11 Different Magical Towns To Visit At Least Once In Your Lifetime

Yearning to escape the pitfalls that modern living entails? While many travel Instagrammers would recommend a visit to one of the world’s greatest metropolises, a trip to a quaint town is the perfect antidote to those 21st-century blues. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Nestled within the Riff Mountains of northwest Morocco, this delightful blue village was founded as a fortress in the 15th century to fend off the marauding Portuguese. These days, it’s an amicable mishmash of cobblestone streets lined with local tanneries and weavers.

Yangshuo, China

Sure, the town centre may seem a little touristy at present, but just a short bike or boat ride away is where the real magic is at. Pointy mountains jut out through the mist, while whimsical old men with wispy grey beards and conical hats ply the rivers to fish with their well-trained birds of prey.

Lalibela, Ethiopia

Beta Giyorgis (St. George’s Church), Lalibela

An archaeologist’s wonderland, the monolithic stone churches of Lalibela are among the most underrated on earth. These impressive sacred structures are carved out of sheer rock, a series of ancient pilgrimage sites that give the town a truly mystical air.

Santorini, Greece

Famous attraction of white village with cobbled streets, Oia, Santorini

The undisputed king of the Greek Islands, Santorini is renowned for its countless whitewashed abodes that peer out over the dazzling waters of the Mediterranean Sea. And despite welcoming an army of tourists each year, it still manages to retain a magical small-town feel.

Mont-Saint-Michel, France

This is Mont-Saint-Michel, a historic island commune that surrounds a majestic eighth-century monastery. Home to around 50 inhabitants, it really is one of the most enchanting settlements on Earth.

Huacachina, Peru

Have you ever wanted to visit a real-life oasis smack bang in the middle of the desert? Well, here’s your chance – for this incredible Peruvian town is not a mirage.

Bruges, Belgium

Traditional brick buildings along the canal in Bruges

Europe is full of Medieval hamlets that appear straight out of a fairytale, but few are as breathtaking as Belgium’s historic city of Bruges.

Alter do Chão, Brazil

Could a tropical island paradise really exist in the middle of the Amazon? You better believe it. So pull up a towel and get some serious R & R at the Brazilian jungle paradise, Alter do Chão.

Hallstatt, Austria

Straddling a glistening lake beneath forest-covered peaks lies Hallstatt, an Austrian wonderland of distinct European flair.

Dubrovnik

Internationally famous for its stunning fortress that lines the waters of the Adriatic Sea, it’s little wonder this Game of Thrones locale is the jewel in Croatia’s tourism crown.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Not just one but five sleepy seaside villages, Italy’s Cinque Terre is not to be missed. Each settlement is accessible via a hiking trail and features an impressive display of colourful houses that stack like Lego on the rugged Italian Riviera.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.