Fairytale Places in Europe for Your Travel Bucket List
Looking for the most beautiful fairytale places in Europe?
You’re in the right place! I’ve been to every single destination on this list, and I can fully vouch for the fairytale-ness (is that a word?) of each of these villages, towns, and cities. If you’re in search of endless charm and picture-perfect views, you’ll find plenty of it in all of the following destinations.
From magical castles to cobblestone streets to charming historic buildings, each of these places feels like it was taken straight from the pages of a book of fairytales. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Fairytale Towns & Villages in Europe
First, let’s take a look at some fairytale towns and villages. These destinations are smaller, although many of them are still quite popular tourist destinations (but I’ll give you tips on how to avoid the crowds!)
1. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is often described as a fairytale place, and it’s easy to see why. This small lakeside village is full of quaint buildings with Alpine architecture and surrounded by mountains, creating dramatic views.
You can visit Hallstatt on a day trip from Salzburg (it’s a 1.5-hour drive), but that’s what most people do, and Hallstatt can get super crowded with day trippers. Instead, I recommend staying in Hallstatt for a night or two. Not only can you enjoy the town after the day trippers leave, but you can also support local businesses more. If you do take a day trip, go on a weekday for fewer crowds.
This is a beautiful destination year-round, with amazing scenery in all four seasons. I personally visited in December, and I got to see Hallstatt covered in snow, which was super magical.
2. Bled, Slovenia
The small town of Bled, situated in picture-perfect Lake Bled, is another amazing place to visit. The circumference of the lake is about four miles, so you can walk the whole thing in under two hours. You can also take a boat ride to the small island at the center of the lake, which is definitely worth a visit.
And don’t skip Bled Castle, which is located right by the town. It’s a steep walk to get up there, but the views from the castle looking down at the lake are stunning, especially if you go at sunset!
You can visit Bled on a day trip from Ljubljana (it’s 45 minutes away by car or public transit.) However, there’s a lot to do near Bled, including Triglav National Park and Vintgar Gorge. For this reason, I’d actually recommend staying in Bled for a couple of nights and using it as a base to explore.
3. Castle Combe, UK
Castle Combe looks like something straight from the pages of a storybook. This tiny village is located in the Cotswolds, a scenic region that’s two hours from London. There is no way to get to Castle Combe via public transit, so you will need to drive. Luckily, the Cotswolds is the perfect place for a road trip!
There are tons of cute villages you can visit in the Cotswolds (there’s actually another one further down this list), and you can enjoy the scenery of rolling hills and bucolic countryside between them. I recommend basing yourself at a hotel in the Cotswolds for several days and getting a rental car.
4. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France
Somehow, I had never heard of Saint-Paul-de-Vence before, until I was visiting the French Riviera. And I immediately became obsessed with it! I also feel like this is a bit of a hidden gem, because I didn’t see nearly as many tourists here as I did at other small towns along the French Riviera.
This hilltop town is absolutely stunning and is known for being a haven for artists. Matisse, Picasso, and Calder all spent time here, and Chagall lived here for nearly 20 years. Today, the town is full of art galleries.
While I visited Saint-Paul-de-Vence on a day trip from Cannes, you can easily get here from other places on the French Riviera, like Nice. Or you can opt to stay in Saint-Paul-de-Vence for a couple of days!
5. Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is actually five fairytale towns in one! Meaning “Five Lands” in Italian, this destination is a collection of five colorful fishing villages along the Ligurian coast. You can easily get between each town by train (they’re all just five to ten minutes apart), or by hiking on scenic cliffside trails.
You can visit Cinque Terre on a day trip from Florence, but it takes over two hours each way, and you might not have time to visit all five towns. This is also a place that can get very crowded with day trippers.
Instead, I recommend staying at least two nights in Cinque Terre so you can take more time to explore. I’ve written about where to stay in Cinque Terre so you can decide which town to base yourself in. Staying in Cinque Terre gives you time to leisurely visit all five villages, hike, relax at the beach, and more.
6. Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
There are actually several destinations in Montenegro that could have been on this list (Kotor, Perast, and Budva come to mind), but Sveti Stefan might just be the most fairytale-like of them all. Montenegro is also a very small country, so you’ll have no trouble visiting all these places while you’re there.
Sveti Stefan is a town on the Adriatic Sea, famous for its little island, which was originally built as a fortified village in the 15th century. The island is now owned by the Aman hotel chain, and was operating as a luxury resort up until 2020. The resort remains closed, but there are other hotels in Sveti Stefan.
7. San Marino, San Marino
San Marino is one of the smallest countries in Europe, fully surrounded by Italy and occupying an area of just 24 square miles. However, this tiny independent nation carries its weight when it comes to beautiful views. The capital, also called San Marino, is a charming hilltop town famous for its three towers.
