Most Charming Small Lake Towns in Europe

When thinking about the best waterfront getaways in Europe, it’s easy to envision sun-splashed resorts along the Mediterranean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean. However, the continent’s small lake towns and villages shouldn’t be overlooked. 

These destinations of under 25,000 people also offer beautiful beaches, plus a whole lot of charm, history, natural beauty and romance — often with fewer crowds, too. We ranked 25 of the very best for your consideration.

25. Yvoire, France

Population: 1,025

Best time of year to visit: April-June

Where to stay: Le Pre de la Cure

Why You Should Visit Yvoire

This picturesque medieval village on the French side of Lake Geneva is known for its historic architecture and captivating flower displays. Formerly a small fishing town, it has well-preserved cobblestone lanes that are car-free and meant for strolling, shopping and enjoying yummy cheeses (and other food and drink). 

You’ll also find an 11th-century church and a winsome castle, while the enchanting Jardin des Cinq Sens (Garden of the Five Senses) encourages you to stop and smell (and see, touch, taste and listen to) the roses.

24. Iznájar, Spain

Population: 4,343

Best time of year to visit: April-May

Where to stay: Gourmet B&B Finca Las Encinas

Why You Should Visit Iznájar

Southern Spain is famous for its pueblos blancos (white villages), and Iznájar is among the prettiest. Its hillside location provides incredible views of the Embalse de Iznájar, Andalucía’s biggest reservoir. 

For the best views of the lake, rolling hills and olive groves, walk up to the Mirador del Postigo lookout, then hit Playa de Valdearenas for swimming, sailing or simply relaxing. The town also puts its fascinating history on display at Castillo de Iznájar, a castle dating back to the eighth century, and the Barrio de Costo, a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways you’ll want to get lost in.

23. Tihany, Hungary

Population: 1,438

Best time of year to visit: May-August 

Where to stay:OliverLux Aparthotel

Why You Should Visit Tihany

Located on a volcanic peninsula stretching into Lake Balaton, Tihany is one of the most beautiful spots in Hungary. In addition to enjoying swimming, boating and watersports in Central Europe’s largest lake, visitors and locals alike love Tihany’s wildly gorgeous nature reserves, marshes and meadows, which offer prime spots for birdwatching. 

The town is also home to the beloved Tihany Abbey, a 10th-century Benedictine church with an impressive Baroque interior.  

22. Iseo, Italy

Population: 9,171

Best time of year to visit: May-September

Where to stay: Relais I Due Roccoli

Why You Should Visit Iseo

One of Italy’s best-kept secrets, Lake Iseo has striking blue waters surrounded by lush mountain scenery. In Iseo Town, you’ll get gorgeous lake views, beautiful squares, attractive pastel buildings, a scenic promenade and loads of great wine, including Franciacorta, a fizzy local favorite. 

You’ll also find one of Italy’s first monuments, a statue of Italian general Giuseppe Garibaldi, known to Italians as “Hero of the Two Worlds” that dates back to 1883. (Hint: it’s in the town’s main square of the same name). Other sites include Romanesque church Pieve di Sant'Andrea and the Castello Oldofredi, an imposing castle watching over the town. 

21. Morcote, Switzerland

Population: 748

Best time of year to visit: June-September

Where to stay: Al Battello

Why You Should Visit Morcote

Overlooking Lake Lugano, a pretty glacial lake that flows between Italy and Switzerland, Morcote is one of Switzerland’s most delightful villages. Come for slow strolls through medieval alleys and along the lake, but don’t miss the waterside Scherr botanical gardens, a spot well-suited for romance and Instagram selfies. 

If you feel like a longer walk, you can embark on a six-hour trek to the neighboring Lugano. The trail takes you past historic churches and to the summit of the 3,000-foot Monte San Salvatore, which offers gobsmacking views.

20. Sigtuna, Sweden

Population: 9,377

Best time of year to visit: June-August

Where to stay: Sigtuna Stadshotell

Why You Should Visit Sigtuna

Sweden’s oldest town was founded way back in 980 and still feels untouched by time. Its highlights include medieval streets, 17th-century castles, the ruins of churches and a collection of rune stones carved by Vikings. 

