The most beautiful villages in the world

From Austria to Norway, from Greece to Japan, from England to the Philippines: the international rankings on most beautiful villages in the world they overlap, due to the enormous interest, not only touristic, aroused by these locations.

We propose you 10 of them, in different countries, which we have selected through the rankings of Forbes, National Geographic and some sites specializing in unusual travel.

Bibury, England

Bibury, in the heart of the Cotswolds, embodies the quintessential English rural village: honey-colored stone cottages, manicured gardens, the slow-flowing River Coln, and the famous Arlington Row, a row of 14th-century houses once used by wool weavers. William Morris called it "the most beautiful village in England," and even today the village retains a sense of tranquility, especially during the less touristy seasons. Rack Isle, a protected wetland area, provides a habitat for rare birds and aquatic plants and is an ideal place for nature walks. A surprising experience is Bibury Trout Farm, founded in 1902, which is not only a trout farm but also a small open-air museum of fishing tradition. Don't miss St. Mary's Church, with its Anglo-Saxon features and medieval tombs, and the small historic cemetery, home to centuries-old gravestones surrounded by greenery. In summer, markets and fairs enliven the square with crafts and traditional products. You can get there from Italy by flying to London Heathrow or Bristol, then by train to Kemble or Swindon and finally by bus or taxi.

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt, overlooking Lake Hallstätter See, is an Alpine pearl and one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages. Its salt mines, active for over 7.000 years, gave their name to the "Hallstatt" civilization and made it a landmark in European prehistory. wooden houses, with flower-filled balconies, are reflected in the calm waters of the lake, creating a postcard-perfect image. In addition to the underground mines, which can be visited with expert guides, the archaeological museum with unique artifacts and the chapel of St. Michael with its painted bones, an ossuary that preserves a funeral tradition rare in Europe, are not to be missed. The famous Skywalk offers spectacular views of the valley and the lake, while nearby forest trails lead to the Waldbachstrub Waterfall, a rarely visited cascade that adds natural charm to your stay. A stroll along the lakeside in the early hours of the day, when the village empties out, is the best way to capture its soul. It can be reached by flight to Salzburg, train to Attnang-Puchheim, connection to Hallstatt Bahnhof, and ferry.

Reine, Norway

Reine, a village in the Lofoten Islands, is considered one of the most photogenic places in Northern Europe: the red fishermen's houses (rorbuer), built on stilts, line up along the fjord with the montains reflected in the water. Here, cod fishing is still a fundamental part of daily life, and traditional stockfishing facilities can be seen along the docks. A hike to Reinebringen offers an unforgettable view, but a sunset boat tour through the fjords is equally evocative, when the Arctic light turns the peaks red. Sleeping in a traditional rorbu cabin allows you to experience the life of the fishermen of old. Nearby, you can also explore the islets of Sakrisøy and Hamnøy, with their colorful rorbu cabins, and the Stockfish Museum in the village of Å, which recounts the ancient economy of Lofoten. In winter, Reine is perfect for observing thenorthern Lights, while in summer it offers the phenomenon of the midnight sun. It can be reached from Italy by flying to Oslo, then to Leknes or Svolvær, and continuing along the scenic E10.

Oia, Greece

Oia, Santorini's iconic village, dominates the caldera with its white houses and blue domes overlooking the Aegean. The village, built largely of volcanic stone, was long inhabited by sailors and merchants, as evidenced by the neoclassical homes along the clifftop. Today, Oia is famous for its spectacular sunsets observed from the Venetian fortress, but its true soul is revealed in the early morning, when the alleys are empty and silent. Stroll through the narrow streets, visit the small Orthodox churches, and descend to the small port of Ammoudi to enjoy fresh fish Just a few meters from the sea, these are unmissable experiences. Among the more unusual destinations are the Maritime Museum, which houses maps and nautical instruments, and Armeni Beach, accessible by a flight of steps, much less crowded than the more famous beaches. It can be reached from Italy by flying to Athens and then to Santorini, with domestic flights or ferries from Piraeus.

