Do you believe in fairy tales? If you do, then these villages should be on your travel bucket list! There are a number of places that have been transformed into fairy tale settings. These 13 villages will take you back to the time when magic was real and anything seemed possible. Find out more about these magical destinations below.
Sintra, Portugal
This is the perfect place to take your kids for a day of fun or experience an adult fairy tale. The village and castle are decorated in this fashion, as well as the palace gardens which were designed by Gustavo Lisboa Rego. These include walkways with sculptures and fountains depicting themes from famous literary works.
Rocamadour, France
This area is famous for its many beautiful chapels, the most notable one being Notre Dame de Consolation. You can also find a number of ancient bridges and footpaths in this village which are perfect for exploring on your own or with family members.
Sankt Goar-Oberwes el, Germany
This is a 16th-century fairy tale village that you can explore on your own. The town features picturesque gates and historic buildings which are all set against the romantic backdrop of the Rhine River. If you’re looking for something truly magical then this place should be at the top of your list!
Kotor, Montenegro
This is the perfect destination for those who love a good story. It’s filled with historic buildings which date back to the 13th century and many legends are connected to this area of Montenegro.
Lisbon, Portugal
If you’re looking for an urban fairy tale then Lisbon should definitely be on your list! There are various sculptures, fountains, and mosaics that all have a fairy tale motif. These can be found in many of the public squares throughout this city.
Shirakawa-gō, Japan
This village is perfect for those who are looking to step into a real-life fairy tale. This area of Japan has been preserved and it’s filled with traditional buildings, winding streets, and views that will take your breath away.
Filzmoos, Austria
This is a small village that’s nestled between the Salzach River and Mt. Schneeberg Mountain, which means it has plenty of natural beauty to keep you occupied for an entire day or weekend. There are also many hiking trails in this area if you’re looking for something more active!
Koprivshtitsa, Bulgaria
This village has a rich history and it’s filled with beautiful architecture that dates back to the 13th century. The name of this town means “turning head” which is said to be because there are many fairy tale castles in this area!
Huacachina, Peru
If you’re looking for an authentic experience then this is the place to go! The village has been transformed into a fairy tale setting, as well. There are lots of activities here including sandboarding down dunes and playing in the oasis.
Murol, France
This little town was founded by King Louis XIII which makes it both historically significant and a fairy tale location. The architecture of this town is absolutely beautiful, as well!
Manarola, Italy
This is a small village that has been preserved in an authentic fashion. The streets are unpaved and the buildings date back to medieval times which gives you a real sense of Italy!
Rothenburg, Germany
This town features a number of medieval buildings which are perfect for exploring. It’s also home to the world-famous Gothic Christmas market that takes place in December, so it might be worth adding this destination to your list!
Kernow, England
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path then Kernow should definitely be on your list. This area is famous for its unusual stone circles and ancient cairns which date back to the Bronze Age!
Abandoned Fishing Village, Shengsi Islands, China
This village is home to an abandoned fishing community that dates back to the 17th century. There are several structures in this area which have been preserved and they’re all surrounded by beautiful natural scenery!
Göreme, Turkey
This town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s known for its beautiful landscape, which often has a mystical feel. There are many fairytale-themed buildings in this area as well!
Foxtown, California
This tiny town in the Sierra Nevada mountains is a true fairy tale town! The buildings are quaint and charming with thatched roofs and paint covered by time. There’s even an old-fashioned ice cream store to grab some yummy treats while you’re there. If it still feels like winter where you are, it never snows here.
Ava, Italy
If you’re looking to be completely immersed in magic, then this is the village for you. Located in northern Italy, this area is home to many fairy-tale villages, but Ava stands out with its rich history and beautiful style.
You can find a number of secret passageways that lead into medieval courtyards which are perfect for admiring on your own or enjoying yourself with friends or family members.
San Gimignano, Italy
Italy is a fairy tale country in and of itself, but San Gimignano takes the cake with its medieval architecture and picturesque scenery.
The town’s towers can be seen from miles away on all sides and create an atmosphere that you won’t forget anytime soon. The village is so pretty because it was built by rich merchants who wanted to one-up each other.
Bled, Slovenia
Bled is a town situated on the shores of an artificial lake and surrounded by mountains, which has been transformed into one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist destinations.
Present-day Bled was named after its founding Slovene settler Bogomil who settled here in the late 12th century at what was then called “the forest by the lake.”
In Bled, visitors can find hotels and bed & breakfasts in the town as well as a number of restaurants that offer traditional Slovenian dishes such as goulash or bread dumplings. The region is also renowned for its production of wines made from indigenous grape varieties.
Grindelwald, Switzerland
Located in the Bernese Oberland region, Grindelwald is a quaint village that offers stunning views of Switzerland’s highest mountain peaks-the Eiger and Jungfrau. The town was originally built as an Alpine health resort for tourists but it quickly became a winter destination with its first ski school opening in 1889.
Kesennuma, Japan
Kesennuma is a picturesque fishing town in Miyagi Prefecture. It’s most notable for being one of the few places that we’re able to rebuild after it was destroyed by tsunami waves and earthquake damage during the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake. This historic city has been rebuilt with an emphasis on sustainability-they are also a leader in the use of renewable energy.
Kangaamiut, Greenland
Kangaamiut is the town that inspired Disney’s Up! It’s a traditional Inuit community that still relies on animal husbandry for its livelihood. The people of this village have preserved their traditions, language, and unique ways of living despite modernization efforts in other parts of Greenland.
Villages like these are proof that fairy tales don’t just happen in books.
Fairy Tale Village Netherlands
This village is the perfect place for those who are looking to escape into a world of enchantment. There’s even an old-fashioned ice cream store to grab some yummy treats while you’re there. If it still feels like winter where you are, it never snows here.
If your travels take you through Holland then be sure to stop at this quaint little village.