Discover charming and captivating small villages around the world that will surely make you want to grab your backpack and go.
The Most Beautiful Towns on Earth
Alongside bustling metropolises like Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Bogotá, there are charming small towns with unique architectural styles and captivating local cultures.
These ancient villages allow visitors to feel the passage of time in each old house, or to enjoy the peaceful countryside and the simple life of the locals.
Below are some of the most beautiful and enchanting small towns and villages in the world that anyone would want to visit at least once:
Barichara, Colombia
Founded in 1705, Barichara has made a name for itself with its picturesque hilltop village. The cobblestone streets and enchanting white houses attract thousands of tourists from everywhere. The renowned travel magazine Lonely Planet once wrote: “Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful small towns in Colombia.”
Karuizawa, Japan
Although Karuizawa, Japan, is located near an active volcano, this small town is known as a romantic retreat. In the 19th century, wealthy residents from Tokyo sought a vacation spot and thus established the village of Karuizawa. The Japanese love Karuizawa because it is considered the place where Emperor Akihito met his wife.
Chiloé Island, Chile
The town of Ancud on Chiloé Island in Chile is famous for its colorful houses right by the water’s edge. The Spanish owned the island in the 1500s, and fishing became the predominant industry. The town is also known for its stunning hilly streets. Additionally, Chiloé Island has many other small towns famous for their uniquely designed wooden churches. Surrounded by national parks and lush forests, it is one of the most attractive destinations for tourists.
Banff, Canada
Banff in Alberta is a resort town nestled in the snowy Rocky Mountains of Canada. In 1883, three railway workers discovered natural hot springs in the Rocky Mountains, leading to the creation of Canada’s first national park, Banff National Park. To protect the park and the springs, the town was established, which has now become one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Positano, Italy
Positano, Italy, hugs the Amalfi Coast, offering residents sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea. Positano began when ancient Romans chose the cliffside location to build villas. Today, those villas still exist, albeit not in use, contributing to a colorful town.
Sviyazhsk, Russia
Sviyazhsk is a small island town in Russia with dozens of historical monuments built since the 1500s. With just over 200 residents, it has quickly become a popular tourist destination.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
The old town of Chefchaouen, located in northern Morocco, is known for its walls painted entirely in a soft blue color. This practice began in the 1400s. The locals prefer to paint their walls blue as the color symbolizes the sky, reminding the people to look towards the gods above.
Hallstatt, Austria
Located just outside the capital Vienna, Hallstatt is a small village in the Alps with only 800 residents, becoming a famous tourist destination with houses surrounding a sparkling lake.
Bardstown, Kentucky, USA
Bardstown is dubbed one of the most beautiful villages in the USA, dating back to the 18th century.
Bibury, England
Bibury has been called the most beautiful village in England with its charm and ancient beauty. Along Arlington Row, houses dating back to the 14th century attract thousands of tourists eager to explore the history and architecture while evoking a serene landscape.
The village center is focused around a square near St. Mary’s, a Saxon church. Some Saxon remains inside the church are replicas resembling the originals housed in the British Museum.
It is hard to choose a more beautiful place than others in Bibury, and Arlington Row, a row of ancient houses from the 1300s, is a delightful spot for you. With the slate roofs of the Row and the charm of the olden days, it feels like a cozy little refuge.
Penglipuran, Indonesia
Penglipuran is famous for its lush gardens and is one of the cleanest places in the world. It is one of the most peaceful, clean, and serene villages in the country, and one of the three cleanest villages globally.
St. Michaels, Maryland, USA
St. Michaels is known as one of the most charming coastal small towns in the USA, dating back to the 1600s. According to USA Today, it is one of the top 10 coastal small towns in America.
