Top Villages in the World

1. Bibury, England Arlington Row, Bibury, Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, England Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Bibury resembles a watercolor postcard: honey-colored houses line Arlington Row, their mossy roofs whispering tales of 14th-century weavers. The River Coln flows peacefully among golden buttercups and forget-me-nots, while plump ducks splash under the willows. Nearby is Bibury Trout Farm, where you can feed the fish or enjoy a picnic by the river; St. Mary's Church offers a moment of tranquility among ancient stones, and the air is filled with the scent of lavender and freshly baked scones.

2. Hallstatt, Austria Nestled between wooded peaks and Lake Hallstatt, this Austrian village reflects like a picture book: centuries-old wooden houses cling to the slope, balconies bursting with scarlet geraniums. Bells ring out across the lake as swans glide elegantly; the panorama from the Hallstatt Skywalk encompasses the Dachstein Dolomites. Salzwelten Hallstatt, home to the world's oldest salt mine, allows you to descend into the tunnels and discover 7,000 years of extraction. A market, waterfalls like the Hallstätter Wasserfall, and the World Heritage Museum round out the visit, before enjoying a lakeside coffee with cinnamon strudel.

3. Reine, Norway Beneath jagged peaks and arctic light, Reine resembles a cluster of rubies on slate: purple-red fishermen's houses along the fjord, purple lupins on the slopes, and still-rigid salt nets. At the harbor, the Nordlys swings, its keel weathered by winter; Reinebringen offers panoramic views of sharp ridges and the mirrored waters of Lake Reinevatnet. Kayak on the calm waters and stop at Bringen Kaffebar for cardamom rolls and dark rye bread.

4. Giethoorn, Netherlands Entwined in the aquatic veins of Overijssel, Giethoorn shines like a secret of the Dutch lowlands: thatched houses overlooking narrow canals, reflections that tremble as boats pass, arched bridges that embroider the village like lace. Gardens bursting with geraniums and lavender, children on creaking bikes, and the Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus with stories of peat cutters and fishermen; just a short walk away is De Weerribben-Wieden National Park with reed beds, marshy forests, and rare otters.

5. Gásadalur, Faroe Islands Located high above the island of Vágar, Gásadalur clings to the cliffs like a half-remembered legend: turf-roofed houses in the glacial valley, framed by the imposing Árnafjall. The Múlafossur waterfall plunges into the Atlantic while northern fulmars circle overhead. The narrow road that runs through the village remained isolated until the 2004 tunnel; sitting on the steps, sipping Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and watching the clouds drift over the fjord is a small daily ritual. 6. Oia, Greece On the northern tip of Santorini, Oia is a succession of reflecting pools, bougainvillea-covered balconies, and white houses carved into the caldera like sugar cubes. Bohemian galleries and chic boutiques line the streets, donkeys clatter along the stone paths, and bells ring out over the caldera. At sunset, crowds gather at the ruined Venetian castle for the orange-and-pink sky; Ammoudi Bay below, with lantern-lit taverns serving fresh octopus and calamari, lazy cats, and chilled Assyrtiko wines. 7. Bourtange, Netherlands Star-shaped, sewn into the marshy plains of Groningen, Bourtange dazzles with symmetry and fairytale charm. Brick ravelins and grassy bastions radiate from the heart of the fortress, 17th-century cannons, courtyards filled with tulips, and the aroma of warm stroopwafels. Markets in the square give way to craft demonstrations, and the Fortifications Museum recounts sieges and strategies with restored barracks and reenactments. 8. Kotor, Montenegro Kotor rises in a spiral of stone and shadow: a medieval center of tangled alleys, lazy cats, and bells from chapels as old as St. Nicholas. The bay reflects Venetian facades and ivy-covered balconies; climbing the street toward St. John's Fortress, mythical views of the fjord-like sea unfold. At the harbor, palm trees and barbecue restaurants linger, the scent of pine and salt lingering into the dusk. 9. Shirakawa-go, Japan Covered by alpine silence, Shirakawa-go emerges like a fairytale: sloping thatched roofs designed for heavy snow. Smoke wafts from irori, miso simmers in clay jars; visitors pass through mirrored rice paddies and mossy water wheels, stopping at Wada House for a glimpse of Edo-era life. In the evening, lanterns flicker along the streets and the air thickens with the scent of wood; in winter, illuminated evenings transform the snow-covered rooftops into a shower of gold. 10. Batad, Philippines Vast 2,000-year-old rice terraces open like a green amphitheater on the folds of the Cordillera. Stone paths lead

