Beauty is a very subjective thing. But as the current Wes Anderson mania proves, some aesthetics are universally pleasing. Colours and symmetry always score good. Moreover, when we visit a new destination, we generally want that place to have at least some beautiful features which make the visit worth our while. But what are those places? A church, a museum, a landscape or a single building? All worthy contesters, even though today we will be looking at a broader category: streets. More precisely: the most beautiful streets in Europe.
Whether or not we perceive a street as beautiful, depends on a lot of factors. You have to take into account the buildings, the lay-out, the proportions, the traffic (or lack thereof) and so on. A great deal of things that can all have a deciding impact. And given the complexity of the task it shouldn’t come as a surprise that not too many have succeeded at it. However, House Beautiful put together a list with the most beautiful streets in the world, from which we selected the most stunning ones in Europe. Some often returning features: colour, carless roads and sunny climates.
What are the most beautiful streets in Europe?
1. Akti Pavlou, Symi, Greece
Cristal clear water, cute boats and colourful houses that stand side-to-side in front of a cloudless sky.
2. Rua Luís de Camões, Águeda, Portugal
Thanks to Umbrella Sky Project, you don’t need an umbrella to keep dry or to protect yourself from the sun.
3. Via Monte San Michele, Alberobello, Italy
Typical trulli, what more do you want from a street in Puglia?
4. Anafiotika, Athens, Greece
If it weren’t for the Acropolis towering above it, you would think you’re on a small Greek island.
5. Quai de la Poissonnerie, Colmar, France
A perfect mixture between mountain architecture and the colourful touch you need when you’re on a winter holiday.
6. Fondamenta Pontinello Sinistra, Burano, Italy
Who needs Venice when you have Burano?
7. Avenue des Camoëns, Paris, France
The perfect place to go if you want some typical Parisian architecture and the Eiffel Tower in one and the same shot.
8. Rue Crémieux, Paris; France
And if you’re in Paris anyway, you might as well stop by this colourful street.
9. Arlington Row, Bibury, Cotswolds, United Kingdom
Once weaver’s cottages, now a landmark pretty much anyone can recognise.
10. Quai de l’Île, Annecy, France
The perfect place to enjoy an apéritif with friends, with the sound of cobbling water in the background.
