The Most Colorful and Vibrant Travel Destinations in Europe

When it comes to finding colorful travel destinations in Europe, the continent is virtually splattered with colors. Almost every European country has a town or a village or a city so vibrantly colorful that the only way to describe them is to say the phrase – ‘postcard-perfect.’

Even the most dampened souls on earth will find the environments uplifting and joyous. From vibrant medieval plazas to exuberant marketplaces to fairytale towns to mesmerizing flower gardens – Europe has something or the other that will add an extra item to every traveler’s itinerary – ‘HAPPINESS.’

From romantic Italy to glorious Spain, from chilly Iceland to sophisticated Denmark, from historic Poland to sleepy Norway, from inspiring France to royal England, from the fragrant Netherlands to powerhouse Belgium – every country has something so incredibly vibrant that only way to believe is to witness with your very own eyes!

Just in case you are planning a trip to the whole of Europe or just handpicking a few destinations, consider adding a colorful palette to your list. Whether you are looking for a sleepy hamlet or you are hunting for a buzzing city center, Europe has it all. But hey! Adding a few colors won’t harm but will rather make your tour inexplicably joyous.

So, let’s take a look at colorful and vibrant travel destinations in Europe. Hopefully, you will find at least one that inspires you!

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The Most Colorful and Vibrant Travel Destinations in Europe

Trаvеl Destinations іn Europe, Teror, Spain

Teror, Spain

Located in the Canary Islands, Teror is one of the most adorable towns that Gran Canaria has to offer. With the architecture of the colonial era, Teror boasts a handsome collection of an old house that is painted with vibrant palettes and adorned with extruding wooden balconies. If you are in dire need of soul uplifting, Teror has all the magical dust you will need.

Colmar, France

Colmar, France

If the grand French coastal cities are not on your mind, you may very well settle for Colmar – the cute Alsatian town that sits next to the border of Germany. One of the most colorful towns in France, Colmar, is known for pastel palettes on half-timbered houses flanking quaint canals on both sides.

It is a world of fairy tales with the only difference being, Colmar is real, very real! Oh yes, the cute cobblestone streets just add to the magical drama, making Colmar one of the best places to visit in France.

Menton, France

Menton, France

Menton is one of a kind. A fairytale at best, Menton is located where the French border kisses the Italian, and the majestic Alps create a backdrop that looks like sentinels guarding the grand union. On the front is the Mediterranean Sea that never fails to impress.

The town – with houses splattered with vivid colors – is a fusion of quintessential bohemian feel of France and Italian style township. Yellow, terracotta, and ochre are the main palette of Menton. So next time someone asks you what to see in France, Menton should be the first answer that crosses you.

Wrocław, Poland

Wrocław, Poland

One of the most amazing places to visit in Europe, Wroclaw has a bag load of surprises for tourists. The pastel-colored historical buildings embracing architectural styles ranging from Art Nouveau to Baroque to Gothic, the cosmopolitan zeal, the laid-back charm of the olden times – Wroclaw is quite an eye-candy and is often cited as one of the most colorful places in Europe!

Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre, Italy

Wondering what to see in Italy? Italian Riviera is undeniably the hottest tourist attraction of the nation, but, at one unassuming corner, right on the most rugged of the hills, one can find a collection of 5 villages that spill down the hill in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.

Well, it’s nowhere even close to being gory! It is just the opposite. It looks like someone just painted the place with pastel colors. Multicolored buildings cascading down the hills only to blend into the deep blue waters – that’s something we can find only in fairy tales. Still doubting whether Cinque Terre is one of the best places to visit in Italy?

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland

Let’s start from the icy corner of Europe. Multicolored low-rise houses dot the capital city of the northernmost European nation – Iceland. The city of Reykjavik is far from being gloomy in the otherwise icy nation where long dark winters can make people murky. Icelanders just worked out an ingenious plan! The multicolored houses are just as soul-lifting as it can get. It looks very much like Lego world. Only it’s real!

Burano Island, Italy

Burano Island, Italy

Burano Island in Italy is known for three things. One beautiful emerald waters of the Venetian Lagoon. Two, vibrantly colored houses that flank the canals on both sides. Three, its long-standing tradition of making laces. Number two is of particular interest because this is what makes Burano look like a place that has come straight out of storybooks and fairytale.

No one can tell why such bright colors are used, but it is assumed to be a part of fishermen’s tradition of delimiting properties and making them visible from far out in the sea. Hmm… that’s intelligent! Whatever the reason be, Burano is one of the most vibrant travel destinations in Europe where you will surely stop feeling gloomy!

