Some places honestly look so beautiful and unusual that you’d swear they popped right out of a storybook. You don’t even need to venture too far to stumble across small towns that feel like stepping into another world. These real-life fairytale towns scattered around the world have that special charm—almost like you’re wandering through a fairy tale, even if it’s just for a day.
You’ll spot colorful houses, little cozy shops, and a genuinely warm welcome. If you’re after somewhere that’s both easygoing and packed with character, these small towns are definitely worth your time.
11. Besalu, Spain
To see what Spain might have looked like in medieval times, there is no better destination than the town of Besalú. Located in Catalonia, Besalú is a completely walkable town packed with historic attractions. Don’t miss the magnificent and beautifully preserved Romanesque bridge that spans the Fluvià River and dates back to the 12th century.
Other highlights include the historic Jewish synagogues and the 11th century Church of Sant Pere. Be sure to walk across the bridge, which is closed to vehicle traffic, to take a few photos of the quiet, medieval town from this spectacular vantage point.
10. Chengyang Villages, China
If you want to experience the Dong culture, Chengyang Villages are a good place to do it. There are eight villages in the group, located about a five-hour ride from Guilin. The villages are famous for their folk culture – villagers put on a culture show twice a day – and their covered wooden wind-and-rain bridge, one of the most famous in China, that protects users from the elements.
The villages are surrounded by rice paddies and other crops. Fall harvest time is a good time to visit here.
9. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
© Vampy1 / DreamstimeCarmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most beautiful small towns in California, which is high praise, given that this state is filled with contenders. This picturesque little village features European-style cottages and boasts a stunning white-sand beach setting.
Its beauty and charm has long made it a popular destination for romantic getaways and for artists. While in Carmel-by-the-Sea, you’ll also want to explore the nearby 17 Mile Drive, which is world-famous for its stunning views of the rugged coastline and of the pounding Pacific Ocean surf.
8. Portree, Scotland
The largest town on the largest island of the Inner Hebrides, Portree is very attractive with its pastel-colored houses and harbor fringed by cliffs – with a pier designed by Thomas Telford to boot.
The town is perfectly situated as a gateway to the rocky scenery of the Trotternish peninsula (one of Scotland’s 40 National Scenic Areas), nearby to the famous landmark the Old Man of Storr, as well as for exploring the rest of Skye. The Aros Centre at Portree celebrates Skye’s Gaelic culture – there are a fair few speakers of the language on the island.
7. Pai, Thailand
Pai is populated by local rastas, Western hippies and Muslims. This thriving tourist town north of Chang Mai is nestled in a picturesque valley crowned with waterfalls and hiking trails. A large mosque in the center of town stands as the largest building and the main drag is lined with guesthouses. The burgenoning tourism industry still hasn’t ruined the serenity of the natural surrounding.
Nearby Huai Nam Dang National Park, Pai Canyon and the WWII Memorial Bridge make Pai the perfect jumping point to North Thailand adventures.
6. Visby, Sweden
Visby is known for its well preserved medieval town wall, built as fortification that also included defensive towers, and churches – though these are now mostly in ruins. Situated on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, Visby was part of the medieval Hanseatic League, a confederation of guilds and market towns joined together for commercial and defensive purposes.
Its main square or Stora Torget is surrounded by interlinking cobbled streets and is lined with cafes – perfect for watching the world go by in this picturesque coastal town.
5. Quedlinburg, Germany
© Denis Kelly / DreamstimeIf you have any pre-conceived notions of what a medieval German town should look like, Quedlinburg will fulfill your dreams. To call this town with its timbered buildings picturesque is an understatement. Multi-storied buildings line cobblestone streets that are narrow but not so narrow you can’t ride a horse-drawn carriage through them.
For good measure, walk through in the ancient Collegiate Church, considered a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Quedlinburg is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. Believe it.
4. Dingle, Ireland
© Michel Dreher / DreamstimeSitting all by itself on the Dingle Peninsula, this town is famous for pubs, fishing, bottlenose dolphins (or just one, named Fungie) and the fact that Gaelic as a local vernacular is heard just as commonly as English – it’s situated in a Gaeltacht (Gaelic-speaking) region.
Established after the 12th century Norman conquest of Ireland, Dingle harbor is backdropped by dramatic hills, nestled in which is the nearby Connor Pass – hiking up to Peddler’s Lake from the waterfall here is well worth the spectacular view. And afterwards, settling into one of Dingle’s many pubs for the evening is a comfy reward.
3. Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy
Founded by Etruscans 2,500 years ago, Civita di Bagnoregio sits on a pinnacle buffeted by winds and erosion. Nonetheless, it offers some pretty amazing views from on high. Erosion caused parts of the town to tumble over the cliff, and worn away land access, but you can access this gem by footbridge.
This charming town oozes a Middle Ages atmosphere, from the cobblestone streets to centuries’ old ivy-covered arches. The village hosts donkey races in the main square in July and September.
2. Stein am Rhein, Switzerland
While visitors may come to Stein am Rhein to view the scenery – it’s on Lake Constance – many will come to view the village’s unique architecture. Half-timbered buildings in its well-preserved Old Town are enhanced with ornately decorated and colorful facades.
Stein am Rhein was once a Roman fortress, but the village is filled with remarkable buildings that came afterward. There’s an early church dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the monastery of St. Georgen and a museum that showcases Stein am Rhein life in the 19th century.
1. Castle Combe, England
© Arenaphotouk / DreamstimeThe Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has a lot to answer for when it comes to beautiful English towns to match. Castle Combe is one of them. Claiming to be “the prettiest English town,” the rest of the world has listened: various movies and TV series have been filmed here, including Steven Spielberg’s War Horse and Downton Abbey.
Historical as ever, the imposing 15th century St Andrew’s Church reflects the former prosperity of the Cotswolds’ textile industry. There’s even some historical five-star accommodation: the 14th century Manor House Hotel.
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