10. Batad, Philippines Vast 2,000-year-old rice terraces open like a green amphitheater on the folds of the Cordillera. Stone paths lead between Ifugao huts and elders pounding rice while singing ancient lullabies. The steep descent leads to Tappiya Falls, which plunge into a jade-colored basin; at dawn, Saddle Point glows gold, jeepneys leave travelers behind, and the village lives only on foot: no cars, only silence and footsteps. 11. Russell, New Zealand The morning mist lifts over the Bay of Islands as Russell comes alive with the clanking of anchor chains and the aroma of kawakawa tea. The veranda of the Duke of Marlborough is filled with people enjoying their first coffee; the wooden houses tell stories of whalers and missionaries, gardens of hibiscus and flax. At sunset, Long Beach shimmers golden, surf and bonfires beneath a purple sky. 12. Mrauk U, Myanmar Stone stupas rise like ancient lungs on windswept plains: at Shittaung, the "Temple of 80,000 Buddhas," candlelight filters through labyrinthine corridors; Htukkanthein, a 16th-century temple fortress, houses rows of meditating Buddhas. Farmers with betel leaves and ox carts travel dusty paths toward Koe Thaung, the largest structure in the region, once filled with carved images. 13. Adare, Ireland A bend in the River Maigue reveals fairytale Adare: ivy-covered ruins and flower-bedecked cottages meet Georgian elegance. The Gothic spires of Holy Trinity Abbey pierce the clouds; the 14th-century Augustinian friary rests among yew trees and whispering gravestones. Boutiques in centuries-old buildings sell tweed and ceramics; Desmond Castle watches over the park. In the evening, the Pat Collins pub is a riot of laughter, violins, and beers. 14. Steg, Liechtenstein Tucked away in an Alpine valley, Steg is a peaceful retreat nestled between wooded slopes and snow-capped peaks: hiking trails, turquoise waters, and fishing. Gänglesee is a haven for swimming and lakeside barbecues; wandering through flower-filled meadows and stopping at the Berggasthaus Sücka for crispy rösti and apple strudel is a delightful interlude of flavor and views. 15. Eguisheim, France Wrapped among the Alsatian vineyards, Eguisheim spirals like a story of wood and stone. Ochre- and pink-hued half-timbered houses overlook cobbled streets, wine barrels sit beneath the cellars, and storks nest on the chimneys. Cats glide by the fountain in Place Saint Pierre, flammekueche (traditional taverns) and paths climb toward the Tre Castelli above the rows of vineyards. 16. Manarola, Italy Manarola clings to the Ligurian cliffs like a painter's dream: pastel-colored houses stacked high overlooking the sea. Ancient vines feed the precious Sciacchetrà wine, fishermen repair nets in the harbor; the Via dell'Amore (Love Road) leads to Riomaggiore, and in the evening, the village is reflected in the waves like loose gems while the bells of the church of San Lorenzo toll among the olive groves. 17. Valldemossa, Spain Hidden in the folds of the Tramuntana, Valldemossa is a lullaby in stone: the Real Cartuja, a former Carthusian monastery where Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838, houses Sand's desk and Chopin's Pleyel piano. Winding alleys, plaques dedicated to Saint Catalina Thomas, and flower-filled festivals celebrating miracles and devotion. 18. Zhouzhuang, China Stone bridges arching over inky canals: Zhouzhuang is born of intimacy, not grandeur. Morning mist shrouds the Twin Bridges, wooden boats glide beneath mossy eaves. The Shen House and jasmine-scented courtyards speak of the riches of the Ming Dynasty; silk workshops and calligraphers among painted pavilions offer glimpses of Jiangnan. 19. Ghandruk, Nepal Clinging to the slopes of Annapurna, Ghandruk is a mosaic of stone paths, prayer flags, and slate-roofed houses. Gurung women in brightly colored saris weave baskets outside the Gurung Cultural Museum; hikers sip masala tea with views of Machapuchare. Blooming rhododendrons along the paths and the ringing of bells in the monastery complete the mountain scenery. 20. Cam Thanh, Vietnam

19. Ghandruk, Nepal

Clinging to the slopes of Annapurna, Ghandruk is a mosaic of stone paths, prayer flags, and slate-roofed houses. Gurung women in bright saris weave baskets outside the Gurung Cultural Museum; hikers sip masala tea overlooking Machapuchare. Blooming rhododendrons along the trails and the ringing of monastery bells complete the mountainous scene.

