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Elise Christian September 24, 2024

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Exoticca logo“Mere colour can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways”, wrote playwright and poet Oscar Wilde. And with a whole world just waiting to be explored, how better to awaken the senses than to visit places known for their vibrancy?

Whether you choose to explore colourful stalls heaped with fragrant spices in Turkey, wander through emerald green rainforests in Costa Rica, or marvel at Cape Town’s rainbow streets, there are endless awe-inspiring ways to experience our planet’s kaleidoscope of colour.

So, to inspire your next bright adventure, we’ve partnered with Exoticca – an affordable online tour operator with a passion for helping travellers worldwide achieve their dreams.

Exoticca’s in-house experts carefully craft extraordinary tour packages at never-before-seen prices, and thanks to their innovative technology and simple booking process, you can visit the farthest corners of the earth at the click of a button.

So, without further ado, here are 11 of the most colourful travel destinations in the world.

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1. Bo-Kaap, South Africa

Bo Kaap South Africa

Bo-Kaap is a compact neighbourhood with a distinct personality, located in the South African city of Cape Town. Houses here showcase a mix of Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture, and they’re painted in soulful colours, such as bubblegum pink, canary yellow, lime green, and lavender.

Bo-Kaap may be visually captivating, but it’s also culturally significant because it’s home to the Cape Malay community, who painted the houses after the end of apartheid as a symbol of freedom and identity. Visitors can discover more about the neighbourhood’s fascinating past in The Bo-Kaap Museum.

If you’d love to stroll through the streets of Bo-Kaap and make the most of some of South Africa’s other incredible sights, check out Exoticca’s South Africa and Zimbabwe tour. This 14-day adventure includes visits to the fashion-forward city of Johannesburg and the iconic Kruger National Park.

If you’d like to read a personal account of what it was like to take this tour, check out our article; 10 highlights from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

2. Jaipur, India

Jaipur India

India has long been known as ‘the land of a thousand colours’ and its multicoloured hues can be found lighting up every corner. Locals wear opalescent sarees, turbans, and bangles; temples are decorated with marigolds in vivid shades of orange; and even tuk-tuks, trains, and buses, are bold and bright.

While India is vast, with so much to see and explore, the pretty pink city of Jaipur is a must-visit for its extraordinary mix of exquisite palaces, bustling bazaars, and luxury hotels. The most famous palace is the intricately designed Hawa Mahal, with over 950 latticework windows that look almost like honeycomb!

Every building in Jaipur is dusty pink and it’s been this way since they were painted to welcome Prince Albert in 1876. But, look more closely and you’ll see a myriad of beautiful shades from reddish browns to pastel pink, which add depth and intrigue.

To visit the fairy tale-like city of Jaipur, check out Exoticca’s 13-day Palaces and Deserts of Rajasthan tour, which will take you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey, starting in the multicultural capital of Delhi. Other highlights include the magnificent Taj Mahal and Jaisalmer, a dramatically romantic desert fortress made of yellow sandstone.

3. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Galapagos Islands Ecuador

Six hundred miles off Ecuador’s western coast you’ll find the Galapagos Islands – an archipelago of 13 major islands, which showcase some of nature’s best colour palettes.

On these islands, paradise blue skies meet ethereal aquamarine seas, creating an expanse of blue that seems to stretch on forever. The sand on the islands’ heavenly beaches is also interesting and varied in colour — from moss green to rusty red — due to the region’s volcanic activity.

But one of the biggest reasons to visit the Galapagos Islands is for their unique and exotic wildlife. Giant Galapagos tortoises roam in lush green highlands, radiant red Sally Lightfoot crabs dance over lava rocks, and blue-footed boobies snap up bugs at the water’s edge.

These animals, along with many others, like Galapagos penguins and marine iguanas (nicknamed ‘Christmas iguanas’ because they turn bright green and red during breeding season), aren’t found anywhere else in the world.

For an unforgettable Galapagos experience, it’s worth looking into Exoticca’s 19-day Peru and Ecuador tour. You can spend three nights on the islands, while also venturing around the Ecuadorian city of Quito and exploring Peru, where exciting visits to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley await.

Get up to 50% off world tours with Exoticca

Experience the extraordinary with Exoticca & get up to 50% off on unforgettable experiences. With destinations across the globe including Costa Rica, Japan, Peru and more, there’s something for everyone.

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4. La Boca, Argentina

La Boca Argentina

Argentina’s passionate capital of Buenos Aires is colourful in many ways – from its flamboyant tango culture to its thriving street art scene. But the biggest explosion of colour can be found in La Boca: a small, humble neighbourhood with a big heart.

