21 Yet Undiscovered Fairytale Villages in Europe (2025 Guide)

If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of modern cities and the routes everyone knows by heart on social media, this list is just for you.

Get ready for an unforgettable journey through Europe's undiscovered villages and hidden destinations for the summer of 2025.
Away from the crowds, these fairytale European villages, where the spirit still lives on, offer everything a true travel enthusiast seeks.

In these villages, time flows slower, coffee is sipped warmer, and streets whisper stories.
If you want to discover alternative routes in Europe in 2025 and set out not just with your body, but also with your heart — here are 21 magical stops awaiting you!

1. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (France)

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (France)

In the golden sun of Provence, nestled in the embrace of steep cliffs, lies a star village: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. A small star hanging between two mountains has given this place its name and magic. As you wander through its narrow stone streets, the scent of lavender envelops you.

The view you'll see while climbing to the Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir Church in the early morning is unforgettable. According to local lore, a knight returning from the Crusades hung the star between the two cliffs as a sign of gratitude for his release from captivity. This star, which you can still see today, has become the symbol of the town.

Moustiers is also famous for its world-renowned faience pottery. This tradition, dating back to the 17th century, is still kept alive in local workshops. In the afternoon, you can visit these workshops and watch the masterpieces take shape in the hands of master ceramicists. In the evening, you can end the day with the flavours of Provencal cuisine in small restaurants whose terraces open onto lavender fields.

2. Ronda (Spain)

Ronda (Spain)

Built on both sides of a huge canyon, Ronda takes your breath away with its whitewashed houses perched on the cliff edge and its magnificent bridge. Here, time flows in the silence of the rocks.

The Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), which connects the two sides of the El Tajo Gorge, is, contrary to its name, an architectural marvel dating back to 1793. You might feel dizzy looking down into the 98-meter depth of the bridge, but it's part of the thrill. Famous names like Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles were also captivated by the magic of this village, carrying traces of Ronda in their works.

Ronda is also home to one of Spain's oldest bullrings. The Plaza de Toros has stood since 1785 and remains one of the most stunning examples of traditional Spanish architecture. Dare to get lost in the old town, La Ciudad; it will reward you with narrow streets, Arab baths, and unexpected viewpoints. In the late afternoon, watch the sunset from the Alameda del Tajo park, enjoying local tapas accompanied by Andalusian wine.

3. Castelluccio di Norcia (Italy)

Castelluccio di Norcia (Italy)

A riot of colour above the clouds: Castelluccio di Norcia. Especially in spring, the valleys transform into a sea of flowers.

Located 1452 meters above sea level, this village is one of Italy's highest settlements. During the "La Fiorita" (The Flowering) period, from late May to mid-July, the Piano Grande plain within the Monti Sibillini National Park witnesses an incredible natural phenomenon: the valley floor is covered with all the colours of the rainbow, carpeted with red poppies, blue cornflowers, and yellow asphodels.

Despite being heavily damaged in the 2016 earthquake, Castelluccio has begun to rise again. The village is famous not only for its views but also for its gastronomy. "Lenticchie di Castelluccio," one of the world's most delicious lentils, comes from this region. Tasting lentil soup paired with Italian cheeses in local trattorias is a must-do part of a visit to the village. Watching the fog spread from the hilltop down into the plain in the early morning hours will be an unforgettable experience.

4. Monsaraz (Portugal)

Monsaraz (Portugal)

Shining like a white jewel amidst olive groves and ramparts, Monsaraz is one of Portugal's quietest escapes.

This medieval village atop the hills embodies all the characteristic features of the Alentejo region: whitewashed houses, doors adorned with dark blue and yellow details, and bougainvillea cascading from balconies. As soon as you step through the entrance gate, the cobblestone streets that greet you carry the same imprints of centuries past. It feels as though the footsteps of knights, merchants, and pilgrims still echo in these streets.