20. Cam Thanh, Vietnam Entwined between coconut palms and tidal canals, Cam Thanh lives to the rhythm of the river. Traditional bamboo basket boats cruise through the Bay Mau mangroves; cooks on the banks roast with lemongrass and tamarind while buffalo graze near stilt houses. Cyclists, lotus ponds, and the smell of grilled squid: at sunset, the Thu Bồn River turns bronze.

21. Monsanto, Portugal Carved into the granite spine of central Portugal, Monsanto rests on prehistoric boulders like a stone mirage. Medieval houses nestle beneath colossal rocks, roofs red like terracotta petals; climb among Romanesque chapels and churches to the castle ruins that watch over the plains of Beira Baixa. At dusk, golden light bathes the granite, and local wine flows onto the tables.

22. Špania Dolina, Slovakia Suspended from the slopes of the Low Tatras, Špania Dolina welcomes you with the tinkling of the bells of the Church of the Transfiguration. Once a copper and silver mining center, it preserves stone shafts and centuries-old miners' houses; the 160-step covered staircase leads to views of the Zvolenská Basin. Handmade lace and forest trails towards Šachtička complete this mountain village.

23. Victoria-by-the-Sea, Canada Pastel houses overlooking the coast in Victoria-by-the-Sea: widow's walks, white picket fences, and seaside cafes smelling of fresh lobster. Kayak along the red-sand coast of Northumberland Strait, the Victoria Seaport lighthouse, and island art galleries; antique boutiques and local chocolatiers, with the town shimmering in a slow, maritime light at dusk.

24. Purmamarca, Argentina Adobe walls that turn pink in the morning beneath the Cerro de los Siete Colores: Purmamarca awakens to vendors selling alpaca wool ponchos, ceramics, and colorful fabrics. Sip mate tea under the ancient algarrobo, explore the church of Santa Rosa de Lima, and stroll along the Paseo de los Colorados among lunar landscapes and stone formations.

25. Izamal, Mexico Drenched in yellow ochre, Izamal shimmers under the Yucatán sun: colonial facades and cobbled streets like a golden beehive. The vast atrium of the Convent of San Antonio de Padua opens onto the plaza, where artisans sell embroidered huipiles and jaguar masks; the Pyramid of Kinich Kak Moo stands nearby. At night, marimbas and candlelit taverns serve cochinita pibil and horchata.

26. Ubud, Indonesia The mist drifts through the jungle as Ubud awakens to roosters and incense. On the Campuhan Ridge Walk, golden light sweeps across rice paddies; the Sacred Monkey Forest resonates with monkeys and twisted banyan roots. At Puri Saren Palace, dancers in golden headdresses accompany the gamelan, while galleries overflow with batik and eco-cafes offer turmeric lattes and jackfruit curry.

27. Motovun, Croatia Perched on the crest of the Istrian hills, Motovun reigns like a medieval crown: cobbled alleys, the scent of truffles wafting from the konobas, and vineyards yielding fresh Malvasia. The morning fog descends on the Mirna River Valley, leaving only the bell tower peeking out; in July, the Motovun Film Festival enlivens the village with open-air screenings.

28. Ogunquit, USA Ogunquit unfolds like a sea-washed canvas: sea lavender, driftwood, and the silence of the Atlantic. The Marginal Way runs along rocky cliffs, waves crashing on granite rocks encrusted with pine cones; at the port, the scent of lobster bisque and the pedestrian bridge are daily sights. At night, jazz fills Jonathan's Lounge, and blueberry pie is a ritual.

