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 © DonLand / Shutterstock
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
Tenby Harbour, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK © Billy Stock / Shutterstock
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 © ronnybas / Shutterstock
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 © Skreidzeleu / Shutterstock
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 © Gaspar Janos / Shutterstock
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 © JeniFoto / Shutterstock
BRB, we’re moving to the Cotswolds!
22. Marvao, Portugal
Fortress in village Marvao, Portugal © Tatiana Popova / Shutterstock
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.