18 Picture Perfect Villages in Europe That Are Almost Too Charming to Be Real
Europe is full of charming towns—but some places just stop you in your tracks. The kind of spots where you turn a corner and your jaw drops (again!) and your camera is constantly out.
These towns are filled with cobblestone lanes, flower-covered balconies, colorful facades, and centuries-old buildings that are somehow still buzzing with everyday life.
This list pulls together some of the most picturesque, character-filled villages that you can find while traveling through Europe. Some are wildly popular, others are quieter and more under-the-radar, but all of them are worth adding to your itinerary.
18 Charming Towns in Europe
1. Hallstat, Austria
Hallstatt, Austria, located approximately an hour and a half from Salzburg, seriously looks like it was lifted from the pages of a storybook. The town has colorful gingerbread houses perched high on the slopes of the towering Alps, all of which surround Hallstatt Lake, with swans gliding gracefully across its turquoise waters.
Most visitors focus their time in Hallstatt on its beloved Old Town, which boasts well-preserved buildings that date back as far as the 16th century.
Be sure to stop for a beer at Seecafé Hallstatt, which has the best patio in town, and to snap a picture at Aussichtspunkt Hallstatt, which is a popular photo stop that provides the iconic post-card worthy view of the town.
But there’s actually so many other things to do in Hallstatt, beyond just its Old Town. For example, head to the town’s SkyWalk, which provides a birds-eye view of the town and the surrounding Alps while walking across a platform that hangs 350 meters in the air.
Alternatively, visit Dachstein Krippenstein, an outdoor adventure park that’s located high in the Alps.
2. Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is one of those places that instantly makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.
Tucked away in the Swiss Alps near the Italian border, this charming little village is best known for its unbeatable views of the Matterhorn—yes, that iconic, pyramid-shaped peak you’ve probably seen on chocolate bars.
What makes Zermatt so special isn’t just the scenery, though. It’s the cozy wooden chalets, the peaceful, car-free streets, and the way the mountains seem to wrap around you from every angle.
Whether you’re here for hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter, there’s something magical about the fresh alpine air and the laid-back vibe. Each season offers something different to see and enjoy, making it a great destination for every kind of traveler.
Getting there is easy—just hop on a train via Visp or Täsch, since cars aren’t allowed in town.
3. Alberobello, Italy
If you want to visit a fairytale town that’s literally one of a kind, look no further than the UNESCO-listed Alberobello, located in the heart of the Itria Valley in the region of Puglia in Southern Italy.
Alberobello is home to over 1,500 of the valley’s famous Trulli houses. These unique dry-stone huts feature cone-shaped roofs and are built without mortar. The construction method allowed these houses to be easily dismantled so as to utilize a loophole and avoid paying taxes to the Kingdom of Naples when it ruled the area centuries ago.
Rione Monti is the district where you’ll see many Trulli function as souvenir shops and restaurants, while Rione Aia Piccola is more residential and much quieter. While strolling freely, you’ll also find some beautiful viewpoints and even a couple of house-museums.
Such a picturesque spot is, of course, popular amongst tourists, but if you visit off-season, you’ll have it all to yourself. Otherwise, I recommend visiting as early in the day as possible once the tourist season begins (early May). This can be done as a day trip from Bari, although you might want to spend the night so you can enjoy Alberobello after most day-trippers leave.
4. Bled, Slovenia
The village of Bled sits on the edge of Slovenia’s most famous lake, surrounded by forested hills and alpine peaks. Honestly, Lake Bled might be the most stunning lake in all of Europe.
While the town itself is small, with a handful of restaurants, hotels, and cafés, it’s the lake that makes this place so special. A tiny island with a church in the center sits in the middle of the lake’s vibrant turquoise water, and it’s just as stunning in person as it looks in photos.
Rent a rowboat or paddleboard to get out on the water, or walk the 6-km path that circles the lake, with views at every turn. You definitely must do the short hike up to the Ojstrica or Mala Osojnica overlooks, with amazing panoramic views.
And don’t leave without trying a slice of the classic Bled cream cake—it’s served at nearly every café in town.
5. Eguisheim, France
Eguisheim sits in eastern France, in the heart of the Alsace wine region—and it’s pretty much the definition of a fairytale village. The circular old town is surrounded by vineyards and filled with colorful half-timbered houses, cobblestone lanes, and flower boxes.
The main street, Rue de Remparts, loops around the village and is packed with charming details like carved wooden signs, brightly painted shutters, and overhanging flower boxes—you’ll want to stop every few steps for a photo.
In the center of town, Place du Château has a pretty fountain and a small chapel dedicated to Pope Saint Leon, who was born here. And don’t forget to look up—stork nests on the rooftops are part of the village’s charm, and are actually a symbol of Alsace.
6. Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is a string of five colorful fishing villages perched along the cliffs of Italy’s Ligurian coast, famous for their pastel homes tumbling down the cliffside to the sea. Each one is just a few kilometers from the next, and whether you hike, take the train, or cruise by boat, it’s easy to visit several in a single day.
The towns—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—are packed with steep staircases, narrow alleyways, painted facades, charming harbors, and stunning sea views. Clotheslines stretch between shuttered windows, and grapevine terraces climb the surrounding hills.
