10 Most Picturesque Villages Around The World

A vacation doesn’t always have to be going to crowded destinations where tall skyscrapers, huge malls with bright lights are the crowd puller. Traveling to smaller and lesser known places with beautiful natural surroundings is becoming the trend in the recent past. People are looking for postcard-perfect villages to escape from the hustle-bustle of city life. Despite their small size, these little gems are sure to take your breath away. Here’s a list of some of the stunning villages from around the world that are worth traveling to see with your own eyes.

Best Villages From Around The World That Is Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale

There are over 7,000 small and big villages in the world, however the beautiful villages listed below definitely deserve a top spot on your travel itinerary. Read on to know why they are so special.

Hallstatt, Austria

Nestled between the picturesque Lake Hallstatt and lofty Dachstein Mountains is a stunning Alpine village that is known for its breath-taking views. The pastel Baroque buildings and timber homes set against the breath-taking backdrop of soaring mountains makes it a picture-perfect frame. No wonder this alpine village is one of the most photographed spots in Austria. Apart from the 360-degree view of the Austrian Alps, this European village also features some beautiful old churches and a museum that’s home to 7000 years old artifacts. It has one of the oldest salt mines in the world which has brought a huge amount of wealth to Austria. Vehicle free calm atmosphere of Hallstatt village makes for a perfect getaway. 

Oia, Greece

Oia, is one of the most picturesque villages set on top of the cliffs of Santorini. The village is so beautiful that you’ll find many famous and important personalities of the world vacationing here. Due to this, many expensive restaurants and world-famous brands have opened their outlets in Oia. People come here to enjoy the jaw-dropping gorgeous views which are dominated by elegant white buildings and blue domes. Beautiful narrow streets filled with colorful rooftops, sun-bathed verandas and picture-perfect sunset views add on to the beauty of this place. Santorini volcanic crater, art galleries, maritime museum and remains of a Venetian fortress are things to look out for while here. This village is without a doubt one of the most beautiful villages in the world.

Intragna, Switzerland

Intragna, perching on a rocky spur is one of the most mesmerizing places in Switzerland. Meeting point of the rivers Isorno and Melezza is where this village resides. Switzerland in itself is a beautiful place but what makes Intragna stand out is its natural surroundings. The narrow cobbled streets, multi-storeyed buildings, bell tower and the Roman Bridge are crowning glories of this medieval Swiss town. The Roman Bridge is a stone bridge built in the year 1578. Its beautiful arches stand majestically in the surreal turquoise waters of the Melezza River. Another top spot to check out is the 21 exhibition rooms of the Museum of Centovalli and Pedemonte which offers fascinating exhibits.

Bibury, England

On either side of the river Coln are two beautiful villages of which one is the Bibury. A British poet William Morris once said “Bibury is the most beautiful village in England.” This 17th-century village is a gem as it is surrounded by beauty in an unspoilt nature with calm settings, a combination which is very rare to find. What was once a monastic wool store is now a row of weavers’ cottages. The stone cottages with steeply pitched roofs and the beautiful Coln River flowing through the village makes for a picturesque sight. The beauty of this place is such that its image can be seen on the inside cover of all UK passports. This little town in Gloucestershire is easily one of the most photographed villages in the United Kingdom.

Reine, Norway

Reine is a breathtakingly beautiful fishing village on the island of Moskenesøya on northern Norway’s Lofoten archipelago. It’s a long journey to reach Reine, but all the efforts are worth it as soon as you set foot on this spectacular village. With only a population of around 300 villagers, Reine is hidden from the eyes of modern civilization. People who know about this place come in to chase the stunning Northern Lights or to simply kayak through the fjords. The highlight of this mesmerizing place is the red and white fishermen’s cabins (called rorbu) dotting the shoreline. These cabins are converted into beautiful cottages to help visitors have an open view of the Norwegian Sea and the night sky. Reine also offers many adventure activities like kayaking, biking, camping, bird watching and skiing. This small but beautiful place offers much more than expected.

Alberobello, Italy

Alberobello, located in the region of Puglia in southern Italy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its strange and unique whitewashed stone huts with colonial roofs is what caught the attention of UNESCO. These traditional huts known as Trulli are great examples of vernacular architecture in Europe. Though an ancient building technique was followed in the construction, the building in itself is not very old. The small picturesque town is filled with several historical churches, vibrant markets, and a number of excellent restaurants. A day or two is good enough to explore more of this beautiful village. With the passage of time Alberobello has become one of the top destinations on the travel itineraries of all. 

Kampung Pelangi, Indonesia

Kampung Pelangi also popularly known as the “Rainbow Village” is one of the top tourist attractions in Semarang. Kampung Pelangi once used to be a slum, however with a suggestion of a local high school principal this plain looking village was transformed into the rainbow colored village. Joint efforts from the government by way of monetary help and community by working together made this ordinary looking place into a colorful and joyful place. Around 200 houses were painted with vibrant colors in the hope of attracting tourists. Today their efforts have paid off, visitors from around the world come to admire the brightly painted buildings and beautiful street art.

Giethoorn, Netherlands

Just an hour’s drive from Amsterdam brings you to a beautiful and calm village called Giethoorn. The historic village with scenic waterways is one of the most beautiful villages in the world. Because of its many similarities with Italy’s Veneto region, Giethoorn got to be called the “Venice of the Netherlands.” This historic village of the middle ages is road free and is connected together with about 150 bridges. Floating beneath these bridges admiring the picturesque landscape, thatched-roof farmhouses and cottages on either side is a sight to behold. During the frozen winter months the canals are used for ice skating. Your local tour guide will take you on a boat trip cruising through Giethoorn’s canals while providing interesting information about the village and its people.

Colmar, France

As Colmar is located along the border between France and Germany, a great deal of influence from both the countries can be seen here. Buildings have German Gothic and French Neo-Baroque style of architecture. Colmar boasts of its colorful traditional houses and beautiful Christmas market. The streets of Colmar are always illuminated with optic lights of different colors, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Its beautiful cobblestoned lanes, quiet canals, and half-timbered houses adds more beauty to the village. Every evening, especially during the weekends the entire village comes to life.

Popeye Village, Malta

On top of a cliff overlooking Anchor Bay is this beautiful village that you should not miss if you’re a fan of the famous cartoon character Popeye. From a film set of the ’80s Musical ‘Popeye’ to one of the major tourist attractions in Malta, Popeye Village has come a long way. Today this charming village is a theme park filled with fun activities, it’s a place where fantasy meets reality. Book yourself for a day full of magic: watch shows, visit museums, go on boat rides, puppet shows, explore the village, or go wine tasting. For people who want to skip the theme park can chill from the cove opposite by enjoying the view of the turquoise sea and marine life.

Also Read: Most Beautiful Villages In India You Should Visit

It is always good to take a break, so why not soak up in these fairy tale like villages for some unadulterated joy. Pick yours and go on a personal journey of self-discovery. If you want us to add your favorite, do mention in the comment box below.