You can walk between the three towers and visit the first two, taking in sweeping views of the surrounding hills and all the way out to the Adriatic Sea. It’s possible to visit San Marino on a day trip from Bologna (it takes a little over two hours by train and then bus), or you could stay in San Marino overnight.
8. Mont-Saint-Michel, France
Mont-Saint-Michel almost feels like an optical illusion, rising from the totally flat landscape of the Normandy coast. Built on a tidal island, this village features narrow, winding streets filled with restaurants and shops, leading up to an impressive abbey at the top of the hill (dating back to the 11th century!)
While it’s theoretically possible to visit Mont-Saint-Michel on a day trip from Paris, you’re looking at a long travel day. You’ll have almost four hours of driving each day, only to spend a few hours there.
Instead, my recommendation would be to visit Mont-Saint-Michel as part of a Normandy road trip. You can really take your time there instead of being rushed. There are even several hotels in Mont-Saint-Michel if you’d like the unique experience of staying overnight on the island (but I don’t think it’s necessary.)
9. Positano, Italy
Positano, known as the jewel of the Amalfi Coast, looks like something straight from a fairytale. With its colorful, whimsical buildings built steeply up the hill, lemon trees and pink bougainvillea, and breathtaking views of the glittering Mediterranean Sea, Positano is a truly enchanting destination.
If you’re looking to splurge, staying in Positano is a bucket list experience. However, you could also base yourself elsewhere on the Amalfi Coast (or in nearby Sorrento) and visit on a day trip. Other towns along the coast, like Amalfi and Praiano, could have easily made this list too, and are worth a visit.
10. Bibury, UK
Earlier, I mentioned Castle Combe, and now I have to talk about Bibury. This is yet another charming village in the Cotswolds that almost seems too perfect to be real. But it is, and this is actually where I stayed when I visited the Cotswolds! It’s a tiny place with quaint scenery and a relaxing atmosphere.
Like with Castle Combe, you can’t really get to Bibury via public transportation. However, it’s possible to visit on a day trip from London if you book a tour that includes transportation to Bibury and other villages. This can be a good way to get a taste of the Cotswolds if you are short on time.
11. Miltenberg, Germany
With its colorful half-timbered houses, Miltenberg is the epitome of a charming Bavarian town. Situated along the Main River, this town offers endless scenic views and a calming atmosphere.
It’s the perfect place to wander around for a few hours, soaking in the ambience. The closest city to Miltenberg is Frankfurt. To get here from Frankfurt, it’s just a one-hour drive. You can also take a train to Aschaffenburg and then a bus to get to Miltenberg, which takes about one hour and 45 minutes.
12. Sinaia, Romania
Sinaia is a small town in the Transylvania region of Romania, nestled in the beautiful Carpathian Mountains. It’s best known for being home to the beautiful Peles Castle, which was the royal residence of King Carol I of Romania. The exterior and interior of this castle truly seem like something from a fairytale.
If Transylvania sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because of the Dracula connection. Also in Transylvania, historic Bran Castle inspired Bram Stoker when he was writing his famous vampire tale. Bran Castle is just one hour away from Peles Castle, and you can visit them both on a day trip from Bucharest.
13. Varenna, Italy
Lake Como is a dreamy destination in northern Italy, and Varenna is one of the most beautiful towns along the lake (although other lovely towns like Bellagio and Menaggio could make the list too.)
Something about Varenna just speaks to me, though. It’s such a pretty town. It’s also one of my top recommendations for where to stay in Lake Como without a car, because it’s one of the few towns on the lake with a train station. You can easily get to Varenna in just over an hour by train from Milan.
In Varenna, you can stroll the waterfront promenade leading to the charming town and enjoy the scenic views. You can also hop on the ferry over to Bellagio, just fifteen minutes away. If you want to take a day trip to Lake Como, Varenna is my recommended starting point because of its convenient location.
14. Gordes, France
Provence is one of the most gorgeous regions in France, but if I had to pick just one town that feels like it’s from a fairytale, I would choose Gordes. Perched high up on a hilltop overlooking the Luberon, this beautiful town is a must-visit in Provence, whether you visit on a day trip or base yourself here.
The closest city to Gordes is Avignon, which is just 50 minutes away by car. If you are road tripping around Provence, Avignon can make a good base for visiting the smaller towns like Gordes.
15. Alnwick, UK
Alnwick feels like something of a hidden gem to me. Located in the region of Northumberland in England, this small town is home to the beautiful Alnwick Castle. The castle was used as a filming location for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, which gives you an idea of how magical this place feels.