Each village has its own vibe. Monterosso has the best beaches and a fun resort feel. Vernazza and Manarola have some of the most postcard-perfect views. Riomaggiore is lively and has a really fun swimming area, while tiny Corniglia sits high on a cliff, with a somewhat quieter feel than the others.
Wherever you go, try the fried anchovies, local lemons, and the white wine grown right on the hillsides.
7. Santorini, Greece
Oia is the Santorini you’ve seen in every postcard—whitewashed houses spilling down the black volcanic cliffs, blue domes, and bright pink bougainvillea tucked into staircases and terraces.
The town stretches along a narrow ridge at the edge of the caldera, with one main pedestrian street lined with restaurants, shops, and endless viewpoints. From that central walkway, stairs lead down to cliffside hotels and tucked-away corners with truly unforgettable, pinch-me views.
For the iconic shots, don’t miss the windmills at the tip of the island or the overlook near the famous three blue domes.
Wandering around Oia is the highlight of the town (and there aren’t really other landmarks or attractions here). It’s fun to pop into all the boutiques with handmade jewelry, linen clothing, and olive wood pieces in between admiring the views.
Whether you’re watching the sunset from a rooftop restaurant or lounging at your hotel perched in the middle of the white cave buildings, Oia delivers some of the most stunning views in the Greek islands.
8. Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain
Setenil de las Bodegas is one of the most unusual villages in southern Spain, and even in all of Europe. What sets it apart? The homes and shops aren’t just built next to cliffs—they’re carved into them.
Streets like Calle Cuevas del Sol and Calle Cuevas de la Sombra have massive rock overhangs that seem to swallow the whitewashed buildings, creating a streetscape that’s unlike anywhere else.
For panoramic views over the white village, head to Mirador del Carmen or Mirador Balcón. And if you’re up for a bit of history, you can visit the 12th-century Almohade Tower or the Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación church.
However, wandering around is truly the main attraction in Setenil, with tucked-away cave streets and charming staircases around every corner.
9. Cesky Krumlov, Czechia
Český Krumlov is a small medieval town in the south of Bohemia, only about 2 hours away from Prague. Its picturesqueness has attracted both local and international tourists for decades, and its unique beauty has even been confirmed by UNESCO.
It’s all about the location and the unique architecture. A beautiful meander of the Vltava River — which then continues all the way to Prague — hugs a compact historical city center full of ornate merchant houses. Český Krumlov is where Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque architecture blend together in an enchanting way.
Right above the historical center looms a distinct castle, which can be spotted from afar and even comes with a bear moat. Yup, the castle is protected not by water, but by bears.
Even though it looks straight out of a fairy tale, local life is still abundant. From the main bridge, you can watch rafters and canoers, discover cute hidden cafés and shops, and once the day-tripping crowds leave, the fairy tale truly comes to life.
10. Gordes, France
Gordes is one of the most iconic hilltop villages in the Luberon region of southern France. The view of the town from the opposite hillside is almost surreal—stone houses cascading down the slope, backed by olive groves and Provençal hills. This panoramic lookout is THE must-do in Gordes, especially at golden hour.
Inside the village, the streets are narrow and winding, with ivy-covered homes, archways, views over the valley, and quiet little corners that feel frozen in time.
The main square, Place Genty Pantaly, has a central fountain and a few cafés under the shade of an old oak. The main attraction in Gordes is the castle, which now houses a museum and art exhibits, and taking a peek inside the colorful Saint Firmin Church is also worth a stop.
11. Bellagio, Italy
Lake Como is known for dramatic mountain views, glitzy villas, and peaceful little towns perched along the water—and Bellagio might be the prettiest of them all. The village sits at the tip of the peninsula that splits the lake, with narrow cobblestone lanes climbing steeply uphill.
The most iconic of these is Salita Serbelloni, a picturesque stone staircase lined with shuttered windows, potted plants, and restaurants with tables spilling out onto the steps.
Bellagio is known for its silk production and it has some of the best silk products in Europe. Down by the lake, the Lungolago promenade is a lovely walk with flower-lined paths and views looking back at town across the water.
The top attraction in Bellagio is the Villa Melzi Gardens, and while you can’t go in the villa, the gardens are lovely, with manicured lawns, old trees, and shaded paths right along the shore.
12. Obidos, Portugal
Tucked inside medieval castle walls just an hour north of Lisbon, Óbidos is the kind of village that feels straight out of a story.
Whitewashed houses drip with bougainvillea, winding cobblestone lanes invite aimless wandering, and azulejo-covered doorways seem made to be photographed. From the moment you pass through the arched Porta da Vila, you’re stepping back in time.
What makes Óbidos especially magical? You can walk the entirety of the castle walls, overlooking orange-tiled roofs and rolling countryside. It’s also a UNESCO City of Literature, with hidden bookshops tucked into churches and market stalls.
And then there’s the local specialty: a sweet cherry liqueur called ginjinha, typically sipped from a chocolate cup. Whether you’re exploring the castle, sipping liqueur, or ducking into a chapel-turned-bookstore, the village is packed with charm.