Trаvеl Destinations іn Europe, Girona Spain

Girona, Spain

Living in the shadows of the more famous Barcelona, Girona has its own unique features. One notable being the riverfront that reflects the facades of the city, but what captures attention most is the color palette of bright orange, yellow, and pink that give the buildings a dazzling look. Not to forget, Gustave Eiffel-designed bridge that crosses the river has its own charm.

Sighisoara, Romania

Sighisoara, Romania

Sighisoara is Romania’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the country’s most colorful town. The thin serpentine cobblestone roads are flanked on either side by rainbow-colored houses that stand distinctly amidst the imposing Saxon architecture and Gothic details. Not to mention, the medieval legends linger around in the air.

Porto, Portugal

Porto, Portugal

A romantic port city with an interesting history dating back from the Roman times, you’ll be amazing at how much you’ll learn from visiting Porto apart from its beautiful, colorful, and vibrant atmosphere that will surely relax you.

Portugal’s second-largest city without the massive crowd Lisbon often have, indulge yourself with what this city is known best – Porto, a port wine best served with the finest cheeses in town.

Apart from this, you should miss the other points of interest Porto has to offer, such as visiting wine yards, the historic part of Porto, Casa da Música, and Museu de Arte Contemporânea.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana, Slovenia

The search for best travel destinations in the continent of Europe may lead you to Ljubljana in Slovenia, which can be described in a single word – WHIMSICAL.

Snaking through the heart of the city, the Ljubljanica River remains the prime attraction because of its emerald-green waters, but the colorful facades flanking the banks make it one of the most colorful places in Europe. Not to forget, Ljubljana was the Green Capital of Europe in 2016. Do you need more reasons why you should travel to Slovenia?

Costa Nova, Portugal

Costa Nova, Portugal

Costa Nova in Portugal has over time, earned the moniker ‘Portuguese Venice.’ Of course, the Aveiro Lagoon and long stretches of sand are intriguingly beautiful but, what really stands out are the haystacks.

They are nothing other than wooden houses built in traditional style and unique painted in colorful stripes. Secret? Those houses are built using wood from boats that were once used by Portuguese to collect seaweed from the lagoons.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark

Located in Scandinavia, this humble capital of Denmark is a laid-back little hamlet in North Europe boasting with sophistication.

Capital cities such as Copenhagen and other Scandinavian capitals have long been known for their colorful buildings that attract a lot of people from around the world and Copenhagen’s Nyhavn, a 17th-century waterfront and canal, is where you’ll find some of the most colorful painted buildings lined with boats and the beautiful view of the sea.

Find yourself walking around Copenhagen and feel inspired by its positive atmosphere and immerse yourself in its modern and hip culture.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden

Spanning over 14 islands, Stockholm is yet another postcard-perfect city. With buildings painted in bright yellow, orange, and green, the city is a colorful corner of Scandinavia where Nobel Prize is given. Did we mention the calm blue waters?

They just add up to the already magical environment. This medieval city (founded back in the 13th century) has quite some history that will make history buffs go nuts! Apart from Stockholm, there are also tons of other beautiful towns and cities in Sweden, check it out here!

Pécs, Hungary

Pécs, Hungary

Located in the South Transdanubian region by the foot of Mecsek mountain in Hungary. Pécs is the top destination in Hungary the locals sought after not only because of its Mediterranean-like climate but also for its numerous attractions such as the largest Turkish ruins and its most famous attraction, the Early Christian Burial Chamber which is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Also a famous student city, you’ll find tons of trendy cafés, restaurants, and bars in the city and watch it be filled with life day in and day out.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Considered one of the most visited capitals in Europe, Amsterdam, despite being touristic, still should be on your list of travel destinations to visit!

Lined with canals and tall blockhouses in its colorful fashion, Amsterdam is tainted with a long history and glamor.

Some of the city’s top attractions include the world-famous Rijksmuseum, where you’ll get to see some of the great master’s masterpieces, and of course, the museum dedicated one of the master itself who spent his life in Amsterdam – Van Gogh Museum.

Poznan, Poland

Poznan, Poland

Maybe not as neatly arranged as Wroclaw, Poznan definitely has its own charm oozing from every nook and corner of the stone-laid streets that snake through the city. For those who love colors, the vivid reds and greens, crimsons, and whites splattered over the facades flanking the cobblestone streets are a surefire way of uplifting even the most downtrodden souls on earth.

Bergen, Norway

Bergen, Norway

The second-largest city in Norway, you’ll see the whole town surrounded by snow-capped mountains and wooden houses line the streets of Bergen.

Also known as the gateway to the fjords, this charming town with a lovely fishing village is absolutely blessed with one of the most beautiful views in the whole of Norway as the mountain smiles back at you and admire its unspoiled natural beauty.

