We all need time to unwind and set our minds free. Then, how do villages sound for you? Extensive landscapes of greeneries, humble neighborhoods with friendly faces and laidback houses, and a getaway from air pollution and car honks. If you are tired of typical tourist destinations or highly popular places, these wonderful villages are for you. We have a list of the most beautiful villages in the world. Get ready to be spellbound!
Most Beautiful Villages in the World – Summary
- Frigiliana, Spain
- Bibury, England
- Hallstatt, Austria
- Gordes, France
- Intragna, Switzerland
- Popeye’s Village, Malta
- Giethoorn, the Netherlands
- Cong, Ireland
- Alberobello, Italy
- Shirakawa-go, Japan
- Zuluk, India
- Gasadalur Village, Lofoten Islands
- Reine, Norway
- Oia, Greece
- Cinque Terre, Italy
Frigiliana, Spain
Nestled in the hills of Andalusia, Frigliana is a dreamlike wonder. White-tinted buildings and houses line the winding hills, wovening an ethereal yet familiar Mediterranean scene. The labyrinthine streets are adorned with colorful flowers. At a glance, Frigliana will remind you of the whitewashed villages of Greece. However, the village offers its own distinctive charms that are worth exploring. It is one of the most beautiful villages in the world for you to add into your bucket list.
Frigiliana has been the settlement of different communities for centuries. However, the Moors left the most remarkable impact to the village. The buildings, especially in the upper Mudejar district, showcases a distinctive Moorish style. Besides that, Frigiliana is home to three different religious communities – Muslim, Christian, and Jewish. Line up for the Festival de las Tres Culturas which celebrates the blend of fascinating culture.
Bibury, England
Honey-colored cottages, well-trimmed garden, and the picturesque River Coln harmonize in Bibury. The village is a page out of a dreamy British historical fiction, boasting the best out of Cotswolds. Photographers and travelers flock to Bibury to create a forever-frame of the village and freeze its enchanting beauty. For that reason, Bibury is often considered the most beautiful village in England.
Head to the Gloucestershire County in during a sunny summer or flowery spring. It is the best time to stroll along the cobblestone streets of Bibury and enjoy its quaint atmosphere. Make sure to spend time in the Arlington Row. The 17th-century cottages adorned with greeneries or flowers will sweep you off your feet.
Hallstatt, Austria
Nestled beside the pristine Hallstätter See, Hallstatt is a storybook village with pastel-hued houses clinging to the mountainside. The surrounding mountains, towering and grand, enhances Hallstatt’s otherworldly scene. Moreover, the tranquil lake creates a picture-perfect reflection of the charming buildings. With its extraordinary landscape, Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful villages in the world.
The village of Hallstatt is a well-loved winter destination in Europe. As snow coats the scenery, Hallstatt turns twice as magical. Warm fireplace, delightful local menu, and glimmering Christmas lights beckon travelers to stay longer. Moreover, other attractions such as the ice cave and salt mine await to be explored.
Gordes, France
Perched on a hill in the Luberon region, Gordes is the epitome of Provençal charm. The stone houses, cobbled streets, and the Renaissance castle form Gordes’ unbelievable facade. Moreover, the surrounding, fertile hills of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region make Gordes look twice as stunning. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Europe, even in the world.
Furthermore, the French village keeps its history alive. From the ancient Celts to the evolving 19th century, Gordes had witnessed the progression of humanity. The majestic Gordes Castle stands on the top of a hill, once served as a stronghold during the 14th and 16th centuries. As time goes by, the village turns into an artist hub, where famous names like Marc Chagall and Pol Mara produced their works.
Intragna, Switzerland
Staying off the tourists’ radar, Intragna is the perfect representation of the authentic Switzerland. This tiny village is surrounded by an unbelievably pretty mountain range. Moreover, the medieval stone houses, cobblestone streets, and the iconic Church of San Gottardo create an idyllic scene. Besides that, the 16th-century Roman Bridge, which stands over the River Isorno, stuns everyone who sees it. Therefore, Intragna is one of the most beautiful villages in Europe to add into your bucket list.
