Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the fairytale-esque town you’ve seen all over social media.
Located in northern Bavaria, this small town is as pretty as it gets: cute timber houses with colorful flowerboxes in the windows, cobbled streets, and warm, flickering lamps lining the roads.
It has medieval architecture, traditional restaurants, and even a castle to explore. For an even more magical experience, visit Christmastime when it’s blanketed in snow and hosts a Christmas market straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, USA
Classic storybook village meets stunning beach town in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California’s scenic Monterey Peninsula. The charming streets are lined with cute cottages that wouldn’t look out of place in England, where you can enjoy afternoon tea or explore hidden passageways.
In contrast, Carmel is also home to a sweeping beach on the Pacific Ocean, where surfing, diving, and kayaking with friendly seals are everyday activities.
Alberobello, Italy
Alberobello is an incredible Unesco-listed town in Puglia, Italy, famous for its adorable trulli – unique round houses made of limestone with conical stone roofs. These little houses line every cobbled street in the town, particularly in the Rione Monti quarter, home to more than 1,000 trulli.
You can peek inside the buildings, many of which house some of the 10,000 locals who live in this unique spot or enjoy a drink in a tiny, traditional cafe.
Grindelwald, Switzerland
In Switzerland’s Bernese Alps lies Grindelwald, a small town out of the Sound of Music, with snowy peaks and lush meadows.
The valley is dotted with quintessentially Swiss wooden chalets, making the perfect winter base when snowsport enthusiasts flock to the region’s largest ski resort.
Once the snow has melted, the fields bloom with wildflowers, and there are more than 300km of walking trails and cycling routes that wind past forests, rivers, and sparkling lakes.
Banff, Canada
Banff is at the heart of Banff National Park, backdropped by the towering Rocky Mountains.
It’s known to be a winter wonderland where you can soak in hot springs in the snow or enjoy ski resorts considered some of the best in the world, boasting slopes to suit all levels and jaw-dropping views.
You can hike to the brilliantly blue Lake Louise and spot wildlife in summer.
Guatapé, Colombia
This rainbow-colored town a few hours east of Medellin, Colombia, couldn’t be more camera-ready.
The steep, cobbled streets here are flanked by tiny wooden houses decorated with myriad bright colors and pretty frescoes. Seemingly, everything is painted, from stairs and balconies to walls and window frames, ensuring there is a photo opportunity around every corner.
Wander the streets and fuel up before climbing the 659 steps up the towering Rock of Guatapé for a panoramic view over the surrounding lakes and islets.
Esperance, Australia
Western Australia never fails to secure a spot on any list when it comes to beauty, and the town of Esperance, which has a population of just 13,000, should be at the top of everyone’s list when visiting.
Esperance is scattered with sugar-soft beaches and some of the world’s bluest waters, which draw surfers and swimmers from all around. At Lucky Bay, you’ll share the sand with a population of friendly kangaroos, while in Cap Le Grand National Park, playful dolphins and seals.
Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
The town of Sidi Bou Said sits outside of the capital, Tunis, and flaunts the same white-washed buildings, domed roofs, and sapphire blue accents that can be seen in Greece but with more palm trees, art galleries, and traditional architecture.
After exploring, you can enjoy delicious Tunisian cuisine at spots like Café des Delices while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean.
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Despite being the capital of the tropical island of Bonaire, Kralendijk only has around 3,000 residents.
What makes this place so unique is its downtown area, which comprises Dutch buildings in a kaleidoscope of colors (that might explain the name – Kralendijk loosely translates to ‘coral reef’).
Blending its Dutch history with modern Caribbean flair, each building is home to restaurants, boutiques, and dive shops – ideal for picking up some supplies before exploring the rest of the island and its famous aquamarine waters.
Ilulissat, Greenland
Ilulissat is a small town in Greenland, one of the most remote countries on Earth. Ilulissat’s draw is the cute, multicolored wooden houses scattered across the white landscape overlooking the vast, icy ocean in Disko Bay, where icebergs float past regularly.
Dog-sledding tours, wildlife cruises, and visits to Ilulissat Icefjord are just a few of the unique activities available here, along with the phenomenon of the Northern Lights, which lights up the skies in winter.
