The most colorful places on Earth show us how breathtaking the world really is. From pink sand beaches in Greece to the colorful houses of Cinque Terre in Italy, these destinations are sure to add excitement to any and every vacation.
1. Kawachi Fuji Garden, Japan
Springtime at the Kawachi Fuji Garden is truly fantastical. This fairytale garden surrounds you with a sea of purple wisteria flowers as you travel through the gorgeous tunnels, domes, and trellises.
2. Canola Flower Fields, China
Once the canola flowers bloom, the small county of Luoping in Yunnan becomes a stunning sea of gold. Not only is Luoping renowned for flowers, it’s also a hub for raising bees and producing honey, so you’re likely to meet some beekeepers while you’re snapping your pictures.
3. Morning Glory Pool, Wyoming
Finding its home in one of the USA’s greatest national parks, this hot spring boasts the colors of the rainbow. While the original shade of blue was created by bacteria living in the water, the carelessness of tourists throwing items and trash into the water has also added red and yellow tones around the rim. Adding to the excitement of its colors, Morning Glory Pool has even erupted as a geyser.
4. Hitachi Seaside Park, Japan
Visit in the spring to sea an ocean of blue on Miharashi Hill created by their famous Nemophila flower. In the fall, the green kokia bushes decorate that same hill and transform to a striking shade of red.
5. Fly Geyser, Nevada
The result of a drilling error in the 1960s, Fly Geyser is a geologic wonder. Because of its minerals and algae, beautiful tones of red and green make it an amazing sight to see.
6. Zhangye Danxia, China
The secret’s out about the beauty of China’s version of the Grand Canyon, aka Zhangye Danxia. This national geopark is made up of spectacular rolling hills painted with colors of the rainbow thanks to iron and trace minerals.
7. Cinque Terre, Italy
Vibrant buildings set on a cliffside make for amazing views and picture-perfect postcards. Whether you tour the five villages, take a boat trip, or hike the beautiful coastal trails, it’s definitely a destination not to be missed.
8. Lake Hillier, Australia
Due to its organisms and high salt content, Lake Hillier is famous for its pink color. While the lake is remote, you can visit via airplane or hop on a boat and cruise to it. Fun fact: You can even take some water away in a container and it will remain pink.
9. Tulip Fields, The Netherlands
If you don’t have anything on your calendar for April, head to the Netherlands to see seas of red, orange, yellow, purple, and pink tulips. There are several different bulb-growing regions, but we recommend you head to Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower park, to see more than seven million flowers in bloom.
10. Santorini, Greece
One of the world’s most famous islands, Santorini is renowned for its colorful cliffs and whitewashed buildings set against the gorgeous sea. There’s absolutely nothing that can compare to catching the sunset in Santorini.
11. Burano, Italy
Visiting the radiant island of Burano is like a dream come true. Only four miles from Venice, the canals and streets are lined with quaint, colorful houses that have made it world-famous.
12. Chefchaouen, Morocco
Also known as the “Blue Pearl”, Chefchaouen is a mountain city with an artsy vibe. Its lovely blue buildings with red-tiled roofs create a landscape that you won’t want to leave.
13. Valparaiso, Chile
The charm of Valparaíso is irresistible. Well-known for its steep cable railways, the true gems of the city are the colorful, clifftop homes.
14. Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Due to flash flooding and erosion, walking through Antelope Canyon can only be described as breathtaking. Depending on the season you choose to visit, you might see anything from shades of blue and purple to hues of red and gold as you walk between the sandstone walls. One of the best slot canyons in the USA, it can only be reached on a guided tour.
15. Rotorua Hot Springs, New Zealand
Thanks to years of volcanic activity, Rotorua Hot Springs showcases distinct colorful geothermal elements. In addition to hot springs, there are many hot pools nearby famed for their healing properties.
16. Daigo-ji Temple, Japan
This Shingon Buddhist temple is known throughout the world. While the temple is popular all year round, you’ll get the best views in the fall when the vibrant maple leaves make it a colorful wonderland.
17. Panjin Red Beach, China
The largest wetland and reed marsh in the world, Panjin Red Beach is renowned for its seepweed. While green most of the year, in the fall it transforms into a bold crimson, making it quite a sight to behold.
18. Takinoue Park, Japan
Every May, the moss phlox flowers appear and turn this 10,000m2 park pink. It’s such a big event that they even have a festival dedicated to it.
19. Santa Marta, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Thanks to the community, two Dutch artists, and a paint firm, Santa Maria is starting to shine. The brilliant makeovers include a variety of colors and designs, and have improved both the look and feel of the city.
20. Annual Umbrella Installation, Agueda, Portugal
Providing shade from the summer heat and brightening the day of everyone who passes by, the Annual Umbrella Installation has become something everyone looks forward to. There’s even an annual festival where visitors can enjoy concerts and art exhibits under the colorful umbrellas as they seemingly float in mid-air.
21. La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
The colorful houses on El Caminito are what make La Boca famous. A walk down this cobblestone street will introduce you to artists selling their pieces and maybe even a live tango performance.