One of the great advantages of 2025 is the view of the artificial lake created by the nearby Alqueva Dam. Alqueva, one of Europe's largest artificial lakes, offers an incredible panorama when viewed from the village walls. Monsaraz is also a perfect spot for stargazing at night, as the region has been declared a "dark sky reserve." Don't forget to try the traditional Alentejo dishes "Açorda" (bread soup) and "Migas" (fried bread) in the small taverns you stop by to taste local wines.

5. Albarracín (Spain)

Albarracín (Spain)

With its defensive walls following the Tagus River and pink stone houses, Albarracín carries the whispers of history.

This hidden gem of the Aragon region turns into pastel shades as the sun sets. The reddish iron from the surrounding cliffs reflects onto the houses, giving the village its characteristic pink tone. With its narrow streets, ancient doors, and wooden balconies, Albarracín is like a film set where time has stood still. When you climb to the castle at the highest point of the village, you can overlook the entire valley.

For climbing enthusiasts, the rock formations around the village offer one of Europe's best bouldering spots. At the end of the day, you must try "jamón serrano" and "huevos con trufa," an egg dish prepared with the region's famous truffle mushrooms, in the local eateries. You should act early to find accommodation in Albarracín, as there are only a few boutique hotels and guesthouses in the village. If you choose to stay overnight in an old mansion, you can experience the magic of sleeping under centuries-old wooden ceilings.

6. Gordes (France)

Gordes (France)

Rising on the lavender-scented hills of Luberon, Gordes is like a poem woven with stone.

This village in the heart of Provence is a true medieval heritage with its meticulously placed stone houses and narrow streets. The view as you approach the village is like a painting: the village rising with its stone houses on the hilltop overlooks the valley surrounded by lavender and vineyards. When sunlight hits the limestone walls, the entire village is bathed in a golden glow.

One of the must-see places around Gordes is the ancient Village des Bories, consisting of stone huts. Built without any mortar, these stone huts are unique examples of the region's distinctive architecture. At the market held on Tuesdays, you can buy lavender honey, olive oil, and goat cheese from local producers. Sipping an aperitif in the village square while watching the sunset in the late afternoon means experiencing the famous Provencal "savoir-vivre" (art of living). While enjoying this moment, French chansons flowing from the guitars of local musicians might accompany you.

7. Piódão (Portugal)

Piódão (Portugal)

Hidden in the heart of the mountains, Piódão is a village seemingly carved into the rocks with its black stone houses and blue shutters.

Reaching this village, hidden at the foot of the Serra do Açor mountains, is an adventure in itself. Piódão, which you'll reach via winding roads, immediately distinguishes itself from other Portuguese villages with its houses built from dark schist stone. Its narrow streets paved with local stones lead to the central square, like a millstone, where a small church and a fountain are located.

The village holds an interesting secret in its history: it once served as a refuge for army deserters and bandits. Today, it serves a completely different purpose, acting as a peaceful haven for those escaping city life. You can stay at the Inatel Piódão Hotel within the village and breathe in the mountain air in rooms with fireplaces. The "cabrito assado" (roast kid goat) and "chanfana" (goat meat cooked in red wine) you'll taste in the local "tabernas" (taverns) are the region's most famous delicacies. Don't forget to hike the surrounding trails to fill your lungs with the fresh mountain air.

8. Civita di Bagnoregio (Italy)

Civita di Bagnoregio (Italy)

Known as "The Dying City," Civita di Bagnoregio still possesses a beauty that defies time.

Founded by the Etruscans 2500 years ago, this village sits atop a tuff rock hill and is connected to the mainland only by a long pedestrian bridge. Over the years, soil erosion has swallowed much of the village, earning it the nickname "Il Paese che Muore" (The Dying City). Today, with only about a dozen permanent residents, the village comes alive with visitors on weekends and during the summer months.

