Real Fairytale Towns from Around The World • Holiday Hamster

1. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Beautiful view of the church and castle in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic © Veronika Galkina / Shutterstock

The centerpiece of this Czech Republic town, located about two hours from Prague, is the 13th century castle built on the Vltava River.

2. Annecy, France

View of the old town of Annecy – France © Leonid Andronov / Shutterstock

Where else but in France would you find cobble stone streets, narrow alleys, canals, and pastel-colored houses? Swoon.

3. Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, USA © Meagan Marchant / Shutterstock

This enclave on Martha’s Vineyard is known for its colorful gingerbread houses circling the sweeping town green.

4. Ronda, Spain

Puente Nuevo Bridge over the Tajo Gorge, Ronda, Spain © ESB Professional / Shutterstock

If you have a fear of heights, you might want to sit this one out. One of Spain’s oldest towns, this Andalusían gem was first established in the 9th century BC. The new and old towns are connected by a bridge than spans the dramatic El Tajo gorge.

5. Chefchaouen, Morocco

Traditional Moroccan architectural details in Chefchaouen, Morocco, Africa © Vixit / Shutterstock

It’s easy to see why this Moroccan town is called “The Blue City.” The color scheme dates back to the 15th century, when Jews escaped from the Spanish Inquisition and painted the city to mimic the color of the sky.

6. Pelourinho, Salvador, Brazil

Pelourinho in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil © hbpro / Shutterstock

If you ever find yourself on Jeopardy, remember that this city (known as Salvador de Bahia to locals), was the first capital of Brazil.

7. Cua Van, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Floating fishing village in Halong Bay, Vietnam © PhotoRoman / Shutterstock

Cua Van is the largest of all the floating fishing villages along the islets of Ha Long Bay with over 170 houses roped together. The backyard view of emerald water and jutting limestone karsts isn’t too shabby.

8. Siglufjörður, Iceland

The fishing town of Siglufjorour, Northern Iceland © Jordan Lye / Shutterstock

There’s more to Iceland than Reykjavik, people. Consider visiting this small fishing village on the country’s northern coast. During the summer months, you can hike in the mountains, boat on the lake, and admire the unique black sand shores.

9. Vernazza, Italy

Beautiful view of Vernazza, Italy © Minoli / Shutterstock

The most instagrammable place on earth? Yup. Vernazza is one of five Crayola-colored towns that make up Cinque Terre on Italy’s Northwestern coast. Turn down any of the narrow cobblestone streets and you’ll find stunning views of the Ligurean Sea everywhere you look.

10. Gasadalur, Faroe Islands

Waterfall on Faroe Islands with Gasadalur village in background © Alexander Erdbeer / Shutterstock

Trying to get away from it all? Look no further than this remote village on the Faroe Islands. Gasadalur, with its population of just over a dozen, is nestled between rolling fields and soaring mountains. It might just be the most isolated place on earth.

11. Wuyuan, Jiangxi, China

Wuyuan County is known as the most beautiful village of China © aphotostory / Shutterstock

Set in the Jiangxi province, this gorgeous countryside is home to dozens of ancient villages, built in Huizhou-style architecture.

12. Marsaxlokk, Malta

Marsaxlokk harbor, Malta, illuminated by sunset light © Cristian Balate / Shutterstock

You’ll find this small fishing village on Malta’s southeast coast. The port is dotted with brightly painted fishing boats, bustling Sunday seafood markets, and restaurants serving the catch of the day.

13. Hallstatt, Austria

Scenic picture-postcard view of Hallstatt, a lakeside town in the Austrian Alps © canadastock / Shutterstock

This Austrian mountain town looks like it jumped right out of a storybook. Set between the Hallstatter Sea and Dachstein Mountains, it’s home to 16th-century Alpine homes, a crystal clear lake, and the cutest central market square you’ve ever seen.

14. Reine, Norway

Colourful winter sunrise in the fishing village of Reine, Norway © ANADMAN BVBA / Shutterstock

Prepare to get hygge during the freezing cold winters on this picture-perfect fishing village in Norway’s Lofoten Islands.

15. Ouro Preto, Brazil

Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil © rocharibeiro / Shutterstock

The name of this colonial town translates to “black gold,” a nod to Brazil’s golden age. The winding streets and baroque buildings are built into the steep hills of a valley.

16. Stowe, Vermont

Fall Foliage surrounding the Stowe Community Church, Stowe, Vermont, USA

If you’re a sucker for fall foliage (and aren’t we all?) wait until you visit this quaint Vermont town during autumn.

17. Tenby, Wales

Of all the seaside towns in Wales, none are as charming as this pastel-clad village on Carmarthen Bay.

18. Procida, Italy

Procida, an island in the Mediterranian Sea, off the coast of Naples, Italy

Off the coast of naples floats this technicolor island. Surprisingly, it’s still off most tourists’ radars, so go before the word gets out.

19. Valparaiso, Chile

Colorful buildings on the hills of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valparaiso, Chile

This bohemian Chilean city, just 90 minutes from Santiago, is one of the most important sea ports in the South Pacific. The city is full of amazing street art and colorful houses built on hills.

20. Rovinj, Croatia

Stunning romantic old town of Rovinj, Croatia with colorful buildings and a magical sunset

A strong contender for the most beautiful and romantic town in Croatia, Rovinj’s old town sits right on the Adriatic sea. The streets are lined with vibrant colored houses, galleries, bars, and restaurants.

21. Castle Combe, Wiltshire, England

Picturesque Cotswold village of Castle Combe, England

BRB, we’re moving to the Cotswolds!

22. Marvao, Portugal

You’ll find this medieval hilltop village in the Portuguese region of Alentejo. The walled town is filled with whitewashed houses, manicured gardens, and an iconic castle.

If you would like to visit any of these fairytale towns, get in touch with Holiday Hamster. Call 08000 988 955 and one of our travel advisors will find the perfect, enchanting holiday at the best possible price.

This article first appeared here.