Another highlight of Alnwick is Barter Books, one of my favorite bookstores in the world. I definitely recommend staying in Alnwick for a couple of days and using it as a base to explore the area.
Some other contenders for fairytale places in Northumberland are Bamburgh (which has another amazing castle) and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, a tidal island with an ancient monastery. If you plan to visit Alnwick, I definitely recommend making time to visit these other two destinations as well.
16. Burano, Italy
Another amazing fairytale place in Europe is the island of Burano. While technically part of the city of Venice, it’s a 45-minute ferry ride away on its own little island. Burano is one of the best day trips from Venice if you want to experience a destination that is unlike anywhere else in the world.
With its brightly colored houses, quaint bridges and canals, and unique historic tradition of lace-making, Burano is packed with charm. It’s the perfect place to spend several hours exploring every corner.
Fairytale Cities in Europe
Now that we’ve covered some of the best fairytale towns and villages in Europe, let’s look at the larger cities that are still quaint and picturesque. These destinations offer plenty of fairytale atmosphere:
17. Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is a city close to the border of Austria and Germany near the Alps. It’s famous for its musical connections, from being the birthplace of Mozart to being a filming location for The Sound of Music.
With its scenic location on the Salzach River and its historic Altstadt, topped by the imposing Fortress Hohensalzburg, the views in Salzburg are incredible. I highly recommend staying in Salzburg for several days to fully explore the city and take day trips to the surrounding countryside.
18. Colmar, France
Colmar is such a fairytale-like place that it was one of the inspirations for the town in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. This small city is full of colorful, half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and canals. Located in the Alsace region of France, Colmar also has a strong German influence due to its position.
Colmar is magical at any time of the year, but it’s especially beautiful at Christmas. Colmar goes all out with festive decorations, and multiple Christmas markets pop up throughout the city. Along with Colmar, the city of Strasbourg and the towns of Eguisheim and Riquewihr are more fairytale places in Alsace.
I definitely recommend visiting Colmar at Christmas and using it as a base for day trips. Colmar is also a stop on the Alsace Wine Route, which spans about 111 miles and encompasses dozens of towns.
19. Tallinn, Estonia
The Baltics are an underrated part of Europe, consisting of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. I love all three of these countries and their capital cities, but if I had to choose just one, Tallinn would probably be my favorite. The Estonian capital is extremely pretty, with a captivating Old Town.
In the Old Town, there are numerous viewpoints of the city, where you can see church spires, medieval turrets on the defensive walls, and charming orange-roofed buildings along cobblestone streets. I recommend spending at least two full days in Tallinn in order to explore all this city has to offer.
20. Prague, Czech Republic
Although it’s one of the largest cities on this list, with a population of over 1.4 million people, the Czech capital still manages to feel like a fairytale destination, particularly the central Old Town.
Crossing the iconic Charles Bridge over the river, you can make your way up to Prague Castle, which offers breathtaking views of the towers and spires of the city below. Touring the historic castle is also a must. For book lovers, Prague is home to several amazing libraries that will transport you back in time.
I visited Prague a couple of weeks before Christmas, and the city was covered in a light dusting of snow. Combined with the twinkling lights of the Christmas markets, this made the city feel extra magical. You can easily stay in Prague for several days because there’s so much to do in this incredible city.
21. Sintra, Portugal
Just a 45-minute drive from Lisbon, the city of Sintra is the perfect getaway for a couple of days. Sintra was historically the vacation destination of royalty and the wealthy elite in Portugal. This is reflected in the palaces and elegant manors built in Sintra, which is located in the hills outside of Lisbon.
The most whimsical place in Sintra is the colorful Pena Palace, which was built in the Romanticist style. The Quinta da Regaleira is another fairytale place in Sintra, built in an eclectic Gothic style. With several other palaces and things to see, I recommend spending at least one night in Sintra to see it all.
22. Budapest, Hungary
Another one of the most beautiful places in Europe is Budapest. This city rivals Prague for the most magical capital city in Europe. With a population of over 1.7 million people, Budapest is a sprawling and lively city, but it also has some of the most gorgeous historic architecture you’ll find in Europe.
The city is split into two parts, Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube River. Buda is the oldest part of the city, home to the hilltop Buda Castle complex and the Fisherman’s Bastion viewpoint. On the Pest side, you’ll find the stately Hungarian Parliament Building, numerous thermal baths, and more.
There are so many things to do in Budapest that you can easily fill several days here. I’ve written about the best hotels in Budapest so you can find the perfect place for a memorable stay in this city.
23. Edinburgh, UK
I’m absolutely obsessed with Edinburgh! This Scottish city is one of my favorites because of its incredible atmosphere. You should plan to stay in Edinburgh for at least three days to see it all.
