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Each of us has our own ideas about what a village and a village vacation is. However, such settlements around the world are very different, and at the same time they have something in common: clean air, a small number of inhabitants and a small cozy space.
website made a selection of 17 unusual and amazing villages that will win your heart and become the highlight of any trip.
1. Hallstatt, Austria
(Hallstatt, Austria)
Bright, like toy houses, sheltered in several tiers on a mountainside, an azure lake with floating swans, the Alps, which are reflected in the mirror-like water surface - all this gives the impression of a fairy tale come to life.
The population of Hallstatt does not exceed 1,000 people. And the location is unique: on a narrow strip of land between the majestic Alpine mountains and the Hallstattersee lake.
2. Simian-la-Rotonde, Provence, France
(Simiane-La-Rotonde Village in Provence, France)
Azure skies, lavender fields, alpine mountains, Mediterranean cuisine and the charm of Provence - what else do you need to relax your soul? One of the attractions of this place is the castle of Agout (Château des Agoult), built in the XII century. The 12-sided pyramidal rotunda in the castle gave the town its name. Summer festivals of ancient music are held there.
3. Rainbow Village, Taichung, Taiwan
(Rainbow Village, Taichung, Taiwan)
On one of the outskirts of the city of Taichung, there was a military settlement, which, over time, almost all of its inhabitants left. The authorities decided to demolish the houses, and the 86-year-old war veteran, in order to save his yard from demolition, painted the walls of the houses with various characters and patterns. Today it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Taiwan.
4. Marsaxlokk, Malta
(Marsaxlokk, Malta)
Marsaxlokk is a colorful fishing village in Malta. There are no storms in the harbor, so the yellow sandstone houses are located close to the water, leaving only a strip for the roadway and the pedestrian promenade. The population of Marsaxlokk is only about 3,000 people. Most men are engaged in fishing in the same way as their fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers once did.
5. Floating Uros Islands, Bolivia and Peru
(Floating Islands of Lake Titicac, Bolivia, Perú)
On the border of Peru and Bolivia, on Lake Titicaca, the Uru tribe lives, inhabiting 42 floating islands on the lake. These islands are built by the Uru themselves from reeds. From the same material, residents make boats on which they go for fish. Despite the remoteness from civilization, solar panels can be seen on the reed islands, which allow the locals to watch TV.
6. Alberobello, Italy
(Alberobello, Italy)
Alberobello is famous for its complex of 1,400 trulli, recognized by UNESCO as part of the historical and humanitarian heritage. Trulli - residential peasant houses made of limestone - are unique examples of buildings with dry masonry walls (without mortar). They take their name from the Latin word trulla, which means dome.
7. Monsanto, Portugal
(Monsanto, Portugal)
The small village of Monsanto bears the proud name of "the most Portuguese village Portugal". The local saying “In Monsanto you never know whether a stone is born from a house or a house is made of stone” very accurately reflects the originality of local architecture. The boulders serve as the walls and roofs of some houses.
Small houses with red tiled roofs hid under huge granite boulders, and the narrow streets seemed to be carved out of stone by a giant.
8. Uchisar, Türkiye
(Uchisar, Turkey)
Uchisar is one of the most densely populated villages in the area. Most of the population, of course, lives in a modern village built around the famous rocks, but there are living quarters in the rocks themselves.
This is a one of a kind rock settlement with towers and spiers of white tuff, located around the central peak. From the top of the cliff you have a great view of the entire valley.
9. Longji Rice Terraces, China
(Longji Rice Terraces, Chinese)
rice terraces in Longji are considered one of the most beautiful in China. Popularly referred to as the Dragon Ridge Terraces, they are located around the picturesque village of Ping An. The terraces are the fruit of many years of work; they have existed almost since the 12th century and are built on the slopes of mountains up to 1,100 meters high. The peasants who built them were concerned about their survival in mountainous areas and that was their only way to feed their families.