Popeye’s Village, Malta
Wooden houses with pointy roof and gaudy-colored walls create a contrast to the earth-colored shores. You can see the quirky yet wonderful scene in the Popeye’s Village in Malta. As the name suggests, the village was built as a film set for the 1980 Popeye movie. Whether you are a movie lover or a casual tourist, this village is a place that you must visit when traveling to Malta.
Besides being one of the most beautiful villages in the globe, Popeye’s Village offers an array of activities. You can enjoy a serene time strolling around the manmade boardwalks and see the colorful buildings. Also, sit in Popeye-inspired shows and visit the museums to learn about the movie.
Giethoorn, the Netherlands
Known as the “Venice of the North,” Giethoorn is a Dutch village where canals replace streets. Thatched-roof houses, charming bridges, and serene waterways are an ideal representation of a lovely European village. Travelers can explore the village by hopping on a boat and sail slowly along the canals. Moreover, Giethoorn looks wonderful during the spring. Colorful blossoms, growing naturally or made into garlands, decorate the whole village. Therefore, Giethoorn is one of the most beautiful villages in the world that you should check out.
Cong, Ireland
The picturesque village of Cong, surrounded by lakes and woodlands, is straight out of a storybook. The medieval Ashford Castle and the thatched-roof cottages add to the timeless allure of this Irish gem. Moreover, Cong keeps a myriad of stone bridges and medieval abbeys. The village breathes with history, keeping a record of the UK’s prominent Victorian period. Showcasing regal architecture and flawless nature, Cong is one of the most beautiful villages in the world.
Alberobello, Italy
Witness a tranquil and dreamy side of Italy in this UNESCO-listed village. Alberobello is a village tucked in the metropolitan of Bari in Southern Italy. It is famous for the trulli houses, a series of 14th-century structures with conical roofs and beehive-shaped architecture. Make sure to bring your camera and snap pictures of them – your Instagram account will thank you! Moreover, visiting Alberobello means visiting a handful of small museums and sampling delicious local food. Therefore, it is one of the most beautiful villages in the world.
Shirakawa-go, Japan
Japan never ceases to amaze us with its extensive destinations. However, Shirakawa-go hits different. The centuries-old village is a testament to the traditional Gassho-zukuri architecture. They are present in the form of thatched roof houses that interestingly resemble hands in prayer. As the houses blend seamlessly with the surrounding mountains, Shirakawa-go makes its way into the list of most beautiful villages in the world.
Shirakawa-go can be reached by a 4-hour train ride from Nagoya. It is a well-loved winter destination in Japan. The village transforms into a winter wonderland as the snow blankets the roofs of the traditional houses. This UNESCO World Heritage site transforms into a winter wonderland when snow blankets its thatched-roof houses.
Zuluk, India
Perched at the height of 9,400 feet in the Himalayas, Zuluk is simply breathtaking. The village boasts the intoxicating beauty of the snow-capped Himalayas and the magnificence of Indian traditional architecture. Zuluk is lined with stone houses, winding roads, and humble stores to serve a population of 700 people. Moreover, travelers crowd to Zuluk to get a front seat to spot the Kanchenjunga. With all it has to offer, Zuluk is one of the most beautiful villages in the world.
So, if you’re ready to trade the crowds for these most beautiful villages in the world, pack your bags and set off on a journey! Not feeling like traveling alone? Well, worry not! Like-minded travel buddies from JoinMyTrip are ready to go on crazy adventures and create amazing travel experiences with you. Whether you want to explore the hidden villages of Italy or discover the fascinating Scandinavian culture in Norway, we have the perfect trip for you. All of our trips are crafted by passionate travelers worldwide who want to give you nothing less than unforgettable memories.
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