It doesn’t really matter where you choose to travel around the globe, there’s always going to be something special worth visiting. Yes, that’s how beautiful this little marble that humanity calls home is.
For the lovers of fairytales, though, you may be wondering whether any locations out there give off that vibe you’re looking for. Thankfully, the answer is a resounding yes, there are actually more of these destinations than you can visit.
Many of these locations are inspired by local history, or something larger like a storybook, something special about the area’s geography, or an age-old legend…
Whatever fairytale you’re chasing, there’s nothing like getting to your destination and living that unforgettable experience, first-hand. Let’s check out nine of the must-visit fairytale destinations.
Waitomo Caves – New Zealand
New Zealand is a land of beauty. Still, Waitomo Caves will definitely captivate any fairytale fan. This natural formation looks like something right out of a cinema scene. But yes, despite looking like a magical portal to another world, it is a real place.
Take a drift down the subterranean river that runs under these caves. Traverse the maze of caverns in these caves and treat yourself to the light show of the glowworms.
You will experience the feeling of floating through some distant galaxy with all the streaks of green and blue flickering quietly all around. You will also get to learn the history and geological importance of these caves.
Meteora – Greece
Travel down to Meteora, Greece, and explore the beauty and mysticism of this awe-inspiring place. The name itself means “suspended in air” a true depiction of the very essence of this destination. Monasteries here sit on top of towering rock formations that seem to reach for the heavens.
For the ones who are big on faith, this will be more than just a visit aimed at sightseeing. You will feel like you’re being swung into a different reality where nature and faith intertwine.
It gets even better since every single monastery in this place has its unique story, visible in its walls. The smell of age-old stone and incense is very welcoming once you step inside, but it also takes you back to a whole different time.
Outside of the solace inside monasteries’ walls, even more adventure awaits. Take the different trails that traverse this majestic landscape and go on a meditative hike. Up here, you can also take in the enormous rocks or enjoy the spectacular views of the Thessalian plains below.
Paro Taktsang – Bhutan
Nothing comes close to matching the splendor in your favorite storybook than Paro Takstang. Bhutan is much more than just being the land of profound happiness; it’s also home to this 17th-century monastery that sits high above the Paro Valley.
This is where mystery meets majesty, with traditional Buddhist culture and the developed world intertwine. Paro Taktsang is more like the last Shangri-La, an age-old fortress that sits on the edge of the mountain.
The white walls and red trim towers make this place truly stand out from the surrounding lush valley and the mountain peaks all around it.
You must prepare yourself for some serious hiking and climbing, as this monastery can only be accessed through three mountain paths. But that only adds to the adventure, right?
Castle Combe – England
Castle Combe is mostly known as “The Prettiest Village in England”, this place boasts more than just this fancy title. One thing that makes this beautiful place special is just how easily it can make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
The Cotswold stone cottages, thatched roofs, and honey-colored walls here have withstood the endlessly changing seasons and still maintained their timeless charm.
You will experience the feeling of being in a different era, a world devoid of the modern hustle and bustle. This beauty has earned Castle Combe the honor of being featured as a backdrop for numerous films and TV shows.
But this isn’t your typical ghost-town vibe castle, it is a very alive community still hanging from its deep and rich history. You can visit the Castle Inn for traditional English pub food, and explore St Andrew’s Church with one of the only few working medieval clocks in this country.
York – England
This age-old city in the middle of North Yorkshire passes as a perfect candidate for a fairytale destination. Its medieval architecture with ancient walls, the Viking roots, the rich heritage, and cobbled streets.
Everything about this city will take you back in time to a bygone era. It’s like time stood still. Meander your way to the York Minster, which happens to be York’s historical focal point.
This gothic cathedral, one of the enormous and most majestic ones the world over, boasts amazing towering spires that reach for the clouds. Besides the sheer size, the inside is stunningly impressive with stained glass windows casting a variety of hues on the ancient stone.
Climb to the top of the central tower, and take in the magnificent views of the city below and way beyond.
Besides, you won’t want to miss other attractions in the area. From the Shambles, narrow, winding streets overhung with timber-framed buildings of old to the York Dungeon which reflects the darker side of the city’s history.
Ynys Llanddwyn – Wales
Along North Wales’ rugged coast, you’ll come across Ynys Llanddwyn, in the region of Anglesey. It’s more of a tidal island that can be easily accessible by foot at low tide, but one shrouded in mythology and a deep history.
This island is not just beautiful (although the sandy path that is surrounded by dunes and stretches of pine forests makes it exactly that), but it also boasts a rich history as well, with ancient ruins, wild horses that roam freely, historic lighthouses, and much more.
Besides the old and the wild enchantment, this place is also legendary, with the name Llanddwyn itself meaning “The church of St. Dwynwen”.
Legend has it that Dwynwen came to Llanddwyn following a heartbreak, and then dedicated her life to God and became the embodiment of love. While here, make sure to visit what’s remaining of her church and experience taking a step back in time to that devotion.
Alsace Wine Region – France
Colorful buildings, scenic streets, bouquets… Colmar in France bears all the hallmarks of any fairytale fanatic’s fantasy. You’ve got to visit this place to truly appreciate its rich history and natural beauty.
And while you’re in Alsace, make sure to stop by Eguisheim, yet another popular tourist destination in this region. This one too is the stuff of fairytale, so much so that it was the inspiration behind the town in the popular Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Bariloche – Argentina
The spin of some of the best fairytale destinations in the world takes us down South to Argentina. The rugged landscapes that shape Argentina’s Patagonia region feature one city that you could easily mistake for a Swiss village – the Bariloche.
Also known officially as San Carlos de Bariloche, this city is the place to be if you want to experience the best of both worlds as far as natural beauty and Argentinian charm.
This becomes apparent as soon as you set foot on this city’s streets. The stone and timber architecture will pluck you out of daily reality and swing you into the heart of life in the Alps.
There are chocolate shops all over, and cozy cafes, and to top it all up, the natural surroundings add to this city’s charm. Nearby is Lake Nahuel Huapi, which has crystal clear waters tucked in the middle of mountains with their snow-dusted peaks.
And there’s even more to this place. A veritable playground, skiing and snowboarding (in winter) hiking and kayaking (in the summer)… there’s always something fun to do in Bariloche.
Soller – Spain
There is a nice little gem of a town hidden within the beautiful lush Tramuntana Mountains in Mallorca. Here, time seems to have been running in slow motion for ages.
The quaint stone streets and traditional Spanish architecture make this picturesque town look like it has been plucked right out of a fairytale. Take the vintage wooden tram the “Orange Express” and cut through the lemon orchards and orange groves.
Nothing beats the inviting fragrance of orange blossoms under the Mediterranean sun. There’s no better way to take in the captivating views of the countryside as you journey to Port de Soller.
Or mingle with the locals in the town’s bustling market square, sip from a cup of strong coffee, or enjoy a plate of freshly baked Ensaïmada.
Make a stop at the Town Square and marvel at the Church of Sant Bartomeu, which boasts a rather modernist façade in this rather ancient town. But it still blends in seamlessly with the surrounding ancient architecture.
In Conclusion
In the end, with so many wonders around the globe, perhaps one of these gems will inspire your next journey. Just to inform you that the images you see here are for illustration purposes only. Thank you for reading and have a great day ahead of you.