Once you cross the bridge and step through the narrow arched gate, a journey back in time awaits you. With its narrow streets preserving the medieval atmosphere, ivy-covered walls, and flowers grown in pots, Civita is like a living museum. From the square in front of the San Donato Church at the highest point of the village, you can see panoramic views of the valley and the tuff hills. Watching the Italian sunset here with a glass of local Orvieto wine will be an unforgettable experience. Since the village has only one hotel and a few restaurants, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance.

9. Eguisheim (France)

Eguisheim (France)

The spiral village of Alsace surrounded by vineyards: Eguisheim. Every corner is adorned with geraniums, and every window seems to smile.

With its unique concentric layout, Eguisheim grew spirally around an old castle. A quintessential Alsatian village with its circular streets and pastel-coloured half-timbered houses, Eguisheim has earned its rightful place on France's "Les Plus Beaux Villages" (The Most Beautiful Villages) list. In summer, every balcony and window is decorated with colourful flowers, and the streets come alive with the sound of water flowing from fountains.

Eguisheim is also famous for its quality wines. The vineyards surrounding the village are the main source of Alsace's renowned Grand Cru wines. Located on "La Route des Vins d'Alsace" (The Alsace Wine Route), you can visit the cellars of local producers and taste Riesling and Gewürztraminer varieties. For dining, an unforgettable "choucroute garnie" (sauerkraut and assorted meats) or "tarte flambée" (Alsatian pizza) experience awaits you. Climbing to the ruins of the 16th-century "Les Trois Châteaux" (The Three Castles) in the village offers a perfect opportunity to see the magnificent views of the surrounding vineyards and mountain ranges.

10. Dürnstein (Austria)

Dürnstein (Austria)

With its blue-towered church and romantic streets along the Danube River, Dürnstein blends history and nature.

Located in the heart of the Wachau Valley, the most striking feature of this medieval village is its baroque-style blue-and-white church tower. Surrounded by vineyards, the village is an important part of the Wachau Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Climbing the hill, you can see the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was held captive for a time. According to legend, his loyal minstrel Blondel found the king's location by singing.

Dürnstein is an excellent stop for Grüner Veltliner, one of Austria's finest white wines. You can do tastings in the village's wine cellars, and on summer evenings, sip your wine at riverside restaurants accompanied by local "Wachauer Laberl" bread and "Marillenknödel" (apricot dumplings). For a more active experience, you can cycle along the Danube River on the bike path starting from Dürnstein or hike among the vineyards surrounding the village. When the apricot trees blossom in spring, the entire valley is covered in pink and white flowers.

11. Guarda (Switzerland)

Guarda (Switzerland)

At the foot of the Alps, Guarda stands like a living painting with its frescoed houses and flowery balconies.

Located at an altitude of 1653 meters in the Engadin Valley, Guarda is one of the most beautiful examples of typical Swiss Alpine architecture. It stands out with its houses decorated using the "Sgraffito" technique, flowery windows, and geometrically patterned facades. This special decoration technique involves carving patterns into differently coloured layers of the wall and is unique to the region.

Guarda is also the birthplace of the children's book "Schellen-Ursli" by Swiss author Selina Chönz. This story describes the "Chalandamarz" festival, which is still celebrated in the village today. During the snowy winter months, Guarda is a perfect winter sports destination. In summer, you might encounter ibex, eagles, and marmots during your hikes in the Alpine meadows. At the village's only hotel, you can experience true Swiss hospitality and enjoy "Birchermüesli" prepared with local cheeses and honey for breakfast. One of the most beautiful moments in Guarda is watching the mountain peaks covered in the pink light called alpenglow at sunset.

12. Reine (Norway)

Reine (Norway)

In the middle of the fjords, a fairytale Northern village with its red fishing huts: Reine.

Located in Norway's Lofoten Islands, Reine is nestled on the shore of a narrow bay surrounded by steep mountains. The village's symbol, the red fishing huts called "rorbuer," are built extending over the water. Once used only by fishermen, these structures are now the choice of tourists seeking an accommodation experience over the fjord.

