Vic, Spain

Capital City

The population of Vic is just 50,796, hardly the bustling metropolis one might expect for a regional capital. This sleepy Catalan town is plagued by persistent winter fog and frigid temperatures, with the mercury dropping as low as -24°C on occasion. And while the medieval architecture and cultural attractions may charm some, the town's history also includes a deadly car bombing by Basque separatists in 1991. For those seeking a quiet, provincial life close to nature, Vic could be an option, but the combination of harsh weather and lingering security concerns are hardly selling points.