Top 25 Enchanting Villages Across the Globe Recognized for Their Stunning Beauty

The travel industry has unveiled a captivating list of the World's Most Beautiful Villages, compiled by the International Travel Company, Unforgettable Travel. This comprehensive list, published in collaboration with the economic magazine Forbes, showcases 25 enchanting settlements from various global locations.

Topping the list is the picturesque English village of Bibury, nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds. Known for its 14th-century stone cottages lining the River Coln, Bibury offers panoramic views of knife-edged ridges that attract hikers from far and wide. Visitors can also marvel at Lake Reinevatnet, located nearby, which presents a mirror-like surface that reflects the village's charm.

Eguisheim, a wine gem of Alsace in France, is another village on the list. With its vibrant timber-framed houses, Eguisheim transports visitors back in time. The list also features Shirakawa-go, a Japanese village renowned for its traditional thatched-roof houses, and Batad, a settlement in the Philippines with two-thousand-year-old rice terraces.

Zhouzhuang, an ancient "water town" in China, boasts stone bridges and floating boats in the heart of the country. Manarola, a colorful village in Italy, is located on the rocks of the Italian Riviera, where the famous "Via dell'Amore" path begins.

The geographical diversity of the villages on the list is striking, with locations ranging from Europe to Asia and the Americas. Kotor, a destination in Montenegro, is characterized by a labyrinth of narrow streets and a mighty fortress overlooking the bay. Iya, located on the island of Santorini in Greece, is renowned for the best sunsets in the Aegean Sea.

The list also includes the charming English village of Bibury, which was ranked number one in Forbes' list of the 50 most beautiful villages in the world, published in summer 2025. English Bibury is not only famous for its picturesque beauty but also for its nearby trout farm, where visitors can feed the fish and enjoy picnics.

While the exact criteria used to determine the ranking of these villages were not specified, the list highlights the breathtaking beauty and unique charm of each settlement. The full list of the 25 villages can be found on the Unforgettable Travel Company's blog, providing travellers with a wealth of inspiration for their next adventure.

Top 25 Enchanting Villages Across the Globe Recognized for Their Stunning Beauty