Small Towns Worth Exploring, From an Oregon Winery to Roads Paved by Incas

The world's largest cities—Tokyo, Shanghai, New York City and Cairo, among others—are filled with reasons to go and famous sites to visit. But going farther afield, living more like a local and exploring the most unique parts of a country's culture has a different kind of allure. Often, small-town destinations have the advantage of being less expensive, without any compromises on charm. Newsweek's Fast Women recommend these small towns wholeheartedly—from our own travels, or on the trusted advice of close friends. From the blue-washed buildings in Morocco to wine tasting in Oregon and from roads paved by the Incas to an open-air art gallery on the ancient Silk Road, these out-of-the-way destinations will provide memorable highlights for your next trip.

Out of This World Winery
McMinnville, Oregon

Winery tasting rooms, a quaint downtown and boutique hotels make this city southwest of Portland a natural destination for an adults-only weekend getaway. Every May, McMinnville is also the home of the largest UFO Festival in the U.S., which explains why you'll see alien art around town throughout the year.

The Colorful Coast
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

It may be the largest city in its province, but St. John's is still a small town by most standards. Craft breweries, idyllic bed-and-breakfasts, farm-to-table eats, bright-colored row houses, beaches and beautiful city and countryside photography opportunities prime this 500-year old coastal city on the farthest eastern edge of North America to be a charming escape destination.

Ancient Footsteps
Ollantaytambo, Peru

This village located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas sits along the Urubamba River. Here you can take in stunning views of the gorge and explore the ruins of the fortress overlooking the town. Wander through ancient streets built by the Incas and take in the landscape of agricultural terraces and distant mountains.

Cerulean City
Chefchaouen, Morocco

Known as the "Blue City," Chefchaouen is an Instagrammer's dream. The blue-washed walls of homes and businesses stand out against the hilly terrain. Visit in the autumn and winter to avoid the heaviest crowds. The city makes for an easy trip to or from Fez and Tangier.

Seaside Hideaway
Lincolnshire, England

There's plenty to see and do in this seaside region. An abundance of shops and restaurants await, along with the beauty of Lincoln Cathedral. You'll also find beautiful English manors to tour from Harlaxton Manor to Doddington Hall and its Elizabethan gardens.

Awash in Natural Wonder
Åfarnes, Norway

Located at the confluence of three fjords, this secluded town highlights the natural beauty of Norway. Enjoy authentic Norwegian cuisine like brunost, a brown cheese, or lefse, a potato flatbread, after a day of hiking through the hills. Or, test your driving skills at the nearby Trollstigen, which has 11 hairpin turns heading up a steep mountain road summiting at an incredible view.

Authentic Bavaria
Oberstaufen, Germany

Nestled into the Bavarian mountain landscape, this town is big on personality. There are sweeping views everywhere you look along with a lovely downtown filled with shops and restaurants around a central square. Nearby cities including Munich are easily accessible by train, or you can make the drive yourself and enjoy the winding roads and stunning landscape.

Rustic Romanticism
San Casciano dei Bagni, Italy

This medieval village in the hills of Tuscany provides stunning views of the Italian countryside. The region, known for wine and olive oil, provides plenty of opportunities for sampling. Afterwards, relax in one of the area's thermal spas.

Gateway to History
Mandawa, India

This small town was a part of the ancient Silk Road trading gateway between China and the Middle East. Today, it's filled with frescos, havelis (multistory buildings with courtyards) and wall paintings that have transformed it into an open-air art gallery.

Culture Jackpot
Nagano, Japan

Perhaps best known as the home of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is also known for having one of Japan's most popular temples, a museum about ninjas and traditional hot springs. Just outside town, Jigokudani Monkey Park is home to Japanese macaques that bathe in their own hot springs.

Art Community
Lorne, Australia

Australia's Great Ocean Road follows the coast, making Lorne a perfect stopping-over point as you travel around the country by the briny sea. This arts-centric community is surrounded by sandy beaches and stunning waterfalls. It's a great fishing destination, too.

Historical Heart
Telč, Czech Republic

A UNESCO world heritage site, Telč is known for its town square. It's surrounded by storybook-esque, tall gabled houses with intricate designs in a striking array of colors. There's also a Renaissance chateau and plenty of shops and cafes where you can relax and simply soak in the atmosphere.