List of Top 10 Most Beautiful Villages in the World
Last Updated :
14 Mar, 2024
Top 10 Most Beautiful Villages in the World: Nagari Pariangan is the world’s most beautiful village in this World. The village is located in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is a cultural and natural melting pot that looks similar to the ancient Minangkabau village. On the other hand, some people think Hallstatt is the prettiest village in the World. The village has colorful houses, clear water, and a long history. It is also the oldest town in Austria.
In this article, we are going to discuss the top 10 most beautiful villages in the world, with their country and continent.
Top 10 Most Beautiful Villages in the World
Here are the top 10 most beautiful villages in the world:
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Top 10 Beautiful Villages in the World
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| Village Name |
Country |
Continent |
| Paragon |
Indonesia |
Asia |
| Giethoorn |
Netherlands |
Europe |
| Marsaxlokk |
Malta |
Europe |
| Gasadalur |
Faroe Islands |
Europe |
| Bibury |
United Kingdom |
Europe |
| Freudenberg |
Germany |
Europe |
| Hallstatt |
Austria |
Europe |
| Savoca |
Italy |
Europe |
| Alberobello |
Italy |
Europe |
| Oia |
Greece |
Europe |
| Intragna |
Switzerland |
Europe |
| Júzcar |
Spain |
Europe |
1. Pariangan – Indonesia – Asia
Pariangan Village, also known as Nagari Pariangan. It is a small village in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located near Mount Marapi. Pariangan is very important to the Minangkabau people because of its cultural and historical value.
| Location |
West Sumatra, Indonesia |
| Ethnicity |
Minangkabau |
| Culture |
Rich traditional Minangkabau culture |
| Economy |
Primarily agriculture and tourism |
| Attractions |
Sianok Canyon, Rumah Gadang (traditional Minangkabau houses) |
| Language |
Minangkabau, Indonesian |
2. Giethoorn – Netherlands – Europe
Giethoorn is a village in the Netherlands where cars are seldom used. It is famous for its canals, walking trails, and bike paths. The houses there have traditional thatched roof. The village is located close to Weerribben-Wieden national park.
| Location |
Overijssel province, Netherlands |
| Area |
Around 13.77 square kilometers (5.31 sq mi) |
| Geography |
Situated in a fenland region, characterized by numerous waterways and lakes |
| History |
Founded in the 13th century by settlers fleeing from the Mediterranean region |
| Name Origin |
“Giet” means goat and “hoorn” refers to a promontory; named after a legend of a horn made out of goat horns found in the area |
| Transportation |
No roads within the village; travel primarily by boat, foot, or bicycle |
| Architecture |
Thatched-roof houses, wooden bridges, and picturesque cottages |
| Attractions |
– Boat tours along the canals
– Giethoorn Museum showcasing local history
– Traditional Dutch crafts shops and restaurants
– De Wieden nature reserve nearby for birdwatching and hiking |
3. Marsaxlokk – Malta – Europe
Marsaxlokk is a small fishing village in Malta with a harbor. It is famous for its beautiful views, fishermen, and rich history. It is home to around 3,534 people as of March 2014.
| Location |
Marsaxlokk, Malta |
| Area |
Around 3 square kilometers (1.2 sq mi) |
| Geography |
Coastal village located in the southeastern part of Malta, overlooking Marsaxlokk Bay |
| History |
Dates back to antiquity; traditionally known as a fishing village |
| Economy |
Primarily reliant on fishing industry, also tourism and agriculture |
| Attractions |
– Marsaxlokk Fish Market
– St. Peter’s Pool (natural swimming pool)
– Delimara Peninsula and its lighthouse
– Traditional Maltese fishing boats, known as Luzzus |
4. Gasadalur – Faroe Islands – Europe
Gásadalur, also known as Gåsedal in Danish, is a small village on the western side of Vágar, one of the Faroe Islands. It offers a beautiful view across to the island of Mykines.
| Location |
Vagar Island, Faroe Islands |
| Geography |
Situated on the western coast of Vagar Island, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean |
| History |
Settlement dates back to the Viking Age, around the 9th century |
| Transportation |
Accessible by road and footpath; helicopter service available from Vagar Airport |
| Attractions |
– Múlafossur waterfall cascading into the ocean
– Traditional turf-roofed houses |
5. Bibury – United Kingdom – Europe
Bibury is a small village in Gloucestershire, England, by the River Coln, about 6.5 miles from Cirencester. Arlington Row, known for its old buildings, is famous nationally and appears on some British passports.
| Location |
Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom |
| Area |
6+1⁄2 miles |
| Geography |
Located in the Cotswolds region, characterized by rolling hills and picturesque countryside |
| History |
Dating back to the 9th century, known for its historical significance and traditional architecture |
| Transportation |
Accessible by road; nearest major town is Cirencester |
| Architecture |
Famous for its traditional Cotswold stone cottages with steeply pitched roofs |
| Attractions |
– Arlington Row, a row of picturesque cottages dating back to the 17th century
– Bibury Trout Farm
– St. Mary’s Church |
6. Freudenberg – Germany – Europe
Freudenberg is a town in the Siegen-Wittgenstein district, found in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is located on the Orange Route. It is a popular holiday road connecting towns and regions linked to the House of Orange in Germany and the Netherlands.