On La Boca’s Caminito walkway, houses made from wood and sheet metal are painted in eclectic shades of watermelon pink, sky blue, butter yellow, and teal green – and these colours tell a story.

Between 1880 and 1930, six million immigrants from Spain and Italy – many fishermen – arrived at the port of La Boca and lived in houses known as conventillos (little convents). The area became a melting pot of different cultures, and legend has it that the fisherman used leftover paints from the shipyard to paint the houses.

Today, La Boca is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can meander down the Caminito and admire twirling tango dancers and stunning murals in the surrounding streets. Football lovers can also discover plenty of history at La Bombonera – an imposing blue and yellow stadium, home to the Boca Juniors football team.

To experience La Boca, you might want to consider booking Exoticca’s 11-day Buenos Aires, Iguazu, and Patagonia tour, which also includes a visit to the exceptional Iguazu Falls!

5. Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen Morocco

Morocco offers a wonderful explosion of sensational colours, sounds, smells, and flavours that represent its rich history and culture. Every city is painted in a signature colour, with one of the most famous being Chefchaouen – also known as the ‘Blue Pearl of Morocco’.

Nestled in the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco, Chefchaouen is painted in a catalogue of blue shades, ranging from pastel hues to bright cobalt. Arriving here is like stepping into a serene and tranquil oasis. The blue-washed walls create a sense of calmness and harmony, providing a stark contrast to the bustling medinas of other Moroccan cities.

There are various stories about why Chefchaouen was painted blue. Some believe it was for practical reasons, such as to repel mosquitos or keep houses cool. Meanwhile, others say the blue colour reflects the sea or was painted by Jews who escaped there after fleeing Hitler.

This blue world is ideal for a relaxed adventure on foot. Enjoy gorgeous sunsets and sunrises, hunt for souvenirs in eclectic souks, and hike to the top of the Spanish mosque to be rewarded with amazing views.

On Exoticca’s 10-day Grand Tour and Kasbah Route, you can visit the country’s blue pearl, along with many other alluring destinations, including Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakech.

6. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey’s enchanting city Istanbul is home to The Grand Bazaar; one of the oldest and biggest markets in the world, famous for its spectacular displays of colour. Four thousand shops and stalls are set out across 61 streets, selling various Turkish delights. Leather jackets, jewellery, dried herbs and spices, handmade bowls, and hanging mosaic lights are laid out in every shade imaginable – from deep red and emerald green to turquoise blue.

Even for those who aren’t into shopping, the aromatic scents and vivid colours of this treasure trove make for an immersive walking experience.

Plus, just a short trip from the Grand Bazaar is another of Istanbul’s most vibrant destinations: the delightful coloured houses of the neighbourhood of Balat, painted in pastel shades of yellow, pink, blue, and green. Here, you can snap photos, wander down quirky cobbled streets, and enjoy admiring charming galleries, street art, and coffee shops.

On Exoticca’s 11-day Treasures of Anatolia holiday, you can explore Istanbul and other colourful locations; including white waterfalls and turquoise thermal pools in Pamukkale and Bursa’s ‘Green Mosque’, so-called for its magnificent blue-green interior.

7. Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Tortuguero Costa Rica

Tortuguero – in Costa Rica’s Limón Province – might not boast an immediately obvious rainbow of colours in the same way as places like Bo Kaap and La Boca. But its intriguing maze of canals, interspersed with dense, emerald jungle, and unspoilt beaches is a haven for some of the most fantastically colourful wildlife on the planet.

Scarlet macaws, rainbow toucans, and hummingbirds with sparkling green plumage can be seen adorning the trees. Meanwhile, radiant butterflies flutter by, flaunting delicate wings in shades of electric blue, fiery orange, and golden yellow.

Colourful iguanas and red-eyed tree frogs also live here – as do blue jeans poison dart frogs, known for their striking red-orange colour and navy blue legs.

However, we can’t forget to mention that the beaches in Tortuguero are also an important nesting spot for endangered green turtles, with 22,500 coming ashore every year to lay their eggs!

To marvel at the impressive kaleidoscope of colours that Costa Rica has to offer, you might want to check out Exoticca’s 15-day Magical Night of the Sea Turtles tour.

Get up to 50% off world tours with Exoticca

Experience the extraordinary with Exoticca & get up to 50% off on unforgettable experiences. With destinations across the globe including Costa Rica, Japan, Peru and more, there’s something for everyone.

Book now

8. Bangkok’s Market Ratchada, Thailand

Bangkok Market Ratchada Thailand

Bangkok is generally known for being vibrant, loud, smoky, exciting, and full of life – somewhere you’ll never run out of things to do on a visit!

