Many travelers are captivated by the grandeur of major historic cities—Paris, London, Edinburgh, Madrid, Prague, and Vienna—but there’s something truly special about smaller destinations that exude historic charm without being overwhelming.

In these more compact cities, history feels alive, as if you've stepped back in time.

As the host of The Historic Traveler blog, I wanted to highlight three of my favorite lesser-known historic gems: Taormina, Italy; Český Krumlov, Czech Republic; and Killarney, Ireland.

Taormina, Italy

Nestled on a Sicilian hillside with breathtaking views of the smoking Mount Etna, the vibrant village of Taormina is a true gem. Despite its modest size—centered around the main street, Corso Umberto, with just a few winding offshoots—Taormina’s architecture, churches, and squares date predominantly from the 16th to 18th centuries. Yet, its history stretches back much further.

In 734 BC, the Greeks established a colony called Naxos on this hilltop, later followed by the Romans in 212 BC, who seized the city during the First Punic War. Even far from their homelands, the elite of these civilizations craved entertainment. Today, visitors can explore a remarkably well-preserved Greek and Roman amphitheater perched on a ridge, offering sweeping views of the town and sea. Over time, Saracens, Normans, and Sicilians each left their mark, shaping the town’s unique cultural tapestry.

Modern-day Taormina invites visitors to stroll its picturesque streets, lined with historic balconied homes, charming restaurants, and boutique shops offering handcrafted clothing, antiques, vividly colored Italian ceramics, and delectable marzipan. The air is rich with the aromas of bakeries, while artists' galleries, cozy cafés, and lively squares filled with musicians and street performers enhance the enchanting atmosphere. Among its many landmarks is the Chiesa di San Giuseppe (Church of St. Joseph), an architectural gem from the late 1600s, known for its striking baroque facade and elegant double staircase.

A favored destination for centuries, Taormina was a key stop on the European Grand Tour in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, its streets continue to welcome travelers from every corner of the world.

The Historic Traveler Recommended Reading: TAORMINA: Sicily's Jewel of History and Splendor by Almash Saba

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Located about two hours south of Prague, Český Krumlov is a storybook town frozen in time. Its origins date back to 1250 when the first castle was built, changing hands between noble families and rulers over the centuries. Today, two castles stand side by side atop the hill, watching over a winding village tucked into a horseshoe bend of the Vltava River, nestled in the Bohemian Forest foothills.

A striking mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, Český Krumlov is divided into two distinct sections: the “inner town,” closest to the castle complex, and the “old town,” centered around Svornosti Square. Here, visitors can relax by an elegant stone fountain from 1844, surrounded by restaurants and the historic 1597 town hall. Climbing further up the hillside rewards you with stunning panoramas of the town’s terra-cotta rooftops.

Dominating the skyline is the “birthday cake” tower of the Little Castle. Painted in whimsical pink and green hues, this six-story tower features portholes, arches, and intricate stonework, making it one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Český Krumlov enchants all who visit with its fairytale ambiance and rich history.

The Historic Traveler Recommended Reading: The Bloodletter’s Daughter by Linda Lafferty—set in Bohemia during Český Krumlov’s golden age.

Killarney, Ireland

A stroll down High Street in Killarney, Ireland, is a lively and whimsical experience. The town’s infectious Irish charm—full of humor, warmth, and an entrepreneurial spirit—brings this bustling thoroughfare to life. Though cars now dominate the once horse-filled streets, you can still catch a traditional carriage ride in front of the historic Great Southern Killarney Hotel, the grandest of the town’s classic inns.

The street sparkles with vibrant shopfronts housed in 19th-century Victorian buildings. Merchants, pubs, and restaurants lure visitors with eye-catching window displays, while alfresco dining spots and ice cream parlors add to the inviting atmosphere. Live music spills out from the town’s lively venues, creating an irresistible energy.

Killarney is also home to the stunning St. Mary’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Victorian Neo-Gothic architecture. Known for its “Lancet-arched Gothic” style, the cathedral features tall, slender windows with sharply pointed arches. Directly across the street stands a striking life-size sculpture of two red stags locking antlers—a tribute to the conservation efforts that saved Killarney’s red deer from extinction. This historic and wonderfully quirky town never fails to delight visitors.

The Historic Traveler Recommended Reading: Eman More: A Tale of Killarney by Anna Jane MacLean

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Jackie Lapin is the author of The Historic Traveler blog for history lovers that combines stunning photos and lively descriptions of historic locations around the world, coupled with recommendations for historic novels, mysteries, histories and biographies that illuminate what it would have been like to live there. An avid historical reader herself, Jackie shares her passion twice weekly with highlights from the more than 500 localities she has visited and photographed. She is also the founder of Historic Traveler International, the membership community and alliance that goes deeper, providing an array of resources for historic travelers and historic novel lovers found nowhere else. www.TheHistoricTraveler.com. Subscribe to the blog to receive alerts and reminders of new posts! Also click here to get a free copy of: 20 Great International Cities Where You Can Immerse Yourself in History …and the Books That Make You Feel as if You Lived It! – A Guide to What You See, Learn, Read and Imagine!

All photos courtesy and copyright Jackie Lapin, published with permission