There are also beautiful beaches along Lake Mälaren, where you can swim and kayak in the summer or go ice-skating in the winter. Sigtuna is especially magical during the holiday season, thanks to pop-up Christmas markets and lights galore.

19. Torshavn, Faroe Islands

Population: 19,165 

Best time of year to visit: May-August

Where to stay: Hotel Foroyar

Why You Should Visit Torshavn

The remote Faroe Islands, an archipelago of 18 islands located between Iceland and Scotland, is an off-the-beaten-path destination for anyone who loves stunningly wild scenery and awesome photo ops. Torshavn, named after the Norse god Thor (the god of Thunder for anyone who hasn’t read comics or seen the movies), combines Viking-style architecture and history with hipster bars, indy designers and renowned eats. 

The harbor’s clear water, brightly colored buildings and swaying boats give it the appearance of a living postcard. The old town, Tignes, dates back to 1400 and features adorable grass-roofed houses.

18. Bowness-on-Windermere

Population: 3,814

Best time of year to visit: April-October 

Where to stay: Storrs Hall

Why You Should Visit Bowness-on-Windermere

You’ll feel like you’re living in Victorian times in this charming town on the shores of Windermere Lake as you browse antique shops and galleries. Many of its stately buildings have been converted into classy hotels like Langdale Chase Hotel, Storrs Hall Hotel and the Belsfield Hotel, so you can sleep in a piece of history. 

If you’re traveling with kids, make a beeline to the world of Beatrix Potter, featuring scenes from “Peter Rabbit” and the author’s other stories. Of course, you’ll want to spend plenty of time on the inviting lake, too. Rent a kayak, join a boat ride or go for a swim. However, if you prefer to stay dry, you can still admire the water via a walk or run on several lakeside trails.

17. Flam, Norway

Population: 400

Best time of year to visit: May-September

Where to stay: Flam Marina & Apartments

Why You Should Visit Flam

Cool and quirky, Flam is a nature lover’s dream. Don’t miss the spectacular Flam Railway, often described as one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Ascending over 2,800 feet, it’s also one of the steepest! 

The two-hour, round-trip journey takes you through a dream-like countryside containing waterfalls, slopes and green valleys, and riders are also advised to be on the lookout for the ever-elusive Norwegian trolls. Other highlights include cruising or kayaking through gorgeous fjords and visiting an authentic Viking village.

16. Hallstatt, Austria

Population: 780

Best time of year to visit: September-December

Where to stay: Seehotel Gruener Baum

Why You Should Visit Hallstatt

Sitting on the shores of Lake Hallstatt, this small village has some of the best scenery in Austria and is also one of the best-kept secrets (for now). With bright buildings, winding streets and views of the Northern Limestone Alps, it enchants visitors with storybook charm. 

Though any time of the year is great to visit, fall offers amazing foliage and winter dusts the town with snow and brings Christmas markets — a scene that would make even Hallmark movies jealous. The town is also salty, in a good way. Its salt mines have been around since prehistoric times and are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

15. Mikolajki, Poland

Population: 3,852

Best time of year to visit: May-September

Where to stay: Hotel Mikolajki Leisure & Spa

Why You Should Visit Mikolajki

Situated in the Great Masurian Lake District, this small town is famous for its red-roofed buildings, three bridges and enthusiasm about sailing. A favorite boating spot in Europe, its docks are often filled with colorful yachts ,and there’s a Sailor’s Village where you can chug a beer and enjoy waves with boat enthusiasts at taverns like Lady Mary and Pod Zlamanym Pagajem. 

There’s also an annual festival of Sailors’ Songs, featuring the “finest performances of shanties.” 

14. Vernazza, Italy

Population: 852

Best time of year to visit: September-October

Where to stay: Camere Giuliano

Why You Should Visit Vernazza

Located in Italy’s Cinque Terre region, Vernazza’s natural beauty includes colorful buildings, dramatic cliffs and rocky coastlines. The town is car-free, which adds to its charm and old-world feel, and there’s plenty of spots to enjoy swimming or nature walks with breathtaking views. 

Other reasons to visit include Doria Castle, which dates back to the 11th century and offers more great views of the town and water, and the 14th-century Santa Margherita d'Antiochia church. And don’t forget all of that great Italian food and gelato, of course!