The most famous part of Edinburgh is the Royal Mile, with the hilltop Edinburgh Castle at one end and the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other. Edinburgh’s Old Town is home to narrow alleys and beautiful streets like the colorful Victoria Street, which is said to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series.
Speaking of Harry Potter, you can actually find quite a few links to the books in Edinburgh, as this is where J.K. Rowling lived when she started writing the series. Many of the best things to do in Edinburgh are free, including visiting world-class museums and walking around scenic parks and pathways.
24. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a beautifully preserved medieval city in Belgium, famous for its canals and picturesque architecture. It’s one of the best day trips from Brussels, being less than an hour away by train.
Some of the best things to do in Bruges include taking a scenic boat tour on the canals, exploring the central Markt Square, and climbing the Belfry Tower to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. Bruges is also filled with mouthwatering chocolate shops and charming tea houses, perfect for an afternoon snack.
25. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town and its location on the Adriatic Sea make it very striking. In fact, Dubrovnik has such a fantasy-like appearance that it was a major filming location for the Game of Thrones series.
There are so many things to do in Dubrovnik, and it’s definitely a city where you need several days to fully explore. When you stay in Dubrovnik, you can opt for a hotel in the historic Old Town (which is very charming), or choose a place outside the walled city where you have access to the beach.
Some of the top things to do in Dubrovnik include walking the City Walls, taking the cable car up Mount Srd for epic views, visiting Lovrjenac Fortress, and visiting Lokrum, a nearby island.
26. Ohrid, North Macedonia
Ohrid is definitely an underrated destination on this list of fairytale places in Europe. North Macedonia is a small, landlocked country in the Balkans, but it’s home to the beautiful Lake Ohrid.
This placid lake is super stunning, and the small city of Ohrid is also very picturesque. You can walk along a waterfront boardwalk, visit the city’s historic churches, and check out the ancient Samuel Fortress. I recommend staying in Ohrid for a night so you can soak up the atmosphere here.
It also helps that North Macedonia is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, so this is a great place to travel if you’re looking for a fairytale destination that won’t break the bank.
27. Lucerne, Switzerland
Switzerland is full of picturesque places and charming Alpine villages, but Lucerne was my favorite destination. This city is situated on Lake Lucerne with the snowcapped peaks of the Alps in the distance. This small, walkable city is known for its incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture.
Some of the most striking examples of this are the covered bridges crossing the Reuss River and linking one half of the city with the other. The oldest bridge dates all the way back to the 14th century! You can also explore the towers along the Musegg Wall high above the city, offering amazing views.
While you can visit Lucerne on a day trip from a larger city like Zurich or Bern, I actually recommend staying in Lucerne for several days. It makes a good base for exploring more of Switzerland!
28. Wroclaw, Poland
I struggled between including Wroclaw or Krakow on this list, but of these two charming Polish cities, I have to say that Wroclaw was my favorite! Although it’s not quite as touristed as Krakow, Wroclaw is definitely worth a visit. The city has a beautiful Old Town and a unique area called Cathedral Island.
When I visited Wroclaw, I spent several days there in December. The city was so festive at this time of year, and the Christmas markets in Wroclaw were very colorful and vibrant, which I loved.
One of the most enchanting and fairytale-like things about Wroclaw is its gnomes! There are more than 600 little metal gnome statues dispersed around the city, and finding them is such a delight!
29. Bamberg, Germany
Bamberg is a lovely city in the Bavaria region of Germany, epitomizing Bavarian architecture with its quaint half-timbered houses. The most iconic of these is the old City Hall, built right on the river.
The rest of Bamber is equally charming, with cobblestone streets and winding paths along the riverfront and the several canals that snake through the city. Bamberg is a great place to visit on a relaxed day trip from the nearby city of Nuremberg, which is located just 45 minutes away by train.
30. Venice, Italy
Finally, one of my favorite fairytale cities in Europe is Venice. I’ve been to Venice four times now, and each time I love it even more. Venice doesn’t feel very magical to some people because it can suffer from big crowds and overtourism, but I recommend reading my Venice tips to make the most of your visit.
Venice is such a romantic and magical destination, with its stunning architecture and more than 150 canals and 400 bridges. It feels like going back in time, and it’s a captivating city unlike anywhere else. I recommend staying in Venice for at least three days so you can fully explore all the city has to offer.
Beautiful Fairytale Places in Europe
So these are my top recommendations for the best fairytale places in Europe!
Whether you’re looking for a magical city getaway or you want to explore charming small towns and villages, hopefully you found some inspiration from this list of fairytale destinations in Europe.
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