The 20 Most Colorful Destinations in the World

From mosques in Iran to gardens in Japan, these destinations will brighten up life’s to-do list.

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The Earth's Most Vivid Spots

It’s easy to become consumed by life’s mundane tasks and forget how lucky we are to live on such a fascinating planet. It is refreshing to step back every once in a while and admire the beauty that exists all around us. And, who knows? Learning about a blue-tinted town in Morocco or a red river in Colombia might inspire us to broaden our horizons (or give us some perspective when we’re stuck in our heads). Whether you are planning your next trip or just want to feed your wanderlust, read on to discover some of the most colorful — and breathtaking — spots around the globe.

Grand Prismatic Spring in Wyoming

Located in the Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, the Grand Prismatic Spring is 370 feet in diameter (in other words, larger than a football field). Other than a hypnotic deep blue center, the spring has vivid loops of orange, yellow and green hues that derive from the different species of thermophilic bacteria.

learn more: Explore Yellowstone National Park

Cartagena de Indias in Colombia

Known for its colonial architecture and spirited streets, Cartagena’s colors shine in every corner of the city. Its proximity to many Caribbean islands makes this town an ideal destination for tourists, but so do its burgundy- and lemon-hued wooden balconies and wonderfully colorful fresh fruit stands.

Shikisai-no-Oka in Hokkaido, Japan

Although Kyoto and Tokyo are must-see cities on the island of Honshu when visiting Japan, don't miss Hokkaido, Japan’s second largest island — and a nature-lover’s paradise. From April to October, the gardens of Shikisai-no-Oka are defined by brightly colored flowers that turn the landscape into a heavenly meadow.

Valparaiso City in Chile

A port city on the Chilean coast, Valparaiso is known as the “Jewel of the Pacific.” This charming town’s colorful streets and lively people were once a source of inspiration for Pablo Neruda, one of Chile’s most famous poets.

Vinicunca Mountain in the Sacred Valley, Peru

Known as the “Rainbow Mountain,” Vinicunca has become a major tourist attraction in Peru (and it’s not too far away from the country’s main star: Machu Picchu). To experience the full brightness of the hillside’s layered colors, visit the mountain during warmer months (when it’s less likely to snow or rain).

Learn More: 30 Breathtaking Destinations in Peru Beyond Machu Picchu

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, Iran

Through its stained glass windows, the sun’s rays color this mosque, creating a kaleidoscope-like place of worship. With Persian rugs adorning its floor and painted tiles embellishing its ceiling, the mosque's hues shine the brightest when visited early in the morning, especially during the months of January and February. This place’s beauty comes with a caveat: the US Department of State doesn’t recommend traveling to Iran at the moment, so put this one on your future bucket list.

Guanajuato City in Mexico

Rich in history and culture, Guanajuato is one of the most colorful cities in Mexico. There is a story behind every wall (and alley) in this town — including the “Callejón del Beso” (Alley of the Kiss), which recounts a story of forbidden love. Now, this vibrant narrow alley is one of Guanajuato’s main tourist attractions, and you might catch tourists standing on the third step (painted red) and kissing for luck in love.

Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, Holland

From March to May, the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse are covered in blankets of grape hyacinth, red tulips and yellow daffodils. Known as the “Garden of Europe,” there are about 7 million flower bulbs planted annually, covering an area of almost 80 acres. One of the world’s largest flower gardens, Keukenhof is an unmissable site if you happen to visit Holland in the spring.

National Palace of Pena in Sintra, Portugal

Only a half-hour drive from Lisbon, the enchanting town of Sintra hosts some of the most fairy-tale worthy castles in the world — and the Pena Palace is at the top of the list. Featuring an eclectic mix of styles and colors, this castle is as eye-catching as it gets.

Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia

As the world's largest salt flat, the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia stretches over 4,050 square miles — and the views are quite remarkable. Sometimes, when nearby lakes overflow, a thin layer of water forms on top of the flat, turning it into a mirror that reflects the sky’s hues. If you are lucky enough to visit this magical place when the sun is setting (or rising), you might find yourself wrapped in a blanket of colors.

learn more: Travel Channel's Road to the Unexpected: Bolivia

Cinque Terre in Liguria, Italy

Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Towns” in English, is a string of five villages along a scenic coastline overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Each village — Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola (pictured above) and Riomaggiore — has its own personality and history. Yet, the pastel-colored houses perched on the cliffs are a common feature of the five towns, making Cinque Terre a dream destination for travelers around the world.

Seven Colored Earths in Mauritius’ Chamarel

Known in French as “Terres Des Sept Couleurs,” this multicolored geological formation on the island of Mauritius is taken straight out of a surrealist artwork. The different tones of violet, green and orange are thought to be the result of molten volcanic rock cooling down at different temperatures.

Salvador da Bahia in Brazil

Salvador is the heart of the Afro-Brazilian community, with vibrant historic buildings and streets that pulse with the strains of axé and samba music following its rhythm. A town with unmatched energy, Salvador also drips with color almost everywhere you go.

Chefchaouen Town in Morocco

Located in the Rif mountains in Morocco, Chefchaouen is recognized for its dreamlike blue-tinted buildings. Unlike Marrakesh or Casablanca, Chefchaouen is a less touristy area, making it a pleasure to stroll through its blue-tinged streets and discover its stunning mosaics in every corner.

Batu Caves in Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia

The Batu Caves are not only known for being some of the most fascinating limestone caverns, but also for the nearly 300 Technicolor steps that lead to them. The caves, which are protected by a statue of Hindu god Lord Murugan, are usually visited as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital. Although the rainbow stairs are steep, they are definitely worth the climb.

Burano Island in Venice, Italy

Venice is known as one of the most romantic spots in Europe — but it’s not the only treasure in this gorgeous country. Located in the Venetian Lagoon, Burano is a tiny island with rows of vibrant houses and charming bridges, making it a colorful (and less crowded) haven.

5 Under-the-Radar European Spots for Your Romance Bucket List

Caño Cristales in Colombia’s Serranía de la Macarena

Known as the “Liquid Rainbow,” Caño Cristales is located in Serranía de la Macarena, a mountain range and national park in the Meta region of Colombia. This waterway’s vibrant hues range from yellow to red to blue and flow through crystal-like rapids and waterfalls, giving it a reputation as Colombia’s most beautiful river.

Havana City in Cuba

From bright vintage cars to pastel-colored architecture, Havana is a city buzzing with art, music, culture — and vibrant tints. While walking through Havana’s lively streets, keep an eye out for hidden murals and street art (and, if you’re lucky enough, some salsa dancing).

Göreme in Cappadocia, Turkey

The neutral hues of the “fairy-house” rock formations of Göreme in Cappadocia contrast with the vivid colors of the hot air balloons in the sky. The balloons usually take off during sunrise, making the landscape a beautiful fusion of diverse colors. Although hot air balloons are a year-round phenomenon in Cappadocia, spring and fall are usually the best times to visit.

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, India

The capital of India’s Rajasthan state, Jaipur is known as the “Pink City” for its blush-toned forts and walls. Among its famous constructions stands the unmissable Hawa Mahal, a honeycomb-like palace built from pink and red sandstone.

The 20 Most Colorful Destinations in the World

Related To:

Shop This Look

The Earth's Most Vivid Spots

Grand Prismatic Spring in Wyoming

Cartagena de Indias in Colombia

Shikisai-no-Oka in Hokkaido, Japan

Valparaiso City in Chile

Vinicunca Mountain in the Sacred Valley, Peru

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, Iran

Guanajuato City in Mexico

Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, Holland

National Palace of Pena in Sintra, Portugal

Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia

Cinque Terre in Liguria, Italy

Seven Colored Earths in Mauritius’ Chamarel

Salvador da Bahia in Brazil

Chefchaouen Town in Morocco

Batu Caves in Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia

Burano Island in Venice, Italy

Caño Cristales in Colombia’s Serranía de la Macarena

Havana City in Cuba

Göreme in Cappadocia, Turkey

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, India

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