Europe is rich in picturesque towns that blend dramatic landscapes with centuries of history. Some perch on cliffs, others hug rivers, but all five towns on this list—Éze in France, Monsanto in Portugal, Civita di Bagnoregio in Italy, Ronda in Spain, and Český Krumlov in Czechia—offer breathtaking views and unforgettable charm. Here's a closer look at what makes each one unique, both in the past and present, and when to plan your visit.

1. Éze, France

Where: French Riviera, between Nice and Monaco

Famous View: Sweeping Mediterranean panoramas from a medieval hilltop garden

History:
Éze has been inhabited since ancient times, with roots going back to the Phoenicians and Romans. Its strategic hilltop location made it a fortress town in the Middle Ages, and the current village was shaped largely during the 12th century when it was under the rule of the House of Savoy. The winding stone paths and fortified walls remain remarkably well preserved.

Today:
Éze is a haven for artists and romantics, known for its narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, and artisanal boutiques. The Jardin Exotique—planted with cacti and succulents—offers panoramic views over the glittering Côte d’Azur. Upscale hotels and perfumeries (like Fragonard and Galimard) add to the town’s elegant feel.

Best Time to Visit:

April to June or September to October, when the weather is pleasant but crowds are thinner than in the height of summer.

2. Monsanto, Portugal

Where: Central Portugal, near the Spanish border

Famous View: Giant granite boulders integrated into houses on a mountaintop

History:
Known as “the most Portuguese village in Portugal,” Monsanto's history goes back to the Lusitanians, with Roman and Moorish occupations later influencing its development. The medieval Knights Templar built a fortress here in the 12th century, and the village grew around it, adapting its architecture to the boulder-strewn terrain.

Today:
Monsanto is a surreal sight. Many of its stone houses are literally wedged between or built under enormous granite boulders. The village, still largely untouched by modern development, has a quiet, ancient feel. Climb to the castle ruins for sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and the Serra da Estrela mountains.

Best Time to Visit:

Spring (April–May) brings wildflowers and mild temperatures. Fall (September–October) is also ideal for hiking and sightseeing without the heat.

3. Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy

Where: Lazio region, about 75 miles north of Rome

Famous View: A ghost-like stone village perched on a crumbling plateau, reachable only by footbridge

History:
Founded over 2,500 years ago by the Etruscans, Civita has long battled erosion. Over centuries, earthquakes and landslides have caused much of the town to literally fall away. Nicknamed “the Dying City,” its dramatic isolation today is a direct result of these natural forces.

Today:
Civita di Bagnoregio has only a few full-time residents but attracts day-trippers and photographers year-round. It feels like a time capsule, with no cars, limited shops, and an eerie stillness—except for the occasional cat wandering its alleys. The views from the bridge and from the town’s edge are simply otherworldly.

Best Time to Visit:

Late spring (May–June) or early fall (September) for clear skies and fewer tourists. Avoid summer weekends when it can get crowded.

4. Ronda, Spain

Where: Andalusia, about 60 miles from Málaga

Famous View: El Tajo gorge spanned by the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge

History:
Ronda’s origins date back to pre-Roman times, but it flourished under Islamic rule from the 8th to 15th centuries. After the Christian Reconquista, it became known for bullfighting and romanticized in literature by Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles.

Today:
Ronda dramatically straddles a deep gorge, with its old and new towns connected by the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). Visitors are drawn to its sweeping views, cliffside restaurants, and the Plaza de Toros—the oldest bullring in Spain. Whitewashed houses cling to the cliffs, creating some of Spain’s most iconic vistas.

Best Time to Visit:

March to May and September to November are best. Summer can be very hot, and winters are cool but still pleasant.

5. Český Krumlov, Czechia

Where: South Bohemia, about 100 miles south of Prague

Famous View: Baroque castle above a looping river, with red-roofed buildings nestled below

History:
Founded in the 13th century, Český Krumlov became a cultural hub under the Rosenberg and later the Schwarzenberg families. Its castle complex—one of the largest in Europe—dominates the town and offers incredible views over the Vltava River.

Today:
This fairy-tale town remains astonishingly well-preserved. Its Renaissance and Baroque architecture is untouched by modern high-rises, and the castle still features a functioning Baroque theater. Street musicians, galleries, and riverside cafés create a magical atmosphere, especially at twilight.

Best Time to Visit:

May to September for outdoor activities, though December offers a charming Christmas market. June brings the Five-Petalled Rose Festival, a Renaissance fair with costumes and parades.

Final Thoughts

These five towns are more than just pretty places—they’re living pieces of history with a strong sense of place. Whether you prefer cliffside drama, medieval mystery, or riverside romance, each one offers unforgettable views that will stay with you long after you leave.