16 Idyllic Mountain Villages To Enhance Your European Adventures

17.03.2024.

Travelling to European mountains can be recharging while surrounded by picturesque scenery. The allure speaks by itself whether it’s an epic Dolomites, Austrian Alps or Spanish white pueblos. For enthusiastic hikers, these charming villages mean fantastic beginnings that is difficult to omit.

Nestled in the lush valleys, they can add the joy of ski towns in Europe or blooming paradise in spring. Some of these villages are a fantastic source of inspiration to choose your European hiking destination. In this post, I collaborated with more than a dozen amazing bloggers to unveil the serene charm of the European villages.

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Santa Maddalena, Dolomites, Italy- contributed by myself

Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes is the feast for the photographers with its marvelous views. The impressive rocks that stretch behind the soft hills are the mountain paradise to visit. As the historic Santa Maddalena church offers the best photo spots in the village, this can be your starting point.

Such a panoramic treasure like Val di Funes lead to the stunning Puez-Odle Nature Park. Among the popular hiking trails, The Adolf Munkel Trail or Tullen Summit burst with stunning images of nature.

Except for Santa Maddalena Church, San Giovanni Church in the adjacent Ranui is very popular. Surrounded by the gorgeous mountains, you need to pay a small fee to enter the church territory and a meadow.

How to reach & where to stay

This tiny village is home to about 370 people, located close to the enchanting town of Bressanone. With the bus from Bressanone, it’s only a 40-minute ride and thus excellent as a day trip.

If you’re staying in Bressanone, I would suggest Ostello di Bressanone or Hotel Jarolim with a lovely garden in the pure center. In Santa Maddalena Fallerhof or Hotel Fines are budget-friendly options with a serene atmosphere.

Cembra, Italy- contributed by Lavina from Continent Hop

Cembra is a postcard-perfect village in northern Italy where rolling vineyards and manor houses welcome you to experience the rural charm. 

There is a Gothic-style Chiesa di San Pietro around the village centre. This historic church is a must-visit when you are in Cembra. You can also take vineyard tours, enjoy wine tasting, go for bike trips, or opt for leisurely hiking in and around Cembra. There are several villages in this region, and spending a few days in picturesque Valle Di Cembra is highly recommended. 

How to reach & where to stay

The nearest airport to Cembra is Valerio Catullo Airport in Caselle Province of Verona, around 90 kilometres away. But, it may not have connectivity with several cities. The best way to reach Cembra from Venice is to hire a taxi or drive a car, which is only 180 kilometres away

Stay at Agriturismo Le Cavade, as this farm stay offers mountain views and is the perfect place to soak in the beauty of one of the best mountain villages in town.

Sonogno, Switzerland- contributed by Zoe from Together in Switzerland

For a picturesque, hidden gem of a village in Ticino Switzerland, make your way to explore the village of Sonogno. Located up the Verzasca valley, the village of Sonogno is a photographer’s paradise with historical stone houses. The village also has cobblestone pathways and is surrounded by the local Ticino Swiss Alps. 

Sonogno as a village is very small, with a little museum about the Verzasca valley, a few little shops (with handmade gifts) and a few restaurants. If you want to try something local, stop at Enoteca Redorta for a drink and enjoy local produce like cold meats, cheese and wine. 

It’s also a great starting place for hiking, such as with a 20 minute easy flat hike to the 70 meter high La Froda waterfall. Or to head back down the Verzasca valley following the river hike, perfect on a warm sunny day between the trees. 

Where to stay

If you wish to stay, there’s quite a few little holiday homes for rent via local websites. One suggestion is to stay at Rustico “Ai Ticc” to experience what it’s also like to sleep in a rustic stone house. 

For more great Ticino villages like Sonogno, get inspired with our full Ticino Villages post here. 

Evolene, Switzerland- contributed by Juan from Planet of Adventures

Voted as the prettiest village in Switzerland in 2012,  Evolène a stunning mountain village located in the Val d’Herens. 

In Evolene, you will find beautiful medieval houses against an incredible mountainous backdrop. This is now one of my favourite European destinations! 

The route between Evolène and the nearby Les Haudères is considered one of the most beautiful trails in the Valais region. If you do the walk, you can go for lunch either at Restaurant Le Refuge in Evolène or Les Melezes in Les Haudères, both known for their local specialities.

How to reach & where to stay

You can visit either by public transport or car and make a trip to Evolène either during the winter or summer as the region has plenty to offer year-round.

If you decide to make it a weekend trip there are a handful of hotels in the area but you can also stay at one of the traditional chalets or restored old barns that now serve as cosy BnBs.