What makes Reine special is undoubtedly its light. Being just above the Arctic Circle, the sun hardly sets in summer (midnight sun), and the polar lights (aurora borealis) colour the sky in winter. Climbing Reinebringen Mountain is challenging, but the view from the top is worth every step. You can experience fjord fishing on boats departing from the nearby village of Moskenes. Tasting fresh cod and "klippfisk" (dried and salted cod) for dinner allows you to savour the region's fishing tradition. To capture the most beautiful photo of Reine, wait for the early morning hours when the water is mirror-still.

13. Piran (Slovenia)

Piran (Slovenia)

In the warm Adriatic wind, Piran is a coastal dream with its pastel-coloured houses and tranquil square.

Located on Slovenia's short Adriatic coastline, Piran was once part of the Venetian Republic, and this influence is still visible in its architecture. It is a typical Mediterranean settlement with narrow streets and arched passageways. Tartini Square, located in the historic centre, is the heart of the village and is named after the famous composer Giuseppe Tartini. A statue of the composer stands in the middle of the square.

One of Piran's most notable structures is the St. George's Cathedral atop the hill. From this 17th-century church, there is a magnificent view of the entire Piran Peninsula and even the Italian Alps on clear days. In the late afternoon, while strolling along the seaside promenade, you can enjoy ice cream flavoured with salt from the village's salt pans. Piran salt is still produced using traditional methods and can be found in local souvenir shops. For seafood lovers, trying fresh mussels, squid, and sea bass varieties at the harbour restaurants will be a great pleasure.

14. Wengen (Switzerland)

Wengen (Switzerland)

A car-free mountain village adorned with flowery wooden houses: Wengen.

Located in the heart of the Jungfrau region, Wengen is one of the rare villages accessible only by cogwheel train or cable car, where motor vehicles are banned. Thanks to this feature, its clean air, silence, and tranquility have been preserved. Situated at an altitude of 1274 meters, the village overlooks the famous Lauterbrunnen Valley and the snow-capped peaks of Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger.

Wengen is a paradise for ski enthusiasts in winter and a popular destination for hikers in summer. It gets particularly busy during the Lauberhorn Ski Race held in January. With its Belle Époque hotels, traditional Swiss chalets, and flowery balconies, the village looks like something straight out of a fairytale book. You can ascend to the Männlichen peak for panoramic views of the Bernese Oberland Alps or visit the nearby Trümmelbach Falls.

In the evenings, you can unwind from the day's fatigue in the village's calm atmosphere with hot chocolate or local cheese fondue. Local pubs where you can listen to traditional Swiss music are also attractions for tourists. In Wengen, time flows with the peaceful rhythm of the mountains, far from the rush of city life.

15. Pyrgi (Chios Island, Greece)

Pyrgi (Chios Island, Greece)

With its patterned walls, Pyrgi is the living art gallery of Chios Island.

Known for its medieval narrow streets and houses decorated with unique geometric patterns, Pyrgi is one of Greece's most extraordinary villages. This decoration technique, called "Xysta," involves etching black and white geometric shapes onto the exterior facades of the houses. This process is done after whitening the walls with lime, placing stencils over them, covering with black paint, and then revealing the white parts.

The Church of St. Apostles in the village centre is a beautiful example of 13th-century Byzantine architecture. While wandering through the village, you should taste the "mastiha" (mastic gum) jam and liqueur produced by local women using a unique technique. Mastiha is obtained from mastic trees in the south of the island and is unique to Chios. Getting lost in Pyrgi's labyrinthine narrow streets, listening to the stories of the elderly sitting by the windows, and drinking Greek coffee in the "kafenia" (traditional Greek coffee houses) will provide you with an authentic Greek experience.

16. Hum (Croatia)

Hum (Croatia)

With a population of only 20 people, Hum holds a giant history despite being the smallest town in the world.

