15 Most Beautiful Villages to Visit in the World

We all need time to unwind and set our minds free. Then, how do villages sound for you? Extensive landscapes of greeneries, humble neighborhoods with friendly faces and laidback houses, and a getaway from air pollution and car honks. If you are tired of typical tourist destinations or highly popular places, these wonderful villages offer the perfect escape. Compiled by our experienced travelers, these are the top 15 most beautiful villages to visit in the world!

Most Beautiful Villages in the World – Summary

  1. Frigiliana, Spain
  2. Bibury, England
  3. Hallstatt, Austria
  4. Gordes, France
  5. Intragna, Switzerland
  6. Popeye’s Village, Malta 
  7. Giethoorn, the Netherlands
  8. Cong, Ireland
  9. Alberobello, Italy 
  10. Shirakawa-go, Japan
  11. Zuluk, India
  12. Gasadalur Village, Lofoten Islands
  13. Reine, Norway
  14. Oia, Greece
  15. Cinque Terre, Italy

1. Frigiliana, Spain

most beautiful villages in the world Frigliana Spain

Nestled in the hills of Andalusia, Frigliana is a dreamlike wonder. White-tinted buildings and houses line the winding hills, wovening an ethereal yet familiar Mediterranean scene. The labyrinthine streets are adorned with colorful flowers. At a glance, Frigliana will remind you of the whitewashed villages of Greece. However, the village offers its own distinctive charms that are worth exploring. It is one of the most beautiful villages in the world for you to add into your bucket list. 

Frigiliana has been the settlement of different communities for centuries. However, the Moors left the most remarkable impact to the village. The buildings, especially in the upper Mudejar district, showcases a distinctive Moorish style. Besides that, Frigiliana is home to three different religious communities – Muslim, Christian, and Jewish. Line up for the Festival de las Tres Culturas which celebrates the blend of fascinating culture. 

2. Bibury, England

most beautiful villages in the world Bibury

Honey-colored cottages, well-trimmed garden, and the picturesque River Coln harmonize in Bibury. The village is a page out of a dreamy British historical fiction, boasting the best out of Cotswolds. Photographers and travelers flock to Bibury to create a forever-frame of the village and freeze its enchanting beauty. For that reason, Bibury is often considered the most beautiful village in England. 

Head to the Gloucestershire County in during a sunny summer or flowery spring. It is the best time to stroll along the cobblestone streets of Bibury and enjoy its quaint atmosphere. Make sure to spend time in the Arlington Row. The 17th-century cottages adorned with greeneries or flowers will sweep you off your feet.

3. Hallstatt, Austria

“I totally recommend Hallstat as one of the best destinations in my home, Austria. The village is simply magical,” said TripLeader Katharina, an Austria-born traveler who has hosted fun-filled trips for five years.

Nestled beside the pristine Hallstätter See, Hallstatt is a storybook village with pastel-hued houses clinging to the mountainside. The surrounding mountains, towering and grand, enhances Hallstatt’s otherworldly scene. Moreover, the tranquil lake creates a picture-perfect reflection of the charming buildings. With its extraordinary landscape, Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful villages in the world. 

The village of Hallstatt is a well-loved winter destination in Europe. As snow coats the scenery, Hallstatt turns twice as magical. Warm fireplace, delightful local menu, and glimmering Christmas lights beckon travelers to stay longer. Moreover, other attractions such as the ice cave and salt mine await to be explored. 

4. Gordes, France

most beautiful villages in the world Gordes France

Perched on a hill in the Luberon region, Gordes is the epitome of Provençal charm. The stone houses, cobbled streets, and the Renaissance castle form Gordes’ unbelievable facade. Moreover, the surrounding, fertile hills of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region make Gordes look twice as stunning. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Europe, even in the world. 

Furthermore, the French village keeps its history alive. From the ancient Celts to the evolving 19th century, Gordes had witnessed the progression of humanity. The majestic Gordes Castle stands on the top of a hill, once served as a stronghold during the 14th and 16th centuries. As time goes by, the village turns into an artist hub, where famous names like Marc Chagall and Pol Mara produced their works. 

5. Intragna, Switzerland

Staying off the tourists’ radar, Intragna is the perfect representation of the authentic Switzerland. This tiny village is surrounded by an unbelievably pretty mountain range. Moreover, the medieval stone houses, cobblestone streets, and the iconic Church of San Gottardo create an idyllic scene. Besides that, the 16th-century Roman Bridge, which stands over the River Isorno, stuns everyone who sees it. Therefore, Intragna is one of the most beautiful villages in Europe to add into your bucket list. 