29. Boquete, Panama

In the folds of the Chiriquí plateau, Boquete awakens to the scent of coffee flowers and the murmur of the Río Caldera. Misty forests along the Lost Waterfalls Trail lead to hidden waterfalls and flashes of quetzals; Volcán Barú challenges hikers with promises of views of two oceans at sunrise. Outdoor cafés with cinnamon-flavored hojaldres (a type of pastry made with almonds) and starry nights in the valley.

30. Chefchaouen, Morocco Tinted in every shade of blue, Chefchaouen spreads out across the Rif Mountains like a dream: a medina of indigo-colored alleys, lazily lounging cats, and carpet vendors. In Plaza Uta El-Hammam, mint tea steams alongside saffron tagines; the 15th-century Kasbah houses an Andalusian garden and ethnographic museum, and from the top of the Spanish Mosque, the sunset embraces terracotta rooftops and olive trees.

31. Coffee Bay, South Africa Wild cliffs plunging into turquoise waters: Coffee Bay pulses to the rhythm of the Eastern Cape. Nguni graze on the beach at sunrise, the iconic Hole in the Wall bursting from the sea in foam. Backpackers at the Coffee Shack surf and share Xhosa stories around steaming braais; inland reserves and caves invite hikes, while dolphins leap in the waves.

32. Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia A stone's throw from Tunis, Sidi Bou Said opens like a Mediterranean reverie: whitewashed villas and blue doors, jasmine vines and scented alleys. At the Café des Délices, mint tea is enjoyed overlooking the gulf; contemporary art from local galleries enlivens tiled courtyards, and at sunset, the Mediterranean Garden envelops warm stone and slow-moving light.

33. Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland Lauterbrunnen doesn't announce itself: it pours. Waterfalls tumble from ribbon-like cliffs like the Staubbach, and geranium-filled cottages dot the valley. Cowbells ring, paragliders circle above the alpine pastures, and the Trümmelbach roars in the limestone cavities. Cogwheel trains ascend to Mürren and Wengen; in the evening, fondue bubbles and the mountains turn golden.

34. Ban Rak Thai, Thailand On hills near the Burmese border, Ban Rak Thai awakens to the scent of oolong tea: Chinese-style houses overlook the lake, curved roofs reflected in the still water. Rowboats pass by as locals cook pork stews in clay ovens; the Yunnanese cultural center and terraced plantations invite visitors, and in the evening, lanterns float, mirrored on the lake.

35. Paraty, Brazil Whitewashed facades and cobblestone streets emerge from the tide in Paraty: baroque colonial churches like Santa Rita watch over the glistening bay. Boats ready for Saco do Mamanguá, the world's only tropical fjord, mangroves, and hidden beaches. Cachaça distilleries, forest trails, and nearby waterfalls complete the experience.

36. Ghadames, Libya Under the Saharan sun, Ghadames shines like a mirage: the mud-brick medina is a labyrinth decorated with geometric patterns, cooled by ancient foggaras. Berber women move between rooftop passages, the Great Mosque stands symmetrically; the souk smells of spices and beaten silver. As evening falls, caravans disappear among the dunes under a starry sky.

37. Chamarel, Mauritius Amid the volcanic reliefs of southwest Mauritius, Chamarel surprises with its Seven Colored Earths: colorful sand dunes that transform in the sun. The Chamarel Waterfall cascades into a verdant gorge, the Rhumerie de Chamarel distills spiced rum, and the Ebony Forest Reserve offers canopy walkways. Local restaurants serve smoked marlin and coconut chutney as dusk falls.

38. Bandiagara, Mali Amid the ochre cliffs of Dogon Country, Bandiagara unfolds in a tapestry of stone villages, sacred caves, and ancient rhythms. The sandstone escarpment stretches for kilometers, with Tellem dwellings hanging from the walls; in Sangha, masked dancers leap amid dust and drums, and the Monday market explodes with millet, indigo fabrics, and dried fish.

39. Titikaveka, Cook Islands

Titikaveka stretches along the southern coast of Rarotonga among palm trees, coral gardens, and a lagoon so clear it glows turquoise at midday. Snorkeling for giant clams and butterfly fish, stalls selling grilled ika mata, and Maire Nui gardens brimming with frangipani. Sundays slowly descend, and the beach at sunset is a painting of fishing and barefoot couples.

