The bright lights of European capitals, the historical sites, and gorgeous country sides all sound fantastic but possibly the prettiest sights of Europe are her little villages. Cobble-stoned streets, brightly colored homes and breath-taking views await you as you travel through one of Europe’s little villages for an unforgettable and authentic European break. Whether it be lakeside or mountainside settlements, bizarre medieval villages or small sleepy seaside escapes the villages in Europe are all picture perfect. So what are Europe’s prettiest villages?

Hallstatt, Austria

Picturesque and set upon a crystal clear lake surrounded by the Alps this little village is one of the most beautiful in the world. With colorful homes full of pretty flowers the village is perfectly picturesque with the snowy Alps in the background as the ultimate setting to give you a truly book-like view, which has to be seen to be believed. There are plenty of things to see in this gorgeous little village whether it is exploring on foot, visiting a salt mine, taking a boat out on the lake or browsing along the cobble-stoned streets surrounding the traditional Austrian houses you can also visit in December to experience Hallstatt’s winter wonderland that it becomes for the Christmas market.

Giethoorn, Netherlands

Known as the “Venice of the Netherlands” Giethoorn is a pretty little village that is not reached by any roads at all due to the presence of waterways instead of roads. The best way to reach parts of this beautiful village is by boat and guests are able to ride along in small little boats while taking in the views of colored houses and beds full of flowers, it is also possible to see some of Giethoorn’s beautiful country surroundings on foot or by bike.

Colmar, France

Located in the Alsace region Colmar in France is a village straight out of a fairy-tale storybook. Its perfectly placed little houses are painted with vibrant and colorful timbered blocks that stand in contrast with the rest of the medieval style houses that fill the village. Along with lots of picturesque historical places to visit it is a beautiful village to try local French delicacies and drink French wine and like a lot of European villages and towns Colmar becomes even more breath taking and magical at Christmas time when it is decorated with lights from top to bottom.

Esk Krumlov, Czech Republic

With the magnificent castle Esk Krumlov sitting on top of a steep hill above the village this is easily one of the most picturesque villages in the Czech Republic. The village is one of only 12 in Europe to be awarded world heritage status and with a maze of little artistic galleries, cobblestone streets, and medieval buildings mixed with the stunning scenery there is so much to see in this charming village; the castle on the other hand will give you panoramic views of the village that you will never forget.

Positano, Italy

Positano is probably one of the most picturesque small villages in all of Europe; the village is virtually glued to a cliff-face above the sea, the houses having been piled on top of one another to make one magnificent image. In fact there’s not really anything that Positano doesn’t offer to any visitor who wants to relax on the pebble beach, take in some of the sea air and go and do a bit of shopping in the cute little boutiques that are found dotted around the narrow and winding streets; or for anyone who would rather spend their time in one of the numerous fantastic restaurants eating wonderfully fresh Italian cuisine (in particular the fresh seafood served here is divine!). Definitely take a camera and make sure you have loads of film!

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

A trip to this truly beautiful village takes you back in time. You really would not imagine that it still had a feel of the middle ages. The whole village is lined with narrow cobbled streets, pretty colorful timbered houses, lovely churches and literally hundreds of small souvenir shops where you can buy anything unique that you could wish for. It really is an incredible village to explore. Walls encircle the town and have also been subject to hundreds of painting during the centuries. At Christmas it turns into a magical wonderland with a fantastic market.

Reine, Norway

The picturesque small village of Reine is set on the coast, under massive snowy peaks, and on the side of a lake of a turquoise color. Dotted across the land are the traditional, red and white, colorful Norwegian houses which break up the dark, Norwegian scenery, and look fantastic. A place to ski, hike and fish, there is never a dull moment, and you will always have your camera out snapping the glorious, panoramic scenes around you, but the best thing about it all, is the stunning winter landscape at Christmas time when the northern lights light up the sky.

Oia, Greece

The gem that is undoubtedly Oia on Santorini can be claimed as one of the most beautiful places in entire of Europe! At the edge of the cliff and above the Aegean Sea lie the picturesque Cycladic villas colored in white and blue with a dome on their roof that would create the most romantic backdrop for couples on a European holiday. The charm of Oia is something you can unfold through a walk down its quaint streets and its little cafés along the way that would let you lose yourself in the mesmerizing views of the sea, and you may find Oia’s exclusiveness and privacy can be best felt by staying in its secluded villas so you may lose yourself entirely in the stunning scenery.

Bled, Slovenia

A further village easily one of the most picturesque in Europe Bled in Slovenia is located in a bay at the edge of a stunningly picturesque green lake. Here you can see a small church on an island in the middle of the lake backed by the most picturesque rolling green hills you just can not fail to be wowed by the perfection that is Bled. Enjoy a slow journey on a Pletna boat to the island church, or enjoy fabulous views from Bled Castle.

Bruges, Belgium

Like its Dutch cousin Venice, Bruges is not only a magnificent historic city but it also makes for the most idyllic little village break imaginable. The canals are not only the main thoroughfares but provide the most incredible photographic scenes along with the beautiful houses within the village squares. Treat yourself to some of the world’s finest chocolates as you travel along the many picturesque canals on a boat or perhaps wander the charming narrow streets of the village on foot while taking in the breath-taking views.

Conclusion

Europe’s quaint little villages offer you an unforgettable European break. Filled with so much to see and so much to do and with incredibly welcoming people who wouldn’t want to get lost amongst Europe’s most precious hidden gems?