Every now and then, you just want to disappear from the chaos and find a place that could’ve jumped straight out of a storybook. Small towns tucked away in far-off corners of the world can give you that, with their painted houses, sleepy lanes, and views that almost don’t look real. Honestly, these towns seem like they shouldn’t exist outside of fiction, but they’re out there, waiting for you to wander in.
Strolling along cobblestone paths, you’ll pass timeworn buildings and soak up a calm you rarely find elsewhere. Visiting places like these is a bit like stepping into another world, if only for a weekend or so.
12. Riquewihr, France
Riquewihr is an Alsace village of less than 1,500 souls in northeastern France that is known for two things: its historic architecture and its great wines. Still looking much like it did in the 16th century, Riquewihr is considered one of the most beautiful small towns in France.
Medieval fortifications surround the town; the old castle has been turned into a museum. The village was relatively untouched during World War II and is home to a museum about the war’s impact on Alsace.
11. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s famous ski and mountaineering resorts, which is easy to understand as it lies at the foot of one of the country’s highest mountains, the Matterhorn. Zermatt is the place to go if you’re seeking glitz and glamour with your outdoors activities.
Though it’s close to the border with Italy, Zermatt residents are more likely to speak German. You can hike or take a cable car into the mountains for spectacular views of the famed Matterhorn.
10. Parati, Brazil
The Green Coast of Rio De Janeiro is home to Parati (also spelled Paraty). The bay is full of lush islands, jungle hills backdrop the bright white colonial buildings, and the peninsula hides beaches waiting to be found. Motor vehicles are not allowed in town because the old cobblestone is too irregular making Parati a walker’s paradise. It also helps preserve the beautiful centuries-old buildings. The sheer beauty of the town can draw thousands to make for an overcrowded experience, especially during the summer months.
9. Zhouzhuang, China
Zhouzhuang is a good place to unwind during a jam-packed trip to China. One way to do this is take a gondola ride down this water town’s canals. Not only is this relaxing, but it will give you a different perspective on the town.
Located 30 km (18 miles) from Suzhou in eastern China, this 1,200-year-old offers many outstanding sites, including 14 arched stone bridges, of which the Twin Bridges are the most famous. You can also visit centuries-old houses built by wealthy families and an 11th century Taoist temple.
8. Lavenham, England
Medieval buildings lean higgledy-piggledy in Lavenham like something from another time. In the 15th and 16th centuries the town was famous for its wool, and one of the richest settlements in Britain because of it, but fell into decline with cheaper exports from Europe.
Now it’s like walking through a fairytale: hundreds of half-timbered buildings spell out the past, with a contemporary infusion of eateries and places to stay. You can even sip tea in the Tudor tea-room at the Lavenham Guildhall, one of the finest examples of Lavenham’s heyday.
7. Tomar, Portugal
The Knights of Templar were a religious military faction ordained by the Pope. They were among the most skilled fighters during the crusades and non-fighting members were advanced in the world of finance. They ruled Christendom from the 12th to the 14th centuries, and they once called Tomar home.
Nestled against the Sete Montes Woods, this historical gem still boasts the Convento de Christo, the towering former home of the Knights. Take a stroll through history by visiting the Almourol Castle and the old synagogue then enjoy the Fatias de Tomar; a confectionary bread snack made here for generations.
6. Rovinj, Croatia
On the west coast of the Istrian peninsula juts Rovinj into the Adriatic Sea. More than 15,000 residents cram into this tiny town wedged into the edge of the peninsula. Unlike many other ancient Croatian cities, Rovinj has no fortified walls; the outer ring houses feature front doors that open right up to the sea. A popular tourist destination, the old town is sprinkled with four-star hotels and restaurants where you’ll find great sea food. Rovinj is still an authentic fishing port. Take a boat trip to the nearby Rovinj archipelago to escape the crowds for a day.
5. Clonakilty, Ireland
This bustling town is a hub for tourism in West Cork – its brightly daubed buildings and numerous music pubs are testament to that. In fact it was named “Best Town In Europe” in 2017. Maybe it’s because of the atmosphere of the place, or maybe it’s the black pudding that Clonakilty is famous for: the still-secret family recipe dates back to 1880.
Maybe it’s the incredibly cute Model Village of the town. Or maybe it’s the pre-Celtic ring forts as well as Norman castles that have been found in the area. We think it’s a mix.
4. Killin, Scotland
Situated at the western end of Loch Tay, scenic Killin is in a prime position for Highlands exploration. It’s set very near the raucous Falls of Dochart, which you can see from a stone bridge that crosses the wild white-water.
The famous MacNab clan were dominant here – there’s a prehistoric stone circle in the grounds of their old seat of power, Kinnell House; and you can find their family burial ground on Inchbuie, an island in the River Dochart. To the north of town are the ruins of 17th century Finlarig Castle. But the walking and hiking on nearby mountain Beinn Ghlas alone is worth a trip to this out-of-the-way spot.
3. Monemvasia, Greece
A causeway links the island village of Monemvasia to the Greek mainland on the Peloponnese coast. Monemvasia is a medieval town well noted for its architecture, with red tile roofs topping rustic colored buildings. With waves crashing against the rocks, this former fortress village is quite picturesque. Previous visitors have called Monemvasia a magical, fairy tale place that’s perfect for romance. You’ll be enchanted to when you see the old castle toping the island. The walled village shows off its Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman past quite well.
2. Dinkelsbuhl, Germany
© Anjo Kan / DreamstimeDinkelsbuhl adds both character and color to the German landscape. Located in Bavaria along the Romantic Road, Dinkelsbuhl is one of Germany’s few remaining medieval walled cities. Once an important city in the Holy Roman Empire, Dinkelsbuhl celebrates its rescue during the Thirty Years War with its annual “Kinderzeche” festival in July, Colorfully costumed residents impart an aura of pageantry. Must-see sights include the 15th century St. George’s Church with its 12th century tower. Don’t miss the summer heavy metal music festival.
1. Alberobello, Italy
Southern Italy’s Alberobello is bigger and younger than most small towns in Italy, many of which date back to Roman times. This town, founded by 40 families in the 16th century, has more than 10,000 people.
It’s a trulli picturesque town, with buildings having conical roofs often tipped with white. The white-washed houses also are unique because they were built with stone without the use of mortar – a ruse to get out of paying taxes on them.