Shirakawa-go, Japan

Shirakawa-go, in Gifu Prefecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage alpine village known for its gasshō-zukuri houses, with sloping roofs in straw Reminiscent of clasped hands, this style arose from the need to create large spaces for raising silkworms. In addition to visiting Wada House, the largest dwelling in the village, it's worth exploring the Minkaen open-air museum, which houses mills and rural homes relocated from other valleys. The Shiroyama lookout offers the best views, especially in winter, when the snow transforms the village into a living nativity scene. In summer, traditional festivals bring Shinto dances and rituals to the heart of the village. For those seeking more intimate settings, Myozenji Temple and the small Ogimachi-jo Shrine are worth a visit, offering a spiritual and peaceful atmosphere. You can reach the village from Italy by flying to Tokyo or Osaka, continuing by train to Kanazawa or Takayama, and finally by bus.

Batad, Philippines

Batad, in the mountains of the Cordillera de Luzon, is a remote village accessible only on foot, nestled among the famous Ifugao rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These terraces, carved over 2.000 years ago, form a natural amphitheater still cultivated today using ancient techniques. Life here moves slowly: there are no roads or cars, only paths and wooden houses. Walking among the terraces, reaching the Tappiya Waterfall for a refreshing dip, or sleeping in a homestay allows you to experience Ifugao culture up close. For those who want to venture further, there's the trek to the even more remote and authentic villages of Cambulo and Bangaan. Fly from Italy to Manila, reach Banaue by bus, and from there continue on foot to the village.

Gásadalur, Faroe Islands (Denmark)

Gásadalur, a tiny village on the island of Vágar, is nestled between mountains and green meadows. Its fame is linked to the Múlafossur waterfall, which plunges into the sea, creating a symbolic image of the Faroes. Isolated for centuries, it could only be reached on foot via the "Postman's Trail" or by helicopter. Since 2004, a tunnel has connected it to the rest of the island, but it has retained its remote atmosphere. solitudeThe valley is dominated by Árnafjall, the highest mountain on the island, and in the summer months the cliffs are populated by puffins. The most evocative experience is walking the old trail at sunset or climbing towards Eysturtindur for an unusual view of Tindhólmur and Mykines. It can be reached from Italy via Copenhagen or Oslo, with a flight to Vágar and then a few minutes by car.

Bourtange, Netherlands

Bourtange is a star-shaped fortification built in 1593 during the Eighty Years' War. Seen from above, it resembles a perfect star with concentric moats and bastions. Inside, the village is a living museum, with cobbled streets, drawbridges, and 17th-century houses. A morning stroll along the ramparts offers a sense of time travel, while the small museums inside recount military and civilian life. Throughout the year, historical reenactments bring battles and markets to life. Unusual sights include the still-functioning windmill and the 17th-century Reformed church, a secluded spot often overlooked by visitors. It can be reached from Italy by flying to Amsterdam or Groningen, taking a train to Winschoten or Emmen, and then taking a local bus.

Tatev, Armenia

Tatev is centered around the 9th-century medieval monastery, which overlooks the Vorotan Gorge from a rocky outcrop. The 5,7-kilometer Wings of Tatev cable car, the longest in the world, offers breathtaking views of the canyon. In addition to the monastery, Tatev is the starting point for the Transcaucasian Trail, a route that connects villages and plateaus, allowing you to discover rural communities still rooted in centuries-old traditions. Nearby are also the Devil's Cave, with hot springs and natural pools beneath a rock bridge, and the abandoned village of Old Harjis, which preserves silent ruins among the mountains. The atmosphere is both spiritual and wild. Reached by flight to Yerevan and car transfer to Syunik.

Bilad Sayt, Oman

Bilad Sayt, in the Hajar Mountains, is an oasis village accessible only by 4x4 along dirt tracks. The stone houses, arranged in terraces, blend with the terraced fields irrigated by ancient falaj canals. Here, life follows the agricultural rhythms and time seems to stand still. The most evocative moment is at sunset, when the fields and palm groves turn golden and the surrounding mountains create a natural amphitheater. The village also marks the start of an off-road trail leading to Wadi Bani Awf, through deep gorges and spectacular canyons. Another unique experience is watching farmers at work in the falaj, traditional irrigation systems still in use. It can be reached from Italy by flight to Muscat and then by 4x4 jeep.

Read also: 

• The most beautiful villages in Southern Italy
• The most beautiful villages in Northern Italy
• The most beautiful villages in central Italy