If you’re looking for an escape from the real world, then look no further than these beautiful real-life fairytale destinations.
We can’t get enough of the world’s most beautiful spots. And you’ll be amazed to see these fairytale destinations are actually real!
One of our favorite places is Bibury, England, with stunning 17th-century cottages and scenic waterways. St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow is a popular tourist attraction, and the onion-shaped domes make it a sight to behold!
And Cappadocia Turkey takes the fairy tale city to a whole new level by providing stone formations that you are simply going to want to see with your own eyes!
25 of the Best Fairytale Destinations Around The World
Rothenburg, Germany
If you’re looking for an old-world European atmosphere, visit Rothenburg, Germany. The City of Spires looks like it came out of a storybook with its magical medieval setting!
Known for its charming medieval architecture and Christmas market, Rothenburg is a fairytale destination that will transport you back in time. Stroll through the town’s cobbled streets and immerse yourself in its rich history.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Italy, is an enchanting stretch of five cliff-side towns. The Mediterranean seaside panorama and colorful homes have been preserved for generations.
Indulge in fresh seafood and take a dip in the turquoise waters while surrounded by picturesque scenery. This romantic destination is perfect for any fairytale adventure.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini has the beauty that only a truly picturesque Greek island can offer. Explore the cobblestone streets of the Cyclades’ most dramatic seaside villages, known for their brilliant blue domes and white walls.
Visit ancient ruins, take in the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, and watch the sunset for a truly fairytale experience.
Colmar, France
The ‘Little Venice’ of France is an exceptionally beautiful place located in Alsace-Lorraine, France. It’s popular with tourists who love to see the Half-Timbered Houses in this medieval city.
Colmar is also known for its charming canals, colorful flowers, and quaint restaurants. It’s the perfect fairytale destination for those who love a mix of history and romance.
Estaing, France
Located in the French Pyrenees mountains is the small town of Estaing, which looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale! This village has an ideal location for travelers looking to get close to nature!
Explore the meandering river, picturesque landscapes, and the beautiful 15th-century Château d’Estaing. It’s a charming destination where you can escape from reality.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Find fairytale romance at Neuschwanstein Castle. It looks like something from a storybook with its turrets and towers that seem to appear out of nowhere! This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany.
You can explore the castle’s interior, with its grand halls and magnificent views, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the castle grounds. This is definitely a must-see destination for any fairytale lover.
Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
Meanwhile, on another part of Earth, travelers to Madagascar will be delighted to see the Avenue of the Baobabs. This is just one example of how Mother Nature can outdo herself and make even a desert look pretty!
The magnificent baobab trees lining the dirt road are a sight to behold, especially during sunset when the sky turns into shades of pink and orange. It’s like stepping into a magical world filled with ancient giants.
Nuuk, Greenland
The town of Nuuk in southwestern Greenland may not have too much going on for its size, but it’s so charming! Brightly colored houses, small streets, and icy cold waters are what make up the city.
Nuuk is perfect for those who want to experience a true winter wonderland. In the evenings, you can even catch a glimpse of the northern lights dancing above the town.
Mont Saint Michel, France
The stunning French town of Mont Saint Michel is located off the coast of Normandy, France. It’s popular with tourists who love to check out its Gothic church, cafes, and gift shops!
The town looks like it’s straight out of a medieval fairytale with its towering castle and winding streets. It’s no wonder that Mont Saint Michel is one of the most visited destinations in France.
Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
Located in Northern Ireland is the Dark Hedges. It’s a picturesque avenue of gnarled beech trees that brighten up when they’re in full bloom, making it even more enchanting to visit!
The Dark Hedges is a must-visit for any Game of Thrones fan, as it was featured in the hit TV series. But even non-fans will appreciate the natural beauty and charm of this fairytale destination.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, looks like something out of a fairytale with its mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture. It’s one of those cities with a rich history and stunning sights to offer!
Wander through the charming Old Town Square and take in the sights of the famous astronomical clock {Prague Orloj}. And don’t forget to stop by Prague Castle, one of the largest ancient castles in the world.
Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
One of the most visited attractions in all of the United Kingdom is Eilean Donan Castle. This picturesque castle has been featured in several films and TV shows, making it a must-see place for tourists!
Located in the Scottish Highlands, this 13th-century castle sits on a small island and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. It’s like stepping into a real-life fairytale kingdom.
Bibury, England
England is home to many fairy tale destinations, one of which is the small town of Bibury. It’s often called ‘the most beautiful village in England,’ thanks to its stunning 17th-century cottages and scenic waterways.
Take a stroll along Arlington Row, one of the most photographed streets in the country, and visit the historic St. Mary’s Church. Bibury is truly a charming and romantic escape from reality.
St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, Russia
Another popular tourist attraction in Moscow is the stunning St. Basil’s Cathedral! It’s an Orthodox church made up of nine churches that are situated around one central building. The intricacies of its onion-shaped domes make it a sight to behold!