10. Pariangan, Indonesia
(Pariangan, Indonesia)
The active volcano Merapi, towering over this village in West Sumatra, is one of the main natural assets of the country. Pariangan is considered the oldest village of the Minangkabau people, so an inquisitive tourist will be able to learn a lot about the culture and customs of the indigenous population.
Charming gabled traditional houses have been preserved here, including a 300-year-old building with wicker rattan walls, as well as a beautiful 19th-century mosque.
11. Cua Van, Vietnam
(Fishing Village Cua Van, Vietnam)
Cua Van is a picturesque fishing village in Halong Bay. This is one of the largest fishing floating villages located right on the water surface. You can get there by rowing boats and see the locals engaged in the extraction of all kinds of gifts. South China Sea. Local residents live in colorful raft houses, the school is also located in one of the floating houses.
12. "Dutch Venice", Giethoorn, Netherlands
(Giethoorn, the Dutch Venice, Nederland)
Giethoorn is one of the most beautiful villages in the Netherlands and is also often referred to as the "Dutch Venice" as it sits on water channels with a total length of about 7.5 km. The settlement was founded in 1230. To move around the village there is a cycle path and numerous water channels. Rowing boats and boats with electric motors are the main transport. The houses are located on islets and are connected by wooden bridges (there are more than 50 of them throughout the village).
13. Bibury, UK
(Bibury, England)
Bibury is considered one of the most beautiful, picturesque and oldest villages in England - the first mention of it dates back to the 11th century. It seems that time has stopped here - old houses, beautiful nature and even public transport does not run so that nothing violates the pristine beauty. Poets and artists, as well as filmmakers, come to the village for inspiration - Bridget Jones's Diary and films about Mrs. Marple based on the stories of Agatha Christie were filmed here.
There are beautiful places in the modern urbanized world where time has stood still: there is nature of pristine beauty, cozy almost fabulous houses, where people believe that they live in a fairy tale.
In these places, time stood still centuries ago, and the picturesque houses merged into a single ensemble with the surrounding nature. Some of these villages are not so easy to reach - that's why they are more interesting for hunters for rural silence and postcard views. Visiting ordinary rural villages, you can see how different they are from each other in different parts of the world. Not only nature, but also the buildings themselves are unusual and not similar. Let's look at a few examples, simple picturesque villages where you can have a great rest.
1. Bibury, England
Located in west-central England, in the 19th century the village of Bibury was described by the artist William Morris as " beautiful village England". Given that the whole country is famous for its peaceful rural landscapes, these words mean something. Warm honey-colored 17th-century houses and the old church of St. Mary are the hallmarks of the village. And the most photographed spot here is Arlington Row: a row of 14th-century stone buildings that were converted into weaving houses in the 16th century.
How to get here: the nearest railway station is located 20 kilometers from Biburi, in Kemble. It takes 80 minutes to get to the station from Paddington Station in London, and round-trip tickets cost around $57. Public transport does not go directly to Biburi, but you can always take a taxi here, and, in addition, hotels often organize transfers for their guests.
2. Shirakawa-go, Japan
In 1995, this place was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Japanese village is famous for its triangular-roofed gassho-style houses, which vaguely resemble hands folded in prayer. The roofs are tilted at an angle of 60 degrees to prevent snow from accumulating on them in winter. There are not many traditional houses left in this area, so Shirakawa-go has become a favorite destination for tourists. A little away from the village is Ogimachi Castle, which offers picturesque views.
How to get here: First you need to get to the city of Takayama (4 hours by train from Tokyo; about $178 round trip), and then take a bus to the village ($54 round trip).
3. Wengen, Switzerland
Alpine scenery and traditional wood-burning farmhouses make Wengen look like a postcard village. Time has stopped here a long time ago. Even cars were banned in this area over a hundred years ago! Tourists have chosen the village since the end of the 19th century; the writer Mary Shelley sang it separately. To this day, charming hotels of those times have been preserved here. Since the village is located at an altitude of 1300 meters, in winter it becomes an attractive destination for skiers.
