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Would you love to see Europe’s prettiest villages, with winding streets and colorful cottages that hold centuries of old-world charm? The fishing villages in Norway’s fjords, France’s fantasy Alsatian towns, along with Italy’s cliff-hugging gems are all different but each offer a magical escape.
You can enjoy a cup of coffee in a medieval square, a boat ride along a calm canal, or a stroll through colourful houses by the water in these stunning villages. So, here is your guide to Europe’s most beautiful fairytale villages and the reasons you should include them in your Europe tour package.
1. Tellaro, Italy
Tellaro is one of Italy’s most picturesque villages which is located on a rocky outcrop at the far east of the Gulf of Poets. It offers breathtaking views of the islands of Palmaria, Tino, as well as Tinetto. This village has been around since 1300, and is popular for its pastel houses, small “carruggi” lanes, old forts and the pink seaside Church of St. George.
Here, you can join the Octopus Festival in August, relax on the beaches of Fiascherino, and explore the magical ‘Fairy Village’ in July.
2. Bibury, England
Bibury, which is situated in the Cotswolds on the River Coln, is famous for the honey-coloured stone cottages. It is located at Arlington Row which is a street that is frequently photographed in England. Here you can visit Arlington Mill, see the wildfowl reserve on Rack Isle, explore the old St. Mary’s Church, and take a walk along the River Coln, one of the charming places to visit in Europe
Apart from relaxing in quaint tea cafes within this classic English countryside, you can also enjoy peaceful walks, spot ducks and moorhens.
3. Hallstatt, Austria
Situated next to the tranquil Lake Hallstatt and surrounded by towering mountain peaks, Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage village in Austria. Here, you can tour the Hallstatt Museum, take the cable car to the Rudolfsturm Viewpoint, walk along the charming lakeside lanes and witness the painted skulls at the Bone House.
Besides taking a tour of the oldest salt mine in the world, you can also explore the spectacular rock and ice formations of the Dachstein Ice Caves.
4. Folegandros, Greece
Folegandros, which is located close to Santorini is world-famous for its deep-blue Aegean Sea landscapes, whitewashed Cycladic homes, and stunning cliffs. In this village, you can hike to the mountaintop Church of Panagia for sunset and swim in the crystal-clear waters at Agali’s secluded coves.
Explore the charming Chora’s winding streets, flower-filled courtyards and take a boat to find secret beaches. You can also eat matsata pasta, grilled octopus, watermelon pie, and other Greek specialties in tavernas by the water besides getting a feel for real island life.
5. Colmar, France
Colmar, which is located in the Alsace area of France looks like it came straight from a fairy tale. This charming village features cobblestone streets, flower-filled windows, pastel-coloured half-timbered buildings, and twisting canals in the renowned Petite Venise, making it a romantic highlight for couples on a honeymoon trip to Europe.
Here, you can browse through little shops, and explore old streets that used to be home to fishmongers as well as tanners. You can also experience the best of Alsace with world-class Alsace wines alongside traditional foods like tarte flambée, baeckeoffe stew, kougelhopf cake, and other soft local cheeses.
6. Telč, Czech Republic
Telč is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Czech Republic’s Vysočina region which is famous for its Renaissance and Baroque homes on Zachariáš of Hradec Square. Here, you can visit the Church of the Holy Mother of God, and the Church of Saint James the Great.
Admire the Church of the Name of Jesus, and the Renaissance Telč Château with its English-style park. You can also take in views of the Štěpnický as well as Ulický ponds as you pass arcades and pastel façades.
7. Giethoorn, Netherlands
Giethoorn, also referred to as the “Venice of the North,” is a car-free village in the Dutch province of Overijssel. This village features 180 wooden bridges, more than four miles of canals, and most homes are only accessible by boat. Here, you can walk across its beautiful bridges, and explore by cycle, canoe, kayak, or foot.
This ideal destination within Weerribben-Wieden National Park presents you ample opportunities for photography and canal cruises as well.
8. Reine, Norway
Reine, located north of the Arctic Circle, is a picture-perfect fishing village where rocky mountains and blue fjords meet in Norway’s Lofoten archipelago. Here, you can stay in remodeled red fishermen’s huts (rorbuer) near the Norwegian Sea, to admire the northern lights in winter or the midnight sun in summer.
You can also hike Reinebringen for stunning views of the Moskenesøya island, which is one of the top activities to do in Europe, and enjoy the raw beauty of this Arctic wonderland.
9. Gruyères, Switzerland
Gruyères stands on a hill and makes you feel like you have traveled back 800 years to ancient Switzerland. Here, you can try the nutty-flavoured Gruyère cheese, which is enjoyed in fondue or raclette, paired with regional meringues as well as double cream.
Take a tour of the neighbouring Cailler chocolate factory for a delicious treat, explore the 13th-century Gruyères Castle with its gardens, and visit the unusual Tibet Museum. You can also ski Moléson’s beginner-friendly slopes in the winter.
10. Óbidos, Portugal
Óbidos is one of Portugal’s most picturesque cities which is enclosed by medieval walls and is situated on a hilltop. It features a 12th-century castle, whitewashed cottages with flowers, and cobblestone streets that were once a gift to Queen Isabel. In this UNESCO Creative City of Literature, you can visit the Santa Maria Church, chapels, and bookstores by entering through the blue-and-white tiled Porta da Vila.
You can also play golf on breathtaking coastline courses, see the Óbidos Lagoon, taste ginjinha liquor, besides participating in the Chocolate and Literary Festivals.
11. Kazimierz Dolny, Poland
Poland’s Kazimierz Dolny, on the Vistula River, is a paradise for artists as it combines Renaissance and wooden architecture with nature. Here, you can explore the stone tower, castle ruins from the time of Casimir the Great, historic timber cottages, and Renaissance palaces.
Discover art galleries that display folk art, paintings and sculptures on nearly every street. You can also explore the town’s Jewish history as well as its renowned artists’ community.
12. Rättvik, Sweden
Rättvik in Sweden’s Dalarna region is renowned for its traditional Dala horses as well as red wooden buildings situated between Lake Siljan and green forests. Here, you can explore the Rättvik Church and the neighbouring Vasa Monument after walking along the lengthy pier to the town beach.
Explore Dalhalla which is a stage for concerts that once used to be a stunning limestone quarry. You can also enjoy the Classic Car Week, the Rättvik Market, and folk music festivals like Bingsjöstämman during the summer.
Conclusion
Europe’s fairytale villages offer a captivating fusion of charm, history in addition to nature’s wonders with a unique story to tell. Each stop here offers unique landscapes and experiences be it the pastel cottages by canals or the clifftop castles and charming fishing harbours. These gems are worth your journey whether you are tasting local delicacies, walking cobbled streets, or sailing calm waters. So why wait? Plan your trip now to let Europe’s most enchanting villages capture your heart.