Europe’s most beautiful villages rarely remain hidden for long. The concept of small towns and hamlets steeped in old-world charm has inspired travelers for centuries, spreading across the continent in search of these postcard-perfect destinations.
The first prerequisite for an idyllic European village is a scenic location, whether it’s a Norwegian fjord or a sunny Greek island. But the most notable villages also have unique features, such as the high gabled pastel facades that line the main squares of Telč in the Czech Republic and Kong, a centuries-old castle in Ireland.
But too many tourists can make a once-quiet village feel uncomfortably crowded. Consider his five fishing villages in Italy’s Cinque Terre. A walk on a summer evening is like shuffling through a crowded amusement park, lined with expensive restaurants and souvenir shops. But just an hour’s drive along the coast from the crowds of Cinque Terre, there is another wonderful seaside village, Tellaro. This is a wonderful, unspoilt place due to its lack of access.
It takes some extra effort to get to these beautiful places in Europe, but it’s well worth it if you can enjoy these amazing places at your own pace rather than fighting for space.
Tellaro (Italy)
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Winding cliff-top roads and a small port have protected Tellaro from the waves of tourism that have engulfed other Ligurian seaside towns such as Vernazza and Portofino. Here, a jumble of pastel buildings cling dizzyingly to the sheer coastline, creating the visual effect of looming over the same cliffs as the busy destination. The village is located along the Golfo dei His Poeti, named after poets and literary icons such as Lord Byron and Sir Laurence, who once sought inspiration in this Mediterranean haven.
Bibury, UK
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The hilly Cotswolds region is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in south-west England, and one of its most beautiful villages is Bibury. There, lush meadows border medieval stone cottages with steeply pitched roofs. The River Colne, which bisects the village, is stocked with trout, but the most beautiful area is Arlington Row. The area is a lane lined with sepia-toned cottages built in his 17th century to house the weavers of the nearby Arlington mills.
Hallstatt (Austria)
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The central Austrian town of Hallstatt is the setting for the story, on the shores of Lake Hallstetter, nestled between a pristine lake and lush mountains that rise dramatically from the water’s edge. A history of salt mining dating back thousands of years has led to the town’s enduring prosperity, evident in the pretty market square surrounded by ivy-covered buildings.
Folegandros island, Greece
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The streets of Santorini are filled with fans, but a similar combination of visual elements can be found on the nearby island of Folegandros in the Cyclades. Slate-paved streets, whitewashed buildings decorated with colorful flowers, and the occasional brightly lit Greek Orthodox church. Blue Dome — No crowds. For a secluded swim, trek 2.4 miles to Catelugo Beach. It’s a sheltered spot where gentle blue and emerald waves crash against the pebble shore.
colmar, france
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This well-preserved Alsatian village mixes French and German influences, with bakeries selling croissants and kugelhop cakes and restaurants specializing in foie gras and choucroute (sauerkraut). The Old Town exhibits a variety of architectural styles, from German Gothic to French Neo-Baroque. It is noteworthy that Colmar escaped destruction during World War II. One reason for this is the historic beauty of its cobblestone streets, quiet canals, and half-timbered houses.
Reine, Norway
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North of the Arctic Circle, Reine is a picturesque fishing village on the Lofoten Islands, a region of exceptional Nordic natural beauty, where sapphire coves fill fjords and border mountains. Many of the bright red fishermen’s huts (called Rorbua) have been converted into comfortable cottages for visitors with direct access to the Norwegian Sea. These are the perfect places to enjoy mesmerizing views of the night sky, whether you’re going to enjoy the midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in winter.
Telc, Czech Republic
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Residents of Telč, a small town in the Vysočina region of the Czech Republic, were once very competitive about the beauty of their homes, but now every building on the long, narrow central square is more beautiful than its neighbor. The Baroque and Renaissance façade, featuring high gables painted in pale pastel colors, now supports small shops and cafes. The town center is surrounded by a large pond full of fish, making it even more picturesque, and at one end of the square stands a magnificent Renaissance castle.
Albarracin, Spain
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Fragments of medieval Spain are preserved within the fortified walls of this village in the hills of central Aragon. Ancient stone towers, ocher castles and chapels await as you descend through Albarracín’s narrow alleys and winding lanes. Follow the historic ramparts and you’ll have the best views all the way to the old Moorish castles.
Pučia, Croatia
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Buses and cruise ships that stop along Croatia’s sunny Dalmatian coast attract tourists who want to experience the charms of Dubrovnik and the ancient island village of Hvar. On the other hand, the number of tourists heading to Pucixa on Brac Island is decreasing. The reward for these astute travelers is a seaside village with outsized charm: white stone villas with terracotta roofs, narrow cobblestone alleys, and cobbled squares. Enjoy the relative tranquility and the many great spots for swimming in the Adriatic Sea.
cong, ireland
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Surrounded by rivers, the Irish village of Cong straddles the Mayo-Galway border and is dotted with lakes and bright green pastures where sheep graze. Cong is home to numerous stone bridges, the ruins of medieval monasteries, the occasional thatched hut, and Ashford Castle. This impressive 13th-century mansion was expanded during the Victorian era and converted into a luxury resort hotel.