40. Ortahisar, Turkey Under a basalt sky tinged with apricot, Ortahisar emerges from the Cappadocian earth like a forgotten monolith: a citadel carved out of caves, columbaria, and tunnels. Stone alleys, apricot stalls, and tea gardens; at first light, balloons soar over Hallacdere Valley, casting shadows on tuff spires. The Ethnographic Museum recounts bygone rhythms among embroidered vests and copper.

41. Jukkasjärvi, Sweden The snow crunches beneath the reindeer as Jukkasjärvi awakens to a polar blue: the Icehotel shimmers like a frozen cathedral, with carved suites and beds covered in reindeer skins. The Sami church preserves centuries of wood and candles; at the Nutti Sámi Siida, you can sip hot blueberry juice and listen to the joik. At night, the frozen Torne River falls silent, and the dawn dances above the frosted pines.

42. Ollantaytambo, Peru In the sacred cradle of the Valley, Ollantaytambo pulses with the breath of the Inca: terraces rising like waves of stone and a ceremonial fortress with sun temples and water channels. Local markets sell exotic fruits and alpaca scarves, scenic trains to Machu Picchu cross glacial rivers; at dusk, coca tea is sipped on balconies, and the ruins stand out in the moonlight.

43. Bilad Sayt, Oman Beyond the hairpin bends of Wadi Bani Awf, Bilad Sayt opens up with terraced date palms and mud houses clinging to the mountainside. Children play in falaj-fed watering troughs, shy goats, and the dome of the mosque catching the morning light. Omani hospitality features spiced kahwa, sweet halwa, and as the sun sets, the Hajar Mountains paint the sky mauve.

44. Arang Kel, Pakistan Beneath snow-capped peaks, Arang Kel rests above the Neelum River: wooden houses scattered across meadows dotted with blue Himalayan poppies. A chairlift connects Kel to the village, offering views of cedars and glacial streams; children grazing, the smell of wood, and chapli kebabs cooking in the kitchens. In the evening, dark bonfires and a sky dotted with stars.

45. Gudhjem, Denmark Red granite cliffs emerge from the Baltic, and Gudhjem nestles among ochre roofs: centuries-old herring smokehouses fill the air, artisan galleries, and glassmakers craft glass. Ferries to Christiansø depart from the harbor; at Helligdomsklipperne, waves crash against the cliffs. In the evening, the villagers gather on the pier with ice cream, and the sunset over Bornholm closes the day.

46. Seyðisfjörður, Iceland Waterfalls cascade from mossy cliffs into a fjord so still it reflects the candy-colored houses of Seyðisfjörður, nestled between the snow-capped peaks of eastern Iceland. Rainbow-colored streets lead to the blue church and the Skaftfell Art Center: bold installations and a coffee with hot plokkfiskur. Trails like Vestdalur pass through World War II relics and wild blueberries.

47. Hahoe Folk Village, South Korea Thatched roofs sway above centuries-old hanok houses in Hahoe, where earthen walls embrace courtyards scented with pine and fermented soy sauce. Masked dances explode to the beat of drums on the open-air stage near Buyongdae Cliff; scholars' houses, lotus ponds, and the Nakdong River create a landscape of living tradition. Omija tea and lanterns line the river at dusk.

48. Tatev, Armenia Between imposing walls carved by the Vorotan Gorge, Tatev Monastery clings to the plateau with silent intensity. The 9th-century structure displays faded medieval frescoes; the Wings of Tatev, the longest cable car, soars over walnut groves and basalt gorges, offering thrills and views. Bridges and mineralized waterfalls complete a place of asceticism and silence.

49. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Surrounded by medieval walls, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a living fairytale: watchtowers, red roofs, and the picturesque view of Plönlein overlooking cobbled streets. The air smells of sugared snowballs baking in the ovens; Christmas museums, stained glass in St. Jakob's, and the Medieval Crime Museum tell ancient stories. In the evening, the Night Watchman roams the streets with his lantern, telling legends.

50. Marsaxlokk, Malta Colorful luzzus boats bob in Marsaxlokk harbor, their painted eyes keeping watch over the fresh fish stalls: tuna, squid, and on Sundays, a lively market selling prickly pears, lace, and jars of ġbejna. Along the promenade, seafood taverns sizzle, and just a few steps away, St. Peter's Pool invites you to dive from the cliffs into the turquoise waters.