Europe

Colmar

France

Often overlooked in favor of larger cities, Colmar is a picturesque town in the Alsace region, known for its well-preserved old town, fairy-tale like architecture, and canals.

Rocamadour 

France

A stunning medieval village built into the side of a cliff in the Dordogne region. Its historical monuments and breathtaking views make it a must-see.

Pérouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

France

A medieval walled town that looks much as it did in the 15th century, Pérouges is known for its cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture. It's a step back into medieval France and less frequented by international tourists.

Étretat, Normandy

France

Famous for its dramatic white chalk cliffs and natural arches, Étretat offers stunning coastal views that have inspired many artists, including Claude Monet. The town itself is quaint and charming, with beautiful 19th-century villas lining the beachfront.

Annecy, Haute-Savoie

France

Known as the "Venice of the Alps," Annecy is famous for its crystal-clear lake, Annecy Lake, and the charming canals and streams that flow through the old town. The picturesque landscapes and proximity to the Alps make it ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Napflio 

Greece

A seaport town in the Peloponnese that is often overshadowed by the Greek islands. It's known for its stunning Venetian architecture and fortress.

Kythira, Ionian Islands

Greece

Situated off the southern tip of the Peloponnese, Kythira is a tranquil island far from the tourist trail. It offers pristine beaches, cascading waterfalls, and quaint villages, blending Ionian, Aegean, and Cretan influences.

Cuenca 

Spain

A city famous for its "hanging houses" (Casas Colgadas) clinging to steep cliffs. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich blend of nature, history, and art.

Cies Islands

Galicia

Often referred to as the "Galician Seychelles," the Cies Islands are a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Galicia. With crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and hiking trails leading to spectacular viewpoints, the islands are a perfect escape into nature.

Isle of Skye 

Scotland

Known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages, and medieval castles, it's a less crowded but stunning destination in the UK.

Lavenham, Suffolk

England

Lavenham is one of the best-preserved medieval villages in the UK, known for its timber-framed buildings that lean in every conceivable direction. Once a wealthy wool town, it offers a deep dive into England's rich history and charming architecture.

Matera 

 Italy

Known for its ancient cave dwellings, Matera is a city in the Basilicata region. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site with a unique landscape and rich history.

Alberobello, Puglia

Italy

Famous for its trulli, traditional Apulian dry stone huts with conical roofs, Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This charming town offers a glimpse into rural Italian life and architectural ingenuity.

Monemvasia 

Greece

A hidden medieval fortress town located on a small island off the east coast of the Peloponnese, offering a step back in time with its well-preserved buildings and streets.

Ronda

Spain

Located in Andalusia, Ronda is known for its dramatic escarpments and views, and the deep El Tajo gorge that carries the rio Guadalevín.

Ludlow 

England

A historic market town in Shropshire, known for its medieval castle ruins, well-preserved timber-framed buildings, and excellent food and drink scene.

The Isle of Harris

Scotland

Known for its Harris Tweed and breathtaking landscapes, the Isle of Harris offers some of the most spectacular beaches in Scotland, with white sand and turquoise waters that rival tropical destinations, alongside rugged mountains and traditional Gaelic culture.

Albarracín, Aragon 

Spain

Often cited as one of Spain's most beautiful villages, Albarracín is known for its medieval architecture, with narrow streets winding between ancient stone houses and walls. Perched on a hillside, the town offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Annecy, Haute-Savoie

France

Known as the "Venice of the Alps," Annecy is famous for its crystal-clear lake, Annecy Lake, and the charming canals and streams that flow through the old town. The picturesque landscapes and proximity to the Alps make it ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Tropea, Calabria 

Italy

This seaside town is famous for its dramatic cliffside setting, pristine beaches, and historic center. Tropea is also known for producing red onions, which are celebrated in local cuisine. The town offers stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Aeolian Islands.

Zagori, Epirus

Greece

Zagori is a region of great natural beauty, known for its traditional stone villages (known as Zagorochoria), majestic mountains, and the Vikos Gorge—one of the deepest gorges in the world. It's a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

Castelluccio di Norcia, Umbria 

Italy

Situated in the Apennine Mountains, this high-altitude village is renowned for its stunning landscapes, especially during the flowering season when the plateau of Castelluccio is covered in a blanket of colorful flowers. It's a perfect spot for hiking and nature photography.

Symi, Dodecanese

Greece

Symi boasts one of the most beautiful harbors in Greece, with its colorful neoclassical mansions stacked one above the other on the slopes surrounding the port. The island is known for its peaceful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the charming village of Chorio.

Frigiliana, Andalusia 

Spain

Located in the south of Spain, Frigiliana is a charming white-washed village that offers a blend of Moorish and Spanish cultures. Its narrow, cobblestone streets, adorned with flowers and stunning views of the Mediterranean, make it an enchanting destination.