoorn’s roof farmhouses and wooden arch bridges by boat, or by ice skating on the canals during the frozen winter months. You can’t get any closer to the canals than staying in a houseboat—and you won’t find a houseboat cooler than this .

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Gokayama, Japan <100Tucked away in the , the UNESCO-listed village of Gokayama (along with its twin village, Shirakawa-go, about a 30-minute drive away) is almost too peaceful and picturesque to describe. You’ll just have to visit the thatched cottages and groves of mulberry trees yourself—choose a backdrop of springtime cherry blossoms or wintertime snow drifts. In this part of Japan, it makes sense to stay in a traditional inn—luckily the tranquil  ryokan is only about an hour away from Gokayama.

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Gordes, France 1,974It’s nearly impossible to pick a favorite —the country has enough charming villages to launch a thousand Disney songs. But if we had to pick our favorite, it would have to be Gordes, a hilltop stunner in Provence with white stone houses, cobblestone streets, and incredible sunset views. —a Gold List, Hot List, and Readers’ Choice Award winner—certainly stands out from the other small hotels in town.

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Göreme, Turkey 2,034You’ve likely seen hundreds of pictures of Göreme before—the picture-perfect Cappadocia town famous for its fairy chimneys and frescoes cave churches—but you really must see it in person to fully appreciate its awe-inspiring beauty. Preferably from the basket of a sunrise hot-air balloon ride. If you visit Cappadocia and don’t sleep in a cave hotel, did you ever really even visit?  gets our vote for having one of the best rooftops in town.

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Guatapé, Colombia 6,469Just two hours west of Medellín, this small Andean town is famed for its rainbow-colored streets and stunning views from an adjacent inselberg, El Peñol. The landmark rock features a rather grueling 659-step climb to the top, but it’s very much worth it for the panoramic vistas of the surrounding reservoir and verdant hills. Choose from a number of Guatapé’s eco-glamping retreats—, , and  are a few standouts—for a perfect blend of luxury comforts and wild surroundings.

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Hallstatt, Austria 859Nowhere else on earth fits the phrase “storybook setting” better than Hallstatt, which sits pretty on the shores of Austria’s Hallstätter See (about an hour’s drive east of Salzburg). The town’s 12th-century churches, candlelit restaurants, and market square are best experienced from the seat of a horse-drawn carriage. You can experience Hallstatt on a day trip from Salzburg—as if you needed another excuse to book a repeat stay at .

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Hatta, United Arab Emirates 12,200It's hard to believe that the bucolic village of Hatta is just a 90-minute drive from the megalopolis that is Dubai. The tiny town is a great place to learn about rural mountainous life in the Emirate, as well as enjoy outdoor activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, and kayaking. One of the oldest hotels in the country,  is a literal oasis in the desert.

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Ilulissat, Greenland 4,670Greenland is not exactly the easiest place to get to, but it more than compensates for its inaccessibility with a wealth of dazzling landscapes and villages. The western town of Ilulissat draws people in with its colorful houses, dog sledding tours, and access to the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord— to avoid high hotel prices and swarms of mosquitoes. If you stay at , you can also book boat and helicopter tours (along with dog sled rides, walking tours through town, and more) directly through the concierge.

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Iruya, Argentina 1,523Want an up-close look at Argentina’s famously beautiful Salta Region? Well, Iruya is it. This tiny village is only accessible via a very dusty 4-hour bus ride from the neighboring region of Jujuy; but once you arrive, you’ll have unobstructed views of the Iruya River below, flying condors above, and the jaw-dropping Andean Plateau at every turn. The homey  has a condor's-eye view of the mountains and spacious rooms.

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Itchan Kala, Uzbekistan 2,610Itchan Kala is the inner town of Khiva, protected by brick walls and filled with beautiful ancient mosques. The perfectly preserved city was once an important stop on the Silk Road and now functions as an open-air museum, though around 300 families still call the jewel-box village home.  is a perfectly comfortable hotel about a 5-minute walk outside of Itchan Kala, with a lovely lobby and city-facing balconies.

