New Report Reveals Europe’s Top 4 Storybook Towns Actually Worth Visiting

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Did you know Airbnb has a new rival?

It’s true. HomeToGo is slowly becoming a household name and we at Travel Off Path have full trust in their insightful reports.

The latest one revealed some golden nuggets, especially if you’re craving a European escape now that winter winds down.

With much more palatable weather, one could argue that Europe’s fairytale towns become even more vibrant than their current winter wonderland vibes.

As such, we used our years of expertise to handpick the top 4 storybook destinations you may or may not know, but are undeniably worth venturing across the pond for enchanting townscapes, fewer crowds, and surprising affordability.

1) Colmar: A Slice Of Germany In France 🇫🇷

If you thought Paris was the pinnacle of France, think again.

In fact, many might say if you’ve been to Paris, you haven’t really been to France — just like Americans say if you’ve only been to New York City, then you haven’t seen the real America.

Colmar is an unforgettable charmer that will be etched in your mind for years — it’s that captivating.

France may not like to hear it, but its outward aesthetics appear more German than French, though we still insist you order croissants over pretzels.

Brimming with half-timbered houses that seem to cover every shade on the color wheel and a canal labeled “Little Venice” for extra flair, if there’s ever a place your photos could be sold as postcards, Colmar is it.

Spring is a dream here too, with empty cobbled streets replacing the Christmas crowds, balconies overflowing with color, and leisurely wine tastings along the Alsace Wine Route.

HomeToGo ranked Colmar 6th out of all international storybook destinations and averages just $60 for accommodations.

2) Matera: Discover Ancient Wonders in The ‘Jerusalem Of Italy’ 🇮🇹

Think Rome is old?

You can turn back the clock even more in Matera, where blockbusters like The Passion of the Christ were filmed as a biblical backdrop.

But that’s not the only reason this little-known time capsule is known as Italy’s ‘Jerusalem’.

The reason for that is the way people once lived and the remnants left behind. You can still bear witness to ancient cave dwellings carved into the city’s rugged stone hillsides” and even book a room at an array of boutique hotels that have converted those very caves into luxe digs.

And yes — there are vacation rentals too that typically offer more space.

This UNESCO-protected city is a sight to behold end to end, offering a far cry from the norm of Italy’s typical touristy destinations.

No Starbucks. No Domino’s (a sin in Italy!).
|Just timeless, old-world atmosphere.

HomeToGo ranked Matera 7th out of all international storybook destinations and averages just $61 for accommodations.

3) Bled, Slovenia: Europe’s Most Popular Photo Op 🇸🇮

If you’re waiting around for your man to propose, you might want to start hinting at a trip to Slovenia, not only one of Europe’s trendiest countries nowadays, but also the most sought-after photo op on the continent.

Lake Bled seems like something the next generation of AI took 47 redos to conjure, but it’s in fact real and arguably Europe’s most beautiful Alpine destination.

Waters are crystal-clear, the mountaintop castle couldn’t possibly be more storybook, and chalet-style stays only add to the charm for a preferred spring getaway to beat summer crowds.

HomeToGo ranked Bled 9th out of all international storybook destinations and averages just $74 for accommodations.

4) Lucerne: Switzerland’s Medieval Mountain Hideaway

Perhaps you know Zurich, Bern, or even more likely Geneva if you’re a history buff.

A place you may not know but surpasses all of the above in terms of beauty and authenticity is Lucerne (also commonly spelled Luzern).

This medieval charmed hugging Lake Lucerne and backdropped by snowcapped mountains is one of Central Europe’s most gorgeous locales, not flooded by mainstream tourists.

Whether it’s Old Town’s living museum vibes or surrounding nature, this is a place you’ll quickly decide was worth a splurge as well know “Switzerland” and “cheap” don’t belong in the same sentence.

While famous world traveler Anthony Bourdain once declared Switzerland a no-go zone for its off-putting yodelers, the only thing off-putting are its prices across the board.

That said, if you’re dead set on tackling Switzerland, we believe Lucerne is the place to truly immerse in the country’s magical setting.

Plus, Switzerland has long been considered one of Europe’s safest destinations.

HomeToGo ranked Lucerne 13th out of all international storybook destinations and averages $116 for accommodations.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.