Stunning Real-Life Fairy Tale Destinations

Almost any city can look beautiful in a photo, depending on the point of view and angle. But some places appear so majestic and regal that they make you wonder if your mind is not playing tricks on you.Suddenly you are at a loss for words. How can you describe what you're seeing? Words seem insufficient to express what your brain tells you must be "photoshopped."

The stunning palace and fortress complex was so called because of its reddish walls (in Arabic, the full name "Qalat al-Hamra" means Red Castle). The biggest concern of the architects of the Alhambra was to cover every single inch of the fortress with decoration, regardless of the size of the space. Walls are covered with rich ceramics and plasterwork.

Japan's Sagano Bamboo Forest is without a doubt one of the most beautiful groves on the planet. The soaring green stalks move with the wind, colliding and twisting. Hike along the Bamboo Forest's paths, which are more than 1,640 feet long. You can also rent a bike for a relaxing ride through the majestic place.

The Danxia landforms, located in the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, are the known as the eye candy of Zhangye. The rocks and cliffs come in a variety of formations – smooth, sharp, vibrant and extremely tall. The colorful rocks and rainbow ridges are absolutely awe-inspiring.

The most popular place in the historic Colmar is Petite Venise (Little Venice). It's the village's most eye-catching quarter. Much of the small city's best architecture is crammed there. The half-timbered Alsatian houses on the edge of Lauch River are stunning. Just like in the real Venice, the best way to explore the village is by boat.

This majestic (some may call it beautifully creepy) street of beech trees was planted in the 18th century. The trees remain a glorious sight and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in the country. The area is always open to visitors, and it's free, according to Discover Northern Ireland. The bent branches give the road a supernatural feeling. The trees have been used as background in shows such as Game of Thrones.

The castle people see today towering above the scenic town of Cochem on the Moselle River is not the original castle built in the 12th century. The French King Louis XIV had his troops destroy it in 1689. It was in ruins for almost two centuries until the wealthy Berlin businessman Louis Ravené decided to buy the ruins and rebuild the castle in 1868.

The mesmerizing island is best known for the "sea of stars." At first glance, the water looks like a mirror, reflecting the glittering stars from the dark sky. The glowing waves of the surreal beach are caused by bioluminescence, a natural chemical reaction generated by phytoplankton, marine microbes disturbed by oxygen.

Bergen, the second largest city in the country but with a small-town allure, is often referred to as the "gateway to the fjords." It looks as though the beautiful houses are climbing up the mountainsides overlooking the sea. Bergen was founded almost a millennium ago; you still see remnants of the Viking Age.

Cappadocia is a semi-arid region in central Turkey that is most famous for odd rock formations clustered in Monks Valley. Tourists go to explore Bronze Age homes carved into valley walls by cave dwellers and later used as refuges by early Christians. There are many cave hotels you can stay in, including the Uchisar Cave Pansion, which offers hiking, horseback riding, hot air balloon tours, and bike tours.

Just as the name implies, this cave system in New Zealand is known for its dense population of glowworms. The blue iridescent worms dangle from the ceiling of the cave and create an optical illusion that's out of this world. Few natural marvels in the world can compare to an awe-inspiring tour through the glow worm caves in Waitomo.

The tunnel, which stretches just over half a mile, is the most romantic sight in Ukraine. The legend goes that a couple can make a wish together; and if the love is real, then it will come true. The best time to go to see it fully engulfed in green colors is between May and August.

You will be enthralled  by this majestically pastel-colored tunnel full of about 150 Wisteria plants as soon as you walk in. As you walk the pathway, breathe in the fresh flowery scent, and take in the surrounding violet, blue, white, and pink flowers. Visit in the beginning of May when the flowers are in full bloom.

You don't have to go in Munich during Oktoberfest to experience authentic German culture. This much less crowded place in North Rhine-Westphalia with its famous half-timbered houses in a medieval design will certainly make you feel as if you are starring in a fairytale. Hikers will be most pleased, because they have about 100 miles of natural trails to choose from.

Mostar was almost completely destroyed during the Bosnian War. Today, it's a charming little heaven on earth. It will take your breath away with its Ottoman-era architecture. A main attraction is the Old Bridge, destroyed in 1990's and recently rebuilt. Thrill-seekers can jump off the bridge into the cold water; it's allowed.

This is the village for the ultimate Swiss holiday regardless of whether you come in the winter or summer. One of the best things about the resort is that it's car-free. With the timber houses and hotels going back to the Belle Époque era, the residents of Wengen have maintained their fairytale, postcard-perfect mountain look.

Located along the Liguria coast in Italy, Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site deemed as having noteworthy cultural value for signifying a "harmonious interaction between man and nature to produce a landscape of exceptional scenic quality." The colorful village provides a vibrant backdrop for travelers who are after truly stunning snapshots. It's a great destination for cycling and hiking.

This is an under-the-radar destination that will be huge this year. The majestic submerged river canyon fenced by vivid rising mountain cliffs is the charm of Montenegro's coast. Breathtaking medieval towns along the shores contribute to the area's splendor. The bay is linked together by several picturesque and winding roads, so you won't have any problems exploring.

The Carpathians are a mountain system in Eastern Europe, forming a natural border between Slovakia and southern Poland, extending southward through Ukraine and into Romania. The mountains, which are among the most popular resort destinations on the continent, are often called the Green Pearl of Ukraine because of their forests and meadows.

Skye is a favorite location in Scotland for both tourists and locals. It is famous for its décor and sceneries that will take your breath away. This is a world-class destination for walkers and climbers. The Cuillin Range, for example, offers 12 Munros – peaks above 3,000 feet. One of the isle's most regal geological landscapes is the Old Man of Storr.

The eye-catching rice terraces in Yen Bai province are one of most attractive places in the entire country. The best time to visit in order to see the most colorful and lively displays is in September and October. The golden-green and toast-brown colors of the ripe rice glow because of the sun shining on them.