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Kaikōura, New Zealand 2,330Located on the South Island’s east coast, Kaikōura is the perfect destination for animal lovers—the waters here are packed with sperm whales, fur seals, and dolphins, and sustainable wildlife tours are abundant. While you can technically visit on a day trip from Christchurch, it’s worth sticking around for the town’s seafood restaurants and cute boutique hotels. For the best views of your life, book a stay at the appropriately named .

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Kalk Bay, South Africa 700Seafood lovers, take note: Kalk Bay—a fishing village just outside of Cape Town—is truly one of the world’s best places to fill up on fish and chips, sushi, oysters, and pretty much any other water-sourced meal you can imagine. Not a seafood fan? Visit for the art galleries and cute bookstores instead. Up the Cape Peninsula,  is a striking mountainside property with plush interiors and lots of staff to warmly welcome you.

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Kralendijk, Bonaire 3,061While Bonaire is primarily known as a hot spot for diving and snorkeling, travelers can find just as much appeal inland on this Caribbean island. The colorful and compact downtown area of Kralendijk (the capital city) is lined with Dutch gable-roofed buildings, while an array of boutiques and galleries invite you to explore beyond the main street. Meanwhile, Bonaire’s eclectic mix of cultures provides a welcoming environment for almost any visitor.  has two things every Bonaire hotel should have: a private beach and a five-star dive center.

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Lamu, Kenya 25,385Lamu Island’s eponymous port town contains dozens of beautiful mosques, busy promenades, woodworking shops, and a delightful population of donkeys. It’s also a great home base for exploring the island—one of the dreamiest —as a whole. , a 7-room bed and breakfast along the beach, has gorgeous Swahili-designed rooms and a team of in-house bakers whipping up pastries on the daily.

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Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland 2,452Take one look at Lauterbrunnen—complete with towering rock faces, flowery meadows, and mountain peaks—and you probably wouldn’t be surprised to learn that J.R.R. Tolkien  for the fictional valley of Rivendell in . Need more convincing? The town and its surrounding valley are home to more than 70 waterfalls, some of which number among the tallest in Europe. About an hour away in Bern,  is a classic gem on the shores of Lake Geneva.

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Luang Prabang, Laos 55,027This out-of-time Laotian city is one of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia, with ancient temples, colorful markets, Mekong River boat rides, and—thanks to its surprisingly small population—a delightful lack of the region’s frantic urban centers.  is perhaps the most luxurious property in the entire country, and it’s just a five-minute walk from Luang Prabang’s main thoroughfare.

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Lüderitz, Namibia 12,537If you aren’t convinced that Namibia is one of the most geographically diverse countries on the planet, just check out Lüderitz—a small southern village with colonial architecture, rocky coastlines dotted with African penguins, and waters teeming with dolphins and seals. The town is also just a 5-minute drive from Kolmanskop, an oft-photographed ghost town that has been taken over by sand dunes.  has been welcoming guests for 25 years with sea-facing rooms, a relaxing pool, and its own private tidal beach.

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Lunenburg, Canada 2,263This colorful fishing village in Nova Scotia has travel-worthy seafood restaurants and a UNESCO-listed Old Town,  for keeping its “original layout and overall appearance” since it was first established in 1753. We can’t imagine a lovelier spot to dive into maritime history and fill up on lobster rolls. As its name suggests,  is all about tasty food—think lobster dinners, wine tastings, and throw pillows that say “Live, Laugh, Taco.”

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Mandawa, India 23,335Mandawa is one of the most beautiful places in Rajasthan—and that’s saying something. The town is located about 105 miles north of Jaipur and attracts visitors with its ancient forts, haveli mansions, and intricate murals. For under $75 per night, you can get a palatial room, personalized meals, and impeccable service at .

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Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, Morocco 12,611Famous for housing the tomb of Idris I, a descendant of Muhammad and 8th-century ruler of Morocco, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is one of the most visually pleasing pilgrimage sites in the country. The town is situated atop a hill in the Zerhoun Mountains, boasts a captivating maze of colorful streets, and—unless your visit overlaps with the pilgrimages during the Moussem—provides a very quiet, crowd-free Moroccan getaway. Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is about a 90-minute drive from Fez, so go ahead and splurge for a suite at , an award-winning, riad-style Relais & Châteaux property with incredible views of the Atlas Mountains.

