Backpacking is a unique experience that allows us to discover new places and cultures in a more economical and flexible way. If you are thinking about going on a backpacking trip through Europe, this article is for you.

In this article, we present you a list of the most beautiful towns in Europe that you should visit if you are backpacking. These towns offer a wide variety of tourist attractions, from stunning natural landscapes to charming medieval streets.

We also give you some practical tips to make your backpacking trip as pleasant as possible.

Related : Learn to pack your suitcase like a professional and forget about stress!

Why do we like backpacking?

Backpacking is a way of traveling that allows us to see the world in a more authentic and close way. When backpacking, we are forced to adapt to circumstances, make friends from all over the world, and experience the local culture firsthand.

Some of the places we like to travel as backpackers are:

1. Freedom and flexibility: Traveling with a backpack allows you to be flexible in your itinerary and make decisions on the fly. You don't have to worry about strict schedules.
2. Budget Friendly: Backpacking tends to be cheaper than traditional travel options. You can save on accommodation and eat at local places.
3. Connection with local culture: By being more exposed to the local culture, you have the opportunity to meet the local people and experience the authenticity of each destination. It also allows us to meet people from all over the world.
4. Adventure and discovery: Loading your backpack and venturing off the beaten track can lead to unique discoveries and unforgettable experiences. It helps us develop our adventurous spirit.

Practical tips for when we travel backpacking

If you are thinking about backpacking, here are some practical tips to help you prepare for your trip:

• Plan your itinerary in advance. This will help you save time and money.
• Research the destinations you are going to visit. This will help you know what to see and do in each place.
• Pack Light: Carry only the essentials. The rule of thumb is that your backpack does not weigh more than 10-15% of your body weight.
• Learn some basic phrases of the local language. This will help you communicate with local people.
• Open your mind to new experiences. Backpacking is a great opportunity to learn and grow.
• Save on accommodation: Consider staying in hostels, guest houses or campsites to save money.
• Travel light on technology: Limit the number of electronic devices and charge your devices before leaving. An external battery is useful for emergencies.
• Security: Keep your valuables safe and use locks for your backpack and lockers in the hostels.
• Take care of your health: Carry a basic first aid kit and make sure you have access to medical care in case of emergency.

Related : Get cheaper flights to start your backpacking adventure with these tips!

Little towns in Europe to travel backpacking

Europe is a continent with great cultural and natural wealth. On this continent, we can find towns of all types, from picturesque medieval towns to coastal towns with paradisiacal beaches.

Below, we present a list of the most beautiful towns in Europe that you should visit if you are backpacking:

Tossa de Mar, Spain

• Population: 6,394 inhabitants

Tossa de Mar, on Spain's Costa Brava, is a fishing village that combines golden beaches with a stunning medieval old town. Walking through its cobblestone streets and exploring the 12th-century castle is like taking a step back in time.

Portree, United Kingdom

• Population: 2,676 inhabitants

Portree is the main town on the Isle of Skye, in Scotland. Its vibrantly colored houses lined up in front of the port and its mountainous landscape make it an unforgettable destination for nature lovers.

Oia, Greece

• Population: 1,500 inhabitants

Located on the island of Santorini, Oia is famous for its iconic white houses and blue domes. Enjoy stunning views of the Aegean Sea and spectacular sunsets.

Bled, Slovenia

• Population: 4,952 inhabitants

Lake Bled, with its island and castle, is a hidden gem in Central Europe. You can take a traditional "pletna" boat ride to the island and enjoy a bledska cream cake at the local cafe.

Portofino, Italy

• Population: 497 inhabitants

Portofino, on the Italian Riviera, is a picturesque port surrounded by pine-covered hills and pastel-colored houses. It is an elegant and relaxing destination for backpackers.

Cadaques, Spain

• Population: 2,888 inhabitants

Cadaqués, on the Catalan Costa Brava, is a fishing village with a unique charm. Salvador Dalí used to live here, and his house-museum is a must-see.

Rocamadour, France

• Population: 767 inhabitants

Rocamadour is a stunning medieval town built on limestone cliffs. It is a religious pilgrimage site and offers spectacular panoramic views.

