Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — As travelers increasingly seek alternatives to bustling metropolises, smaller towns and rural areas are emerging as prime holiday destinations. British travel magazine Time Out has unveiled its list of the most beautiful small towns in the world for 2024, with one Indonesian village ‘Waerebo’ securing the second spot.
When planning a vacation, most travelers tend to gravitate toward well-known big cities and popular tourist hubs. However, many travel advisors now recommend exploring smaller towns and rural areas for a refreshing change of pace.
Beyond avoiding overcrowded tourist hotspots, venturing into lesser-known destinations offers a more authentic and immersive experience.
These remote locations not only boast breathtaking landscapes but also offer travelers an intimate glimpse into local culture and traditions, far from the chaos of urban life—a perfect escape for those craving tranquility.
Here are some Time Out magazine’s small town highlights across the world, as reported by Beautynesia:
1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Germany
Nestled in Bavaria, Rothenburg ob der Tauber looks like a town straight out of a fairy tale. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, visitors can explore timber-framed houses, cobblestone streets, ancient city walls, and vibrant castle gardens.
One of the must-visit spots here is the Medieval Crime Museum, Europe’s largest law and crime museum, showcasing historical cases and judicial artifacts.
2. Waerebo – Indonesia
Located in the Manggarai Regency on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Waerebo is a remote traditional village perched on a hilltop. According to local history, the ancestors of Waerebo villagers migrated from Minangkabau in Sumatra.
Waerebo is famous for its Mbaru Niang, traditional cone-shaped houses set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop and surrounded by lush forests. The villagers, primarily coffee farmers, have carefully preserved their ancestral customs and traditions.
Although reaching Waerebo requires a three-hour trek, the stunning views and cultural experience make it worth every step.
3. Sidi Bou Said – Tunisia
Just 20 kilometers from Tunis, the coastal town of Sidi Bou Said is a visual delight with its whitewashed buildings and blue-domed roofs. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this picturesque town offers stunning sea views and charming narrow streets.
A must-visit spot is Café des Délices, where visitors can savor traditional Tunisian cuisine while enjoying an unforgettable sunset over the sea.
4. Carmel-by-the-Sea – United States
Perched on California’s Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming coastal town brimming with European-style cottages, white sandy beaches, and vibrant art galleries.
Visitors can enjoy wine tasting, surfing, and exploring scenic coastal trails, or simply relax in one of the town’s storybook-like inns. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also home to some of California’s finest restaurants.
Read also: Sumba Become Tops Asia’s 2025 Travel Destinations List
5. Alberobello – Italy
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Alberobello in Puglia is renowned for its Trulli houses—circular limestone dwellings with conical stone roofs. These fairy-tale-like homes, adorned with flowering vines, line the narrow stone-paved streets of the village.
Often referred to as the “gnome village,” Alberobello transports visitors to a whimsical world of charming simplicity.
From Europe to Southeast Asia, these destinations remind travelers that beauty often lies in the quiet corners of the world, away from the spotlight of major cities.
(Raidi/Agung)