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Navala, Fiji 1,000Dotted with palm trees and backed by lush green mountains, Navala is a traditional Fijian village known for its  (traditional hatched huts). You can find many tour companies on the island of Viti Levu that offer day trips to Navala, which is definitely easier than trying to figure out transportation on your own.  is a Readers’ Choice Award winner for six years running—understandable, given the resort’s luxe private residences and private coral reef.

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Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada 17,511The town of —located on the far east side of the Niagara Peninsula—is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to choose between city life and nature. Rent a bike and explore the region’s gorgeous lakes, waterfalls, and vineyards, then head back to town for some local wine and baked goods. If Victorian decor (without being fuddy-duddy, we should add) is your thing, then  is the place for you. Expect plenty of floral wallpaper and afternoon tea services.

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Paraty, Brazil 43,680Thanks to its relative proximity to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (it’s a four-hour drive away from both cities), Paraty is a no-brainer when it comes to small town getaways in Brazil. Aside from checking every box on the small town checklist—cobblestoned streets, colonial buildings with pops of color—the town also has more than 200 beaches within its borders, making it the ideal spot for sampling the diverse landscapes Brazil is so famous for. Most of the accommodations in town are small boutiques built into colonial homes— is one of the best and most comfortable options.

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Penglipuran, Indonesia 980Penglipuran can be a tad tourist-heavy—not surprising, considering the village is located in Bali—but the traditional village is still one of the best places to experience a slice of Balinese life. While attractions like sacred bamboo forests and temples are great any time of year, try to schedule your visit to align with the biannual Galungan celebration to see the main street lined with ornate  poles. —under an hour’s drive from Penglipuran—features luxe tents and an impossibly peaceful riverside location.

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Port Fairy, Australia 3,742In southwestern Victoria—about 180 miles from Melbourne—lies Port Fairy. This picturesque fishing village is a popular photo-snapping spot along the Great Ocean Road, but it’s worth lingering a while to let yourself get fully charmed by the town’s 19th-century cottages, antique shops, and beaches.  is a lovely 5-star hotel with just six suites and an in-house restaurant serving up ultra-local dishes.

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Praiano, Italy 2,026Lying along the iconic Amalfi Coast, Praiano has everything you’d hope to find in a : think beautiful beaches like Marina di Praia and Gavitella, stunning ancient churches (the San Gennaro Church is a notable standout), intricate tilework, and culture to boot. Unlike many grande dames of the Amalfi Coast, cliffside  is sleek and modern and serves up a mean limoncello-infused mojito.

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Ráquira, Colombia 13,588The self-proclaimed “pottery capital of Colombia” is just as colorful and pretty as the wares being sold throughout town. The streets branching out from the central plaza are painted bright shades of orange, pink, and yellow, and clusters of clay statues and murals fill in any artsy gaps. Speaking of colorful, the rainbow sherbet-hued facade of  will help you fully embrace the Crayola world you’ve stepped into.

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Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany 10,930Known for its preserved medieval Old Town—which stuns with half-timbered houses and multicolored facades—Rothenburg ob der Tauber will help you get the full German  in one stop. Plan your visit for December to see the town under a dusting of snow and to load up on gifts at Reiterlesmarkt, one of the  in the entire country. The location of  can’t be beat, and its wood-paneled restaurant and antique-filled rooms are a perfect representation of the cozy town.

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Sai Kung, Hong Kong 11,927Sai Kung is a small fishing village just northeast of central Hong Kong—easily one of our  from the city. The peninsula is famous for its white-sand beaches and rocky geoparks, as well as incredible seafood restaurants and Texas-style barbecue joints (yes, really) back in town. Hong Kong has some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, including the flawless —voted the city’s best property in our latest Readers’ Choice Awards.