Folegandros, Greece

• Population: 6,424 inhabitants

Folegandros is a quiet and picturesque Greek island in the Aegean Sea. Its hidden beaches and picturesque towns will transport you to a world of relaxation.

Manarola, Italy

• Population: 365 inhabitants

Part of the Cinque Terre, Manarola is famous for its colorful seaside houses and scenic trails. It is a paradise for hiking lovers.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

• Population: 10,723 inhabitants

Rothenburg is a perfectly preserved medieval town on Germany's Romantic Road. Its cobblestone streets and half-timbered buildings are a visual delight.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Population: 120,000 inhabitants

Mostar is known for its iconic Stari Most bridge, which rises over the Neretva River. It is a place where eastern and western cultures meet.

Mont Saint-Michel, France

• Popular ation:44 inhabitants

Mont Saint-Michel is a rocky island topped by a medieval abbey in Normandy. The high tide surrounds it, creating a stunning landscape.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

• Population: 13,000 inhabitants

Český Krumlov is a jewel of medieval architecture in the Czech Republic. Its castle and old town are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Annecy, France

• Population: 53,000 inhabitants

Annecy, known as the "Venice of the Alps", is famous for its canals, colorful houses and Lake Annecy, which offers water activities.

Sintra, Portugal

• Population: 35,000 inhabitants

Sintra is a city located in the Lisbon region, Portugal. The city is known for its Sintra National Palace, an 18th-century palace that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sibiu, Romania

• Population: 146,000 inhabitants

Sibiu is a city located in Transylvania, Romania. The city is known for its medieval architecture, which is one of the best preserved in Europe.

Wengen, Switzerland

• Population: 3,000 inhabitants

Wengen is a Swiss alpine village with stunning views of the Jungfrau mountains. It is a paradise for winter sports and hiking enthusiasts.

Hallstatt, Austria

• Population: 7,800 inhabitants

Wengen is a town located in the Bernese Alps, Switzerland. The village is a popular destination for winter sports and is known for its beautiful landscapes.

Giethoorn, Netherlands

• Population: 2,600 inhabitants

Giethoorn is a hidden gem in the Netherlands, known as the "Venice of the North" due to its canals and picturesque thatched houses.

Colmar, France

• Population: 70,000 inhabitants

Colmar, in the Alsace region, is famous for its fairytale architecture and romantic atmosphere. It is a fairy tale destination in real life.

Related: These are the essentials before embarking on any trip, don't miss them!

Europe is full of hidden treasures, and these towns are just a small sample of what you can discover when you backpack. The combination of history, natural beauty and authenticity that these places offer makes them ideal destinations for those seeking unique experiences. So why wait? Pack your backpack, book your ticket and embark on an adventure that will take you to explore Europe's best kept secrets.

Which of these towns would you like to visit first?

During this summer my girlfriend and I took the opportunity to take a quick trip to an incredible country, Ireland. Surely there are people who might have the belief that the most important thing to see in this country is its capital, Dublin, but it is much more than that. There are around 3,000 castles or fortifications on the entire island alone, which gives us an idea of all the places that can be visited on this wonderful island.

What places to visit in Ireland?

Some of the most important places that you should not miss on your visit to Ireland are the following:

Belfast

Belfast is located in Northern Ireland, this city being the capital of the country. Although it may not sound very familiar to you, the city of Belfast is a highly recommended place to visit. Belfast has a history marked by armed conflict between Republicans and Unionists, which has left its mark on the murals of both factions.

One of the best-known attractions in the city is the Titanic museum, since this ship was built there. Another very interesting visit is Belfast Castle, on the outskirts of the city.

Giant's causeway

It is the most famous tourist destination and therefore the most visited in Northern Ireland. Its landscape is impossible to forget, it was formed due to the expulsion of lava from active volcanoes millions of years ago. By the time the lava was ejected and came into contact with the sea, it cooled rapidly, solidifying and creating its unusual basalt structure in the form of columns and geometric rocks.

