There are many different things that can make a destination colorful. But with theselocations, we literally mean colorful as their buildings and other structures come in a kaleidoscope of shades and colors.

(photo by hectorgarcia)

1. Valparaiso, Chile

This Chilean port city sits between the Pacific Ocean and a band of mountains. The city boasts s some beautifully colored houses on its narrow cobblestone streets. The city’s colonial history also gives the architecture a bit more meaning as Valparaiso used to be one of the major stopping destinations for ships that were sailing between the Straits of Magellan.

The location used to be known as the Little San Francisco as well as the Jewel of the Pacific. The ocean-side town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s well worth visiting.

2. La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina

This best time to visit this colourful neighborhood is when the famous soccer team the Boca Juniors are playing a home game at La Bombodera. This harbour location takes its soccer very seriously and its filled with brightly colored homes, especially down Caminito Street. Local legend has it that residents of the town borrowed paint local shipyards to paint their houses.

The neighbourhood’s roots can be traced back to Italy and you’ll find some fine Italian food here.

3. Jodhpur, India

If you want to get a great view of the colourful Indian city of Jodhpur, then head up to Mehrangarh Fort. When you’re looking out over the amazing view below you’ll understand why the town is sometimes referred to as the Blue City.

The buildings reflect the never ending sunshine and beautiful shades of the color are produced. The city lies next to the Thar Desert and is filled with several colorful markets where you can buy all sorts of local arts and crafts.

4. Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, South Africa

The neighborhood of Bo-Kaap in Cape Town is also referred to as the Cape Malay Quarter. It’s full of colourful houses and a rich history. In the 1600s and 1700s the area was settled by slaves that were brought over from Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Malaysia by the Dutch East India Co.

Today, the area’s roots to the Muslim faith can be seen as there are plenty of colourful minarets, kramats, and mosques on display. Every day at lunchtime since 1806, a gun has been shot off so local residents know what time it is.

5. Burano, Venice, Italy

This colourful fishing village is well known for its painted homes as well as its lace. It’s believed that the houses were painted in very bright colors so fishermen out at sea could see them. The village is very close to Venice and can easily be visited as a day trip. One of the most interesting spots there is the Museum and School of Lace-Making. There are also several canals and four islands in the village.

6. Campeche, Mexico

This colourful colonial port town was founded on the top of an ancient Mayan city by the Spanish. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 due to the numerous colonial buildings that are still standing here. The colourful structures are protected by the city’s walls which were erected back in the 16th century to keep out pirates.

7. Wroclaw, Poland

This history of this fascinating Polish city can be traced back to many different influences and cultures, such as Polish, Austrian, Prussian, Bohemian, and German. The city lies next to the River Oder and offers some wonderful styles of architecture including Baroque, Renaissance Art Nouveau, and Gothic. Some of the best sites to visit are St. John’s Cathedral, Market Square, Old Town, the university, and Town Hall.

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