Top 5 Fairytale Towns in Europe to Add Magic to Your Itinerary!

Europe’s list of major cities that are worth visiting is never-ending, but don’t forget to slow down and visit some smaller, more magical towns alongside the big cities. Spending time in smaller towns can offer a better experience of the local culture and oftentimes offers a more immersed feel.

If you’re planning a trip to Europe and want to make sure to experience a smaller, almost fairytale-like town, then I’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find my top 5 charming, fairytale towns throughout Europe! Most of these are located nearby to bigger cities and easily accessible by train, making them the perfect addition to your European travel itinerary!

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#1: Tivoli, Italy

Tivoli, Italy is a charming, historic town boasting beautiful estates and gardens to wander around. The landscape offers views of the countryside which really makes you feel like you are living in a fairytale town. The small stone streets and the ancient ruins scattered around the city capture the essence of this small Italian town. It truly feels like a small Italian village with good food, happy residents, and historical landmarks all throughout! Adding a day or two in Tivoli would make a great addition to your trip in Italy.

Top Things to Do:

• Villa d’Este
• Hadrian’s Villa
• Tivoli Cathedral

Favorite Food to Eat:

• Amatriciana
• Tiramisu
• Gelato

Easily Accessible From:

• Rome, Italy

#2: Bruges, Belgium

Bruges, Belgium is the definition of a quaint fairytale town in Europe! With charming alleys, canals that wind through the town, and adorable boutique shopping fronts; you are sure to enjoy your time in this small town. The old bell towers and colorfully decorated houses that line the streets make it feel like you’re walking on the set of a princess movie!

Bruges, and similarly Ghent, Belgium, are great options to add onto your itinerary as they are both near Brussels, the capital and main city of Belgium. A day trip to Bruges would suffice, but if you really want to immerse yourself in the charming town then opt to spend a night at a local bed and breakfast!

Top Things to Do:

• Belfry of Bruges
• The Markt Central Square
• Canal Boat Ride
• Minnewater Park

Favorite Food to Eat:

• Belgium Chocolate
• Waffles with Fresh Chantilly

Easily Accessible From:

• Brussels, Belgium
• Ghent, Belgium
• Lille, France

#3: Porto, Portugal

Porto, Portugal is a smaller town located on the coast north of Lisbon, Portugal. Porto boasts some of the best sunsets to behold in Europe and is a town of elevated cuisine. While the cuisine in most of the other fairytale towns on this list is usually a local version of the country’s cuisine, Porto is different in that while it still offers traditional Portuguese dishes and even some local additions, it’s also known for the refined dining options the city has to offer.

As the name suggests, Porto is a port city and is the originating place of Porto, the sweeter wine that is often served alongside desserts at multi-course meals. Apart from the cuisine, Porto is also known for the local and sometimes handmade tile designs showcased on the sides of churches, political buildings, and even along the sidewalks in some areas. Make sure to spend at least one full day in Porto, but preferably I’d spend at least two full days here!

Top Things to Do:

• Ponte Luiz I Bridge
• Teleférico de Gaia (Cable Cars)
• Riverwalk
• Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls)

Favorite Food to Eat:

• Pastel de Nata
• Bacalhau Flaky Cod
• Croquettes
• Yolk with Almond and Cinnamon

Easily Accessible From:

• Lisbon, Portugal
• Sintra, Portugal
• Madrid, Spain

#4: Bellagio, Italy

Bellagio is one of the quaint towns lining the well-known Lake Como in northern Italy. Alongside the lake, several small towns sit upon the side, each a little different than the others, but all giving off the same serene, calming vibes of this luxurious Italian travel destination. Bellagio is definitely the town to add to your itinerary if you prefer a bit more of a luxurious travel experience. The cuisine here is that of northern Italy, so heavy on the risottos, seafood, and baked pasta dishes, all of which are incredibly indulgent!

Bellagio can easily be added on to your travel itinerary as a day trip from Milan or a nearby city with just a short train ride. A day in Bellagio will do just fine, but if you’d like to explore some of the other towns, maybe add an extra day or two to the region.

Top Things to Do:

• Lake Ferry Boats
• Piazza della Chiesa
• Pescallo Fishing Village

Favorite Food to Eat:

• Veal Milanese
• Seafood Risotto
• Gelato

Easily Accessible From:

• Milan, Italy
• Bergamo, Italy
• Zermatt, Switzerland

#5: Bath, England

Bath, England is a unique town located in the countryside of England. Neatly tucked away, the small town has a lot to offer. The varying styles of architecture are catching to the eye and while the English history goes back quite far here, there are also ancient Roman ruins, hence the town’s namesake, the ancient Roman Baths.

Bath may not offer as much indulgence in the area of cuisine, but the traditional English dishes, often full of meat and hearty, do pair well with day of exploration and the town’s often dreary weather. Don’t be fooled though, as the dreary weather here definitely adds to the fairytale feel of the town and sipping a warm coffee at a window looking out at the gloom make for a cozy vibe! Adding Bath to your itinerary is quite easy from London and definitely only needs a day.

Top Things to Do:

• Roman Baths
• Bath Abbey
• Royal Cresent

Favorite Food to Eat:

• Sheperd’s Pie
• Sausage Rolls
• Fish & Chips
• Sticky Toffee Pudding

Easily Accessible From:

• London, England
• Bristol, England
• Southhampton, England

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Oftentimes when we think of traveling to Europe, the capitals and major cities come to mind. You may think of Paris in France, Rome or Milan in Italy, and London in England. While those cities all offer amazing insight into each of their respective countries, I truly believe the best way to immerse yourself and get a local feel of a country or town is to spend some time in smaller and maybe less frequented travel destinations.

Pairing a smaller and charming town alongside a country’s capital city can offer more insight into what is representative of the country and what is representative of the city or region, two things which are usually quite different from one another. The five fairytale towns in Europe that I believe are worth adding to your travel itinerary for the most cozy and quaint experiences are:

• Tivoli, Italy
• Bruges, Belgium
• Porto, Portugal
• Bellagio, Italy
• Bath, England

Enjoy your trip to Europe and make sure to check out the linked travel guides for each of these cities!