12 Most Stunningly Colorful Towns In The World

According to science, we may be more aware of color while we’re visiting a new place. Ever notice how many of the world’s greatest cities or towns are, well, a bit bland? Maybe seeing a new place sharpens the senses. While some areas are famous, others are more under-the-radar retreats.

But no matter where they are on the globe, these colorful towns are sure to brighten your day. Try going to some new destinations and see for yourself. The pharaohs clearly skimped on the paint budget for the pyramids, but these are our 12 favorite locations you should add to your bucket list to keep your vacation photos from looking a little beige.

Procida, Italy

Procida may be one of the most colorful islands on the Amalfi Coast, but other towns along the Coast often overlook it. It is a “don’t miss” if you love colors and beautiful sunsets. Naples’ smallest island may also be its best-kept secret. Like many Mediterranean islands and Italian coastal towns, Procida is known for its colorful buildings and impressive views of the sea.

While the island has a population of only around 10,000 people, its history dates all the way back to the 15th century B.C. It’s about two and a half miles square, wrapped in dizzying cliffs. Apart from being the setting for scenes in the film, The Talented Mr. Ripley, the island has remained relatively untouched for centuries.

Ferries arrive at a port, overlooked by colorful buildings, and the sunset alone is what would make it worth traveling here. Overlooking the colorful town, you could admire the beautiful view from Terra Murata.

Sighisoara, Romania

In this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the historical region of Transylvania, you can find one of Romania’s seven citadel cities built by the Saxons in the 12th-century. Also, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (AKA Dracula), make sure to check out the clock tower & museum.

Sighisoara is a quiet small town, with cobblestone streets that remain frozen in time, best known for its medieval sites and festival held there every summer. You can climb up to the viewing terrace for stunning views of the town and its surrounding countryside.

You will also receive an interesting insight into traditional Romanian art, with a beautiful variety of different artifacts.

Alesund, Norway

This is a picturesque town on a row of islands with the Sunnmore Alps in the background. After a devastating fire in 1904, substantial international aid flowed in, including large amounts from Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, who loved to take holidays in Ålesund.

This allowed for the town to be rebuilt in the best modern style of the time. Enter Art Nouveau architecture, the style the town was rebuilt in, making this festive town a picture of the trend that dominated this era.

The colors of these fascinating buildings can be enjoyed nearly all day from May to July when the sun doesn’t set for about 20 hours.

La Boca, Buenos Aires

Alive with the sound of tango music, La Boca embodies the energy of South America. Also known as the birthplace of tango, this former shipyard has a popular walkway, the Caminito, where you can see tango dancers perform and artists show off their work. The area maintains a solid European quality.

Its early settlers originated from the Italian city of Genoa. The colorfully painted zinc shacks come from the 1800s when immigrants coming into the port used leftover nautical paint to liven up the barrio. They love the bright and vibrant colors in South America, so houses are adorned with Yellow, pink, bright green, and bright blues.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston’s colorful past is evident in the pastel buildings and historic homes with deep green trim. Legend has it that Charleston Green, a green so deep it looks black, came about after the Civil War when Union troops sent buckets of black paint when rebuilding the town. Residents couldn’t bear the idea of their city being that color, so they tinted it with yellow and green, creating Charleston’s signature color.

Because it’s historically significant, there are many conservative ideologies still prominent. Despite this, the environment and community are very diverse and friendly.

Considering this is a loud and lively town, there is plenty of space to escape when you need some nature, with the National Forest in the East,

Cape Town, South Africa

The joy is impossible to avoid in this multicolored part of Africa. Bo-Kaap continues to be one of Cape Town’s most diverse districts, and its unique blending of bright and bold colors accurately displays the multicultural melting pot that makes up the area. From flat-topped Table Mountain down to the blue waters of Table Bay, Cape Town is simply stunning. But the city doesn’t thrive by its looks alone.

It flourishes with its arts, dining, and it’s a city often voted in the top tens of the world. Cape Town has become an iconic must-see destination. A European feel with an Africa twist, this multicultural city has an energy and vibrancy that is hard to match. The nightlife scenes are proof of this modern metropolis’ creativity and innovative spirit.

