Across Africa, you’ll find towns that seem lifted from the pages of a storybook.
Chefchaouen, Morocco / Oladimeji Odunsi / Unsplash
With cobbled streets, colourful buildings, mountain backdrops, and timeless charm, these destinations feel almost magical. Whether it’s coastal villages, historic hideaways, or towns tucked between vineyards, these places transport visitors into another world.
Franschhoek, South Africa
Nestled in the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek feels like a quaint European village with an African soul. Its French Huguenot heritage lives on through its art galleries, boutique shops, and award-winning restaurants. The surrounding vineyards and rolling mountains give it a dreamy, old-world beauty that draws food and wine lovers from across the globe.
Lamu, Kenya
The island town of Lamu is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, intricately carved doors, and centuries of Swahili culture. Donkey carts replace cars here, adding to its timeless feel. With its traditional dhow boats, sandy streets, and gentle sea breezes, Lamu feels like a living fairytale by the ocean.
Essaouira, Morocco
Whitewashed buildings with blue shutters, bustling souks, and ramparts overlooking the Atlantic give Essaouira its storybook appeal. This fortified coastal town is rich in history yet full of modern creativity, with its art scene, music festivals, and cafés tucked inside winding lanes. It’s easy to imagine it as the setting of a magical tale.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Known as the “Blue Pearl,” Chefchaouen is one of the most enchanting towns in North Africa. Its blue-washed streets and staircases glow in the sunlight, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The Rif Mountains rise dramatically behind the town, adding to its mystical charm.
Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
Perched above the Mediterranean, Sidi Bou Said dazzles with its blue-and-white colour palette, cobbled streets, and cascading bougainvillaea. This hilltop town has long been a haven for artists and writers, and its romantic atmosphere feels like something out of a painting or storybook.
Stone Town, Zanzibar
Part of Zanzibar’s rich history, Stone Town is a maze of winding alleys, spice markets, and carved wooden doors that tell centuries of cultural stories. Its coastal setting and timeless architecture make it feel both mysterious and magical, a place where the past is always present.
A different kind of magic
These towns remind travellers that Africa is not just about sweeping landscapes and wildlife, but also about human stories, architecture, and culture that transport you into another world. Visiting them feels like stepping into a fairytale, one where history, beauty, and everyday life weave together into a timeless charm.
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