Real-life fairytale towns around the world

From colourful coastal villages to historic castles, each town in the world has its own unique beauty and culture that amaze many visitors.

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Alberobello, Italy

real life fairytale towns around the world

The picturesque beauty of the Italian town Alberobello – a UNESCO World Heritage Site could hardly be found anywhere else in the world. This small town in Puglia – the “heel” of the boot-shaped country, is famous for its unique white painted cone-shaped houses built from limestone. In the middle of Alberobello lies Piazza del Popolo square, from which visitors could have a panoramic view of the town.

real life fairytale towns around the world

Hallstatt, Austria

real life fairytale towns around the world

Hallstatt is one of the most famous villages in the world, located in the mountainous area of Salzkammergut, Austria. The villagers’ traditional houses are usually built on narrow cliffs, surrounded by old paved roads. Most of the houses were built facing Lake Hallstatt, which is surrounded by majestic mountain scenery that creates a poetic beauty that no words can describe.

real life fairytale towns around the world

Colmar, France

real life fairytale towns around the world

The town of Colmar has almost everything that tourists expect, from winding roads to the dense canal system and colourful old houses. This old town in the Grand Est region of northeastern France is also famous for its ancient Renaissance architecture, including a church from the 13th century. From a distance, this place looks like a town in European fairy tales.

real life fairytale towns around the world

Bibury, England

real life fairytale towns around the world

Bibury is considered the most beautiful village in England. The famous village is located in Cotswold and is known for its gentle hills and green pastures. Visitors to this place can admire the ancient stone houses with an open space filled with floral scent, giving a sense of tranquillity that you can hardly feel anywhere else.

real life fairytale towns around the world

Goreme, Turkey

real life fairytale towns around the world

In the middle of the wild and sandy desert of Cappadocia lies the spectacular town of Goreme. The UNESCO World Heritage recognised town is famous for its giant cone-shaped stones, whose beauty can only be fully admired with the view from a hot air balloon tour.

real life fairytale towns around the world

Camden, Maine, USA

real life fairytale towns around the world

Named the “Jewel of the Maine coast”, the coastal town of Camden bears the quintessential harbour beauty. Its lush beaches, jagged bays, ancient lighthouses and luxury yachts would enchant any visitor who set foot on this town. The nearby Mount Battie offers a stunning view of the town, the bay and the surrounding forests.

real life fairytale towns around the world

Gokayama, Japan

real life fairytale towns around the world

Famous for its sloping roofs and ancient architecture, Gokayama village is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. Located in the remote Shogawa River valley in central Japan, houses in Gokayama is specially designed to fight the world’s heaviest snowfall. The village has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

real life fairytale towns around the world

Banff, Alberta, Canada

real life fairytale towns around the world

Located on the majestic Rocky Mountains, Banff resort town gives visitors a beautiful surreal feeling. In the summer, the sky here has a beautiful amber, emerald colour. In the winter, with heavy snowfall, many exciting sports are held here such as skiing, rickshaw, parasailing. If you’re lucky enough, you can also admire the aurora borealis in the night sky.

real life fairytale towns around the world

Sapa, Vietnam

real life fairytale towns around the world

Located on the northern highlands of Vietnam, Sapa is a fanciful town shrouded in mist and surrounded by rice terraces. The town was established in 1922 and has become a resort centre and a starting point for hiking and mountain climbing. In the summer, the cool climate makes Sa Pa a tourist hotspot not to be missed.

real life fairytale towns around the world

Chefchaouen, Morocco

real life fairytale towns around the world

Located at the foot of the towering peaks of the Rif region, Chefchaouen is a maze of intertwined alleys. Unlike other towns with classic yellow and white colour, Chefchaouen is covered in turquoise blue – the colour with a historical meaning that was chosen by the Jewish settlers of the 15th century.

real life fairytale towns around the world

Penglipuran, Bali, Indonesia

real life fairytale towns around the world

Penglipuran is an old village located on the 700-metre high Mount Batur in Bali, Indonesia. Penglipuran’s bizarre architectural design makes visitors feel like they just set foot in another civilization. The intricate carvings, winding roads and many colourful tropical flowers are the highlight of the village.

real life fairytale towns around the world

Paraty, Brazil

real life fairytale towns around the world

Paraty is one of the oldest towns in Brazil, located in the coastal region of Costa Verde, Rio de Janeiro. The town was founded in 1667 by the Portuguese people. Its architecture has been kept almost intact throughout history. This World Heritage town is completely pedestrian.

real life fairytale towns around the world

Itchan Kala, Khiva, Uzbekistan

real life fairytale towns around the world

Itchan Kala is an ancient citadel with towering stone walls, impressive watchtowers and amazing ancient Persian architecture. Inside the castle are the arches and more than 50 historical sites, some of which are sculpted from clay.

real life fairytale towns around the world