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Sapa, Vietnam 9,412Far from Vietnam’s popular beach resorts, massive metropolises, and teeming World Heritage Sites, Sapa is a (relatively) quiet mountain town near the Chinese border. It’s known for mountain vistas, shockingly green rice terraces, and the proximity to waterfalls and hiking trails. Located about 45 minutes outside of town,  boasts a beautiful hilltop location and villas with private pools.

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Sayulita, Mexico 2,300This barefoot surf town is one of Mexico’s famous Pueblos Mágicos, a collection of towns and villages that are government-recognized for their natural beauty, preserved cultural heritage, cuisine, and more. Though it’s more established than it was just a decade ago (when it was virtually unheard of), Sayulita still offers an authentic slice of Mexican life with a colorful town square, indie boutiques, seafood-hawking food stalls, and quiet beaches.  boasts a swath of prime beachfront real estate in Riviera Nayarit, not to mention hyper-local spa treatments and ocean-facing suites with private plunge pools.

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Sedona, Arizona 9,763Set in the shadow of red-rock monoliths, Sedona benefits from its striking location—visitors often beeline for its buttes, canyons, and spires. On clear nights, take in the region’s dark skies and a dazzling display of stars. A must-stay here is , a favorite of our readers. The hotel is set in the heart of Red Rock Country, which means beauty abounds everywhere you look.

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Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia 5,911Who needs tourist-heavy Santorini when you have Sidi Bou Said right across the sea in Tunisia? About 11 miles outside of Tunis, the small town boasts Mediterranean views and whitewashed, blue-roofed houses that are just as photographable as any Greek isle—plus art galleries and music venues to remind you that you’re very much in culture-heavy Tunisia. The ocean views and full-service spa at  are reason enough to book a stay.

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Sitka, Alaska 8,407Sitka is widely considered the most beautiful town in , thanks in large part to its backdrop of mountains and spruce trees stretching down to the sea. The harborside town is quaint and compact—and its flat-fronted wooden buildings are like something from a Wild West movie set—but it’s best enjoyed as a jumping-off point for hiking, climbing, and generally feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere (in the best possible sense). Sitting on a private island just off Sitka’s shoreline,  is a luxury fishing lodge with spacious log cabins and a line-up of bookable adventure excursions.

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Siwa, Egypt 25,000This town’s full name—Siwa Oasis—is incredibly apt. It truly rises from the surrounding desert like a sort of mirage, only the natural springs, groves of date palms and olive trees, and temple ruins dating back to the 4th century BCE here are (thankfully) all too real. Travel back in time at , which trades electricity for beeswax candles and air conditioning for a spring-fed swimming pool.

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St. Augustine, Florida 14,581St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States, as evidenced by its brick streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and historic structures like the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos. If you’re a surfer, catch some waves at Vilano Beach before sunset cocktails at . For a good night’s sleep paired with deep history, book a room at .

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Tepoztlán, Mexico 14,130Tepoztlán is within day trip distance of Mexico City, but you may find yourself wanting to linger for a couple of days. The  is full of beautifully designed sites—including Dilao, a sculpture garden; and Margarita Concept, a greenhouse-inspired cocktail bar—and offers easy access to the sky-high, clifftop Tepozteco ruins.  is just a quick walk away from the center of Tepoztlán and invites guests to unwind with its beautiful gardens and private pool.

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Viñales, Cuba 27,129While Havana is still one of , Viñales is a much smaller showcase of Cuba’s bright colonial architecture and vintage cars—and it happens to be surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. Stroll around the colorful town before heading out to the rugged Viñales Valley, known for its tobacco fields and dome-like limestone formations.  is a dreamy vacation rental with modern interiors, a porch with hammocks and sun loungers, and direct views of the valley.

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Zhouzhuang, China 22,000Eastern China is filled with dozens of dreamy “water towns” that line the canals of the Yangzi River. These towns share a lot of architectural features—including stone bridges and whitewashed houses—but Zhouzhuang stands out from the pack with its cobblestone pathways and excellent restaurants. In Suzhou, join China’s elite at  (owned by  Lamborghini family) to relax in massive rooms and sip cocktails while looking out over Jinji Lake.