August 14, 2026, 2:50 pm | Read time: 5 minutes

As fascinating as the highlights of major metropolises are, overtourism has its downsides. As a tourist, you quickly become both a perpetrator and a victim. After all, no one wants to contribute to making housing unaffordable or to popular destinations suffering from crowds. At the same time, no one wants to spend hours in line, visit overcrowded attractions, or pay through the nose for every little thing.

So, what to do? The answer seems simple: travel to places where tour buses don’t roll in every minute, planes don’t land every five minutes, and attractions aren’t besieged by crowds. However, few want to give up comfort, culture, and activities. After all, there are good reasons why cities like Rome, London, or Barcelona attract millions of visitors year after year.

This is where smaller, often underrated travel destinations come into play. They offer similar cultural highlights, historic old towns, or spectacular landscapes as their famous counterparts but remain significantly more relaxed.

Why the travel trend “Townsizing” offers more relaxation

Those who choose such alternatives often unknowingly follow a travel trend that now has a name: “Townsizing.” The term combines “downsizing,” meaning reducing, with the English word “town” for small town. Simply put, it means a smaller travel destination, a more relaxed vacation experience.

Of course, the formula can’t be applied universally. Not every small town is automatically more exciting than a big city. Rather, it’s about finding attractive alternatives to overcrowded metropolises that offer similar experiences but attract significantly fewer visitors.

The advantages are clear: fewer tourists often mean lower prices for accommodations, restaurants, and activities. At the same time, travelers often experience the destination more authentically. Instead of international chains, local cafes, owner-operated restaurants, and traditional shops shape the cityscape. If you’re lucky, you might even find it easier to chat with locals.

It’s not just the vacationer who benefits. The money more often ends up directly with local businesses, strengthening the region. And last but not least, the relaxation factor increases for many: less crowding, less sensory overload, less stress. That’s exactly what makes the appeal of a Townsizing vacation.

Townsizing in these hidden gem cities in Europe

For its ranking, the vacation rental portal HomeToGo analyzed its own statistics and search trends, as well as factors like cuisine, landscape, and leisure activities in Europe. Eight categories, including weather, hiking quality, and accommodation costs, were included in the evaluation.

First place for Sozopol in Bulgaria

At the top of the ranking is Sozopol on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The small town is picturesquely situated on a peninsula and delights with its characteristic wooden houses, historic alleys, and millennia-old history. Founded in the 6th century B.C., the town is home to numerous cultural and archaeological attractions.

In addition, there are hidden coves with fine sandy beaches and often calm waters. Those seeking a more relaxed alternative to the large resorts on the Black Sea will find the perfect mix of culture, coast, and tranquility in Sozopol.

Fourth place for Bacharach in Germany

A German destination also made it into the top 5 of the ranking. In fourth place is Bacharach in the Middle Rhine Valley. The small town is considered a charming alternative to well-known tourist magnets like Rothenburg ob der Tauber or Füssen and delights with half-timbered houses, winding alleys, and cobblestone squares.

While strolling through the historic old town, visitors can see attractions like the Old Post Yard, the Altkölnische Hall, and St. Peter’s Church. In the rustic wine taverns, visitors can sample the regional wines of the Middle Rhine before heading up to Stahleck Castle. From there, an impressive view of the Rhine Valley and the rooftops of the old town awaits.

Located directly on the Rhine, Bacharach is often referred to as the secret capital of Rhine Romanticism. Between vineyards, castles, and historic half-timbered houses, the small town exudes exactly the charm for which the region is known worldwide, yet it is not overly visited.

The 10 best hidden gem cities in Europe as a list

1. Sozopol, Bulgaria – Historic coastal town on the Black Sea
2. Beddgelert, Wales – Enchanting village in Snowdonia
3. Vogüé, France – Picture-perfect village on the Ardèche
4. Bacharach, Germany – Rhine Romanticism among vineyards
5. Potes, Spain – Medieval jewel in the mountains
6. Vianden, Luxembourg – Castle town like a fairy tale
7. Dinant, Belgium – Cultural city on the Meuse
8. Saaremaa, Estonia – Slow-paced island life
9. Bohinj Lake, Slovenia – Alpine idyll by the glacier lake
10. Chiavenna, Italy – Culinary destination with waterfalls