A magical escape at fairytale towns in Europe

When it comes to towns and villages worthy of a Brothers Grimm story, nowhere does it quite like Europe.

From snow-covered settlements at the edge of the world to whitewashed towns carved into the cliffside, there’s some fairytale magic to be found in each of these European destinations.

Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain

Nestled among the olive groves of northeastern Cadiz is Setenil de las Bodegas, a 12th-century town carved entirely out of the rock.

Until recently, economic hardships and lack of opportunities for young people meant this historic white pueblo (Setenil was one of the last strongholds of the Moorish Empire) was on the brink of collapse.

But recent investment in Setenil de las Bodegas has seen this beautiful Andalucian town come back to life. Restored cave houses now serve as stylish Airbnbs and boutique homes, and underground wine bars, restaurants and specialist food shops selling the region’s famous cold cuts and olive oil line the rock-covered streets.

While you’re here, be sure to try sopa cortijera, a soup made from tomatoes and green peppers and topped with asparagus, cured ham, and a poached egg.

Alberobello, Italy

Puglia’s fantasy-like land of Alberobello is a town made up of over 1500 Trulli – cylindrical whitewashed homes topped with grey dry stone conical roofs. The exact origin of these unusual limestone dwellings isn’t clear, but the oldest Trullo in Alberobello dates back to the 14th century.

Jessica Vincent www.euronews.com