Götzens, Austria- contributed by Cosette from KarsTravels

Götzens is a small village in a valley in Austria, close to Innsbruck. The village is surrounded by mountains. It’s worth a visit year round. Because the mountains are beautiful either covered in snow, with spring flowers or just to escape the warmth during summer.

The village is perfect as a base to go on hikes in Götzens in the mountains and surrounding villages. If you don’t want to explore the mountains on foot, then go mountain biking. In town there are Mitterhöfe, farms dating from the 17th and 18th century, which have beautifully decorated facades.  

How to reach & where to stay

Götzens is 7 kilometers away from Innsbruck. You can take the bus to Götzens from Innsbruck. Innsbruck can be reached by train or plane.

Clubhotel Götzens is a perfect place to stay at.

Bad Gastein, Austria- contributed by Lisi from Escaping Worlds

Bad Gastein is a mountain village in the Austrian Alps. It was a well known tourist destination back in the 50s and 60s. You can still see the fascinating history of the village while walking through the historical part. 

Enjoy the unique atmosphere and the Belle Epoque architecture while winding your way through the streets. The Waterfall Trail brings you close to the impressive waterfall. Take in the magnificent scenery! If you are looking for relaxation Bad Gastein offers ideal activities: the thermal bath “Felsentherme” and the unique “Heilstollen”. The latter is a natural steam bath inside the mountain.

How to reach & where to stay

You can reach Bad Gastein from Salzburg, it is a 1 hour 30 minute train ride. In Bad Gastein you will find a variety of accommodations.

The Auhof Apartments are modern furnished apartments that offer everything you need for a relaxing vacation in a mountain village.  

Abondance, France- contributed by Ulysse from Slow Sight Slow- Slow Travel Blog

When visiting the French Alps, the village of Abondance is a must-see. A detour there rewards you with fantastic mountain views, mouthwatering cheese specialities, and a rich cultural heritage.

Abondance can be visited year-round, but the seasons are drastically different. If you like snowy landscapes and winter sports, December to February are for you. But, if you prefer blossoming and green landscapes, coupled with outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling, you should go there from April to September. 

The best things to do in Abundance are enjoy the mountains and nature, try as much local cheese as you can (also called Abondance), stroll through the traditional French Alpine house style, and immerse in the relaxing local lifestyle, making it a perfect destination for Slow Travel. 

How to reach

The best way to get to Abondance is by car. This small village is located 30 km from Thonon les Bains or 90 km from Chamonix. However, if you don’t have a car, you can still take the local bus leaving from Thonon les Bains or Evian les Bains for 3,5€ per person.

Bejes, Cantabria, Spain- contributed by Sofia from Come Ama Viaja

The Picos de Europa is one of the most incredible nature destinations in Spain. This mountainous massif is located in the north of the country and is divided between León, Asturias, and Cantabria. In its interior, beautiful mountains and charming villages await you.

A village not so well known, probably because of its remote location between mountains but well worth a visit, is Bejes, belonging to Cantabria. But it is precisely its location that makes Bejes such an interesting and special place.

How to reach & where to stay

Bejes is located in the region of Liébana, at an altitude of 582 meters, and only has 60 residents. Just the drive to Bejes is an experience, but once you get to the village, be sure to get lost in its charming streets. In addition, you must taste the famous cheese that is made there, the Queso Picón Bejes-Tresviso. Bejes is also a popular destination for climbing enthusiasts.

If you want to spend the night in this wonderful natural environment, the hotel Pico San Carlos II is a great option.

Monsanto, Portugal, contributed by Travels off the Cuff

Known as the “most Portuguese village in Portugal”, Monsanto is a charming village perched on top of a hill. Its unique for the enormous boulders scattered across the landscape.

These massive stones are amazing on their own. But, they’re made even more impressive by how they’ve been incorporated into the village, forming walls, roofs and parts of people’s homes.

Enjoy exploring the village, wandering through the narrow streets and admiring the granite houses built amongst the boulders.

Head up to the castle ruins at the top of the hill for panoramic views of the Portuguese countryside. In the evening the village becomes quieter, so unwind in an authentic restaurant with a glass of wine and amazing views.

Find more awesome places in Portugal in this Portugal travel guide.

How to reach & where to stay

We stayed in the Casa Do Castello hotel. It’s a beautiful rustic hotel, with stunning views of the countryside below.

Monsanto is about a 3-hour drive from Lisbon. Take the A1 and A23 motorways, then follow the N239 to Monsanto.

Unfortunately it’s difficult to access via public transport. Take the train to Castelo Branco (3 hours from Lisbon) and a bus (one hour). Buses aren’t regular, so plan ahead.

