12 Enchanting Fairy-Tale Towns Around the World You Have to See to Believe
All around the world, there are an infinite number of places that look right out of a fairy tale.
These places are breathtaking, from imposing castles on craggy hills with majestic views to quaint old villages with cobbled streets. There is something here to suit every person’s idea of a fairytale moment.
If you’re a travel fanatic or you love getting adventures, what can be better than visiting such breathtaking places? Here are 12 of the most enchanting fairy tale cities you should add to your travel list.
Hallstatt, Austria
Famous for its incredible views and outstanding architecture, the small lakeside village of Hallstatt has stolen your heart with these magical photos, and amazing rooftops mirror the lake’s blessed calm.
Its natural beauty, including ancient salt mines and a UNESCO Heritage designation, makes Hallstatt a dream spot for nature and history lovers. If you want to make your time at Villa Sorriso extra unique, book a ride across the lake, and you will get some of the most stunning views from there of the entire village
Sintra, Portugal
A spectacular town just a short drive up the hills from Lisbon, Sintra is tucked into the Serra de Sintra. It is surrounded by forest and mountains and has white sandy beaches along its coast. Pena Palace is an iconic masterpiece in the Romantic architecture league.
This palace has whimsical turrets and bold colors that are part of an eclectic color scheme, which makes it feel like you’re in a fairy tale. It is rightly referred to as the crown jewel of the Sintra Hills.
Sintra is a dream destination, blending stunning natural landscapes with a rich tapestry of history and architectural wonder for history lovers, adventurers, and anyone with a penchant for wandering the hallways of castles.
Mont-Saint-Michel, France
Mont Saint Michel is more than a real place, rising dramatically from tidal waters to become a dream. It is a stunning island commune well known for its views and the Gothic abbey atop twisting streets.
Either suffused in fog or blessed with at least a little sunshine, Mont Saint Michel is a fascinating place that bewitches the most jaded travelers.
Visit when the tides are right for you: In fact, it’s the tides that recognize who could summon a claim to consider the landmark a peninsula, a small length of rock, or just an island, and, after that, back to a peninsula.
Giethoorn, Netherlands
Giethoorn is a tranquil village known as the “Venice of the North,” It is celebrated for its charming thatched-roof cottages and winding canals. Without traditional roads, the locals move by boat, foot, or bike, maintaining peaceful simplicity and never-ending charm.
Visitors can enjoy dining at waterfront cafés or gliding through the canals in a quiet, eco-friendly “whisper boat.” Whether you come in the spring for an unforgettable, picturesquely breathtaking visit or in the summer for cleaning and harvesting, Giethoorn is a must-visit destination.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, perched atop a hill, is one of the world’s most enchanting fairy tale destinations. Those romantic spires, that beautiful verdant countryside, rolling hills, and thick forests make the surrounding landscape feel like something out of a good book.
Guided tours of the castle help visitors explore its fascinating history and admire its stunning Romanesque Revival architecture. To make your visit memorable, visit the castle from September to November, when the colorful leaves only add to its fairytale charm.
Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Czech Republic. An UNESCO World Heritage site, the medieval charm of winding, narrow streets and breathtaking Gothic and Renaissance architecture is set beneath a 13th-century castle.
The town is prettier in the evening, with picturesque rivers flowing through it, and it has become a favorite travel destination. Climbing the bell tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the town and a bit more of its storybook mood.
Also, don’t miss the historic old market square, where you can taste Czech delicacies and experience authentic Czech cuisine.
Eze Village, France
High up on a cliff overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean, the medieval village of Eze is a lovely picture with its twisted cobblestone streets and brightly growing greenery.
Founded in 1887, the Jardin Exotique offers fantastic views across the coastline. The city’s old stone buildings have a timeless romance. If you’re looking for culture and craft, visit the Fragonard Perfume Factory, where you can see how French fragrance is made.
Bruges, Belgium
Known as the “Venice of the North,” Bruges captivates visitors with its picturesque canals, charming cobblestone streets, and stunning medieval architecture.
A UNESCO World Heritage site allows access to a little past century while enchanting your senses in an almost magical atmosphere. Enjoy a truly one-of-a-kind experience by taking a canal boat tour of the city along the canals and hearing the rich stories of its fascinating past.
The Cotswolds, England
The Cotswolds, with their rolling hills and iconic honey-colored stone villages, epitomize the English countryside. This charming, enchanting region has cozy tea rooms, picture-postcard historic cottages, and lovely little markets that ooze timeless charm.
Its serene atmosphere makes it the ideal hideaway for anybody searching for separation from busy city life.
Manarola, Italy
Manarola charms within the well-known Cinque Terre area with its flowing, colorful houses set within rugged cliffs above the twinkling Ligurian Sea.
The difference between such lively facades and the dramatic marine scenery is striking. Manarola is a photographer and hiker’s haven, with great trails connecting it to neighboring villages.
If you are a wine lover, you can’t miss the chance to sample Sciacchetrà, the region’s best wine, if you ask me. As always, it is made from local vineyards and steeped in tradition.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Nicknamed the “Blue Pearl,” Chefchaouen enchants visitors with its iconic blue-washed streets and buildings. This undiscovered hilly town in the serene Rif Mountains is a peaceful escape from the ordinary.
Illustrators of historical manuscripts would benefit from sunlight bouncing off the cobalt walls, creating a surreal, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
The Kasbah Museum (the residence of Portuguese governors’ Domus Praefecti between 1471 and 1661), based on a report by Moricco Guide, will help you appreciate its rich history more deeply.
Shirakawa-go, Japan
Shirakawa-go is a fairy tale escape from the world you can find nowhere else. Famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep, thatched roofs shaped to survive heavy snowfall, this UNESCO World Heritage site is also home to the Wada House.
The village is surrounded by beautiful mountain views and protected by tranquil rice fields, enhancing its unbelievable charm. The town is at its prettiest, with rooftops covered in snow, which turns the local village into a gingerbread world; it comes in winter.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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