6. Popeye’s Village, Malta 

Popeye's Village Malta

TripLeader Katy has called Malta her home for the past 11 years. Although she loves showing the less-walked paths of Malta, she recommends us to add Popeye’s Village to the list. “A vibrant village with unique architecture. It’s pretty crowded, but it’s an amazing place to visit,” Katy stated.

Popeye’s Village was built as a film set for the 1980 movie with the same name. It showcases a quirky scene featuring wooden houses with pointy roof and gaudy-colored walls create a contrast to the earth-colored shores. Whether you are a movie lover or a casual tourist, this village is a place that you must visit when traveling to Malta. Besides being one of the most beautiful villages in the globe, Popeye’s Village offers an array of activities. You can enjoy a serene time strolling around the manmade boardwalks and see the colorful buildings. Also, sit in Popeye-inspired shows and visit the museums to learn about the movie. 

7. Giethoorn, the Netherlands

Giethoorn Netherlands most beautiful villages

Known as the “Venice of the North,” Giethoorn is a Dutch village where canals replace streets. Thatched-roof houses, charming bridges, and serene waterways are an ideal representation of a lovely European village. Travelers can explore the village by hopping on a boat and sail slowly along the canals. Moreover, Giethoorn looks wonderful during the spring. Colorful blossoms, growing naturally or made into garlands, decorate the whole village. Therefore, Giethoorn is one of the most beautiful villages in the world that you should check out. 

8. Cong, Ireland

most beautiful villages in the world Ireland

The picturesque village of Cong, surrounded by lakes and woodlands, is straight out of a storybook. The medieval Ashford Castle and thatched-roof cottages add to the timeless allure of this Irish gem. Moreover, Cong keeps a myriad of stone bridges and medieval abbeys. The village breathes with history, keeping a record of the UK’s prominent Victorian period. Showcasing regal architecture and flawless nature, Cong is one of the most beautiful villages in the world. 

9. Alberobello, Italy 

TripLeader Katharina and her TripMates visited Alberobello in the summer of 2023. The UNESCO-listed village swept them off their feet with its picture-perfect corners, the locals’ smiling faces, and the romantic energy it emits. Katharina mentioned trulli – a series of 14th-century structures with conical roofs and beehive-shaped exterior, as the eye-candy of Alberobello. You can stroll along the series of trulli houses, stop by small museums, and sample heartwarming Puglian dishes. With all it has to offer, Alberobello makes it to the list of the most beautiful villages in the world.

10. Shirakawa-go, Japan

prettiest villages worldwide Shirakawago

“Shirakawa-go is a piece of art nestled in Japan’s timeless countryside. It offers a glimpse of traditional rural life as well as a panoramic scene,” said TripLeader Kc, a digital nomad who has traveled the world for the past 11 years. Kc mentioned Japan as her favorite destination and is excited to take her TripMates there. Shirakawa-go is her go-to destination, allowing her to uncover Japan’s rural beauty and outstanding tradition.

The centuries-old village is a testament to the traditional Gassho-zukuri architecture. They are present in the form of thatched roof houses that interestingly resemble hands in prayer. As the houses blend seamlessly with the surrounding mountains, Shirakawa-go makes its way into the list of most beautiful villages in the world. 

Shirakawa-go can be reached by a 4-hour train ride from Nagoya. It is a well-loved winter destination in Japan. The village transforms into a winter wonderland as the snow blankets the roofs of the traditional houses. This UNESCO World Heritage site transforms into a winter wonderland when snow blankets its thatched-roof houses. 

11. Zuluk, India

most beautiful villages in the world Zuluk
Source: Linus Pradhan from Wikimedia Commons

Perched at the height of 9,400 feet in the Himalayas, Zuluk is simply breathtaking. The village boasts the intoxicating beauty of the snow-capped Himalayas and the magnificence of Indian traditional architecture. Zuluk is lined with stone houses, winding roads, and humble stores to serve a population of 700 people. Moreover, travelers crowd to Zuluk to get a front seat to spot the Kanchenjunga. With all it has to offer, Zuluk is one of the most beautiful villages in the world.


So, if you’re ready to trade the crowds for these most beautiful villages in the world, pack your bags and set off on a journey! Not feeling like traveling alone? Well, worry not! Like-minded travel buddies from JoinMyTrip are ready to go on crazy adventures and create amazing travel experiences with you. Whether you want to explore the hidden villages of Italy or discover the fascinating Scandinavian culture in Norway, we have the perfect trip for you. All of our trips are crafted by passionate travelers worldwide who want to give you nothing less than unforgettable memories.

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