Dramatic Villages Around the World

Discover some of the world's most dramatic and unique villages, showcasing remarkable landscapes and living conditions.

  1. Gásadalur, Faroe Islands: Located on a high cliff with a population of just 11 in 2020, Gásadalur offers stunning views over a fjord.

  2. Cemoro Lawang, Indonesia: This village serves as a gateway to Mount Bromo, featuring spectacular landscapes and the Hindu Tengger community, who celebrate the annual Kasada ceremony by offering sacrifices into the volcano.

  3. Bonifacio, Corsica: Perched on a 200ft limestone ledge, this medieval town boasts narrow houses that appear to defy gravity.

  4. Coober Pedy, Australia: Known for its subterranean living, this village hosts homes and lodging inside former mines, offering cooler and sheltered conditions.

  5. Pitigliano, Italy: This medieval town is renowned for its clifftop location and surrounding Etruscan tombs.

  6. Huacachina, Peru: An oasis famous for sandboarding, set amidst golden desert dunes.

  7. Aogashima, Japan: Located in a volcano's caldera, this village is known for its fertile soil and has not erupted since the late 18th century.

  8. Matera, Italy: Once one of Europe's poorest towns, Matera's ancient cave dwellings have been revitalized into homes, cafés, and hotels.

  9. Kandovan, Iran: Featuring 700-year-old troglodyte dwellings, this village's homes and amenities are carved into rock formations.

  10. Castelluccio, Umbria: Known for "The Fioritura," a summer bloom turning the valley into a multi-colored flower carpet.

  11. Al Ain, Oman: Accessible only by 4x4, this remote hamlet is famous for its rose petal products.

  12. Monemvasia, Greece: A medieval village clinging to a large rock, divided into an upper and lower town.

  13. St. Julien's, Newfoundland and Labrador: Located along Iceberg Alley, offering views of massive drifting icebergs.

  14. Meteora, Greece: A monastery complex on rock pinnacles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  15. Rocamadour, France: A stunning hilltop village in the Lot region, known for its natural beauty.

  16. Reine, Lofoten, Norway: A picturesque fishing village backed by soaring peaks.

  17. Manarola, Italy: Part of the Cinque Terre, this vibrant village is nestled among steep terraces and vineyards.

  18. Halong Bay, Vietnam: Home to 650 floating houses amidst limestone outcrops, facing challenges from overtourism.

  19. Narlai, India: A serene village in the Aravalli Hills, perfect for escaping urban chaos, with dramatic landscapes and wildlife tours.

  20. Ronda, Spain: Famous for being divided by the Tajo river gorge, featuring historical cliffside houses.

  21. Wadi Dawan, Yemen: Known for its mud-brick buildings within a dramatic canyon, but currently off-limits to tourists.

These villages, each with distinct characteristics and cultural significance, provide a glimpse into diverse lifestyles and breathtaking sceneries across the globe.