Is a trip around Europe in your plans for this summer? Then this ranking is for you: here you will find the 10 most beautiful small towns in Europe, according to the travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler. And Portugal comes out on top, because the most beautiful of all the small towns is Guimarães, the charming Portuguese town whose historic centre has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
Travelling through Europe will be the holiday of choice for many travellers this summer. And besides the largest and best known cities like Rome, Paris or London, there is a lot to see and discover on European soil. There is no end to the charms of the old continent, starting in Portugal which, as well as being home to Europe's most beautiful small town, also has some of Europe's best beaches according to European Best Destinations.
So, why is Guimarães worth visiting? The town is often considered the birthplace of Portugal because Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was born there, giving the town the name, the "cradle of the nation". Guimarães is widely known as one of the finest historic cities in northern Portugal, with top attractions including the Castle of Guimarães, and is the perfect place for a weekend break in Portugal.
So, if you're undecided about your destinations, perhaps this ranking of the most beautiful small towns and cities in Europe, by Condé Nast Traveler, will help you decide:
1. Guimarães, Portugal
2. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
3. Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
4. Eguisheim, France
5. Bled, Slovenia
6. Mdina, Malta
7. Ronda, Spain
8. Ribe, Denmark
9. Portree, Scotland
10. Praiano, Italy
Wages in Portugal 2025: average salary, minimum pay and a good income
The average gross monthly salary per employee in Portugal increased in the second quarter of 2025, according to the Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE). A report released on 14th August, which covers 4.8 million jobs, provides a detailed picture of the nation's wage landscape, revealing significant variations across different sectors of the economy.
Portugal airport strikes from September to January 2026
Just days after strikes planned for August were cancelled, a new wave of industrial action is set to disrupt travel across Portugal from September 2025 to January 2026. The stoppages are planned to occur in alternating periods targeting critical travel windows such as long weekends, Christmas, and New Year.
Fibre optic rollout strengthens digital equality in inland Portugal
Fibre optic multiplexers will be installed in over 8,700 buildings across the Trás-os-Montes region, bringing high-speed internet to around 32,600 households in this part of the country.
Portuguese wildfires: national alert extended as blazes spread
Portugal is grappling with a series of devastating wildfires that have swept across multiple regions. As emergency services contend with numerous active fronts, official figures show the blazes have already consumed over 140,000 hectares of land. The escalating crisis has prompted the government to request international assistance to bolster firefighting efforts.
Portugal airport strikes cancelled – summer flights to Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Madeira back to normal
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal this summer, there’s good news: the planned airport strikes have been cancelled, ensuring smoother travel for passengers flying to or from the country.
Discover the Algarve's most beautiful fishing villages
What is the most beautiful village in the Algarve? We're about to find out as we explore the Algarve's most beautiful fishing villages – authentic coastal gems where tradition meets natural beauty.
Living in Tomar: life in the Templar city
Tomar feels as if it’s been plucked from a medieval epic and set down gently on the banks of the Nabão River. Located in the Santarém district, about 140km northeast of Lisboa, the magnificent Convento de Cristo might dominate the skyline, but daily life unfolds at a much more human pace down below. With a population of around 43,000 in the municipality, it has the feel of a proper town without the anonymity of a major city. Getting to grips with living in Tomar means understanding this bala