Gruyere, Switzerland
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Gruyère is famous for its namesake cheese, which has a mild, nutty flavor and is typically used in fondue. But few people know much about the town itself, a medieval settlement on the upper Saane River in western Switzerland. The wide cobblestone streets lead to sweeping views of the Alps and the imposing fortress of the magnificent 13th-century Château de Gruyères.
Bled, Slovenia
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This small Alpine town in northwestern Slovenia is located on the shores of Lake Bled, but its highlight is a small island with a small Baroque church set in the glacial blue waters. After a long walk around the lake, you can admire this perfect view from the castle on the hill or recharge your batteries by eating kremšnita (a sugar-dusted pastry filled with cream and custard) in the city. Masu.
Obidos, Portugal
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Remnants of a medieval village still exist within the crenelated walls of Óbidos, a hilltop near Portugal’s west coast. Since attracting her royal family in the 13th century (the town was a gift to Queen Isabel from her husband King Dinis), Óbidos continues to impress visitors who pass through its formidable fortress. Inside the castle walls, you’ll find a maze of cobblestone walkways, whitewashed villas covered in bright bougainvillea, and plenty of bars ready to pour you a ginjinha, a local liquor made with sour cherries. .
guarda, switzerland
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Winding mountain roads lead you to Guarda, a remote Alpine village in the rugged Lower Engadin of eastern Switzerland. The area lacks the glitz of neighboring Upper Engadin (known for its high-end ski resorts such as St. Moritz). Surrounded by mountain peaks and lush meadows, this enclave is distinguished by its quaint architecture, with many beautiful houses decorated with traditional painted and carved decorations. As you walk along the quiet paths, listen to the locals speaking Romansh, a unique language that survives only in this isolated region of the Alps.
marsaxlokk, malta
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Marsaxlokk, on Malta’s south-east coast, is an ancient fishing village with a harbor full of traditional fishing boats called luzijet (singular: luz). The colorful boat, with an eye painted on its prow, is used to reel in much of the tuna, swordfish and local lampuki (mahi-mahi) that is served at seafood restaurants along the harbour, and sold at the Sunday fish market. Masu. A short walk up the coast is St. Peter’s Pool, a hidden limestone cove where locals often jump into the crystal clear waters.
Giethoorn, Netherlands
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Those seeking a break from city life will find the tranquility of a rustic era in Giethoorn. The car-free Dutch village has miles of canals instead of roads, so boats are the main mode of transportation. Glide along narrow canals, past thatched farmhouses and cottages surrounded by flower-filled gardens, and under dozens of wooden bridges connecting each patch of grass. Or go back to winter when it’s cold enough to ice skate on frozen canal surfaces.
Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
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In the heart of a vast caldera, this well-preserved medieval town in southern Slovakia is an easy day trip from Budapest and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The silver mined in the area fueled the village’s historic prosperity, which continues today with Romanesque and Renaissance castles, Gothic and neoclassical churches, and elegant buildings that make up its historic centre. You can see it on the square. Excavation work ceased a century before his death, but the silver and gold mines were transformed into an open-air museum.
cochem, germany
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Set on the banks of the winding Mosel River, Cochem is a sleepy German village with traditional half-timbered houses in the central square and cute cottages lining the cobblestone streets. A stroll along the picturesque riverside promenade offers views of the town’s hilltop castle. In the surrounding vineyards of the misty Moselle Valley, terraced vines cling to steep slopes, offering ample opportunities to sample the region’s flowery white wines.
Bosa, Italy
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Far from the glitzy beach resorts that many complain about Sardinia’s overdevelopment, Bosa remains an unspoiled gem on the island’s northwest coast. This medieval town on the banks of the River Temo has a charming riverside lined with palm trees and palaces painted in pastel colors. On the hill he has a fortress built in the 12th century, and the historic center consists entirely of stone steps, shaded squares and houses with wrought iron balconies.
Kazimierz Dolny, Poland
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This well-preserved settlement near the Vistula River in central Poland has long attracted artists. The untouched nature that surrounds Kazimierz Dolny, including valleys and otherworldly tunnels of intertwined tree roots, has inspired many painters. But the town itself, with its cobbled market squares and Renaissance monuments, is full of art galleries tucked away in charming side streets.
Rettvik, Sweden
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Beautiful in classic Swedish style, Rettvik is nestled between the forests of Acre and the clear waters of Lake Siljan in Dalarna, widely considered the capital of the country. Historic wooden buildings throughout the town are painted Fahl Redfag, a deep red color from the nearby copper mines. Local gift shops stock shelves with Dala horses, a national symbol that originated in the region.
Dinan, Belgium
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On a strip of land between the cliffs and the Meuse River lies Dinan, a historic town in Belgium’s French-speaking Wallonia region. Beer lovers should make a pilgrimage to Notre-Dame-de-His Leffe, the medieval monastery where a 13th-century monk began brewing Leffe, one of Belgium’s most famous beers. To learn more and take part in a tasting, head across the river to the Leffe Beer Museum at La Merveilleuse by His Infinity Resorts. This former monastery hotel offers stunning views of the town and cliff-top citadel.
