The 50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the World
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.
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.
Without further ado, here are the most beautiful small towns around the world.
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StockPhotoAstur/GettyAlbarracín, Spain
Population: 1,016
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?
Stay here: Stay at Hospes Palau de la Mar in Valencia, then make day trips over to Albarracín (about a 2-hour drive).
JackFrost/GettyBan Rak Thai, Thailand
Population: 1,000
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.
Stay here: Chasa RakThai Resort looks right out over the water and has tons of Chinese red lanterns that add some extra magical sparkle.
Laura BC/GettyBaños, Ecuador
Population: 14,653
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.
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.
- Ultima_Gaina/Getty
Bar Harbor, Maine
Population: 5,535
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.
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.
DoctorEgg/GettyBiei, Japan
Population: 10,374
The 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.
Stay here: Adagio Hokkaido offers seasonal local food, a quiet library, and minimalist villas that let the scenery steal the show.
Alex Azabache/UnsplashBled, Slovenia
Population: 8,171
There’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.
Stay here: At the waterfront Vila Bled—located in one of former Yugoslavia president Tito’s old mansions—the only thing upstaging the French-influenced meals are the unobstructed lake views.
Damocean/GettyBocas del Toro, Panama
Population: 7,366
Comprising 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.
Stay here: Wide gleaming wood floors, a friendly bar and decent waterside restaurant, and a commitment to sustainable development make the Hotel Bocas del Toro a must-stay.
S. Greg Panosian/GettyCarmel-by-the-Sea, California
Population: 3,196
Dotted 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.
Stay here: Retreat to L’Auberge Carmel, 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.
Gonzalo Kaplanski/UnsplashColonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Population: 26,231
Take 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.
Stay here: Just a 10-minute drive from Colonia, the El Nido Treehouses are about as dreamy as accommodations get—think hammocks, fairy lights, and homemade jam from the hosts.
Joe Daniel Price/GettyCastle Combe, England
Population: 357
Castle Combe is a quintessentially English village 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.
Stay here: The Manor House 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.
John Crux Photography/GettyEsperance, Australia
Population: 13,883
Esperance 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.
Stay here: The A-frame cabins and communal fire pits at Esperance Chalet Village perfectly encapsulate the laid-back vibe of this Aussie town.
Cafer Mert Ceyhan/UnsplashGiethoorn, Netherlands
Population: 2,795
If 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.
Stay here: You can’t get any closer to the canals than staying in a houseboat—and you won’t find a houseboat cooler than this glass-walled stunner on Airbnb.
MasaoTaira/GettyGokayama, Japan
Population: <100
Tucked away in the mountains of central Japan, 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.
Stay here: In this part of Japan, it makes sense to stay in a traditional inn—luckily the tranquil Hidatei Hanaougi ryokan is only about an hour away from Gokayama.
romrodinka/GettyGordes, France
Population: 1,974
It’s nearly impossible to pick a favorite small town in France—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.
Stay here: Airelles Gordes, La Bastide—a Gold List, Hot List, and Readers’ Choice Award winner—certainly stands out from the other small hotels in town.
Givaga/GettyGöreme, Turkey
Population: 2,034
You’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.
Stay here: If you visit Cappadocia and don’t sleep in a cave hotel, did you ever really even visit? Sultan Cave Suites gets our vote for having one of the best rooftops in town.
Juliana Mayo/UnsplashGuatapé, Colombia
Population: 6,469
Just 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.
Stay here: Choose from a number of Guatapé’s eco-glamping retreats—Bosko, Oasis, and Levit are a few standouts—for a perfect blend of luxury comforts and wild surroundings.
S. Hansche/GettyHallstatt, Austria
Population: 859
Nowhere 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.
Stay here: You can experience Hallstatt on a day trip from Salzburg—as if you needed another excuse to book a repeat stay at Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel.
Carlvic Lim/UnsplashHatta, United Arab Emirates
Population: 12,200
It'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.
Stay here: One of the oldest hotels in the country, JA Hatta Fort is a literal oasis in the desert.