13. Cobh, Ireland

Population: 12,800

Best time of year to visit: June-September

Where to stay: WatersEdge Hotel

Why You Should Visit Cobh

Cobh may have been the setting for a depressing bit of history — the Titanic began its ill-fated voyage from the town’s port in 1912 — but the atmosphere in this Irish town is anything but dreary. You’ll be charmed by Cobh’s cheerful demeanor and colorful buildings, including the unmissable Deck of Cards, a row of pastel houses stretching up a steep street. 

One of the best ways to view the town’s many colors is by sailing around Cork Harbor (fun fact: it’s the second-largest harbor in the world after Sydney’s Port Jackson) where you can captain your own ship or join a group sailing.

12. Prien am Chiemsee, Germany

Population: 10,872

Best time of year to visit: June-August

Where to stay: Hotel Neuer am See

Why You Should Visit Prien am Chiemsee

Located on Bavaria’s biggest lake, Chiemsee, Prien is a popular weekend retreat for residents of Munich and an ideal spot for watersports and exploring some of Germany’s gorgeous islands and historical sights. A must-see is the Schloss Herrenchiemsee, the Versailles-inspired castle of King Ludwig II that is arguably Germany’s finest (and is certainly the most expensive). 

The opulent attraction is located on the island of Herreninsel, also known as Gentleman’s Island, a short ferry ride away. Also nearby is Fraueninsel (or Women’s Island), which has terrific museums, lovely houses, beautiful flower gardens and plenty of spots to walk (or sit) by the lake.

11. Orta San Giulio, Italy

Population: 1,262

Best time of year to visit: July-September

Where to stay: Villa Crespi

Why You Should Visit Orta San Giulio

Jetting out into Lake Orta (which locals affectionately call Cinderella), Orta San Giulio looks like it’s floating. And you just might be floating, too, when you see the town’s striking Renaissance buildings and the magical Villa Crespi, a former palace designed with Moorish architecture that’s now a five-star hotel. 

You can also visit Sacro Monte Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site with rewarding views of the lake and mountains. Or take a scenic ferry ride to Isla San Giulio, which has super quiet alleyways and a monastery inhabited by nuns who never leave the island. You probably won’t want to, either!

10. Talloires, France

Population: 2,023

Best time of year to visit: June-September

Where to stay: Hotel Les Grillons

Why You Should Visit Talloires

Located on the shores of Lake Annecy, Talloires is another village on our list that feels like it’s been untouched by time. Come here for peaceful vibes, lounging on beautiful beaches, hiking, cycling and sailing on the lake. 

There’s also terrific fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants like Jean Sulpice in the historic Auberge du Père Bise, where the likes of Charlie Chaplain and Bridget Bardot liked to lay their heads, and Aux Jardins des Délices, housed in the 17th-century Abbaye de Talloires hotel. 

9. Giethoorn, Netherlands

Population: 2,795

Best time of year to visit: April-October

Where to stay: Hotel de Harmonie

Why You Should Visit

No cars. Not even roads. The only way to get around this Dutch village, which is a series of small islands connected by bridges, is with a bike, rowboat or your own two feet. Without automobiles or motorboats, the loudest noise is flowing water and chirping birds, so paddling down Gieethorn’s many lakes and canals is a blissful experience. 

There are also several natural hikes if you prefer to stay on land, plus adorable cottages that double as hotels, museums and a mini amusement park. 

8. Struga, North Macedonia

Population: 16,559

Best time of year to visit: June-September

Where to stay: Hotel Izgrev Spa & Aquapark

Why You Should Visit Struga

Like the more famous town of Ohrid, Struga has a view of beautiful Lake Ohrid. Yet it has way fewer visitors, which means a more relaxed atmosphere. You’ll find natural beauty, lovely beaches and loads of history and culture, including the Halveti Teke, a Muslim monastery and terrific representation of Ottoman architecture. 

The town is compact and made for walking, with the Black Drin river offering another picturesque waterside area with cafes and restaurants.

7. Ponte De Sor, Portugal

Population: 16,722

Best time of year to visit: May-September

Where to stay: Hotel Ponte Sor

Why You Should Visit Ponte De Sor

Ponte de Sor is a rural town near Portugal’s Barragem de Montargil, a dam that was built in 1958 and created a scenic lake. Though person-made, the water is pretty and a popular spot for birdwatching and watersports like kayaking, wakeboarding and jet-skiing. 