22. Jodhpur, India
Set against the backdrop of the tan desert, a sea of vibrant blue houses really brightens up Jodhpur. Not only are the colors captivating, but so are the medieval streets and lively shops.
23. Caño Cristales, Colombia
Boasting different tones of red, yellow, green, blue, and black, the dramatic colors in this river have led to it being nicknamed “Liquid Rainbow” and the “River of Five Colors.” To make sure you see the river at its best, plan your visit between the end of July and the beginning of December.
24. St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
St. John’s claim to fame is all of the fun-colored houses. Take a walk around the downtown area and you’ll be surrounded by houses and storefronts decorated with whimsical colors that are guaranteed to light up your day.
25. Júzcar, Spain
Thanks to Sony Pictures, the previously whitewashed town of Júzcar is now smurf-blue. It was painted to celebrate the premier of the movie The Smurfs, but when Sony Pictures offered to paint it back white, the citizens voted to keep the lively blue.
26. Lavender Fields, Provence, France
Put Provence on your calendar for July so you can enjoy the sight and smell of lavender blooming all around you. Make sure you ask around about the lavender festivals, as there are many great ones in the area with food, music, art, and locally-produced lavender.
27. Pelourinho, Salvador, Brazil
The historic center of Salvador de Bahia, Pelourinho is home to brightly colored colonial houses and baroque churches, and really deserves its UNESCO status.
28. Reed Flute Cave, Guilin, China
Also known as the “Palace of the Natural Arts”, the cave was named for the type of reed nearby that can be transformed into flutes. The natural limestone cave is decorated with stone pillars and illuminated with fun lighting, make it one of Guilin’s most popular attractions.
29. Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, South Africa
You’ll come for the colors, but you’ll stay for the exciting culture and history. Cobblestone streets and colorful houses make Bo-Kaap a super interesting place to visit and learn about.
30. Orakei Korako Thermal Park, New Zealand
If you’re having trouble deciding which geothermal parks to visit in New Zealand, just know that Orakei Korako Thermal Park should definitely be on your list. Multicolored silica terraces set a gorgeous scene as you admire the hot springs, geysers, and pools throughout the park.
31. Bay of Fires, Tasmania
Previously named by Lonely Planet as the world’s hottest travel destination, the scenic bay is nothing short of stunning. While the beach, views, and sea life are beautiful, its orange-hued boulders are what makes it stand out from the crowd.
32. Wroclaw, Poland
While most people make a beeline for Kraków or Warsaw, you’re really missing out if you don’t stop in Wrocław. The unique charm radiates from their central square which is decorated by fun-colored buildings and beautiful Renaissance architecture.
33. Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow
Thanks to Ivan the Terrible, this church turned museum brightens up Moscow’s Red Square. The Saint Basil’s Cathedral has nine separate domes, each with its own whimsical shape and design.
34. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Visible from outer space, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and the largest living thing on the planet. With more than 900 islands, 1,500 species of fish, and 2,900 reefs, you’ll see just about every color you can imagine.
35. Dallol, Ethiopia
It’s really hard not to be curious about the hottest place in the world. Home to the lowest land volcano on Earth, sea salt combines with the volcano’s minerals and create neon colors. In the cool pools, you’ll see a dramatic turquoise, while the warmer pools give off a luminescent yellow color.
36. Guatape, Colombia
Arguably the most colorful town in the world, everywhere you look you’ll see artwork depicting shapes, people, and animals. Literally everywhere, from the buildings and doors to the balconies and steps, are decorated in a variety of dazzling colors.
37. Dubai Miracle Garden, Dubai
The Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden with over 109 million flowers planted. In addition to being able to view more than 120 different types of flowers, you can also see an aromatic garden, peacocks, a floral clock, and the world’s largest indoor butterfly park.
38. Holi Festival, India and Nepal
Also known as the “Festival of Colours”, Holi marks the arrival of spring. Celebrated by throwing colored powders on each other and enjoying delicious food, it continues to be one of the world’s best festivals.
39. Rio Tinto, Spain
Thanks to miners back in the day, Rio Tinto has a distinct red and orange color because of its high iron and acidity. If you’re going anywhere near Andalucía, be sure to make a stop at the Rio Tinto.
40. Palais des Congres, Montreal, Canada
Montreal’s convention center isn’t just any old boring building. This iconic structure has 332 colored glass panels that make it an impressive sight to see whether you visit during the day or at night.
41. The Rainbow Village, Taichung, Taiwan
While the colors in the village are gorgeous, the story behind them is even better. Huang Yung-Fu began painting houses in his community to prevent them from being demolished. Not only did he succeed, but his artwork spread throughout the village and more houses were painted with lively colors, people, animals, and birds.
42. Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s waterfront is full of colorful 17th and 18th-century homes, restaurants, cafés, and bars. If you ever find yourself in the area make sure to pay Nyhavn a visit.
43. Menton, Cote d’Azur, France
The “Pearl of France” is a delightful town on the French Riviera. Along with its beaches and gardens, many colors decorate the major pedestrian street Rue Saint-Michel while a variety of radiant buildings scale the hillside.
