Small-scale charm in six must-see towns

In the middle of mountains, on the side of some little traveled road and far from big cities, there is small towns which are, in many cases, a hidden treasurea great alternative to the typical tourist routes.

There are countless pueblos that surprise with their wealth: medieval buildings, colorful crop fields or impressive natural postcards between lakes, rivers, forests or beaches.

Here, a small selection of six towns from different parts of the world that look like something out of a movie.

And that, in addition to that attraction, they have in common the title of “Best Tourist Towns” awarded every year. ONU Turismo in recognition of its architectural styles, its natural resources and its commitment to the environment.

Colors, nature and unique views. This town in Japan, in the Hokkaido prefecture – and, partly, within the Daisetsuzan National Park – was kept a secret among photography fans for years. After recognition by UN Tourism, it has managed to capture the interest of more travelers.

In Biei stands out the Blue Pond, a lake of a particular color that changes tone depending on the time of year. Its intense blue is believed to be due to the colloidal aluminum hydroxide that occurs naturally in water. Larch and silver birch grow in the lake.

But there are many more colors in Biei, because in spring and summer, the fields of lavender, sunflowers, poppies, cosmos and purple sage create a floral landscape only. Farmers divide the land for different types of crops, creating a kind of colorful mosaic. With the permission of the producers, you can take a walk among some flowery fields.

Winter also has its charm, because the town is covered with snow and snowmobile or buggy rides are offered.

Cradle of the traditional Chilean drink and one of the places with the best sky for astrotourism. This town located in the Coquimbo region, 1,300 meters above sea level, has maintained the designation of origin of pisco since 1931, which constitutes one of its main tourist attractions.

The town houses the distillery oldest from Chile, Los Nichos, as well as other artisanal and recognized brands. The wineries have organic vineyards and some of the highest altitude plantations in Chile. Both wineries and distilleries offer guided tours and tastings.

On the other hand, with an average of 300 clear nights a year, Pisco Elqui is an ideal destination for astrotourism. Thanks to the climatic conditions and little pollution, this region concentrates nearly 50% of Chile’s astrotourism offering, and has 14 tourist and 5 scientific observatories.

A romantic destination on the shores of the Mediterranean. This charming Ligurian town offers a temperate climate, natural landscapes and vast cultural wealth. It fascinates with its narrow streets, the staircases that reveal the old urban fabric and a 13th century castle.

Other iconic buildings are the oratory of San Rocco and the church of San Francesco, from the 17th century.

To take into account: along the route that leads to Tellaro there is a stretch of coast of great environmental value, with seabeds full of vegetation. It is the Caletta archaeological underwater park, an ideal place to bathe and discover the remains of an ancient Roman commercial vessel.

The town is also an important Cultural centerwith events such as the Lerici Music Festival, the Lerici Pea Golfo dei Poeti literary prize, the “Lerici lee el mar” festival, the Lerici LibrAria literature festival and, in Verano, the Lerici Live.

It is characterized by its traditional architecture, with colorful houses and flower-filled balconies, and offers stunning views. Not only because it is one of the 51 municipalities located within the Coffee Cultural Landscape, a World Heritage Site, but because it is located on the top of a hill, from where you can get unique postcards.

A must-see is the viewpoint Illuminated Hilla 27-meter-high crown-shaped wooden structure with several observation platforms, from which you can see other towns in the region and the spectacular peaks of the Colombian Andes to the west.

He is also very famous Barbas Bremen Natural Regional Parkwhich protects the Andean rainforest and local fauna such as howler monkeys, sloths, agoutis and many birds, including the endemic Caucan guan.

As in the neighboring town of Salento, in the main square there is a large collection of jeepsthe vehicle that coffee producers choose to travel through the mountains, and that visitors can rent to tour the place.

To take a typical memory In this destination you have to meet the weavers at the “del Bejuco al Canasto” Interpretation Center: they turn native plant fibers into beautiful decorations and baskets.

with a facade medieval, its architectural heritage was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1965. The Bishops’ Castle is an emblem of the town and was built after the Arab invasion, in the 8th century. It now operates as a Paradores chain hotel.

The Saint Mary’s Cathedral It is also a must-see. Its construction dates back to 1130 and its external appearance is that of a medieval fortress, with two bell towers. Inside it houses the tomb of Martín Vázquez de Arce, knight of the order of Santiago and known as El Doncel de Sigüenza.

In front of the Cathedral is the Main Squarewhich in summer is filled with tables to have a drink, and the Town Hall, whose interior invites you to visit a 15th century cloister.

In a region where there are three protected natural areas (Río Dulce Natural Reserve, Río Salado Site of Community Interest and Río Salado Marsh Microreserve), Sigüenza is ideal for lovers of nature. adventure Turism. You can practice hiking, climbing, canoeing and caving.

Few know about Sirince, a town in Smyrna surrounded by the ancient city of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, the House of Virgin Mary, the famous Nesin Math Village and also popular destinations such as Kuşadası and Pamukkale.

The stone streets that wind between olive trees, vines and orange trees, and the characteristic white Greek-style houses, attract mostly local visitors.

Los fruity wines and the olive oil They are the typical products of the place. The town’s small bazaar has numerous tasting houses, as well as handmade soaps, molasses, honey, jam, souvenirs and clothing.

In front of the town square there is a popular cafeteria that is characterized by its Turkish coffee prepared in hot sand. It is also advisable to visit the Hagia Irini and Hagia Dimitri churches and the restaurants in traditional mansions.