Europe Dominates Forbes List of World's Most Beautiful Villages

Forbes and travel experts have named Bibury, a village on the Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire border, as the most beautiful village in the world for 2025, praising its honey-colored cottages and scenic River Coln. Bibury's rising popularity has caused concerns over tourist congestion, prompting temporary traffic management to protect residents and maintain safety. Hallstatt, an Austrian village on Lake Hallstatt, ranks highly as well, renowned for its 16th-century Alpine houses and rich history, but it also struggles with overtourism, with daily visitors far exceeding its resident population. In England, Hambleden in Buckinghamshire is celebrated for its traditional brick and flint cottages, picturesque landscapes, and cultural significance, frequently used as a filming location. These villages exemplify the appeal of destinations that preserve historical charm and natural beauty while facing modern challenges of tourism management. Visitors are encouraged to support local communities and respect traditions to sustain the authenticity and tranquility of these beloved locales.