Travelers continue to show a growing interest in quiet destinations with searches up over 50% in the past year. For those looking to truly experience a destination and avoid some of the touristy areas, small towns can provide a peaceful alternative. From a historic Parish in Bermuda to a hidden gem in the Great Western Catskills, here are some of the best small towns to visit across the world.
Take a Break from your Hectic Itinerary with this Lakeside Italian Town
Located in the Italian province of Verona, Torri del Benaco is a quiet town situated on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. The lake, which is known for its crystal clear waters, is the largest in Italy spanning over 143 square miles. Torri del Benaco is a little middle age village, closed among the walls and the towers of the massive Scaligero castle (pictured). This small lakeside town is 81 miles east of Venice, close enough to offer travelers an escape from their often hectic itineraries for an overnight visit to a historic Italian village. Travelers can enjoy water sports, hiking trails, and mountain biking, during their visit to Torri del Benaco.
Where to Stay: Hotel Al Caminetto, WorldHotels Crafted, is an adults only 4-star hotel set five minutes from Lake Garda and at the feet of the Monte Baldo, a majestic mountain range. The hotel provides guests with a modern hospitality experience while remaining true to the local history of Torri del Benaco.
Visit St. George’s for a Small Town Island Getaway
Often overshadowed by Hamilton, which is Bermuda's capital and business hub — St. George’s provides travelers with a small town feel and true snapshot into the island’s culture. The parish is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest English settlement in the New World, with the cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, historic landmarks, such as St. Peter’s Church (the oldest Anglican church in the western hemisphere), and Fort St. Catherine. St. George’s is also home to a number of local artisans that continue to champion the local culture, including owner of bookstore Long Story Short Kristin White and owner of Lili Bermuda Perfumery owner Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone.
Where to Stay: The St. Regis Bermuda Resort; guests are welcomed to its beachside location right next to the fort. Inspired by the founding family of the St. Regis brand, the Astors, The St. Regis Bermuda Resort embodies the spirit with which the legendary Caroline Astor spent her summers. In fact, the Astors historic property is located just minutes from where the resort now stands.
Escape the City and Experience Upstate New York’s Quaint Community
Delaware County, also known as the Great Western Catskills, in upstate New York is known to be a quiet, peaceful getaway for city-dwellers, with its convenient location just a 2.5 hour drive away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. While most think of the Hudson Valley when they think of upstate New York, towns like Hudson, Beacon, and Cold Spring have become crowded, expensive and touristy. However, the Great Western Catskills, which is located just a little over an hour west from the Hudson Valley has everything city-escapers are seeking: quaint, locally-owned mom-and-pop shops and restaurants, panoramic lush mountainous landscapes, and community-forward events and festivals that make the region feel authentic and untouched. One of the region’s best qualities is its local produce and farm-fresh food. Farmers Markets are a Delaware County staple and are where local farmers go to show off their pure, clean food. The destination boasts a variety of quirky annual events to unite travelers and locals to get a taste of the best of the small region such as Annual Hancock Harvest Festival taking place October 11-12 or the Maple Shade Hootenanny from October 12-13. No matter the season, travelers can explore the region’s natural surroundings with skiing in the winter, boating in the summer, fly fishing in the spring and leaf-peeping hikes and bike rides in the fall, or enjoy countless history, arts and culture activities from museums to theater and more.
Where to Stay: The Andes Hotel - Known to be the most present building on Main Street, and the heartbeat of Andes, The Andes Hotel is more than just a hotel, but instead a fun and lively hangout spot for families and groups. Featuring an outdoor food and beer garden for guests to enjoy during the warmer weather, a revamped menu of tavern classics, and regular guest chefs, the property always has something exciting going on. Live music can be heard during the warmer months, and guests can enjoy close proximity to a variety of outdoor adventure activities. The rooms boast built-in bunk beds for kids and mudrooms for skis, helmets and other outdoor equipment.
Explore an Alpine Getaway in Switzerland’s Quaintest Town
About two hours outside of Zurich and easily accessible by train, Scuol, Switzerland is home to cobblestone streets, mountain scenery, natural water springs throughout town and authentic Engadine houses with sgraffito paintings. Travelers can take a tour of the mineral water springs with water sommelier Sabina Streiter, take the chair lift up the mountain and view the town from above or enjoy the public thermal baths at the Bogn Engiadina — waters that aristocrats, authors, and poets have been making pilgrimages to since the mid-1300s. Travelers will be able to hear a variety of languages spoken, the most notable being Romansch, Engadine's own ancient language that is still widely spoken today. Not too far from Scuol is the Swiss National Park (Switzerland’s first and only national park), home to 50 miles of trails and exciting wildlife.
Where to Stay: Hotel Belvedere; a family-run property, which has also been welcoming guests since 1876, offers a large experience in a small town with gourmet alpine dining, cozy rooms, and the use of three sister properties all connected by underground tunnels.