The legend told by the inhabitants of the place is that there was a battle between two giants who lived in Northern Ireland and Scotland. Due to this battle, huge stones were thrown at each other that generated the famous causeway.

Dublin

It is surely the best known city on the entire island of Ireland, this being the capital of the Republic of Ireland. Some of the places that you cannot miss in this city are Dublin Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Protestant Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Trinity College and for beer lovers the most important of all, the brewery. Guinness and Temple Bar.

Dublin is a busy city with plenty to do, you certainly won't be disappointed.

Wicklow National Park

Wicklow National Park is another place you should not miss on your visit to Ireland. It has more than 20,000 hectares of meadows and mountains with forests, peat bogs and lakes that constitute the habitat of a great diversity of native animals such as deer, red foxes, wild goats and badgers. Another of the tourist attractions within the national park is the Glendalough Monastery, founded in the 6th century, being one of the first Catholic religious centers on the island.

Galway

It is the quintessential town if you plan to visit the Cliffs of Moher and an excellent base if you plan to visit the east side of the island. But not only that, it is a picturesque city with a large number of young people, so the nights can be very lively. It also has relaxing canals to walk around and an elegant cathedral.

From this city it is also possible to visit one of the best known castles in Ireland, Dunguaire Castle.

Connemara

Connemara is a cultural region located in the west of Ireland that includes a wide peninsula. It has a large number of lakes and landscapes that can only be imagined in fairy tales. There are mountain trails for trekking between these bucolic hills populated almost exclusively by sheep. One of the quintessential places to visit in the area is Kylemore Abbey. Originally it was built between 1863 and 1868 with the function of being a residential castle and hence the spectacularity of the complex. From 1920 it was occupied by Benedictine nuns, although since 2010 it has been closed and only the gardens can be visited.

 Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are the most important natural attraction in Ireland.

What are the Cliffs of Moher or the Cliffs of Moher?

It is without a doubt the most important attraction in Ireland and one of the most famous images of the island. These cliffs have an extension of around 12 kilometers and a maximum height of 214 meters. They are located to the west of the island facing the Atlantic Ocean, it has eight capes and almost vertical black walls, which despite not being the highest in Europe, provide it with great spectacularity.

How to get to the Cliffs of Moher?

There are several ways to get there, either by car, by bus through a tour, public bus or walking along the coast.

• Car. This is the cheapest option if there are several people on the trip, in addition to the obvious comfort it represents. Remember they drive on the left and drive on the right. Important point that should not go unnoticed.
• Bus tour. There are tours that go to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway and also from Dublin. Leaving from Dublin it will take you longer to get there, so you won't have enough time to enjoy the scenery.
• Public bus. Doolin and the visitor center itself can be reached from Galway or Limerick by the Bus Eireann public buses on lines 050, 423 and 337.
• You can take a hiking route to reach the cliffs starting from the city of Doolin, which is the closest city to this attraction. There are around 7 kilometers of route and around two hours walking.

What was my experience?

This was my first time visiting Ireland, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. We decided to plan a little before the trip since we were going to the island for a few days, what we had to see at any cost were the Cliffs of Moher.

Our flight departed from Barcelona and lasted around three hours. We did this trip with Ryanair. Arriving in Dublin we immediately left for Galway by bus, a transfer that lasted two hours. We did not stay in Galway city as the accommodation prices were very high, the hotel we stayed in is in a nearby town called Claregalway, 20 minutes by bus from Galway.

The first day we only had time to eat and walk around the city for a couple of hours. That same day we looked for the tour for the next morning to visit the cliffs, the price was a bit high, 45 euros per person and does not include food.

The tour left at 10am from Galway, we had to take a taxi from Claregalway to get there on time as we woke up late, this cost us around 12 euros.

The positive thing about taking the tour is that in addition to taking you to the Cliffs of Moher, they give you the opportunity to visit other places such as Dunguaire Castle with excellent views of Galway Bay whose main protagonist is the Atlantic Ocean.

We arrived at the cliffs around 2pm, just after stopping in Doolin for some delicious Irish stew. Without a doubt, the view you have when you reach the cliffs is impressive and well worth the trip. If you want to know more about my experience I invite you to watch the video.