How to get here: Since cars are not allowed to enter Wengen, travelers park in the city of Loterbrunen and from there take a 15-minute train ride. In addition, Wengen can be reached by train from the city of Interlaken in 45 minutes and 7.45 euros.
4. Eze, France
The Mediterranean coastline and medieval charm have made this rocky town one of the most popular places French Riviera. Due to its location, Eze has survived many invaders in its time, and its difficult history is reflected in the architecture, in which Baroque churches are interspersed with Genoese-style bell towers. It's no surprise that this fairy tale village has become Walt Disney's favorite haunt.
How to get here: Eze is a 30-minute bus ride from Nice and 15 minutes from Monaco.
5. Zaanse Schans, Netherlands
Many people say that in order to understand the soul of Holland, one must go not only to frivolous Amsterdam, but also to the village of Zaanse Schans located not far from the capital. In this museum, open sky the real Holland of the 17th century has been preserved. Green meadows, colorful Flemish houses, wooden and, of course, windmills- in these views, the good old Holland was embodied. Here you can learn how klomps (traditional wooden shoes) are made, how cheese is brewed and buy Delphi painted porcelain.
How to get here: the village is only 20 minutes drive from Central Station Amsterdam. The ticket costs 3.20 euros.
6. Pariangan, Indonesia
The active volcano Merapi, towering over this village in West Sumatra, is one of the main natural assets of the country. Pariangan is considered the oldest - and most culturally significant - village of the Minangkabau people. Charming gabled traditional houses have been preserved here, including a 300-year-old building with wicker rattan walls, as well as a beautiful 19th-century mosque.
How to get here: Pariangan is located about 15 kilometers from the city of Batusangkara in West Sumatra. The nearest airport connecting this place with major hubs is located in the city of Padang.
7. Savoca, Italy
The ruins of the fortress di Pentefur rise solemnly above Savoca, a historic Sicilian village located on a hill between the cities of Messina and Taormina, on east coast islands. This millennium-old settlement was the setting for The Godfather, and fans of the famous bestseller can visit the Church of Saint Lucia, where Michael Carleone was married, and then follow the honeymoon route straight to Vitelly Bar for a refreshing lemon granita. A must-visit is also the Capuchin Monastery at the northern end of the commune, which houses the mummified bodies of monks, some of whom died as early as the 18th century.
How to get here: the way to here from international airport It will take just over an hour by car. Also in Savoca scenic road often travel from popular resort town Taormina as part of a one-day tour.
8. Cua Van (Vietnam)
Most of the places on this list attract travelers with cobbled streets and ancient architecture. The Vietnamese fishing village of Cua Van, however, cannot boast of either roads or remarkable buildings. But the landscapes around atone for simple architecture! Nestled right amidst the beautiful cliffs of Ha Long Bay, this village is made up of colorful raft houses and plenty of boats. Not surprisingly, the main income of local residents is fishing. All the buildings of the village are swaying on the waters of the bay - even the school, which the students get to on tiny boats.
How to get here: Ha Long Bay is located about 160 kilometers from Hanoi. A six-hour bus ride to the bay will cost about $8 one way. You can hire a boatman from the dock in the bay to take you to the village (typically the trip costs about $20. Usually, organized tours to Ha Long Bay include a visit to the village in the program.
9. Caleta Tortel, Chile
This settlement could be called the "Chilean Venice" - if, of course, in Venice, instead of magnificent palaces and stone bridges, houses on stilts and wooden pavements dominated the streets. The colorful houses of a village in southern Chile are built on high stilts in the traditional style of this area. They are connected by a whole web of stairs and bridges stretching over rocks and swamps. Caleta Tortel was founded in 1955 thanks to the development of the sawmill industry in the area. The fact that wood is the basis of the life of the whole village is reminiscent of both the woody architecture and the sweet aroma of cypresses filling the air.
How to get here: Like Venice, cars are banned in Caleta. It's a long way to get here from the nearest airport - about 130 kilometers. Parking is allowed outside the village.
10. Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
Here, wherever you look, you will see the most beautiful blue and white colors. All the buildings of this cliff-top village in northern Tunisia are painted snow white and decorated with sky blue doors, shutters and carvings; the background of all this beauty is the blue of the Gulf of Tunis. This village is sometimes called the "Tunisian Montmartre": in its time it was often visited by famous artists and writers. The bohemian atmosphere has been preserved to this day: here and there on the narrow stone lanes there are art shops, galleries and creatively designed cafes.
How to get here: Sidi Bou Said is located 20 kilometers from the capital of Tunisia. You can get to it either by train (about $ 3 for the round trip), or as part of a one-day excursion.
Everyday bustle, high speed of life, smog, concrete boxes scratching the clouds... All this makes us tired many times faster, and sometimes even leads to deep depression.
Helps you at times like this nothing more than solitude somewhere in a place where you are surrounded by almost virgin nature extraordinary beauty, the minimum number of population per square kilometer and people devoid of urban vices and far from the gray crowd.
And especially for this case, the team To povik.com chose for you 16 most beautiful villages all over the world, among the more famous and completely lost villages, where you can spend unforgettable vacation and put your thoughts in order.
Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt impresses with its beauty and primitiveness. The houses are like toys, and the landscapes are like from a fairy tale. It has its unique traditions and customs which may confuse you. He is so beautiful that in 2012 The Chinese made it an exact copy of the Hallstatt in Guangdong which cost them about $700 to $940 million. This is a piece of land 60 sq. km., a prisoner between lake and alpine rocks. The population of Hallstatt does not exceed 1000 people. The first mention of Hallstatt in written sources is tracked in 1311, and the city has retained the primitive spirit of the Middle Ages to this day.
Simian-la-Rotonde, Provence, France
An amazing town with delightful lavender fields located approximately 80 km. east of Avignon. Here you can find true spiritual humility and deal with the mess in your head. Of the attractions, the highlight of this place is Agu Castle (Château des Agoult), built in the 12th century using part of the buildings of the old castle built in the 10th century. In the same castle there is 12-sided pyramidal rotunda-chapel, which gave the city its name built in the 13th century. During the summer, the castle hosts ancient music festivals that captivate with their atmosphere.
Rainbow Village, Taichung, Taiwan
The village is part of a large metropolis and was built 70 years ago as a haven for the military. Over time, this place was half empty, the barracks became dilapidated and it all turned into a slum. The authorities decided to demolish this part of the city. And then the inhabitants of the village came to her defense in an extremely unusual way. They began to paint the village from top to bottom in cartoon characters and images of historical figures. And the village has defended its existence. Today it is extremely attractive for travelers, and its inhabitants are constantly in excellent spirits. And it’s impossible to do it differently when everything around is in rainbow colors.
Marsaxlokk, Malta
Fishing village on the island Malta to the top is saturated with unique bright landscapes. fishing craft is passed down from generation to generation. The population of the village is no more 3000 people, and the renewing number of men are fishermen. By virtue of this, the village provides fish for almost the entire island. The main feature of this village is abundance of fish restaurants with which the entire embankment is strewn. There are no storms in the harbor, so the sand houses are built close to the coastline. And if you are lucky enough to see Marshallok after the rain, then you will understand what true peace is.
Floating Uros Islands, Bolivia and Peru
Dubai was not the first to start creating artificial islands
. Uru tribe started doing it thousands of years ago, as they themselves claim. On the highest navigable lake Titicaca, where, according to legend, The Incas drowned their treasures settled a tribe that makes reed islands. 42 islands just swaying on the water surface, tied to stones at the bottom of the lake. Move the islands only in extreme cases. Also, the Uru tribe makes buildings and unique fishing boats. Despite isolation from civilization, on the islands you can see solar panels
thanks to which the local population watches TV.
Alberobello, Italy
This unique village is recognized UNESCO historical heritage. And all just because this is the only place on Earth where trulli- unique limestone buildings. The snow-white city will reward you with a quality tan and a sea of impressions. Trulli brought only headaches in the Middle Ages due to their dilapidation, but today it is an excellent tourist business. Trulli are not only dwellings. These buildings house everything from restaurants to museums.
