Cozy and authentic: small towns in Europe that are real gems for tourists

Europe offers many destinations for an unforgettable vacation. There is one drawback – the most popular cities are usually crowded with tourists. Wherever you go – for a walk in the center, to a museum, or just to have a coffee in the nearest cafe – you will definitely come across noisy crowds.

The Guardian experts have compiled a rating of cozy and authentic cities that are real gems of Europe. They will satisfy the needs of the most demanding travelers.

Trieste, Italy

Trieste is a city in northeastern Italy, whose architecture is a combination of Habsburg, Baroque, and Slavic influences. Piazza Unità d'Italia is an elegant square full of stylish Art Nouveau cafes. It's worth a walk along the Barcoli and a visit to the Miramare Castle. There are beaches on the outskirts of the city that are easily accessible on foot. The food is hearty – German meat stews and spicy pizza combined with strong coffee create a local flavor.

Liberec, Czech Republic

Liberec is located in the north of the Czech Republic. The city is not as popular as Prague, but according to experts, it is the epitome of authentic Czech flavor. Several museums (art, and crafts) offer cultural knowledge, but there are also modern science centers and museums with many hands-on experiences. In addition, the city is surrounded by low mountains, so nature lovers can enjoy the views.

Teruel, Spain

"Teruel exists!" – this slogan was created with the hope of attracting visitors to the small town at an altitude of almost 1000 meters on the edge of central Meseta. However, Teruel still remains a somewhat unknown place for tourists. It is a center of Mudejar architecture and art, a unique and sophisticated influence from the medieval era created through the interaction of Arabs, Christians, and Jews. Teruel is filled with Mudejar gems.

Brno, Czech Republic

The charming Brno has a lot to offer. The attraction of the city is the Spilberk Castle, where you can enjoy museums, beautiful parks and incredible views. The old town reveals the noble Austro-Hungarian architecture. The Moravian Gallery presents classical and contemporary art. Discover whimsical sculptures at every turn, such as the Statue of Courage, and Bauhaus architectural structures, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Villa Tugendhat. Relax in the best cocktail bar in Central Europe, Super Panda Circus. From Brno, you can easily reach Vienna, Krakow, and Prague by train.

Aarhus, Denmark

Aarhus is a perfect microcosm of the best of Denmark: car-free streets, cozy cafes, mouthwatering bakeries, ancient Viking history, lively bars, and more. The city has much fewer tourists than Copenhagen, although it is only a three-hour train ride away.

Berat, Albania

The historic center of Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can get lost wandering through the cobblestone alleys that have not changed for centuries. It is a combination of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture within the original walls of the fortress. Crossing the Osum River, which cuts through a gorge in the valley below the fortress, you can explore the 17th-century mosques in the atmospheric Mangalem district.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Plovdiv is one of the hidden gems of Europe. The city is filled with ancient ruins and stunning architecture. If you are looking for a place with a combination of history, culture, and a relaxed atmosphere, visit Plovdiv – it is a city ideal for hiking.

Nafplion, Greece

A two-hour drive west of Athens through the photogenic Corinth Canal takes you to Nafplion, the old capital of Greece. It is a paradise for history lovers. It's worth visiting the Palamidi Fortress, the ancient Epidaurus Theater, Burci Castle, and museums, or just enjoying a walk from the old town to the city's Arvanitia beach.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar is an extraordinary city with a deep history and culture. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Bridge is a must-see, dominating the skyline as it curves over the aquamarine Neretva River. The reconstruction of the bridge after the Bosnian war is a testament to the resilience of the city's people. The old town of Mostar offers winding cobblestone streets with traditional Ottoman-style houses, bazaars, and cafes where you can find everything from affordable handicrafts to delicious local specialties.

Padua, Italy

Padua offers beauty, character, history, and cuisine without the crowds and high prices. Start at the Chapel of the Scrovegni, home to Giotto's famous frescoes. From here, stop at the University of Padua's Palazzo Bo (the second oldest in Italy) before heading to St. Anthony's Basilica and one of the world's oldest botanical gardens. Check out Italy's largest piazza, the magnificent Prato della Valle statue, before wandering the winding streets of the old ghetto to savor spritz and arancini and the many bars. And, having reached Piazza delle Erbe, it is worth enjoying gastronomic delicacies.

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