Nestled among the green hills of the Istrian Peninsula, this mini-city surrounded by stone walls has made it into the Guinness Book of Records. This medieval settlement, holding the title of the world's smallest town, consists of only two streets with a total length not exceeding 100 meters. When you pass through the stone gate at the entrance of Hum, you are greeted by the 12th-century Church of St. Jerome and its bell tower.

One of Hum's most interesting traditions is the "Župan election," held every second Sunday in June. In this centuries-old tradition, the adult men of the village gather and elect the town's prefect (župan) using notches on a wooden stick. Hum is also famous for a mystical drink called "Biska." Made from a mixture of elderflower, wine, and rakija, and flavoured with special spices, this drink can be tasted in local "konobas" (traditional taverns). If you wish to spend a night in Hum, you need to book in advance at the village guesthouse, which has only a few rooms. Looking out over the green valleys of Istria from the village's stone walls, you will feel the silent testimony of millennia of history.

17. Telč (Czechia)

Telč (Czechia)

With its Baroque squares and colourful houses, Telč is like a dream reflected in water.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Telč is one of Czechia's best-preserved historic towns. The heart of the village is its main square, surrounded on three sides by ponds. The Renaissance and Baroque houses encircling this long, rectangular square create a fairytale world with their pastel-toned facades and ornate gables. Each house has its own unique colour and elegant "sgraffito" decorations.

Telč developed as an important trading centre in the 14th century, and these colourful houses built by merchants eventually became the symbol of the village. Telč Castle, rising at one end of the square, is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture and houses valuable furniture, paintings, and artefacts. You can take walks around the ponds surrounding the village, watch water birds, or rent a boat. On summer evenings, sitting in the cafes on the square, you can try famous Czech cuisine delicacies like "svíčková" (beef in cream sauce) or "trdelník" (sweet pastry) accompanied by a local "Pilsner" beer. One of the most beautiful moments in Telč is watching the silhouettes of the houses reflected in the pond as the sun sets.

18. Monschau (Germany)

Monschau (Germany)

With its half-timbered houses and flowery streets, Monschau is a hidden gem in the heart of the Eifel forests.

Located in North Rhine-Westphalia near the Belgian border, this small German town seems to have emerged from a time tunnel. Nestled among the twists of the Rur River, the village has remained almost unchanged for over 300 years. It reflects typical German romanticism with its black-and-white half-timbered houses (Fachwerkhäuser), narrow stone streets, and small bridges.

One of Monschau's most important buildings is the 18th-century "Rotes Haus" (Red House). Once belonging to a wealthy cloth merchant, this red sandstone building is now used as a museum, showcasing the furniture, fabrics, and lifestyle of the period. Decorated with lights in winter, Monschau is particularly famous for its Christmas markets. In summer, you can taste mustard produced using traditional methods at the "Monschauer Senf-Mühle" (mustard mill) in the village and learn how to make "Printen," traditional biscuits mixed with spices and almonds. The Eifel National Park surrounding Monschau offers excellent routes for mountain biking and hiking enthusiasts. In the evenings, sitting in one of the riverside restaurants, you can try Germany's famous "Sauerbraten" (sour roast) dish and local beers.

19. Castle Combe (England)

Castle Combe (England)

Perhaps the purest form of the English countryside: Castle Combe.

Located in the heart of the Cotswolds region, Castle Combe is one of England's most photogenic villages. With its houses made of honey-coloured Cotswold stone, ivy-covered walls, and stone bridge, it is like a fairytale that has survived from the Middle Ages to the present day. The village has remained so authentic that it has been used as a natural set for many period films and series.

Castle Combe's single street runs alongside the By Brook River, and in the village centre stands a 13th-century market cross. The view from the tower of St. Andrew's Church is breathtaking. To fully experience English rural life, you can try lunch at a traditional pub like "The White Hart" or "The Castle Inn" in the village. You can experience a true English atmosphere accompanied by a "Sunday roast" (roast meat and vegetables) and local ale. The nearby Castle Combe Circuit is a separate attraction for car enthusiasts. With its blossoming gardens in spring, clear streams in summer, golden leaves in autumn, and misty streets in winter, Castle Combe offers a distinct beauty in every season.

