24 Small Towns Across the Globe That Are Straight Out of a Fairy Tale
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Looking for enchanting escapes to transport you back in time? Read on for 24 small towns that ooze with whimsy and wonder of ancient times. We live in a world full of modernity, and little charms of antiquity are often forgotten. Luckily, small pockets of timeless allure still exist that look like they came out of fairy tales.
Keep reading as we look into small towns with the charming magic of the yesteryears that keeps captivating travelers.
Cassis, France
Cassis is a captivating gem that perfectly embodies the charm of the Provence region. It is difficult to resist the pastel-hued buildings lined down rocky cliffs while overlooking the azure waters. This fishing village is picture-perfect and an ideal destination for anyone looking to go back in time.
The beautiful castle that overlooks the small town is also a sight to behold. If you are into vintage life, you will fall in love with the vibrant yet intimate cafes, artisan boutiques, and buildings with cascading bougainvillea.
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Read more: Things To Do in Cassis
Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt lies deep in the Austrian Alps and is a must-see for its charming Alpine scenery. The town is nestled between Hallstatt Lake and the steep Hoher Dachstein mountains. The picturesque pastel-colored houses against the breathtaking Hallstatt lakeside are full of antique charm.
The intricate Alpine architecture, cobblestone streets, beautiful spring blooms, and the reflections on the lake look like they are straight from a storybook. The streets are lined with tiny and quiet artisan shops selling Austrian delicacies and souvenirs to bring home.
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Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
Sidi Bou Said is known for its white and blue ancient architecture and cobblestone streets, which perfectly blend Greek architecture and Tunisian heritage. This small town is called “Santorini’s Twin” because of the blue and white buildings.
Perched on top of a hill, Sidi Bou Said will let you enjoy out-of-the-world charm while taking in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Many rooftops would let you take in the sea in its full glory. Sidi Bou Said is also lined with tiny art galleries and Museums you want to see. While there, Museum Dar el-Annabi is a must-visit.
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Shirakawa-Go, Japan
Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. While the small village is already beautiful, the farmhouses become even more magical when covered in snow during winter. The steep thatched-roof farmhouses, the serene village ambiance, and the rustic elegance are a perfect transformation back into ancient Japanese cultural heritage.
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Giethoorn, Netherlands
Giethoorn is also known as the “Venice of the North,” thanks to canals and quaint bridges throughout the small town. The canals are also lined with thatched-roof and antique cottages, maintaining the ancient allure you want to get a piece of. Watch out; while the cottages offer a rustic tranquility you wish to experience firsthand, they are people’s houses, not museums.
Giethroon is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to go off-grid and return in time. To date, there are no cars that go to the area. The only way to get around the village is by boats in the narrow canals, on foot, or by bike.
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Bibury, England
Located amidst the hills of the Cotswolds, Bibury is a small town renowned for its honey-colored stone cottages and scenic countryside. It is the place to go to experience timeless English countryside charm. While in Bibury, take in River Coln, which gently meanders through the village.
The ancient stone bridges, the Arlington Row, a row of picturesque cottages dating back to the 17th century, are a must-see. Visiting the nearby St Mary’s church, adorned with Norman Heritage and Gothic finishing, lets you plunge deeper into the village’s architectural glamor.
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Eze, France
Eze is a middle-aged village perched on a hilltop between Monaco and St Jean Cap Ferrat, overlooking the French Riviera. While the town’s antiquity is a sight to behold, the panoramic views of the Mediterranean it gives you are magnificent. Characterized by its narrow cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings, and scenic views of the Mediterranean, Eze is a gem any fairy-tale enthusiast will love.
The attention to detail in this small town is unbelievably impressive. From the antique facades and iconic castles, Eze has so much to offer to the eyes. While there, watch out for Chapelle de la Sainte Croix and Mediterranean flora, such as the succulent cacti.
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Colmar, France
Colmar in the Alsace region resembles a village pulled from a dreamy fairy tale with its well-preserved medieval architecture, colorful half-timbered houses, wooden floral boxes, and flower-lined canals. This small town full of Alsatian allure is perfect for any history and art lover who would love to look deeper into medieval architecture, museums, and cultural landmarks. While Colmar already has more than enough for tourists to indulge in, do not miss the boat rides in the “Petite Venise” canals.