Monsanto, Portugal
Here, either houses are born from stones, or stones from houses. The village of Monsanto has a unique landscape. Throughout its territory scattered huge granite boulders, and the most high point 758 meters above sea level. Powerful boulders hang right over the fragile tiled roofs and narrow streets, inspiring a sense of their undeniable superiority.
Uchisar, Türkiye
Tree in the first place known for its fortress carved into the rock of tufa. The citadel rises several tens of meters above the village, has its own towers and spire, as well as many rooms and labyrinths. Under the fortress there is a hundred-meter underground tunnel, which during the siege served to communicate with the outside world. Citadel appearance reminiscent of a large piece of Swiss cheese, which is extremely attractive to tourists. Most of the population lives in a modern village, which was laid out at the foot of a unique citadel, but also living quarters still remained in the rocks themselves.
Longji Rice Terraces, China
These are the most beautiful terraces in all of China. They are also called Backbone of the Dragon. Mastodon games World of Tanks have already seen these unique landscapes painted by artists wargaming, as once the map "Dragon Ridge" existed in company battles. But now that's not about it ... What time of the year you don't come here - the views will amaze you. In the spring, the fields are flooded with water, in the summer everything turns green, in the autumn the whole district is full of red, and in winter the terraces are embellished with a snow-white cover and take your breath away from what you see. Also, these terraces are unique in that they began to be built in the 12th century and finished only at the beginning of the 20th century!
Pariangan, Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the most visited resorts in the world. Everyone should visit there. And if you want to taste the whole identity of Indonesia: from centuries-old buildings to Indonesian cuisine, then you Pariangan. Village placed in West Sumatra at the foot of Mount Merapi, which is still operating and is one of the main attractions. Preserved in the village ancient architecture in the form of a mosque of the 19th century and a building 300 years old.
Cua Van, Vietnam
This village is located right on the water in the bay halong, where more 3000 islands, excluding caves and rocks. Arriving there in rowboats, and this is the only way to get there, you will be met by extremely friendly Vietnamese who will introduce you to their way of life and sell a couple of souvenirs. The main craft of the locals is fishing, and therefore there are many more boats on the water than the buildings themselves. The very name of Halong Bay is translated "Where the dragon descended into the sea".
"Dutch Venice", Giethoorn, Netherlands
It is impossible to describe this place in a few lines. It certainly amazes with its silence and comfort. And although it is a good distance from Amsterdam, the flow of tourists is huge. The main part of the village is Old city: no roads, no cars. There are only bike paths and a network of water channels, total length which 7.5 km. For your convenience, you can rent a boat, boat, or bike. What is remarkable boats only on electric motors. The channels are littered with wooden bridges which are intended for common use, and those that lead to almost every private house. Giethoorn is a place for true romantics.
Bibury, UK
This the most beautiful and one of the oldest villages in all of England. But she became popular only after they filmed here " Bridget Jones's Diary, Stardust and several episodes Miss Marple by stories Agatha Christie. As soon as the village hit the screens, the flow of tourists during the summer reached crazy levels. Sometimes you have to drive a car for a couple of hours to find a parking space. But it is definitely worth going there, as this is another place with absolutely unique landscapes. And it’s better to go not in the tourist season in order to be able to retire and taste the full local atmosphere.
Reine, Norway
The fishing village, which is located in Norway for Lofoten Islands . She is recognized as the most beautiful place Norway and the most photographed place of Lofoten. Population a little over 350 people. The landscapes of this place can drive you crazy. The village is located right under the mountains around the fjord. Every year thousands of tourists come there to see the unique nature.
Gasadalur village, Faroe Islands, Denmark
This village is located on one of Faroe Islands
, which is translated "Sheep Islands". On the island Vagar. This place became known to the world only thanks to photographers. Back in 2002 there lived only 16 people who lived only by fishing. But ever since in 2004 built a special tunnel to come to the island, people run the tourism business. total population Faroe Islands does not exceed a couple of hundred. Here you can find silence and focus before making important decisions for you.