| Location |
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
| Area |
Around 107.41 square kilometers (41.48 sq mi) |
| Geography |
Situated in the Siegerland region, characterized by rolling hills and forests |
| History |
Founded in the 11th century as a mining settlement |
| Name Origin |
Likely derived from the German words “Frode” meaning peace and “Berg” meaning mountain, indicating a peaceful mountain settlement |
| Transportation |
Accessible by road, nearest major cities include Siegen and Olpe |
| Architecture |
Well-preserved historic half-timbered houses and medieval structures |
| Attractions |
– Historic Old Town with cobblestone streets and market square
– Freudenberg Castle and Museum
– Panorama Park Sauerland with amusement rides and wildlife park
– Rothaarsteig hiking trail nearby |
7. Hallstatt – Austria – Europe
Hallstatt is a village in Austria, by Lake Hallstatt. It has old houses and small shops. You can take a railway to visit Salzwelten, an ancient salt mine with a hidden salt lake, and Skywalk Hallstatt, an observation platform.
| Location |
Salzkammergut region, Austria |
| Area |
Around 59 square kilometers (23 sq mi) |
| Geography |
Situated on the shores of Lake Hallstatt, surrounded by Alpine mountains |
| History |
Dates back to prehistoric times; known for its salt production since ancient times |
| Transportation |
Limited road access; primarily accessible by boat, train, or bus |
| Architecture |
Traditional Austrian Alpine architecture, with colorful houses and wooden chalets |
| Attractions |
– Hallstatt Salt Mine offering guided tours
– Dachstein Ice Cave for adventurous explorations
– Hallstatt Skywalk for panoramic views of the village and lake |
8. Savoca – Italy – Europe
Savoca is a town in Sicily, Italy, found in the Messina province. It is approximately 170 kilometers east of Palermo and about 30 kilometers southwest of Messina.
| Location |
Sicily, Italy |
| Geography |
Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Ionian Sea |
| History |
Settlement traces back to ancient times; known for its medieval architecture and preserved historic character |
| Transportation |
Accessible by road, nearest major city is Messina |
| Architecture |
Medieval buildings, narrow winding streets, historic churches |
| Attractions |
– Bar Vitelli, featured in the film “The Godfather”
– Chiesa di San Michele, a 12th-century church
– Museo della Cultura Contadina, a museum showcasing rural Sicilian life |
9. Alberobello – Italy – Europe
Alberobello is a town in Italy’s Puglia region. It is known for its unique houses called trulli. These houses have cone-shaped roofs made of limestone rocks. In 1996, UNESCO declared Alberobello a World Heritage site due to its cultural significance.
| Location |
Apulia region, southern Italy |
| Area |
Around 40 square kilometers (15 sq mi) |
| Geography |
Situated on two hills, characterized by its unique trulli houses |
| History |
Founded in the 15th century, known for its well-preserved trulli architecture |
| Name Origin |
The name “Alberobello” possibly derives from “sylvan tree” referring to the abundance of oak forests in the area |
| Transportation |
Accessible by road, nearest major city is Bari |
| Architecture |
Trulli houses – whitewashed, conical-roofed structures made of limestone |
| Attractions |
– Trullo Sovrano, a two-story trullo house museum
– Rione Monti, UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,000 trulli houses |
10. Oia – Greece – Europe
Oia is a village located in the South Aegean islands of Thira (Santorini) and Therasia. It is famous for its white houses with blue domes, architecture and stunning views of the sunset. Oia is also known as Pano Meria.
| Location |
Santorini island, Cyclades archipelago, Greece |
| Geography |
Situated on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea |
| History |
Founded in the late medieval period, known for its maritime trading and shipbuilding heritage |
| Architecture |
White-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and narrow cobblestone streets |
| Attractions |
– Sunset views from the caldera
– Byzantine castle ruins
– Maritime Museum of Oia |
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Summary – Top 10 Most Beautiful Villages in the World
Exploring the world’s most beautiful villages offers a glimpse into serene landscapes and rich cultural tapestries. From Pariangan’s Minangkabau heritage in Indonesia to Hallstatt’s postcard-perfect setting in Austria, these destinations captivate with their unique charm. Giethoorn in the Netherlands invites visitors to a car-free, canal-laced haven, while Marsaxlokk in Malta dazzles with its colorful fishing boats. The varied list includes quaint European hamlets, each telling its own story of history, architecture, and natural beauty, showcasing the diversity and allure of rural life around the globe.
FAQs on Top 10 Most Beautiful Villages in the World
What is the most beautiful village in the world?
Hallstatt, Austria is the most beautiful village in the world.
What is the prettiest village?
Castle Combe, Wiltshire. Located in the Cotswolds Area of Natural Beauty in Wiltshire, Castle Combe is often called the ‘prettiest village in England.
Who is beautiful village in India?
Most beautiful village in India is Munsyari, Uttarakhand. It lies on the ancient Salt Route to Tibet and is a lush green secret ensconced in the Kumaon hills.
What is the No 1 beautiful place in the world?
Machu Picchu, Peru is the No 1 beautiful place in the world.
What city is very beautiful?
Paris, France is a very beautiful city in the World.
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