However, a visit to Bangkok’s famous night market – Market Ratchada – will offer an experience like no other. Located on Ratchadapisek Road behind the Esplanade Shopping Mall, rows upon rows of tented shops and stalls can be seen glowing in rainbow colours. Seen from the sky, it’s like a twinkling mosaic.

You can buy pretty much everything here, from vintage trinkets and handcrafted treasures to authentic Thai dishes, sweet treats, and fresh fruit shakes. There are also several trendy bars, which add to its already lively atmosphere.

On Exoticca’s Southeast Asian Odyssey tour, you can visit Bangkok and many other bucket list destinations, such as Halong Bay in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia.

9. Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre Italy

Located on the charming Italian Riviera coastline, Cinque Terre regularly tops lists of the world’s most colourful places. It received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997 and became a Marine Protected Area in 1999.

This steep seaside region is home to around 3,500 residents living across five medieval fishing villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso – each characterised by uniquely coloured houses, stacked haphazardly on rugged cliffs. Shades of pink, yellow, orange, and peach are nestled among fruitful vineyards, creating a delightful, harmonious colour palette against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.

No cars are allowed in Cinque Terre and the laid-back atmosphere, coupled with its quaint beauty and breathtaking sea views, attracts visitors from around the world.

Whether you choose to hike the cobbled trails from one village to another, swim in the clear turquoise waters, savour the local seafood, or simply soak in the area’s charm, Cinque Terre offers a magical experience that captures the essence of the Italian Riviera.

To visit Cinque Terre, check out Exoticca’s eight-day Treasures of Tuscany tour, which also includes stays in Florence and Tuscany.

10. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Japan

Tokyo is an otherworldly city of intriguing contrasts. Hundreds of neon signs protrude from buildings, offering visitors a sea of choices when it comes to shops, bars, restaurants, beauty salons, and everything in between. Meanwhile, luminescent vending machines greet visitors on every corner – selling soft drinks, coffee, snacks, toys, and more!

Modern convenience may be central to Tokyo’s identity, but this intriguing city has also preserved many of its cultural traditions. Visitors can experience authentic tea ceremonies, mesmerising Geisha performances, and detailed origami masterclasses while on a trip here.

Tokyo is a global fashion capital too, with bold, eye-catching colours running through most of its diverse styles – from high-end luxury to vintage, one-of-a-kind outfits and Cosplay (where individuals dress up as characters from anime, manga, and video games).

Exoticca’s 12-day self-guided Japanese Adventure will allow you to explore Tokyo at your own pace. It includes stays in two other captivating cities: traditional Kyoto and futuristic Osaka.

Get up to 50% off world tours with Exoticca

Experience the extraordinary with Exoticca & get up to 50% off on unforgettable experiences. With destinations across the globe including Costa Rica, Japan, Peru and more, there’s something for everyone.

Book now

11. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro is bursting with intense colour and big energy. From its loud street art and lively Samba rhythms to the colourful costumes and floats of its annual Carnival, Rio is a feast for the senses.

The city is set against a stunning backdrop of azure sky, golden beaches, and majestic mountains – with iconic landmarks such as the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain adding to its charm and character.

Historic buildings and architecture are painted in playful colours and vivid artwork is incorporated into the city’s infrastructure. One example is the Seralon Steps, which were designed and created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón as a tribute to the Brazilian people.

Selarón meticulously covered the steps with over 2,000 tiles from more than 60 countries, creating an interesting patchwork of patterns and designs. The tiles include a mix of ceramic, porcelain, and glass materials, which glimmer in the sunlight.

On Exoticca’s 14-day tour, Cities, Falls, and Beaches of South America, you can visit Rio de Janeiro and the spellbinding Brazilian resort of Buzios, where you’ll find miles of pristine coastline and some of the clearest cerulean waters the country has to offer. The tour includes some of Argentina’s highlights too!

Final thoughts…

Our world is big and bright, and travelling to destinations known for their colourful backdrop can offer a rich and rewarding experience.

From spotting vibrant wildlife on the Galapagos Islands to exploring the rose-pink city of Jaipur in India, we hope there’s something for everyone on this list. Or, you can browse holidays to other colourful destinations on Exoticca’s website using the button below.

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Are you interested in visiting any of the colourful destinations on this list? Or perhaps you’ve been and would like to share your experiences. We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Elise Christian

Elise Christian is Lifestyle Editor at Rest Less. She joined Rest Less in 2018 after achieving a first class Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Kent, and writes across a range of lifestyle topics such as mental health, home and garden, and fashion and beauty. Prior to this, she worked as a freelance writer for small businesses and also spent a year training to be a midwife. Elise spends her spare time going to the gym, reading trashy romance novels, and hanging out with loved ones. She also loves animals, and has a fascination with sharks and tornadoes.

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