GettyIlulissat, Greenland
Population: 4,670
Greenland 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—visit in winter to avoid high hotel prices and swarms of mosquitoes.
Stay here: If you stay at Hotel Arctic, you can also book boat and helicopter tours (along with dog sled rides, walking tours through town, and more) directly through the concierge.
Fotoarstock/GettyIruya, Argentina
Population: 1,523
Want 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.
Stay here: The homey Hotel Iruya has a condor's-eye view of the mountains and spacious rooms.
Mlenny/GettyItchan Kala, Uzbekistan
Population: 2,610
Itchan 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.
Stay here: Grand Vizir Hotel is a perfectly comfortable hotel about a 5-minute walk outside of Itchan Kala, with a lovely lobby and city-facing balconies.
GettyKaikōura, New Zealand
Population: 2,330
Located 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.
Stay here: For the best views of your life, book a stay at the appropriately named Clifftop Cabins.
Douglas Holder/GettyKalk Bay, South Africa
Population: 700
Seafood 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.
Stay here: Up the Cape Peninsula, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is a striking mountainside property with plush interiors and lots of staff to warmly welcome you.
Greg Balfour Evans/AlamyKralendijk, Bonaire
Population: 3,061
While 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.
Stay here: Harbour Village Beach Club has two things every Bonaire hotel should have: a private beach and a five-star dive center.
AWL Images/GettyLamu, Kenya
Population: 25,385
Lamu 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 beach destinations in Africa—as a whole.
Stay here: Jua House, 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.
Janoka82/GettyLauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Population: 2,452
Take 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 used the Alpine town as inspiration for the fictional valley of Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings. 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.
Stay here: About an hour away in Bern, Hotel Bellevue Palace is a classic gem on the shores of Lake Geneva.
guenterguni/GettyLuang Prabang, Laos
Population: 55,027
This 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.
Stay here: Amantaka is perhaps the most luxurious property in the entire country, and it’s just a five-minute walk from Luang Prabang’s main thoroughfare.
wallix/GettyLüderitz, Namibia
Population: 12,537
If 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.
Stay here: Lüderitz Nest Hotel has been welcoming guests for 25 years with sea-facing rooms, a relaxing pool, and its own private tidal beach.
Tourism Nova Scotia/Acorn Art & PhotographyLunenburg, Canada
Population: 2,263
This colorful fishing village in Nova Scotia has travel-worthy seafood restaurants and a UNESCO-listed Old Town, which is recognized 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.
Stay here: As its name suggests, The Kitch’inn is all about tasty food—think lobster dinners, wine tastings, and throw pillows that say “Live, Laugh, Taco.”
Prisma by Dukas/GettyMandawa, India
Population: 23,335
Mandawa 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.
Stay here: For under $75 per night, you can get a palatial room, personalized meals, and impeccable service at Mandawa Kothi.
xavierarnau/GettyMoulay Idriss Zerhoun, Morocco
Population: 12,611
Famous 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.
Stay here: Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is about a 90-minute drive from Fez, so go ahead and splurge for a suite at Riad Fes, an award-winning, riad-style Relais & Châteaux property with incredible views of the Atlas Mountains.
Donyanedomam/GettyNavala, Fiji
Population: 1,000
Dotted with palm trees and backed by lush green mountains, Navala is a traditional Fijian village known for its bures (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.
Stay here: Nanuku Resort Fiji is a Readers’ Choice Award winner for six years running—understandable, given the resort’s luxe private residences and private coral reef.
Dalma Dioszegi/UnsplashNiagara-on-the-Lake, Canada
Population: 17,511
The town of Niagara-on-the-Lake—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.
Stay here: If Victorian decor (without being fuddy-duddy, we should add) is your thing, then Prince of Wales Hotel is the place for you. Expect plenty of floral wallpaper and afternoon tea services.
xeni4ka/GettyParaty, Brazil
Population: 43,680
Thanks 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.
Stay here: Most of the accommodations in town are small boutiques built into colonial homes—Paraty Casa Colonial is one of the best and most comfortable options.
Ruben Hutabarat/UnsplashPenglipuran, Indonesia
Population: 980
Penglipuran 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 penjor poles.