Melbourne, Australia

Colorful, active Melbourne has an immense appeal for every type of traveler, from cozy cafes, local art, Australian and Aboriginal history, to spectator sports.

Hop on the City Circle Tram loop to check out attractions like the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Healesville Sanctuary, where some animal friends await. Melbourne is also a great place to start your day trips to explore the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island.

But for an interesting experience, head over to Brighton Beach. While not be an actual town, the colorful chain of beach huts that make their way down the Australian coastline makes for a color hunter’s dream. Whether you want to see the famous Australian flag beach hut or are simply looking for the ones painted in pastel tones, there’s a hut for every mood.

Andalucia, Spain

Andalucía is the southernmost part of Spain, whose name comes from the ‘Al-Andalus,’ which refers to the regions of Spain that came under Arabic administration between 711 and 1492.

When Júzcar was painted blue as part of a marketing campaign for the Smurfs movie back in 2011, little did the residents know that they’d soon fall in love with their new cityscape, not to mention the rise in tourism it brought.

Andalusia has more to offer, and the different provinces are very distinct in their character, flavor, and landscape. The area is divided into eight separate provinces: Seville, Cádiz, Huelva, Málaga, Jaén, Granada and Almería.

The mild year-round climate in this pace makes it one of the most popular stops in Spain for travelers who come to enjoy both summer and winter vacations.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Visually, Old San Juan brings feelings of romance and happiness with its perfectly coordinated candy and bright pastel-colored buildings. You’ll be walking on blue-toned cobblestones, and you’ll be looking up at decorated balconies with bright pink bougainvillea flowers that move from the ocean breeze.

Cobblestone streets and a border wall guide you around the city’s colonial buildings with their pastel walls that are deserving of a second visit. This city is full of colorful food and people, not just buildings.

As a bonus, your trip to Puerto Rico won’t be complete until you visit El Morrow. Even as you approach this medieval fortress on foot, it is impressive, but once inside its walls, the expanse, and engineering/architecture make it a one-of-a-kind self-tour experience. The fact that this six-story structure is set on the coast adds natural beauty that is icing on the cake.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Most Brazilian favelas may have vivid reputations. But this one broke from its violent past in 2008 when first removing gangs and then taking on a swirl of complementing candy-cane colors thanks to the Favela Painting initiative. With its plentiful beaches, dramatic mountains, and backdrop of samba and bossa nova rhythms, it’s easy to see why people love Rio de Janeiro.

Made famous in song, Ipanema Beach is still the place to stroll, sunbathe, and be seen. The most prominent Art Deco statue in the world, Christ the Redeemer, beckons visitors to Corcovado Mountain. And if you’re coming for Carnaval, Rio’s annual celebrations are bacchanalian extravaganzas of feasting, music, dance, and costumed revelry.

Copenhagen, Denmark

The port of Nyhavn was once home to famous fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen. The display of soft tones that make up the modern-day waterside certainly does an excellent job at reflecting the area’s whimsical literary legacy.

Copenhagen was once a Viking fishing village, and you can still find traces of the Norse explorers in the air. Visit reconstructed settlements, the remains of a 1,000 year old castle, and museums dedicated to the notorious raiders.

This place also features modern architecture and historical artifacts such as the Round Tower observatory, an excellent example of 17th-century architecture. Art galleries, narrow streets, canals, parks, and Baroque churches round out the city’s cultural attractions.

Curaçao, Caribbean

This Caribbean city was once filled with stark white walls until the governor concluded they were to blame for his migraines and ordered a color change that had just one rule, anything but white. Fast forward two centuries and this place continues its headache-less preference for jewel-toned buildings.

Divers flock to Curacao. Whether you’re looking for a challenging wall dive or a shallow snorkeling spot, you’ll find it here. Beaches, of course, are another huge draw. With their fine sand and calm waters, they’re perfect for the whole family.

Make sure to also explore Willemstad, Curacao’s capital city. Its charming pastel buildings and equally colorful history earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage City.