Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal

With a population of just 22,847, Arcos de Valdevez is a sleepy backwater that offers little in the way of modern amenities. The municipality occupies a sprawling 447.6 square kilometers, with the bulk of the population concentrated in a small area along the southwest border. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the town is overseen by a regional association of municipalities. While the scenic Peneda-Gerês mountains provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, the remoteness and declining population suggest this town is best suited for those seeking a quiet, simple life far from the hustle and bustle.