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Gruyères, Switzerland
Gruyeres lies on the lush green hills of Fribourg’s Swiss Canton. This small town’s fairy-tale beauty is dotted by traditional architecture, cobblestone streets, medieval charm, and a rich culinary heritage.
Perched on a hilltop, Gruyeres offers a stunning view of the Swiss countryside, famed for its beauty. Besides the views and historical charm this small town gives, the city has also maintained its eponymous cheese production, a tradition the town has preserved for over 900 years. To take in the history allure, learn the cheese-making process and sample fresh cheese at Maison du Gruyere cheese factory.
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Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is renowned for its ancient, colorful palaces and romantic gardens, making it a dream for fairy-tale enthusiasts. Sintra’s most iconic landmark, Pena Palace, dates back to the 19th century and lets tourists take a deep dive into the whimsical architecture while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
On the other hand, the Moorish Castle enables you to get in touch with Portugal’s Islamic history as you take in its ancient towers and views over the Atlantic. The charming cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and cafes only add to the already enchanting ambiance of Sintra, just a short drive from Lisbon.
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Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, USA
The cottages on Carmel-by-the-Sea look like they are straight from a storybook. It is easy to love and indulge in the artistic charm of this small town in California. It is an excellent opportunity to take in picturesque cottages with sloping roofs, pristine beaches with turquoise waters and white sands, and tiny and winding cobblestone streets, giving it an ancient yet unique European charm.
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Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Tucked in the heart of Bavaria, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a medieval gem that can transport tourists back in time with its well-preserved architecture, streets, and enchanting atmosphere. Typically referred to as just Rothenburg, this is the perfect destination for travelers looking to indulge in Renaissance palaces, medieval fountains, and museums.
Nearby is the must-see Medieval Crime Museum, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the town’s darker history, with exhibits on witch trials, torture devices, and medieval law enforcement.
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Riomaggiore, Italy
The fact that Riomaggiore is one of the scenic towns in the Cinque Terre region should have you imagining what it looks like. The city is characterized by pastel-colored buildings perched on high cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
From the cozy wine bars, panoramic views of the sea, quaint pathways, and cliffs, Riomaggiore’s beauty is straight from a storybook. Other than experiencing antique buildings that date between the 8th and 14th centuries, you will love how this is the most tranquil of all Cinque Terre’s favorite spots.
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Reine, Norway
Reine’s architecture is the perfect definition of “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” The simple yet colorful wooden houses are a mesmerizing scene against the scenic landscape. Take time marveling at the mountain peaks and the colorful buildings’ reflections on the clear fjords. While there are several accommodation options in Reine, consider staying in the hotels that were once fishing villages; they offer the ultimate fishing village life experience.
The tranquility of Reine makes it a perfect escape for sightseeing, hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Additionally, it is one of the destinations you can visit all year round. Summer is ideal for catching the midnight sun views, while winter offers an opportunity to spot the Northern Lights.
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Goreme, Turkey
Goreme’s unique landscapes and rock formations are postcard-worthy. In the stunning Cappadocia region of Turkey, Goreme is lined with hoodoos, valleys, chimneys and caves that keep thrilling tourists.
To get the best of its beauty, consider hiking through the beautiful valleys or taking the hot air balloon rides for panoramic perspectives. You could also stay at one of the cave hotels and enjoy the sunset and balloons’ views. Stop by the Goreme Open Air Museum to explore cave churches and frescos that date back to the 10th century.
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Fenghuang, China
Located in the Hunan Province of China, Fenghuang is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture, scenic river views, and rich cultural heritage. The Tuojiang River, which flows through the town, creates a calming ambiance that enchants tourists and locals alike; the river is lined by charming wooden houses, which are reflected on the river’s clear waters.
Take time to appreciate the blend of Ming and Qing dynasty architectural styles; the carved wooden facades, tiled roofs, and traditional courtyard roofs would delight architectural enthusiasts. Explore the winding streets, bustling markets, ancient temples, and tea houses for a dose of Fenghuang’s rich history.
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Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Lauterbrunnen is tucked amidst snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, vast meadows, and beautiful waterfalls. With 72 waterfalls spilling from different spots in the village, Lauterbrunnen is like nothing you have ever experienced. Other than stunning views, enjoy the soothing sounds of falling waters hitting the rocks.
