A list of 10 most picturesque villages in the world

Shirakawa-go, Japan

Japan In 1995, the site was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Japanese village famous for its houses with triangular roofs, built in the style of "gasskho": these buildings remotely resemble hands folded in prayer. Roofs tilted at an angle of 60 degrees to the winter they do not accumulate snow.

In this area there are not so many traditional houses, so that Shirakawa-go has become a favorite destination for tourists. A little away from the village is Ogimachi Castle, from where scenic views How to get here: you must first 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).

Wengen, Switzerland

Thanks to the Alpine landscape and the traditional wood-burning farmhouses, village of Wengen seems descended from the most beautiful postcards. Time stopped here a long time ago. Even cars were banned more than a hundred years ago in this area! Tourists have chosen the village from the late 19th century; separately it sang writer Mary Shelley. Since the village is situated at an altitude of 1300 meters, in winter it turns into an attractive destination for skiers. How to get here: Since the machine in Wengen is not allowed to enter, travelers Lauterbrunnen park in the city, and from there are approximately 40 services between Lauterbrunnen to Wengen every day. Each service may consist of up to 4 separate trains. In addition, up to Wengen is accessible by train from Grindelwald in 45 minutes and 7.45 euros.

Zaanse Schans, Netherlands

Many people say that to understand the soul of the Netherlands, it is necessary to go not only frivolous Amsterdam, but also settled down not far from the capital village of Zaanse Schans. This museum has preserved the real Netherlands of the 17th century under the open sky. The green meadows, colorful Flemish houses, wooden and, of course, windmills - in these kinds and bring the good old Holland. Here you can learn how to make clogs (traditional wooden shoes), cooked cheese and buy at Delft painted porcelain. How to get here: a village is located only 20 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station. Tickets cost 3.20 euros.

Pariangan, Indonesia

Active volcano Merapi, towering over this village in West Sumatra - one of the main country's natural heritage. Pariangan considered the oldest - and most culturally significant - the village of Minangkabau people. Here are preserved charming traditional gabled houses, among them - 300 building with wicker rattan walls and beautiful mosque of the 19th century. How to get here: Pariangan is located about 15 kilometers from the city Batusangkar in West Sumatra. The nearest airport that connects the place with major hubs, located in the city of Padang.

Savoca, Italy

The ruins of the castle di Pentefur triumphantly rise above Savoca - historic Sicilian village located on a hill between the cities of Messina and Taormina, on the east coast of the island. This settlement with a thousand-year history has become a place of events "The Godfather", and fans of the famous bestseller can visit the Church of St. Lucia, where Michael Corleone married and then follow the route the newlyweds straight to the bar and refresh Lemon Granita at Bar Vitelli. Required to attend as Capuchin monastery on the northern end of the municipality, in which lie the mummified bodies of monks, some of whom sat in the 18th century. How to get here: road this far from the international airport by car takes just over an hour. Also in Savoca on the scenic road often drive from the popular resort town of Taormina in a one-day tour.

Cua Van (Vietnam)

Most of the places on this list attract travelers cobbled streets and ancient architecture. Vietnam Cua Van fishing village, however, can not boast of no roads, no notable buildings. But the scenery around redeem prosthetic architecture! Located right amidst the most beautiful cliffs of Ha Long Bay, this village consists of colorful houses on rafts and many boats. Not surprisingly, the main profit of the locals is fishing. All the buildings of the village bob on the waters of the bay - even a school to which students get on tiny boats. How to get here: Ha Long Bay is located about 160 kilometers from Hanoi. A six-hour trip on the bus to the bay will cost about $ 8 each way. On the dock in the harbor, you can hire a boatman who will take you to the village (as a rule, the trip costs about $ 20. As a rule, organized tours to Ha Long Bay include a program of visits to the village.).

Bibury, England

Located in west-central England, in the 19th century village Bibury was described by the artist William Morris as "the most beautiful village in England." Given the fact that the whole country is famous for its rural landscape pacified, those words something so mean. Houses 17th century warm honey color and the ancient church of St. Mary - business cards Village. And the most photographed place here - this Arlington Row: number of stone buildings of the 14th century, which in the 16th century have been transformed into weaving at home. How to get here: The nearest railway station is 20 kilometers from Bibury in Kemble. There is no public transport, but this far you can always take a taxi, and, in addition, hotels often organize transfers for its guests.

Eze, France

The Mediterranean coast and the medieval charm made this rocky town one of the most popular destinations of the French Riviera. Because of its location at the time of Eze survived many invaders, and its difficult history is reflected in the architecture, in which baroque churches are interspersed with bell towers in Genoa style. Not surprisingly, this fantastic village has become a favorite place for Walt Disney. How to get here: Eze is a 30-minute bus ride from Nice and a 15-minute drive from Monaco.

Caleta Tortel, Chile

This settlement could be called "Chilean Venice" if, of course, in Venice instead of magnificent palaces and stone bridges on the streets dominated houses on stilts and wooden bridge Motley village houses in the south of Chile, built on high stilts in the traditional style of the area Their connects an entire web of stairs and bridges stretched over the rocks and swamps Caleta Tortel was founded in 1955 thanks to the development of the sawmill industry in the county about that wood - the foundation of life of the whole village, recalls and wood architecture, and fill the air with sweet fragrance of cypress trees.

Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

There is no matter where you threw glance, you'll see a beautiful blue and white paint. All the buildings of the village on a cliff in northern Tunisia, painted in white color and decorated with doors, shutters and carvings sky-blue; background of all this beauty is the blue of the Gulf of Tunis. This village is sometimes called the "Tunisian Montmartre"; at the time it is often visited by famous artists and writers. Bohemian atmosphere is preserved to this day: here and there on the narrow stone alleys are found art shops, galleries and creatively decorated cafe. How to get here: Sidi Bou Said is located 20 kilometers from the capital Tunis. You can reach it either by train (about 3 dollars for the round trip), or as part of a day trip.