It is no secret that London, Rome, and Paris are magnificent cities with beautiful features, supreme highlights and much more. However, Europe has inexhaustible small cities that give travelers a more intimate and authentic view of the country. As much as the Capitals are obvious highlights, squeezing the small cities into your itinerary will spice up your stay. Here are 10 of our absolute must-sees.

1. Rovinj, Croatia

Seamlessly located on the Istrian peninsula, Rovinj is a beautiful archipelago of 20 islands with its town hemmed in on a small peninsula. Quaint alleys, stairways, and other interesting architecture frame the silhouette of its adventures. Other historical gems include St Euphemia’s Basilica, seven city gates and the 12th-century town clock.

 

2. Caceres, Spain

If you are still speculating on where all the gold went to when Spain was under siege, much of it went to building the mansions, cathedrals, and palaces that are tucked away in beautiful Caceres. This off-the-beaten-track city boasts of an abundance of features including Ciudad Monumental, Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, and Via de la Plata. Here, you will love the architectural blend of Roman, Islamic and Italian revitalisation styles.

 

3. Heidelberg, Germany

Situated in the vale of Odenwald mountains, Heidelberg is a chocolate-box and starry-eyed getaway city. Its most extraordinary features include the historic old town, numerous historic churches and the University of Heidelberg. Every inch of this spot is filled with history, from narrow streets to the scattered parks and much more.

 

4. Porto, Portugal

An old city slipped away on the Iberian Peninsula; Porto sits between Douro River estuary and has been under foreign control for more than a millennium. Consequently, it has been nominated under the UNESCO world heritage and the buildings that snake through the streets are about as remarkable as anything you have ever seen. In fact, Porto has become an iconic name for a brand of wine sold through its port.

 

5. Trondheim, Norway

Trondheim is a one city in Scandivania that is so picturesque- they say a picture tells a thousand words but Trondheim tells even double. It’s just spectacular. You will need 24 hours to explore the numerous sites in it and another 24 hours to visit the neighbouring area.

 

6. Groningen, Netherlands

With approximately two bikes for each resident and a town centre that’s in effect inaccessible by motorists, Groningen is categorically the best place to keep fit. It also brings together some of Europe’s bet features including an annual festival and nightlife as vibrant as its people.

 

7. Manarola, Italy

Manarola is a charming fishing town famous for its exclusive wine, Sciacchetra. It is one of the most peaceful towns on earth- no traffic lights, no screeching cars, no hooting of vehicles. This is because there is no vehicles access to the city area. To visit the city, you will take a bus or walk on foot after having parked your car outside the town.

 

8. Split, Croatia

Split, a jewel in the Croatian Adriatic, is in a prime location in Croatia because it is close to a couple of beautiful cities such as Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Sibenik. Also is surrounded by the beauty of Croatia’s hidden gems, such as the city of Trogir which people say is mini Split, Čiovo which is a beautiful island with mountains that visitors enjoy immensely. Of course, you can take a blue cave tour from Split to the island Bisevo. Blue Cave is an iconic sea cave that travelers visit very often and even go scuba diving there. The specialty about this cave is of course, the blue light that magnificently portrays itself due to the sunlight reflection on the water through a crack in the cave. It is spectacular and a must see destination.