New report reveals Europe’s four best storybook towns that are really worth a visit

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Did you know that Airbnb has a new rival?

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

The newest An revealed some nuggets, especially if you’re craving a European escape as winter draws to a close.

With much tastier weather, you could argue that Europe’s fairytale cities will become even more vibrant than their current winter wonderland atmosphere.

That’s why we used our years of expertise to make the right choice top 4 storybook destinations you may or may not know it, but it’s undeniably worth crossing the pond for mesmerizing cityscapes, fewer crowds, and surprising affordability.

1) Colmar: a piece of Germany in France 🇫🇷

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

Many might say that if you’ve been to Paris, you haven’t really been to France – just as Americans say that if you’ve only been to New York City, you haven’t really seen the Real America.

Colmar is an unforgettable charmer that will remain etched in your memory for years to come; it’s that fascinating.

France may hate to hear it, but the exterior aesthetic seems more German than French, although we still urge you order croissants over pretzels.

Full of half-timbered houses that seem to cover every shade on the color wheel and a canal labeled ‘Little Venice’ for extra flair. If there was ever a place where your photos could be sold as postcards, it’s Colmar.

Here too, spring is a dream, with empty cobbled streets replacing the Christmas crowds, balconies bursting with color and relaxed wine tasting along the Alsace Wine Route.

HomeToGo ranked Colmar 6th among all international storybook destinations, costing an average of just $60 for accommodations.

2) Matera: discover ancient wonders in the ‘Jerusalem of Italy’ 🇮🇹

Do you think Rome is old?

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

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

The reason for that is the way people once lived and the remains they left behind. You can still witness ancient cave dwellings carved into the city’s rugged stone hills” and even book a room in a series of boutique hotels that have converted these caves into luxury digs.

And yes: there are also holiday homes that usually offer more space.

This UNESCO-protected city is a sight to behold from start to finish and is a far cry from the norm of Italy’s typical tourist destinations.

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

HomeToGo ranked Matera 7th among all international storybook destinations, costing an average of just $61 for accommodations.

3) Bled, Slovenia: Europe’s most popular photo-op 🇸🇮

If you’re waiting for your man to propose, you might want to start with a trip to Slovenia, not only one of the trendiest countries in Europe these days, but also the most sought-after photo on the continent.

Lake Bled seems like something that would take the next generation AI 47 iterations to conjure up, but it is in fact real and perhaps the most beautiful Alpine destination in Europe.

The water is crystal clear, the mountaintop castle couldn’t possibly be more storybook, and chalet-style stays only add to the charm of a spring break favorite to beat the summer crowds.

HomeToGo ranked Bled 9th among all international storybook destinations, costing an average of just $74 for accommodations.

4) Lucerne: Switzerland’s medieval mountain refuge

You may know Zurich, Bern, or even more likely Geneva if you are a history buff.

A place you may not know, but which surpasses all of the above in terms of beauty and authenticity is Lucerne (also called Lucerne).

Hugging Lake Lucerne and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this medieval charmed spot is one of Central Europe’s most beautiful locations, not overrun by regular tourists.

Whether it’s the vibrant museum atmosphere of the Old Town or the surrounding nature, this is a place you’ll quickly decide was worth splurging on. You also know that ‘Switzerland’ and ‘cheap’ do not belong in the same sentence.

While famed world traveler Anthony Bourdain once declared Switzerland a no-go zone for his obnoxious yodelers, the only thing off-putting across the board is the prices.

That said, if you’re determined to tackle Switzerland, we believe Lucerne is the place to truly immerse yourself in the country’s magical environment.

Moreover, Switzerland has been under consideration for a long time one of the safest destinations in Europe.

HomeToGo ranked Lucerne 13th among all international storybook destinations, costing an average of $116 for accommodations.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.