San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
"City of a Hundred Towers". locals call the yoke the heart of Tuscany and all of Italy. Its stone architecture attracts millions of tourists every year from all over the world. The first mention of the city was in 929. This was not a large village founded by the Etruscans. She became a city in the 10th century. Unique look San Gimignano began to take shape in the 12th century and today it is a large village, but rather a town, but it retained its original spirit of the Middle Ages to the present day.
And in which of these 16 fabulous villages Would you like to spend your weekend?
The cities and villages in these photographs seem to have stepped out of the pages of fairy tales. However, it's all real settlements created by nature and people with extraordinary love and care for our planet.
- City of Rothenburg (Germany)
Sister city of Suzdal. A sip of medieval Germany. The town is located on a mountain and rises above the river Tauber; around the perimeter surrounded by a fortress wall.
- Shirakawa village (Japan)
Since 1995, the village has been on the list world heritage UNESCO; famous for its traditional Japanese minka houses, some of which are over 250 years old.
- Fira town, Santorini island (Greece)
The city is built on the edge of a cliff; the western part of the city still retains the traditional architecture. The streets are paved with stone, the movement of cars is prohibited.
- "Islands of Light" in Tuscany (Italy)
Countryside in Italy with a surprisingly romantic spirit.
- Hamnøy municipality (Norway)
Inhabited island in Norway, an old fishing village.
- Vyatskoye village (Russia, Yaroslavl region)
The settlement belongs to the urban development complex of the 18th-19th centuries. Many objects of cultural and historical heritage have been restored in the village: peasant and merchant houses, tea and taverns, almshouses. In addition, the village is located on a picturesque plain, famous for its web of rivers and lakes.
- Mountain villages (China)
- City of Qaqortoq (Greenland)
Founded in 1775. The square with a square fountain (the pride of the city) is surrounded by a wall of buildings from the colonial era.
- Oasis city of Huacachina (Peru)
A tiny resort town located by a small lake in the desert; about 200 inhabitants. The heyday of the town came in 1940-1950; today it is perhaps the best place in the world for sandboarding and buggy riding.
- City of Suzdal (Russia, Vladimir region)
City-reserve, part of Golden ring Russia.
- Commune of St. Wolfgang (Austria)
Small town on the coast picturesque lake. This is the fabulous beauty of nature, wonderful houses, residents in national clothes and unprecedented peace.
- Bibury Village (England)
Considered one of the oldest villages in England. The first mention of it dates back to the 11th century. It is worth noting that little has changed here since those times, except that telephone booths, antennas, and cars have appeared.
- City of Manarola (Italy)
On the streets of the picturesque town, ancient architectural structures, whose age is more than 500 years old, have been preserved. It is famous for winemaking and fishing.
- City of Zelenogradsk (Kaliningrad region, Russia)
The resort town is located on the coast Baltic Sea. The settlement appeared in the 12th century, when the first knights of the Teutonic Order came here.
- Abandoned village in Shengxi (China)
Shengxi is an archipelago at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Fabulous views of how nature swallowed up a fishing village.
- Municipality of Eguisheim (France)
A small Alsatian town that has received the title of "the most beloved village of the French."
- City of Colmar (France)
This Alsatian city is literally an open-air museum where you can find almost all styles of architecture - from Gothic, Baroque, Rococo, Classicism, Empire, Eclecticism to Modernism and Postmodernism.
- Gasadalur village (Faroe Islands, Denmark)
The village is located in a valley of stunning beauty among the highest cliffs of the island of Voar. The village is surrounded by rocks. In 2002, due to the isolated and inaccessible location of the village, only 15 inhabitants remained in it. But in 2004, a car tunnel was made in one of the rocks, and people began to populate it again. beautiful place. Now it is a popular tourist destination.
- Village of Zermatt (Switzerland)
Most of the 4-thousanders of the Pennine Alps are located around the village, and the picturesque river, fed from the Alpine glacier Horner.
- Amazingly fabulous houses (Renndølsetra, Norway)
