Picturesque towns, medieval castles and captivating landscapes. Ten wonderful destinations in Europe to add to your list for your upcoming trips.
Europe is home to many fairytale places that are ideal for a delightful escape for the whole family: well-preserved medieval towns, picturesque villages, lakes and castles straight out of a Disney movie. The website promoting tourism in Europe, European Best Destinations, compiled a list of some of the most enchanting places in Europe and we present ten of them.
Prague, Czechia
The unique blend of Baroque and Gothic architecture, the atmospheric Old Town, the iconic Charles Bridge, the fairytale castle, the spires and churches make you fall in love with Prague at first sight. The best way to explore Prague is on foot and discover the treasures hidden in every corner. Beautiful buildings, many fascinating sights, cafés and restaurants set the scene on Old Town Square. The most famous attraction is the Astronomical Clock on the Gothic tower of the Old Town Hall, where tourists crowd to watch the show put on by the moving figurines every time the hour changes. On the other side of the Vltava, the Castle dominates, as if lifted from a fairytale.
Colmar, France
Where the River Lauch meets the Rhine, 68 km from Strasbourg, lies Colmar, one of Europe’s loveliest small towns. Here you’ll see fairytale Alsatian houses alongside spectacular Gothic buildings, enjoy a romantic boat ride along the canals in the Little Venice district, and visit unique museums such as the Bartholdi Museum, dedicated to the works of Frédéric Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty. Need more reasons to visit? The town lies on the Wine Route, serving as the capital of Alsatian wines.
Mont-Saint-Michel, France
In a magical bay shared by Normandy and Brittany, the sight of Mont-Saint-Michel draws the eye from afar. The image of the enchanting fortified town, at whose center the eponymous Abbey stands, looks like a scene from a fairytale thanks to the way it floats on the tide during periods when the area experiences high waters. Its history as a major Christian pilgrimage site dates to the early 8th century AD, when Aubert, bishop of the nearby town of Avranches on the hilltop, claimed that the Archangel Michael himself had pressed him to build a church atop the seaside promontory.
Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, Germany
Part of the popular Romantic Road that runs through southern Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is famous for its beautifully preserved medieval town. A stroll through the historic center with its age-old houses, cobbled lanes, towers, gates and fountains is an escape through time. The town has appeared in many films and was the inspiration for Pinocchio’s village in the 1940 Walt Disney movie.
Neuschwanstein, Germany
Set in an idyllic location on a hill above the village of Schwangau in southwestern Bavaria, Neuschwanstein is the palace that inspired the creators of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. King Ludwig II, nicknamed the Shy King, used to retreat here because he disliked social life. The castle has been open to the public since 1886 and is one of Germany’s most popular attractions, with more than one million visitors annually.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
In northwestern Slovenia, 55 km from the capital Ljubljana, lies one of the country’s most picturesque spots: a storybook lake ringed by mountains and forests, with a small islet at its center. The only building there is the church, built in the 17th century, which from afar seems to float on the lake. The romantic scenery of Lake Bled is completed by the castle perched on the cliff.
Sintra, Portugal
If you have an extra day in Lisbon and want a romantic day trip, there’s only one answer: Sintra! Forty minutes by train from the Portuguese capital lies a fairytale town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site- brimming with palaces, gardens and mansions. The imposing Palacio Nacional de Sintra, the colorful Palacio Nacional da Pena atop a crag, the Castelo dos Mouros and the Palácio de Monserrate with its beautiful botanical garden are its most important sights.
Alcázar of Segovia, Spain
Beautiful Segovia is half an hour by train from Madrid. Its Old Town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is wonderfully atmospheric. The vast ancient Roman aqueduct, preserved in excellent condition, the imposing cathedral on the city’s main square and the Alcázar castle rising from a sheer rocky outcrop (one of Spain’s most distinctive palaces due to its shape, which resembles a ship’s prow) are the sights that will make you adore this city.
Popeye Village, Malta
An entire wooden village was built in 1979 on Anchor Bay, near the village of Mellieha on the north side of Malta, to host the filming of the movie Popeye starring Robin Williams. Today, Popeye Village operates as a theme park and is a playground of fun for the whole family. You can visit the little houses and take part in various organized activities.
Dark Hedges, Ireland
This eerily beautiful, tree-covered road made famous by Game of Thrones is called Dark Hedges and lies between Armoy and Stranocum in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The beeches were planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family to impress visitors arriving at their mansion, Gracehill House.
