12 of the most beautiful small towns around the world

Frank OlitoJul 16, 2020, 00:33 IST

Penglipuran, Indonesia.NYIMAS LAULA/ Reuters

Small towns all over the world can be just as interesting as major cities.
Sviyazhsk, Russia; St. Michaels, Maryland; and Positano, Italy, all offer residents and travelers picturesque landscapes on the water.
Barichara, Colombia; Banff in Alberta, Canada; and Karuizawa, Japan, all have sweeping views of mountainous landscapes.

All over the world, cities like Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Bogota overshadow smaller places that have just as much charm.

While Karuizawa, Japan, and Barichara, Colombia, might not be at the top of everyone's travel bucket lists, they have quaint streets, breathtaking landscapes, and fascinating histories.

Here are 12 small towns and villages that are among the most beautiful in the world.

Barichara is widely considered one of Colombia's most beautiful small towns.

Barichara, Colombia. John Coletti/Getty Images

Although Karuizawa, Japan, is located near an active volcano, the small town is known as a romantic retreat.

Karuizawa, Japan. John S Lander / Getty

The town of Ancud on Chiloé Island in Chile has colorful homes that line the water's edge.

Chiloé Island, Chile. MARTIN BERNETTI / Getty

Banff in Alberta is a resort town nestled in Canada's snowy Rocky Mountains.

Banff, Canada. George Rose / Getty

Positano, Italy, hugs the Amalfi Coast, offering residents sweeping views of the sea.

Positano, Italy. DEA / M. BORCHI / Getty

In Russia, Sviyazhsk is a small island town with dozens of historic sites.

Sviyazhsk, Russia. Stanislav Krasilnikov / Getty

Old Town in Chefchaouen, Morocco, is completely painted in a soothing blue.

Chefchaouen, Morocco. Yuriko Nakao / Getty

Hallstatt, Austria, is located in the picturesque Salzkammergut region, which is known for its mountain views.

Hallstatt, Austria. Picture Alliance/ Getty

Bardstown, Kentucky, has been named America's most beautiful small town.

Bardstown, Kentucky. Shutterstock

Bibury has been described as the most beautiful village in England.

Bibury, England. iLongLoveKing/Shutterstock

Penglipuran, Indonesia, is famous for its gardens and for being one of the cleanest places in the world.

Penglipuran. Education Images / Getty

St. Michaels, Maryland, has been named one of the best coastal small towns in the US because of its charm.

St. Michaels, Maryland. Shutterstock

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