Think fairytales only exist in books? Europe is full of enchanting destinations that are perfect for when you could use a touch of brightness in your life. From a colourful palace in Portugal to a centuries-old castle in Slovenia and cobbled village in Germany, these places are oozing with so much charm that you’ll have to pinch yourself to check you aren’t dreaming.
With historic settings and backdrops befitting a princess, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the pages of a real-life storybook while exploring these photogenic towns. There’s some magic to be found in each of these fairytale destinations in Europe, where it’s possible to create your own happily ever after.
Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber is one of the most beautiful villages in Germany, so much so that its scenery was the inspiration behind films like Pinocchio and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The walled village fits the bill for a top fairytale destination with its charming cobblestone streets, colourful buildings and stalls selling hand-crafted trinkets, which will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a simpler time. If you want to see the town at its most atmospheric, visit in December for a chance to stroll its authentic Christmas market.
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Bled, Slovenia
It’s hard to believe, but Bled is even more picturesque in real life. This beautiful town is best known for its historic church that sits majestically in the middle of the lake and 1,000-year-old Lake Bled Castle. Take a romantic stroll around the lake, rent a small rowboat or hike to the Osjonica and Ojstrica viewpoints at sunset for panoramic views of this fairytale town. Pull up a chair at a local café to enjoy the picture-perfect lake views with a slice of Kremšnita, a local dessert with a custard cream filling.
Sintra, Portugal
Arguably the most fairytale-esque town in all of Europe, Sintra is the epitome of old-world charm with its colourful, Romantic-era Pena Palace. A short train ride from Lisbon, it makes for an excellent day trip to see the centuries-old landmark and its incredible details up-close. Stop to take in the palace’s sweeping hillside views and marvel at its thousand-year-old walls and brightly-coloured facade. After you’ve photographed the iconic red and yellow towers, visit nearby Palace of Regaleira and stroll through the enchanted woods filled with fountains, lakes and grottoes.
Tossa De Mar, Spain
Tossa De Mar boasts a magical setting on Catalonia’s Girona coast, where its stone walls, cylindrical towers and sandy beaches make for a perfect Mediterranean getaway. The ancient castle Villa Vella showcases the city’s medieval Catalan heritage, set atop a mountainous landscape with views overlooking the nearby gorges, natural springs and beaches. Spend time exploring the narrow pathways of this walled-in town, then take in a different perspective of the castle from the pebbly shores of Platja Gran beach. You can also top off your tan at the beautiful Platja d’es Codolar beach behind the castle.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe and an enchanting Baltic destination, blessed with a charming, UNESCO-listed Old Town. The well-preserved medieval city offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities along its winding cobbled streets, with Toompea Hill a popular viewpoint overlooking the city’s storybook towers and Gothic spires. You can spend an entire day wandering the Gothic town square with its brightly-coloured historic buildings, medieval churches and grandiose merchant houses dating back to the Middle Ages. The Old Town is particularly romantic in winter, combining its snowy landscapes with a dazzling Christmas market.
Castle Combe, England
This picturesque English village nestled in the Cotswolds has been the backdrop for many a costume drama, and for good reason. A visit to this quintessentially traditional village will make you feel like someone has turned back time. Amble past the 500 year old weaver’s cottages and pause by the river whilst you imagine life in a bygone era in this perfectly preserved and unspoilt gem. The surrounding countryside is equally stunning, and with local pubs, bakeries and shops to check out, you may find yourself not wanting to return to the present!
Pavone Canavese, Italy
It’s all well and good visiting castles, but for the full fairytale destination experience, why not stay in one? After all, a fairytale doesn’t normally end via the gift shop! Castello di Pavone in Turin is a stunning castle that offers a variety of different accommodation options, with each room beautifully styled to make you feel like an ancient monarch! You may want to descend into nearby Turin to explore, or just stay put in your ivory tower pretending to be royalty, up to you!
Prague, Czech Republic
Rambling cobbled streets, ancient architecture and a car-free old town make Prague a perfect place to visit to be transported into a fairytale destination. Often referred to as one of the most romantic destinations in Europe, the pastel coloured buildings and meandering river create plenty of dream-like settings for exploring everything the city has to offer. No fairytale destination would be complete without a castle, and the stunning medieval Prague castle is unlikely to disappoint!
Portofino, Italy
It’s hard to imagine anywhere that feels more like stepping foot into a painting than Portofino. This postcard-like seaside destination is the perfect backdrop for living out a fantasy. You can almost hear the clinking of glasses and babel of voices on verandas as you plan your visit, so if your idea of a fairytale is la dolce vita, then Portofino is hard to beat. It’s the type of holiday destination where it wouldn’t be a surprise if James Bond suddenly emerged from the sea, and you may well spot some real life actors whilst there too!
Lofoten, Norway
If your idea of a fairytale is natural landscapes that are magical beyond belief, then the Lofoten archipelago could be for you. With razor sharp mountains bursting from the sea, Lofoten is a series of rocky pinnacles that loom over the water – picture colourful fishing villages with red and yellow houses perched along the rugged rocky coastline and snow covered peaks behind! The weather may be slightly less than magical depending on your luck, but a visit in winter could reveal the most fairytale of phenomena – the Northern Lights.
Originally published 03 2021, updated 05 2022.