Inside, you can see beautiful frescoes and icons that date back to the 16th century. This is definitely a must-visit for anyone who appreciates the beauty of religious architecture.
Espalion Village, France
Espalion Village has a ‘wall’ made up of houses and buildings that date back to the 12th century! Plus, it gives off that funky vibe, which makes it such an interesting place to visit!
Take a walk along the River Lot and admire the beautiful old houses, or visit the church of Saint-Pierre d’Espalion with its stunning Romanesque architecture. Espalion Village is a true hidden gem in France.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia in Turkey takes the fairy tale city to a whole new level with its stunning stone formations! This is one place that travelers have to see for themselves since it’s hard to put into words how unique it is!
Cappadocia is full of surprises, from underground cities to hot air balloon rides over the valleys. And at night, the landscape transforms into a magical and surreal wonderland with thousands of lights illuminating the rock formations.
Rakotzbrücke, Germany
Rakotzbrücke is a nineteenth-century bridge reflecting in the water below it to form a perfect stone circle. Located in Kromlau’s Rhododendron Park, the bridge is often called “Devil’s Bridge” because the structure seems so perfect that only the devil could have made it.
This unique and picturesque bridge, surrounded by lush greenery and serene waters, definitely belongs in a fairytale setting. It’s no wonder that it’s become a popular spot for wedding photoshoots and other special occasions.
Shirakawa-go, Japan
The incredibly well-preserved town of Shirakawa-go in Japan is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular destinations for Japanese students on school trips.
It’s known for its traditional thatched-roof houses, called gassho-zukuri, which look like something out of a fairytale.
Visiting this rural village in the winter is especially magical when the snow-covered roofs and streets create a picturesque winter wonderland. It’s easy to get lost in the beauty and peacefulness of Shirakawa-go.
Reine, Norway
Another enchanting place that’s located in Norway is called Reine. It’s an old fishing village that has remained pretty much unchanged since its establishment during the 18th century!
The village is surrounded by towering mountains and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for hiking and fishing. During the winter, the northern lights often make an appearance, adding to the fairytale atmosphere of this picturesque destination.
Wengen, Switzerland
One of the most picturesque places in all of Europe is called Wengen. It’s a small town in the Bernese Oberland region that offers beautiful views for those who go there to ski or snowboard!
But even in the summer, Wengen is a charming and tranquil place to visit. Take a walk through the car-free streets, admire the wooden chalets and mountain views, and breathe in the fresh alpine air. It’s no wonder that Wengen has been called a “fairy tale village.”
Cua Van, Vietnam
A quaint little town called Cua Van is between the green mountains and lush rice fields. It’s a small but interesting place to visit, as you will see houses that were built on stilts and other traditional Vietnamese structures!
Take a boat ride through the town and witness the unique way of life for locals, or hike up to the nearby caves for stunning views of Halong Bay. It’s definitely a hidden gem in Vietnam that feels like something out of a fairy tale.
Sintra, Portugal
Portugal is home to many wonderful fairytale-inspired places, one of which is the small town called Sintra. It’s known for its scenic castles and palaces, such as the Pena Palace, a fairytale castle standing at the top of a hill above Sintra.
But the town itself is also a charming and magical place to visit, with its winding streets, colorful buildings, and beautiful gardens. It’s no wonder that Sintra has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Filzmoos, Austria
Filzmoos is a small town in the Salzburgerland region that has cute Alpine houses and views of the surrounding glaciers! It’s the perfect place to visit for those who love winter sports or simply want to experience a quiet and scenic mountain town.
Filzmoos also hosts a traditional Christmas market during the holiday season that adds even more charm and magic to this already picturesque destination.
Portofino, Italy
You’ll be surprised that Portofino, a popular tourist destination in northern Italy, is a pretty small town! It earned the nickname ‘the pearl of Liguria’ due to its beautiful views and picturesque houses!
The pastel-colored houses and crystal clear waters of the harbor make Portofino a true Mediterranean gem. And if you’re feeling adventurous, hike up to Castello Brown for stunning views of the town and coastline.
Castellfollit de la Roca, Spain
Another great place to visit in northern Italy is Castellfollit de la Roca. It has an old castle that sits on a ledge just by the gorge! The view of this fairy tale-esque town is truly one of a kind!
Explore the narrow streets and admire the medieval architecture, or hike to the top of the cliff for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a small town with a lot of character, making it a must-visit destination for fairy tale lovers.
From charming villages to stunning castles, these fairytale destinations around the world are sure to enchant you with their beauty and history. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape in the mountains, an adventure by the sea, or simply want to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes and architecture, these fairytale destinations are sure to leave you enchanted and longing for more.
No matter where you go, be prepared to be swept away by the beauty and charm of these enchanting destinations. What are your favorite fairytale places around the world?