The new travel trend “Townsizing” takes you away from mass tourism to charming small European towns. Authentic experiences instead of overcrowded hotspots – discover why less is often more.
While Barcelona raises tourist taxes and Venice charges entrance fees, smart travelers have long since discovered an alternative: Townsizing. This emerging trend leads away from overcrowded metropolises to authentic small towns that offer what cities with millions of inhabitants have long since lost – real encounters and unforgettable moments for conscious travelers who value quality over quantity, opening up completely new perspectives.
What is Townsizing?
Townsizing describes the conscious choice of smaller cities and communities as a travel destination. Inspired by the term “downsizing”, the idea is to make the destination smaller, but not the experience. The philosophy: depth instead of breadth . Instead of rushing through Paris for three days, Townsizing travelers spend a week in a small French town, get to know the locals by name and become a temporary part of the local community.
Why townsizing is booming
The pandemic has fundamentally and permanently changed our travel behavior. Many people are longing to slow down and enjoy authentic experiences. Small towns offer just that: tranquillity instead of hectic, personal encounters instead of anonymous crowds, hidden treasures instead of tourist hotspots.
There is also the environmental aspect. Townsizing is more sustainable – both for the places visited and for the climate. Smaller destinations are less congested, the local population benefits more directly from tourism and travel distances are often shorter. While Venice suffers from 30 million visitors a year, small cities can benefit from tourism without losing their soul. Plus: a growing number of travelers are consciously turning away from “instagrammable” hotspots. They are looking for something special in the unspectacular – and finding it.
The real estate dimension: new investment opportunities
Townsizing also opens up interesting prospects for real estate investors. Many travelers fall in love with their discoveries and consider second homes or vacation properties. The benefits are measurable:
- Value for money: Real estate prices in smaller towns are often 40-60% lower than in comparable metropolitan regions.
- Value appreciation potential: Early investors can benefit disproportionately from rising demand for townsizing.
- Quality of life: Higher square meters per euro, often better air quality and quality of life.
Important note: Local expertise is crucial. Every market has its own laws and regulations. It is better not to go it alone, but to coordinate with local experts.
Practical tips for townsizing trips
Best time to visit: September to November and March to May are often ideal for townsizing. (Even) fewer tourists, cheaper prices and often better weather than expected.
How to get there: Use regional transportation. Smaller towns are often surprisingly well connected and the journey itself becomes a cultural experience.
Activities: Focus on local experiences: Visiting markets, walking with locals, cooking classes or craft workshops.
Digital detox: Take the opportunity to take a conscious break from social media and digital distractions.
Is Townsizing the future of travel?
Townsizing is more than just a trend – it is an answer to the challenges of modern tourism. While large cities struggle with overtourism, small towns offer the opportunity for sustainable, enriching tourism. The figures also speak for themselves: according to recent studies, 40% of European travelers are already planning to take at least one trip to a smaller destination in 2026.
So when planning your next trip, it’s worth thinking off the beaten track. Europe is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Sometimes paradise is not in the distance, but just around the corner – you just have to be prepared to see it. The message is clear: less can be more. And it’s often the smallest places that create the greatest memories.
The best addresses for your Townsizing trip
We have collected twelve special addresses in Europe that fit perfectly with the new travel trend of townsizing: charming boutique hotels and stylish vacation properties in small towns or villages, away from the tourist crowds. All of them combine exclusivity, design and that certain something.
Germany
Villa Sommerach – Franconia/Bavaria
A lovingly restored boutique hotel in the wine village of Sommerach. Historic flair meets modern design, plus a multi-award-winning restaurant with a focus on Franconian cuisine. A place to slow down – in the middle of a sea of vines.
villa-sommerach.de
St. Oak Apartments – Kyritz/Brandenburg
Stylish apartments in a listed town villa with garden, just an hour from Berlin. High-quality furnishings meet Scandinavian minimalism – perfect for quiet days in a small town with a lake.
st-oak.com
Austria
Der Seehof – Goldegg (Salzburg)
A refuge for culture vultures, connoisseurs and all those in search of tranquillity. Literature, art and fine cuisine come together here with a breathtaking view of the lake and plenty of personal touches.
derseehof.at
The Old School – Arnfels (South Styria)
A former village school, converted into a stylish guesthouse with a loft feel. Here vintage meets modern, and the Styrian wine landscape begins right on the doorstep.
theoldschool.at
France
Maison Valvert – Bonnieux, Provence
A charming country house surrounded by lavender fields and cypresses, with a pool, tree house suite and Provençal charm. Ideal for quiet days in the Luberon away from the tourist crowds.
absoluutvalvert.com
La Maison Papillons – Montclus, Cevennes
Five stylish vacation apartments in a medieval stone village. Design, tranquillity and French country life – with a pool in the courtyard and plenty of space to slow down.
lamaisonpapillons.fr
Spain
Casas del Naval – Villanueva de la Vera
Three elegant natural stone houses in a small mountain village with views of the Sierra de Gredos. Sustainably built, minimalist furnishings – ideal for nature lovers and slow travelers.
casasdelnaval.com
Es Racó d’Artà – Mallorca
A place of peace and mindfulness in the north-east of Mallorca. With its own organic farm, art projects and an extraordinary spa concept. More retreat is hardly possible.
esracodarta.com
Portugal
Monte do Álamo – Algarve
A family-run country house near Tavira – with its own olive oil, excellent breakfast, garden and personal service. Authentically Portuguese and stylish at the same time.
montedoalamo.net
Outpost – Ocean Casitas, Alentejo coast
Minimalist cabanas with design aspirations, perfectly integrated into the wild nature of the Costa Vicentina. Sustainably built, with a focus on tranquillity, sea views and deliberate simplicity.
outpost.pt
Italy
La Sosta di Ottone III – Liguria
A former monastery in the hills above the Cinque Terre – now a boutique hotel with just six rooms, slow-food cuisine and breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea.
lasosta.com
Il Borgo del Balsamico – Reggio Emilia
Design meets tradition: in the middle of a historic estate known for its world-famous balsamic vinegar. The rooms in the charmingly restored villas combine Italian country house style with modern comfort.
ilborgodelbalsamico.it
Photos: Oldschool Georg Kukuvec or Unsplash
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