While in the area, visit the Art and Culture Center (CAC), which houses a library, exhibition space and performing arts venue. If you love horses, don’t miss the Coudelaria de Alter do Chão, where King John V bred the animals for his royal riding school in 1848. Enjoy a ride or a lesson with great scenery and a bit of history.

6. Patreksfjörður, Iceland

Population: 675

Best time of year to visit: June-August

Where to stay: Fosshotel Westfjords

Why You Should Visit Patreksfjörður

Located in Iceland’s spectacularly rugged Westfjords (one of the country’s least-visited destinations), Patreksfjörður is close to naturally gorgeous Lake Sauðlauksdalsvatn. Unlike other Icelandic lakes, the sand here is white and yellow, not black. 

It’s a great spot to meditate or go fishing, especially for trout. Nearby, you can visit some other natural wonders, like Látrabjarg, the largest bird cliff in Europe and Rauðisandur beach, which is renowned for its red-pink sand.

5. Kotor, Montenegro

Population: 13,510

Best time of year to visit: May-September

Where to stay: Hotel Astoria

Why You Should Visit Kotor

While technically the Bay of Kotor isn’t a lake, this coastal Balkan destination has all of the charm of a small lake town and is a UNESCO world heritage site, so we just had to include it. Ancient yet filled with modern amenities, Kotor’s walled Old Town has some of the world’s finest preserved Venetian architecture. 

Wandering around aimlessly is more than encouraged. Or make a plan to visit the San Giovanni Fortress, built between the ninth and 15th centuries, for amazing views of Kotor’s signature orange-roofed houses and the bay.

4.Ascona, Switzerland

Population: 5,488

Best time of year to visit: May-September

Where to stay: Hotel Eden Roc Ascona

Why You Should Visit Ascona

Located on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, Ascona has a Mediterranean vibe (it’s only half an hour from the Italian border) but far fewer crowds than Riviera resort towns. You’ll find Aperol spritzes aplenty, cobblestoned streets and a waterfront piazza, fancy hotels and beautiful public swimming pools — all backed by the Alps in the distance. 

You also won’t find a lot of English spoken here, which adds to its charm.

3. Bled, Slovenia

Population: 8,171

Best time of year to visit: April-September

Where to stay:Penzion Kaps

Why You Should Visit

Bled is like a fairytale that’s come to life, complete with a stunning castle (the oldest in Slovenia) that sits atop a cliff. But the real showstopper is Lake Bled and its cobalt blue waters. 

It’s a welcome spot for walking or simply gazing at the tranquil water and getting lost in your thoughts. The lake is also home to a 15th-century church perched on an inlet, which you can reach by a wooden boat. Yes, getting there is indeed half the fun. Though Bled’s roots date back to the year 600, it only officially became a town in 1960.

2. Titisee-Neustadt, Germany

Population: 11,819

Best time of year to visit: June-August

Where to stay: Hotel Baren Titisee

Why You Should Visit Titisee-Neustadt

This medieval spa town sits on the shores of Titisee, the largest lake in the Black Forest. It’s a prime spot for families, who love spending the day on pedalos (people-powered boats that have onboard water slides) as well as kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders. 

The town’s waterfront promenade is a great place to shop, have an open-air meal or try some Black Forest cherry cake, and it’s a starting point for a 90-minute lakeside trail. Titisee-Neustadt is also home to a waterpark with saunas, waterslides and pools — another popular choice since the lake’s waters can be a bit too chilly to swim in.

1. Bellagio, Italy

Population: 3,820

Best time of year to visit: July-September

Where to stay: Hotel Du Lac

Why You Should Visit Bellagio

Lake Como in Italy’s Lombardo region has become a playground for big-time stars like George Clooney and Madonna, but it’s the small towns along the lake that truly shine. Bellagio, known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” is one of the towns that has it all: extraordinary views of Lake Como, a colorful waterfront marina, terrific restaurants, gorgeous villas and streets so pretty you’ll feel like you’re on a movie set. 

Whether you see it on foot or from the water, a trip to Bellagio is living la dolce vita for sure.