Photo Credit: wallpaperswa.com

If you plan on visiting Europe and want to experience some of its most picturesque small towns, offering old-world charm, striking scenic beauty, or maybe even both, these are some of the very best destinations, including Reine, a tiny fishing village on the island of Moskenesoya  in Norway, pictured above – it was voted the most beautiful village in the entire country.

Colmar, France

Photo Credit: Flickr: FR Antunes

Manarola, Italy

One of Italy’s Cinque Terre towns, Manarola is filled with a brilliant array of rainbow-colored homes that are carved right into an impenetrable wall of stone along the rugged Mediterranean coast.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany

Photo Credit: en.geourdu.co

This charming Bavarian mountain resort town dates back to 15 AD, and is filled with narrow, cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings in Bavarian gasthaus style which feature facades painted with pastel-hued imagery, including pastoral, regional and religious scenes.

More views of Garmisch-Partenkirchen here:

Photo Credit: en.geourdu.co

Photo Credit: en.geourdu.co

Bibury, England

Photo Credit: places-to-go.org

Nestled in the hilly Cotswold region, Bibury is often called England’s most beautiful town. The River Coln dominates its main street, while lush meadows abut ancient stone cottages with steep pitched roofs.

Giethoorn, Netherlands

Photo Credit: Flickr: Hank

This Dutch town located in the province of Overijssel has no roads. Instead, it’s connected by a network of old-world canals, creating small private islands for each home.

Portmagee, Ireland

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Last, but certainly not least, Portmagee, found along the Ring of Kerry on Ireland’s southwest coast is a picture-perfect fishing village renowned for its vibrant colored buildings, rich history and gorgeous views. It’s also the departure point for boat trips to Skelligs Rock, the home of preserved monastic settlements that date back to the 6th century.