Monchique, Portugal- contributed by Marga from Discover Portugal

The Algarve is a well-known beach holiday destination in Portugal, but did you know there are some amazing mountain villages as well? Monchique is one of these amazing places, located in the mountain range Serra de Monchique. There are many hiking trails around the villages, and you can climb to the highest peak, Mount Fóia, which is 902 meters (2959 feet) high.

Monchique doesn’t have any famous sights, but the atmosphere and tiny streets are what bring tourists to this off-the-beaten-path location. Besides, Caldas De Monchique is known for its thermal waters, making this village the perfect place to relax!

How to reach & where to stay

Monchique is only a 45-minute drive from Lagos and Portimão, so a day trip is easy to organise. You can combine it with visiting towns like Silves and Aljezur or even join a Medronho tasting (aguardiente).

If you can’t get enough of the thermal baths and spa treatments, you can book a few nights at the Vila Termal das Caldas De Monchique spa resort.

Kalambaka, Meteora, Greece- contributed by Shweta from Zest in A Tote

Kalambaka or Kalabaka is a mountain village built at the feet of Meteora. This mountain town is a destination rich in history with many important monuments to visit. 

Kalambaka got internationally famous due to the stunning natural landscape and the Meteora Monasteries that look suspended in air. 

Of the 6 active Meteora monasteries, the Great Meteoron is the largest one. The others are Varlaam, St Nicholas Anapausas, St. Stephens, Holy Trinity, and Rousanou. Meteora is also a haven for adventure lovers. You can find hiking trails all over this landscape for all difficulties. Plus there is rock climbing for both beginners and pros, and cycling.

Where to stay

Kalambaka is your best choice for visiting Meteora for an overnight stay. The town has nice hotels, I recommend Hotel Theatro for a pleasant stay. It is also a haven for backpackers and offers modern campings with plenty of restaurants, tavernas and shops.

Lofou, Cyprus- contributed by Mal from Renting A Car In Europe 101

If you’re looking to experience traditional Cypriot village life, Lofou is a perfect destination. Tucked into the hills of the Limassol district, this charming village is known for its cobbled streets and stone-built houses. It’s about an hour’s drive from Paphos and just over an hour from Larnaca. Since renting a car in Cyprus is very affordable, driving is the easiest way to get there.

One of the highlights of Lofou is the Panagia Chrysolofitissa, a beautifully preserved church at the heart of the village. You can also visit the Olive Press Museum to learn about Cyprus’ olive oil heritage. And, if you’re a craft beer enthusiast, stop by Lofou Microbrewery. A visit wouldn’t be complete without sitting in a traditional taverna, sipping fresh orange juice, and enjoying homemade Cypriot dishes.

Where to stay

If you have more time, the surrounding hills offer great hiking trails with panoramic views. Oinoessa Traditional Boutique is a cosy and charming accommodation option for a longer stay.  

Glencoe, Scotland- contributed by Jess from The Uprooted Traveler

Glencoe is a small village, nestled in the Scottish Highlands. The town is known for its impossibly green mountains, plentiful waterfalls, and pristine lochs that dot its landscape. 

Glencoe is a paradise for outdoor lovers, regardless of skill level. For example, you can drive right up to The Meeting of Three Waters, a beautiful waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff. For something a bit more intense, consider hitting An Torr, a beloved hike that takes you to a beautiful viewpoint of the surrounding mountains and the historic Signal Rock, which once served as a meeting spot for the MacDonald Clan. 

Glencoe is also great for another kind of traveler—Harry Potter fans! The aforementioned An Torr hike passes by the filming location of Hagrid’s Hut from one of the films. And, if you’re looking for an even more bucketlist worthy experience, you can hop on the nearby Jacobite Express. This train line  uses the exact same model and type of vintage engine and cars as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter film series and passes by many famous filming locations, including the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. 

For a cozy home away from home, book a room at Riverbeds Luxury Wee Lodges. This glamping option offers adorable tiny cabins with private hot tubs, overlooking a rushing river. 

Glendalough, Ireland- contributed by Amber from Amber Everywhere

Nestled in the Wicklow Mountains an hour’s drive from Dublin, Glendalough is a dream for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. The hike around the Upper Lake offers breathtaking views, winding past ancient woodlands and dramatic cliffs. You can also visit the adjacent 6th-century monastic site, with round towers and historical stone churches.

How to reach & where to stay

When in Wicklow, rent a car for flexibility; public transport is limited.

For a cozy stay, book Heather House in nearby Laragh. It’s a charming retreat with comfortable rooms and warm hospitality. On-site, the Wicklow Heather pub serves hearty Irish fare in a rustic, antique-filled setting. After a day of exploring, nothing beats unwinding by the pub’s roaring fire.

Glendalough is pure magic—an escape into Ireland’s wild beauty.

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