You never get tired of escapes in small towns that have a special charm, wherever they are. Every country has at least one fabulous small town or an idyllic village that is worth visiting.
Any visit here becomes a fairytale experience, so here is a selection of 18 of them:
Albarracin (Spain)
Albarracin is one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and stands out for its buildings in shades of pink and orange that blend perfectly with the rocky surroundings. The town is unique due to its history, which has known Muslim influences, but also Christianity. The small town hides both Gothic cathedrals and spectacular Moorish ruins.
Lauterbrunnen (Switzerland)
The town of Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland is guarded by dizzying cliffs, flowery meadows and mountain peaks. In this area there are over 70 waterfalls, some of which are among the highest in Europe. The place was used as inspiration for the fictional valley of Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings.
Castle Combe (England)
Castle Combe is a quintessential English village located in the south-west of Wiltshire. In this town from England, no houses have been built since the 1600s, so everything is well preserved. Castle Combe has houses built of Cotswold stone, pubs and old churches, which give the place a special charm.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Germany)
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a city that enjoys a worldwide reputation, being one of the most visited in Germany. Its reputation is due to the fact that it is one of the best medieval historical centers in Europe.
Surrounded by old defense walls and protected by no less than 42 towers, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, with its narrow stone streets and brightly colored houses, seems torn from the stories of ladies and knights.
Bled (Slovenia)
There is a reason why Lake Bled is one of the most popular sites in Slovenia. With its emerald waters, islet with churches, the view of the Julien Alps and the 12th century castle on the hill, you have access to the perfect experience. In addition, the nearby town of Bled is equally charming with its candlelit restaurants and traditional wooden boats awaiting visitors.
Siwa (Egypt)
Siwa Oasis (its full name) is one of Egypt's best western desert oases, with thousands of palm trees, gorgeous hot springs and olive groves, guarded by temple ruins dating back to the 4th century BC.
Viñales (Cuba)
Viñales is a mirror of the shining colonial architecture and vintage cars of Cuba. At the same time, the colorful town is surrounded by one of the most amazing landscapes in the country. It is not for nothing that Viñales National Park (better known as Valle de Viñales) was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Zhouzhuang (China)
Eastern China is full of enchanting "water cities" that line the channels of the Yangzi River. These cities have several architectural features in common, including stone bridges or whitewashed houses. What makes Zhouzhuang special? Through the beautiful cobbled alleys and excellent restaurants.
Lunenburg (Canada)
This old fishing town in Nova Scotia is included in the UNESCO list, being recognized for keeping its original appearance since it was founded in 1753.
Lunenburg, with its quaint streets and brightly coloured buildings has a charming air and is full of amazing restaurants, distilleries, craft breweries and unique shops.
Sayulita (Mexico)
Sayulita is one of the famous "Pueblos Mágicos" - a collection of towns and villages that are recognized by the government of Mexico for their natural beauty, preserved cultural heritage, gastronomy and more.
Sayulita offers access to an authentic Mexican life experience, with its colorful market, boutiques, Mexican food stalls and quiet beaches.
Luang Prabang (Laos)
Luang Prabang in Laos is one of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995.
The town is a vibrant mix of culture, history and natural beauty. From its ancient temples and imposing mountains to its delicious gastronomy and welcoming locals, the place has a lot to offer for an unforgettable experience.
Iruya (Argentina)
The village of Iruya in Argentina is not an easily accessible one. It can be reached only by a four-hour bus ride from the neighboring region - Jujuy. The effort is rewarded, because once you arrive you have a dreamy view of the Iruya River guarded by condors flying above it.
Located at 2,780 meters above sea level and with only 1,500 inhabitants, Iruya will charm you with its narrow cobbled streets and houses made of adobe, stone and straw.
The town was declared a UNESCO site in 2002 and is part of the Yungas Bosphorus reserve. A place where you will live a unique experience, without a doubt.
Göreme (Turkey)
You've probably seen hundreds of pictures of Göreme - the perfect town in the Cappadocia region, famous for its chimneys as if taken out of fairy tales, but also for its cave churches with special frescoes. Its amazing beauty can be fully admired from the height, from a hot air balloon, at sunrise.
Gokayama (Japan)
Tucked away in the mountains of central Japan, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of Gokayama (along with its twin village, Shirakawa-go, about a 30-minute drive away) is a picturesque place that is hard to describe. But you can discover it yourself if you visit it and discover the houses with thatched roofs, in the shape of A, as well as the mulberry plantations with cherry blossoms in the background in spring or snow in winter.
Ban Rak Thai (Thailand)
Located on the border between Thailand and Myanmar, Ban Rak Thai stands out for its thatched houses surrounded by misty mountains, tea plantations and clear waters. It's the perfect place to mingle with the friendly locals and enjoy some alone time. Here, an early morning walk on the lake is a memorable experience.
Carmel-by-the-Sea (California)
This hidden place in California, of amazing natural beauty and houses built in different European styles, has been a nest for various artistic currents for about a hundred years. Its beautiful buildings host art galleries and specialty boutiques, and the experience here is completed by the excellent local cuisine and a wine universe in full development.
Kralendijk (Bonaire)
Kralendijk, the small but extremely pleasant capital of Bonaire, is a city you must discover if you arrive on this tropical island. With its brightly colored houses, historic buildings, bars and restaurants, as well as its friendly residents, Kralendijk is an experience in itself.
Bar Harbor (Maine)
Bar Harbor (Maine) is a lovely place, with a lively downtown area, chic and cheerful buildings, and a harbor full of whale-watching tourist boats.