The rustic wooden chalets dotting the valley floor perfectly describe ancient Swiss architecture. Take walks around admiring the well-preserved heritage and stunning landscape views. Whether you’re a nature, architectural, or historical enthusiast, Lauterbrunnen can transport you to a world of wonder.
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Jiufen, Taiwan
Jiufen is the perfect destination for tourists to indulge in what is portrayed in classic Chinese and Taiwanese literature, folklore, and cinema. Jiufen’s timeless allure is so picture-perfect that it is believed to have inspired the Japanese anime Spirited Away. From the historic architecture adorned with red lanterns, traditional teahouses, tiered streets, breathtaking landscapes, and vast temples, Jiufen is sure to transport you to a different era.
While the architecture of Jiufen promises so much charm, you want to take time to indulge in the natural landscape of this small town. Explore the mountains that encircle the city and the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean you get to catch from the village.
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Bayeux, France
Located in the Normandy region, Bayeux never fails to impress architecture and history enthusiasts. The fascinating blend of Renaissance and medieval styles, featuring well-preserved timber-framed houses, elegant stone mansions, and majestic cathedrals, is a true sight to behold.
For a deeper dive into the allure of Bayeux, be sure to stop by the architectural gem of the Bayeux Cathedral. This masterpiece seamlessly blends Romanesque and Gothic architecture styles and dates back to the 11th century. Go beyond the charming architecture and explore the meandering rivers and hill ranges, all contributing to Bayeux’s nostalgic ambiance.
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Cochem, Germany
Situated along the Moselle River, Cochem is a charming town that embodies the perfect fairy tale setting. Take time marveling at and capturing the city’s colorful half-wooden horses, cobblestone streets, and medieval forts. Ensure to stop by the Reichsburg Cochem, an antique hilltop castle that dates back to the 11th century and adds to the town’s fairy tale allure.
Cochem will thrill you whether you are after a historically alluring destination or one with a stunning natural landscape. Take boat rides on the Moselle River or hike in the dense forests and hills surrounding this charming town.
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Wengen, Switzerland
Nothing epitomizes the ideal fairytale town better than a sparsely populated mountain village; this is precisely what Wengen is. Perched on a plateau above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Wengen offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Take your time to connect with nature as you enjoy this charming town’s scenic views. Then, get into the Swiss architecture that only adds to the appeal of Wengen. From traditional chalet buildings, colorful flower boxes, and rustic mountain restaurants, Wengen is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
While there are endless opportunities to explore, you should also take some time to enjoy the numerous outdoor activities you can do in this town. Hiking, skiing, and mountain biking will make your trip more worthwhile.
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Durnstein, Austria
The charm of Durnstein makes it the perfect place to escape from crowded and rushed cities. A UNESCO World Cultural Landscape, Durnstein is known for its rich wine culture, ancient ruins, lush hillsides, and beautiful vineyards that run as far as the eye can see.
Start slowly by exploring the buildings, which blend Baroque and medieval styles. While at it, hike up the hill to the Durnstein Castle ruins, which overlook the Danube River. Ensure to sample the region’s renowned Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines at local wineries and taverns.
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Chefchaouen, Morocco
Chefchaouen is a magical small town tucked amidst the Rif Mountains of Northern Morocco. The magical town is characterized by blue-washed buildings cascading down the mountain slopes.
Every corner you take in this mountain town offers hidden gems that keep striking tourists; from the winding staircases, arched doorways, and flower-pots-lined walls to the laid-back atmosphere, there is so much to see and experience in this charming town.
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Takayama, Japan
Takayama is a picturesque town in the Japanese Alps that transports tourists back to Japan’s Edo era. The small village is famed for its well-preserved Edo-era streets, traditional wooden houses, and rich cultural heritage. Start your adventure by exploring the Hida no Sato Open-air Museum, which showcases traditional-roof farmhouses and the core of Japan’s rural life. Then, set off to explore the wooden buildings that line the streets, the historic temples, and the meandering river across the town.
Held every year in Spring and Autumn, The Takayama Festival offers a detailed immersion into the village’s cultural heritage. From entertaining processions, traditional performances, and colorful costumes, the festival lets you go beyond the already elaborate charm of the village’s architecture.
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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.
