16 Quaint Villages Around the World That Are Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

If you love exploring small towns that offer a slower-paced lifestyle, you will want to discover these fairytale villages. From European storybook gems to picturesque Asian landscapes, we look at 16 quaint villages from around the globe that will transport you into a world of fairy tales.

Oia, Greece

Oia, located on the popular island of Santorini, is a village that needs no introduction. With its iconic whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches and excellent views of the Aegean Sea, Oia is one of the most beautiful villages in the world. The village’s sunsets offer the sort of  magic you see in fairytales which will leave a special place in your heart for Oia. 

Pučišća, Croatia

Pučišća, located on the island of Brač, is a hidden gem in the Adriatic Sea. The village is well-known for its white limestone quarries, which have provided the building blocks for a number of well-known structures, including the famous White House.With its charming stone houses, crystal-clear waters and peaceful atmosphere, Pučišća is a place where time seems to slow down.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt, located at the base of the Matterhorn, is a Swiss village that offers a fairy tale experience year-round. Imagine a winter wonderland where snow-covered chalets and horse-drawn carriages create a magical atmosphere. This charming village is the perfect place to cozy up and enjoy the winter season. In summer, the surrounding meadows and mountains come alive with wildflowers, creating a scene straight out of a storybook.

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often considered one of the most beautiful villages in the world. This quiet Austrian community, which is tucked away between the Dachstein Mountains and a tranquil lake, is well-known for its pastel-colored homes, winding lanes and extensive prehistoric heritage. The reflection of the mountains and houses in the lake creates a dreamlike scene, especially in the early morning mist.

Giethoorn, Netherlands

Known as the “Venice of the North,” Giethoorn is a car-free village where canals serve as roads. The only way to navigate this Dutch wonderland is by boat or by walking along its charming footpaths. Thatched-roof cottages, quaint wooden bridges and lush greenery make Giethoorn a truly enchanting place.

Colmar, France

Colmar, located in the Alsace region, is a village full of awe-inspiring sights. With its half-timbered houses painted in bright colors, cobblestone streets and flower-filled balconies, Colmar is the epitome of charm. The village’s well-preserved medieval architecture and the canals of the Petite Venise district add to its storybook appeal.

Reine, Norway

Reine, a small fishing village in the Lofoten Islands, is surrounded by dramatic landscapes that include towering mountains and deep fjords. The vibrant red and white fishermen’s cabins (known as rorbuer) stand in stark contrast to the rugged, natural beauty of the area, creating a scene that looks like it’s been lifted from the pages of your favorite book.

Bled, Slovenia

Bled is famous for its stunning lake, which is home to a small island topped with a picturesque church. The village itself is very picturesque, with its ancient castle sitting atop a bluff with a view of the lake. For those looking for a fairy tale experience, Bled is a must-visit because of its beautiful surroundings and tranquil environment.

Shirakawa-go, Japan

Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Shirakawa-go is a village that seems frozen in time. Its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall, are unique to the region. In winter, when the village is blanketed in snow, it resembles a winter wonderland straight out of your wildest imagination.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns. With its half-timbered houses, winding cobblestone streets and impressive town walls, Rothenburg feels like a place where time has stood still. The village’s fairy tale charm is especially evident during the holiday season when it hosts one of Germany’s most famous Christmas markets.

Bibury, England

Bibury, located in the Cotswolds, is often described as the most beautiful village in England. With one of Germany’s most well-known Christmas markets located there during the holiday season, the village’s fairy tale charm is particularly apparent. Surrounded by rolling green hills and the peaceful River Coln, Bibury exudes pastoral charm.

Fjaerland, Norway

Fjaerland is a picturesque village located at the foot of the Jostedalsbreen glacier, the largest in mainland Europe. Known as the “Book Town” for its numerous second-hand bookshops, Fjaerland offers a unique combination of natural beauty and literary culture. The village’s stunning fjord views and historic buildings add to its enchanting appeal.

Eguisheim, France

Eguisheim, located in the Alsace wine region, is a village that seems to have been plucked straight from a fairy tale. Its circular layout, with narrow streets radiating out from the central square, is unique in the region. The village’s half-timbered houses, adorned with colorful flowers, create a picture-perfect scene that feels like stepping back in time.

Monsanto, Portugal

Monsanto, often referred to as the “most Portuguese village in Portugal,” is perched on the side of a mountain and surrounded by massive boulders. The village’s stone houses are built around and into these boulders, creating a unique and otherworldly landscape. With its medieval castle ruins and panoramic views, Monsanto is a hidden gem that feels like a fantasy world.

Savoca, Italy

Savoca is a little Sicilian village that became well-known for being the set of “The Godfather,” but its allure extends far beyond its filmic past. Perched on a hilltop, Savoca offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Ionian Sea. The village’s narrow streets, ancient churches and rustic charm make it a magical destination.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen, known as the “Blue Pearl,” is a village nestled in the Rif Mountains of Morocco. The village is well-known for its blue-painted buildings, which give the place a tranquil, surreal feel. You’ll get the impression that you’ve entered a strange place as you meander through its narrow streets and busy marketplaces.