20. Roundstone (Ireland)

Roundstone (Ireland)

On the windswept shores of Connemara, a small village listening to the composition of nature and the sea: Roundstone.

This fishing village on Ireland's west coast, overlooking Galway Bay, offers a postcard-perfect view with its turquoise sea, white sandy beaches, and the Twelve Bens mountains in the background. Roundstone reflects the true spirit of the Connemara region, one of Ireland's most picturesque landscapes: wild, mystical, and inviting.

While colourful fishing boats sway in the village harbour, you can watch the making of the traditional Irish drum "bodhran" in local artisans' workshops. The nearby Dog's Bay and Gurteen beaches resemble the Caribbean with their white coral sand and clear waters. These twin beaches, among Ireland's most beautiful, are ideal for swimming and water sports in summer. In the evenings, you can drink a Guinness accompanied by live traditional music in authentic Irish pubs like "O'Dowd's Seafood Bar" in the harbour and enjoy fresh seafood. As the rhythm of Irish music sweeps you off your feet, you will experience the true "craic" (the Irish art of having fun). On a drive around Roundstone, the mist-covered mountains, moss-green peat bogs, and small fields enclosed by stone walls will let you feel the mystical spirit of Ireland.

21. Monsanto (Portugal)

Monsanto (Portugal)

With its houses built into granite boulders, Monsanto is a legend living in the bosom of nature.

Located right in the middle of Portugal, atop a granite hill near the Spanish border, Monsanto was awarded the title "The Most Typical Village of Portugal" in 1938. The village's most extraordinary feature is that the houses are built between, on top of, and around giant rock blocks. Some houses have natural rock formations as ceilings and walls, giving the village a unique appearance.

Walking through Monsanto's narrow and steep streets, you can see how doorframes and windows have been adapted to the natural shape of the rocks. From the castle built by the Knights Templar at the top of the village, a panoramic view of the surrounding vast plains and the peculiar landscape formed by granite awaits you. In local "tabernas," you can taste traditional "migas" (fried breadcrumbs and meat) and "papas" (potatoes) dishes prepared with the region's famous "azeite" (olive oil). During the "Festa das Cruzes" (Festival of the Crosses), celebrated every May in the village, local traditions, music, and dance performances are showcased. Wandering through Monsanto's rocky streets, you will feel the silent testimony of centuries-old stones and understand what it's like to travel through time.

A Journey Not Through Time, But Into Life

In these 21 undiscovered European villages, you will remember what a real journey means:
Waking up to bird songs, touching old stone walls, the smell of bread carried by the wind, and how precious a life intertwined with nature is...
If in the summer of 2025, you want not only to see new places but also to remember our old longings in these villages hidden in the heart of Europe, these routes whisper to you:
"Life is here, waiting for you."
Now pack light, leave your heart open.
Because the real discovery lies not just in the destination, but in the journey experienced.

Which One Is Your Favourite?

Which of these 21 undiscovered European villages impressed you the most?
Maybe a quiet mountain village, perhaps a fjord town, or maybe a medieval village with stone walls...
Share with us in the comments!
If you have suggestions for other hidden villages, we'd love to hear them too.
Let's continue exploring together!

Elina's Note

This content wasn't prepared just to list 21 European villages.
Every line was written for those who wish to touch old stone walls, walk on streets washed by morning mist, and sip life in a small square.

The spirit of Europa Tips reminds us that exploring is not just about seeing new places,
but also about rediscovering ourselves.

A small piece of advice:

Don't rush while visiting these villages.
Spend hours over a coffee.
Follow the scent of a flower.
Because sometimes the greatest discoveries are hidden in the smallest moments.

Happy travels to those chasing freedom...
On behalf of the Europa Tips family,
Elina.

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