Stay here: Capella Ubud Bali—under an hour’s drive from Penglipuran—features luxe tents and an impossibly peaceful riverside location.
Eric Yang/GettyPort Fairy, Australia
Population: 3,742
In 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.
Stay here: Drift House is a lovely 5-star hotel with just six suites and an in-house restaurant serving up ultra-local dishes.
samael334/GettyPraiano, Italy
Population: 2,026
Lying along the iconic Amalfi Coast, Praiano has everything you’d hope to find in a coastal Italian town: 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.
Stay here: Unlike many grande dames of the Amalfi Coast, cliffside Casa Angelina is sleek and modern and serves up a mean limoncello-infused mojito.
DC_Colombia/GettyRáquira, Colombia
Population: 13,588
The 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.
Stay here: Speaking of colorful, the rainbow sherbet-hued facade of Casona 1865 will help you fully embrace the Crayola world you’ve stepped into.
Roman Kraft/UnsplashRothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Population: 10,930
Known 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 story book experience 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 best Christmas markets in the entire country.
Stay here: The location of Romantik Hotel Markusturm can’t be beat, and its wood-paneled restaurant and antique-filled rooms are a perfect representation of the cozy town.
CHUNYIP WONG/GettySai Kung, Hong Kong
Population: 11,927
Sai Kung is a small fishing village just northeast of central Hong Kong—easily one of our favorite day trips 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.
Stay here: Hong Kong has some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, including the flawless Rosewood Hong Kong—voted the city’s best property in our latest Readers’ Choice Awards.
Krisztian Tabori/UnsplashSapa, Vietnam
Population: 9,412
Far 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.
Stay here: Located about 45 minutes outside of town, Topas Ecolodge boasts a beautiful hilltop location and villas with private pools.
Linda Raymond/GettySayulita, Mexico
Population: 2,300
This 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.
Stay here: Conrad Punta de Mita 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.
Esteban Bernal/UnsplashSedona, Arizona
Population: 9,763
Set 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.
Stay here: A must-stay here is L’Auberge de Sedona, a favorite of our readers. The hotel is set in the heart of Red Rock Country, which means beauty abounds everywhere you look.
Natalia Timchenko/GettySidi Bou Said, Tunisia
Population: 5,911
Who 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.
Stay here: The ocean views and full-service spa at The Residence Tunis are reason enough to book a stay.
Walter Bibikow/GettySitka, Alaska
Population: 8,407
Sitka is widely considered the most beautiful town in Alaska, 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).
Stay here: Sitting on a private island just off Sitka’s shoreline, Talon Lodge & Spa is a luxury fishing lodge with spacious log cabins and a line-up of bookable adventure excursions.
NickolayV/GettySiwa, Egypt
Population: 25,000
This 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.
Stay here: Travel back in time at Adrère Amellal, which trades electricity for beeswax candles and air conditioning for a spring-fed swimming pool.
Visit Florida/Danny FulgencioSt. Augustine, Florida
Population: 14,581
St. 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 The Reef.
Stay here: For a good night’s sleep paired with deep history, book a room at Casa Monica Resort & Spa.
stockcam/GettyTepoztlán, Mexico
Population: 14,130
Tepoztlán is within day trip distance of Mexico City, but you may find yourself wanting to linger for a couple of days. The mountain town 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.
Stay here: Hotel Boutique Casa Fernanda is just a quick walk away from the center of Tepoztlán and invites guests to unwind with its beautiful gardens and private pool.
Brzozowska/GettyViñales, Cuba
Population: 27,129
While Havana is still one of the most beautiful cities in the world, 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.
Stay here: Cabaña Mía is a dreamy vacation rental with modern interiors, a porch with hammocks and sun loungers, and direct views of the valley.
4045/GettyZhouzhuang, China
Population: 22,000
Eastern 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.
Stay here: In Suzhou, join China’s elite at Tonino Lamborghini Boutique Hotel (owned by that Lamborghini family) to relax in massive rooms and sip cocktails while looking out over Jinji Lake.