If you happen to visit, don’t miss out Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its cobblestone roads and colorful wooden houses.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, Czech Republic

If you’re a lover of arts, enjoys the classics such as the Gothic and Renaissance eras, then Prague is most likely going to entertain you until your very core.

The old capital of Bohemia and of the Roman Empire, Prague has been one of the top destinations in Europe for city lovers who want to rekindle their lust for adventure and design. Flourished with beautiful facades, and you’ll have yourself surrounded by architecture design by the masters.

Juzcar, Spain

Juzcar, Spain

A dazzling display of blue – that’s how Juzcar in Spain can be defined. Interestingly, it was a traditional white village that Spain has always been known for.

Yes, Juzcar was a Pueblo Blanco, but something happened in 2011. For marking Smurfs – the 3D film, Sony Pictures took one of the houses and painted it in blue. The next thing we know is that it is all blue – radiant blue that will dazzle anyone and everyone staring at it!

Procida Island, Italy

Procida Island, Italy

Italians just love colors, and Procida Island in Gulf of Naples is yet again a screaming testimony. Fringing the Procida waterfront, the colorful houses look like pastel paintings in a storybook. Palette of yellows, blues, greens, and pinks simply cannot go unnoticed on this volcanic island.

Whitby Beach Huts, England

Whitby Beach Huts, England

It would be cynical not to include North Yorkshire’s Whitby Beach Huts in the list of most colorful places in Europe. With shades resembling crayons, these small huts of yellow, green, blue, and red stay lined up along West Cliff Beach’s promenade. The huts are reminiscent of the 50s when sunbathing was picking up. These chalets, to this day, serve the same purpose.

Keukenhof, Netherlands

Keukenhof, Netherlands

One of the best places to visit in Europe is the Keukenhof in Lisse, Netherlands. Known as Garden of Europe, it is basically a park that is cloaked in purple, pink, yellow, orange, and red blossoms. But that’s only for a limited period of time lasting from March to May.

Renowned from its magical greenhouses, stunning displays of flowers, delicate tulips carpeting the ground, and its magnificent Japanese and English-style landscape gardens, Keukenhof is spectacularly beautiful during the spring months.

Notting Hill, London, England

Notting Hill, London, England

Notting Hill in London is yet another eye candy that Europe has to offer. It is impossible not to have your head turned while walking down the streets. Grand facades painted with vivid palettes of bright blue to pale lavender to sweet red can be found just off the Portobello Road, where the famous Notting Hill Carnival takes place. So, if you are wondering what to see in Europe, Notting Hill is one of the many places to start with.

Torbole, Italy

Torbole, Italy

Among the most picturesque places in Europe, Torbole holds a very special position. Talk of appearance or talk of the natural vibe and atmosphere, Torbole has the best of both worlds – the Alps and the Mediterranean. Yes, nestled on Mount Baldo’s slopes, the town just juts out to play whispers with Lake Garda.

The stunning harbor and its brightly colored storybook-style houses are enough to keep your eyes glued to its scenic beauty. Did we mention that Torbole is called ‘Mecca’ of windsurfing and sailing among the most popular travel destinations in Europe? Hush… it’s a secret!

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About me

About Me

Evan Kristine a.k.a Pretty Wild World is a professional travel blogger with over 10 years of experience in content creation. Originally from the Philippines, she's been living in Finland for 15+ years working as a chef and entrepreneur in Tampere, Finland.

She's an expert in Finland travel and explores the country often sharing her insights and tips in this blog and social medias. She also splits her free time either going for weekend getaways in Europe or galavanting to different European destinations on her holidays. All her useful Europe travel guides are also in this blog!

Evan Kristine is also the food blogger behind at The Kitchen Abroad and on her free time, she enjoys decorating her 75m2 apartment and shares her experience over at Solía Avenue.

A true master of her own life and despite her busy schedule juggling life as a chef, blogger, and entrepreneur, she still finds time to read 50+ books a year and indulge in several hobbies like hiking, working out, yoga, and painting.

21 thoughts on “The Most Colorful and Vibrant Travel Destinations in Europe”

  1. I’ve been to Burano which was absolutely incredible and so photogenic. I’ve also been to Ljubljana and loved the architecture along the river. A few of these such as Menton and Girona weren’t on my list but now are! Thanks so much for the inspiration!

  2. Shockingly I’ve only been to four of the places you mention – Whitby, Notting Hill, Porto and Amsterdam. So many beautiful colourful places to visit – I’m intrigued by Gran Canaria as we’ve been to Tenerife many times but not to the other islands… thanks for such an inspiring colour popping post!

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