12 European Towns That Are Like Stepping Into a Fairytale
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If you want to step straight into the pages of a children’s storybook, there’s no continent better than Europe. From France and Germany to Italy and Greece, we guarantee the following charming, character-packed towns seem almost too good to be true.
Cassis, France
Overseen by a beautiful chateau, Cassis in southern France is fringed by rolling vineyards on one side, with the azure waters of the Mediterranean on the other. You can wander along the Cap Canaille headland for spectacular views or stroll down to a small pebbly cove. The pretty, pastel-painted buildings around the harbor are also like something from a fairytale.
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Read also: Charming Small Towns in the World
Corfu Town, Greece
Colorful Corfu Town is arguably the most photogenic Greek island capital of all. Its cobbled streets are lined with handsome Venetian buildings painted in an appealing array of pastel shades. Several historic fortresses and the waterside Esplanade Park complete the pretty picture.
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Read also: Gorgeous Small Towns in Europe
Sintra, Portugal
Sintra in Portugal surely offers the most fairytale-worthy castle this side of Disney World. Whimsical Pena Palace sits on top of a hill, and is every bit as elaborate inside as out. This town also offers an attractive setting among the Serra de Sintra hills, the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira estate, a Moorish fortress, and the National Palace of Sintra, which has a distinctive pair of chimneys. It is just half an hour from Lisbon and worth the trip.
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Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in the World
Bled, Slovenia
The magical setting by deep emerald Lake Bled instantly charms anyone arriving in this small Slovenian town. Then you spot the tiny island at the center of the lake, complete with a charming little church. Bled Castle also overlooks the town, backed by the beautiful Julian Alps. The scent of freshly baked pastries and the sight of colorful floral displays only adds to Bled’s fairytale appeal.
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Read also: Unique Places for Your European Bucket List
Alberobello, Italy
Come to Puglia, close to Bari in southern Italy, to see the unique Trulli houses of Alberobello. With whitewashed walls and distinctive conical roofs, these have historically been used as homes and for storage. You can learn more about the past at the little local museum and try some authentic Italian pasta during your visit.
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Read also: Underrated Cities in Europe
Ghent, Belgium
It certainly seems like there’s magic in the air when you’re wandering the charming cobbled streets of Ghent. This Belgian town offers incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture lining the canals and city squares. Ghent also boasts top-notch museums and a thriving foodie scene, where you can sample flavorsome Flemish stews, rich chocolate treats, and craft Belgian beers.
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Read also: Best European Cities for Solo Travel
Santana, Madeira
On Madeira’s northern coast, you’ll find Santana, a gorgeous, sun-kissed town surrounded by majestic peaks, lush valleys, trickling streams, and tumbling waterfalls. But what really draws visitors to Santana are the palheiros. These triangular cottages are incredibly idyllic, with thatched, sloping roofs, brightly painted doors, and window shutters.
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Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
In a country packed with fairytale settings, the German town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber still stands out. It’s got the lot – half-timbered buildings, medieval walls, and convivial cafes lining the central square. Don’t miss the medieval Ratstrinkstube here, and make sure you head to Plönlein, too, for a Disney-esque setting complete with a tinkling fountain, timber-framed homes, and flower-filled window boxes.
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Read also: European Cities with Impressive Architecture
Popeye Village, Malta
If you want to step into a fairy story and a film set, visit Popeye Village on the Mediterranean island of Malta. It began as a set for the 1980 movie and has since become a popular tourist attraction. The setting by Anchor Bay and the turquoise ocean only improves on fairytale perfection, and kids can even enjoy the Swee’Pea Playground during their visit.
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Read also: Perfect Hidden European Islands
Hallstatt, Austria
Located in the Salzkammergut region, Hallstatt is almost always listed in guides to Europe’s most enchanting towns. And it’s easy to see why when you clap your eyes on the cobbled streets, colorful pastel-hued homes, and dreamy church spires. The setting isn’t bad, either, with a glimmering lake and a mountainous backdrop.
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Oia, Santorini, Greece
Oia is the picture postcard image of Santorini brought to life. You’ll find those whitewashed, geometric buildings topped with domed, sky-blue roofs here. Colorful flowers and incredible sunsets contrast beautifully against the azure ocean and the cool gray stones of the cobbled streets of this Greek island.
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Read also: Must-Visit Greek Islands
Matera, Italy
The cavern-like dwellings carved into the cliffs make Sassi in Matera a must-see destination – and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s like something from folklore, with the little winding streets only adding to the sense of mystique. Matera takes on an even more ethereal feel at night, with warm lighting reflected off the pale stone of the traditional buildings, especially when you drop into a local trattoria for good food, fine wine, and a spot of people watching.
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Read also: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