13. Knaresborough, England
Steeped in colourful history, Knaresborough is a charming market town in North Yorkshire. Although this is a small town, there are plenty of fun and enjoyable activities to do in Knaresborough that will make you fall in love with this pretty town.
Knaresborough is home to the Mother Shipton’s Cave and the petrifying Well. Opened in 1630, this is one of the oldest visitor attractions in England. Here, you can uncover the thrilling stories of mystic fortuneteller Mother Shipton, who was born in this area.
Also, visit the historic Knaresborough Castle to admire the iconic view of the Railway Viaduct towering over the River Nidd. In summer, you can hire a small rowing boat from the nearby pier to sail on the peaceful water of River Nidd. This will give you the opportunity to admire an epic view of the layered houses and the viaduct more closely.
Afterwards, you can take a pleasant stroll along the waterfront to visit the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag, a pretty 15th-century chapel cut out of sandstone.
14. Valdemossa, Mallorca, Spain
Tucked into the Tramuntana mountains just 30 minutes from Palma, Valldemossa is such an easy day trip—and honestly, a must if you’re visiting Mallorca. I’m from Spain and had always heard good things about it from friends and family, but it still completely exceeded my expectations.
What really made me fall in love were the little details: weathered wooden doors with potted plants spilling over, hand-painted tiles with quotes on the walls, and quiet stone streets that feel like they were made for slow wandering (and lots of photos—don’t miss Carrer Rectoria!).
I popped into the old monastery where Chopin once stayed, but honestly, my favorite moment was grabbing a warm coca de patata from Ca’n Molinas (open since 1920!) and just relaxing in the main square, watching the world go by.
If you have time, nearby villages like Deià and Sóller are just as lovely. It’s the perfect kind of day if you’re craving a slower, more charming side of Mallorca—beyond the beaches and party scene.
15. Dinan, France
Dinan is a medieval town in the Brittany region of Northern France. Inside the old stone ramparts, you’ll find winding cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and some of the prettiest views in the region—rolling green hills on one side and the Rance River on the other. The whole town feels like a well-preserved time capsule.
The main street to wander is Rue du Jerzual, which slopes down from the town center to the quaint riverside port and is lined with picturesque façades. Make time to visit the Château de Dinan, which anchors the city walls, and climb the stairs to the top of the Clock Tower for great views.
And when you spot kouign amann in a bakery window (a flaky caramelized pastry that’s a Brittany specialty), definitely stop.
16. Bradford on Avon, England
Bradford-on-Avon is the quieter little sister of beautiful, Bridgerton-esque Bath, and oozes relaxed charm. It dates back to at least the 8th century – you can visit the Saxon Chuch – but most of the town has beautiful Georgian houses.
Winding streets drift back from the River Avon, full of boutique shops and bars, while the historic bridge dates from Norman times. Try afternoon tea at The Bridge Tea Rooms, in a building from 1502 with sloping floors and narrow staircases.
Visit the Tithe Barn (1341), where the local nunnery stored the 10% tax local residents owed the church, and have coffee at the little café, before going a few steps further to a peaceful pond surrounded by artisans’ workshops.
Bradford-on-Avon is best enjoyed slowly. Take your time and soak up the old-world charm.
17. Lausanne, Switzerland
Switzerland is full of beautiful lakeside villages. With the backdrop of the Alps and Jura mountains perched alongside Lake Geneva, Lausanne is one of the most stunning and features a unique blend of art, architecture, history, and culture.
When I visited Lausanne in winter, I went to the Ouchy Waterfront at least once every day. The light snow delicately blanketing the trees and the gentle, cool breeze over the lake created a tranquil atmosphere, a perfect stop after a day of exploration.
Yet, Lausanne’s charm is not confined to a single season. For example, Parc de la Plage is an ideal spot for a leisurely picnic and access to swimming, strolling, and boating throughout the year.
The Lausanne Cathedral is another such place that will take your breath away with its stunning Gothic architecture. This 800-year-old structure has stunning stained-glass paintings and exceptionally symmetrical interiors, enough to wow you the moment you enter.
Wandering through the cobblestone streets of the old town, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The medieval architecture, including the famous Escaliers du Marché, an old wooden staircase which presents a perfect photo opportunity, adds to the nostalgic charm.
18. Zakopane, Poland
Tucked in the south of Poland, just 2 hours drive from Krakow, Zakopane is a unique highlander town and a gateway to Tatra National Park.
A visitor is first wowed by the town’s unique architecture – wooden villas with steep roofs and carved balconies, prominent on many old streets such as Koscieliska, where some of the oldest villas can be found.
For generations Zakopane has been a magnet for mountaineers, artists, poets and writers, so you’ll find many gems across town, like beautiful cemeteries – almost more of open art sculpture museums than graveyards, monuments, and museums. All tell the story of the town’s past.
Zakopane is also a place where a lot of unique traditional specialities can be tasted, including oscypek (a smoked sheep cheese) and kwasnica (a traditional sour cabbage soup).
Nowadays Zakopane is a busy hub for hikers and like minded people, who come there to find refuge in the Tatra mountains.