44. Guilin Rice Terraces, Longji, China
These renowned terraced fields were constructed on an incline that starts at the riverside and rises to the mountaintop. With the colors changing with the seasons, you’ll always have a unique view whenever you visit.
45. Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
The oldest community in Puerto Rico, Old San Juan is rooted in old-world charm and history. Here, a perfect afternoon is spent meandering down the cobblestone streets while you admire the brightly colored buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
46. Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
The red-tinted waters of this shallow salt lake are wonderfully contrasted by its white, borax islands. To add to its beauty, you’re almost guaranteed to see flamingos while you’re there.
47. Antelope Valley, California
The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is famous for producing the state flower, the California poppy. Along with seeing the California poppies in bloom, purple lupines and yellow goldfields also grace the reserve.
48. Willemstad, Curacao
Curacao’s capital is best known for its Dutch vibes, pastel-colored buildings, and colonial architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also boasts the oldest synagogue in all of the Americas.
49. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, India
This historic temple wows all of its visitors with its brilliantly-colored gateway towers and sculptures. The temple has 14 gateway towers that are all whimsically decorated with elaborate designs and have approximately 33,000 sculptures of demons, animals, gods, and goddesses between them.
50. Five Flower Lake, Jiuzhaigou Valley, China
While the Jiuzhaigou National Park is famous for its amazing views, waterfalls, and lakes, Five Flower Lake definitely takes the cake. Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, this multicolored lake shifts between shades of blue, green, yellow, and even coral.
51. Procida, Italy
Radiant harbor side homes highlight this Mediterranean paradise. While the blue, yellow, pink, and green homes will fill your camera roll by day, you’ll love watching the sky turn a majestic mix of yellow, pink, blue, and orange when the sun sets.
52. Marble Caves, Chile
Photos absolutely cannot do this place justice, you have to visit for yourself. With the color of the cave depending on the color of the water, and the color of the water depending on the season and the weather, we can’t guarantee what colors you’ll see, we just know they’ll be amazing.
53. Northern Lights
Possibly the most frequent bucket list item, everyone should see the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, as soon as possible. While there are many places to view this phenomena, some of the most popular are Iceland, Alaska (USA), Canada, and Norway. To make sure you get the best view possible, choose a time between late September and late March when the skies are clear and you can get away from light pollution.
54. Kabukicho, Tokyo, Japan
Known as the red light district in Tokyo, Kabukichō is also one of Asia’s largest amusement districts and a fun place to hang out. The fluorescent arch will welcome you to the area’s main street and from there you’ll be enchanted by all of the neon lights of restaurants, stores, clubs, and more. The sights and sounds of Kabukichō can’t be beat.
55. Death Valley, California
While Death Valley got its name for a reason, every once in a while it gets enough rain for a super bloom. When Mother Nature is feeling thoughtful and the wildflowers bloom, you’ll get to see pastel-colored flowers covering the desert floor.
56. Antigua, Guatemala
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is both a history lover’s and a photographer’s dream. One of the best ways to experience Antigua is just by relaxing in the Mayor Plaza while appreciating the local colors and mermaid’s fountain.
57. Larung Gar, Tibet
Possibly the largest religious institution in the world, the population of Larung Gar hovers around 40,000 people, mainly monks and nuns. When you wander to this beautiful village you’ll be astounded by the richly colored log-cabin hermitages climbing the hillsides.
58. Ice Cave, Iceland
A visit to Europe’s largest glacier is one of the must-do activities in Iceland. A walk into this blue wonderland will yield once-in-a-lifetime views and incredible hiking.
59. Havana, Cuba
The contrast and allure of Havana is hard to resist. The colors and architecture give off the charming feel of old-world glamour, while the art and music culture give it a really contemporary vibe.
60. Izamal, Mexico
This charming yellow town remains a place of significance and pilgrimage. With many houses and buildings being painted a mustard yellow, it’s reminiscent of a budding daisy.
61. Boardman, Oregon
Boardman comes alive when autumn arrives. With places like the Boardman Tree Farm, where you’ll be surrounded by a sea of gold, there’s no better place to watch summer turn into fall.
62. Longyearbyen, Norway
The world’s northernmost town decided to give their homes a colorful makeover to brighten the mood during the dark times. In addition to the picturesque homes, this Arctic town is great for nature enthusiasts who love mountains, glaciers, and wildlife.
63. Elafonisi Beach, Greece
The white sand mixed with shades of pink make Elafonisi Beach one of the most exotic beaches in the world. The blue-green waters add to its appeal, while water sports and a rich plant life make it a great vacation destination for the whole family.
64. Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain
The works of Antoni Gaudí continue to be among Barcelona’s most popular sites. This whimsical park is filled with colorful tiling, green space, and fantastical areas like the Dragon Stairway and the Hypostyle Room.
65. Guanajuato, Mexico
A photographer’s dream, every color of the rainbow pops out at you from the vibrant homes along the lovely, cobblestone streets of Guanajuato City.
Related: 15 Best Things to Do in Guanajuato, Mexico
Now that you know about the most colorful places on Earth, your camera roll will never be the same!
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