7 Off the Beaten Path European Villages

Do you want to escape the big European cities? Explore the road less traveled with these off the beaten path European villages. From cute and quaint architecture to marvelous and fancy castles, there is more to Europe than meets the mainstream travel guide. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
Bibury, England
Bibury is a charming Cotswold village that is a short drive from Cirencester. The small-world charm houses are surrounded by fertile lawns and rose vines that climb up the side of buildings. The most photographed spot is Arlington Row that sits near the River Coln.
Sinaia, Romania
Sinaia is a small mountain resort town in Transylvania. The town contains Bavarian-inspired architecture and the Peles Castle is one of the most visited castles in Transylvania. Known as the “Carpathian Pearl,” Sinaia is best known for being the summer residence of the Romanian royal family. Today, many of the cute homes are desolate, but there is no shortage of authentic beauty and entertainment.
Annecy, France
The cute and vibrant town of Annecy was built around a 14th Century Chateau and is one of the most charming French towns. The French Alps surround the town and are an amazing sight year round. Despite its complex history, the town is simple to get around and offers some of the best traditional cuisine in France.
Alberobello, Italy
Alberobello is a small UNESCO heritage town located in Apulia, Italy. The iconic sight here are the white limestone buildings with hut-like tops built before the 14th Century. The town is named after the primitive oak tree forest Arboris Belli and is chock-full of tourists during May to October.
Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
The colorful and vibrant Cesky Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides Prague, this is the Czech Republic’s second largest tourist destination. The 13th century buildings and castle are the main attraction; the fairy-tale beauty of the Renaissance buildings and the elegant old town square are a must-see. The atmosphere is lively, with street performers and bustling with streetside cafes.
Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Not only is Bosnia & Herzegovina cheap to travel in, but is one of the most undervisited places in Europe. The old town bridge is the visual focus that sits above deep blue waters with the mountains in the backdrop. For souvenirs and trinkets, explore Gold Alley. This medieval town is quiet during the winter months, so if you dislike crowds, visit between October and April.
Arosa, Switzerland
Beautiful in the summer and gorgeous in the winter, Arosa attracts avid outdoor enthusiasts. The small ski resort town sits at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level. Although the town is not as cute as other Alp destinations, it is one of the best off the beaten path destinations for outdoor pursuits.
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