Born and raised in Europe, I can tell you it’s the quirks that make it interesting. It’s easy to spread across the continent once you land and delight in the differences between each country you find. If it were me, I’d make time for the sheer prettiness of these colourful towns and cities in Europe.
And why not do it with a rainbow of exciting colours? Here’s a toast to all the colourful (or colorful) towns in Italy, the pastel villages, the kaleidoscope of umbrellas on Lisbon’s streets. These are some of the glittering, brightest streets in Europe!
Colourful towns and cities in Europe
Burano, Italy
Europe’s colour explosion, Burano – an island near Venice – has something special. Its quaint fishing cottages are some of the most vibrant, and deserve a spot on any traveller’s list. Interested? Read about living in Italy and studying in Florence.
Kinsale, Ireland
A kooky corner of County Cork is making a name for itself with its vibrant streets and tasty cafes. They go really well with the bobbing colours of the boats in its sweet harbour. It’s hard not to smile as you try the menu at the Milk Market Cafe, something of a legend locally.
Lisbon, Portugal
Originally launched in Agueda, which is stunning but a bit off the tourist path, the Umbrella Festival now has offshoots in the capital. Duck off the Praca da Figueira in July and you’ll find a wide street entirely shaded by these beauties. No need for sun cream here! Interested? Read about living in Portugal.
East Coast, Iceland
Worth breaking off the beaten track, going beyond the golden circle by a few hours will take you to Iceland’s magical eastern edge. Not far from the harbour town of Seydisfjordur are these traditional and gorgeous turf houses, which make a stunning contrast against the cool colours of the landscape with their colourful buildings. I feel like Tolkein would love it. Interested? Read about Workaway in Iceland and the country’s stunning thermal pools.
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Brighton, the UK
As you tip towards the seaside, a number of streets are painted in a rainbow of colours to match the sunny days in summer, and fight the salty spray’s effect on the buildings. Brighton, on the South Coast of England has more than its fair share! That, and the retro beachy atmosphere, make it an unmissable day trip.
Nove Mesto Nad Metuji, the Czech Republic
Set on the River Metuji, the of this spot translates to ‘New Town’. That’s not too inspiring, so might be why it’s not often seen by international tourists. But, to skip the crowds and stand in the central square, surrounded by all the colours of the rainbow, it’s a better choice than the more well known spots in the area. Look for it north of Ostrava, not far from the Polish border. There’s a cracking castle, too. Interested? Read about volunteering in the Czech Republic.
Longyearbyen, Norway
If you find yourself deep in the Arctic area of Svalbard, Norway, the snow is the perfect canvas for a hodge podge of cutely colourful houses.
Florence, Italy
The Ponte Vecchio is the king of vibrant colours in Firenze. Here the colourful buildings are so tiny and cramped along the bridge, you feel sure they’re about to sweep into the water.
Old town, Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Take a blast-from-the-past tramride or walk through the glowing streets to reach the oldest part of Santa Cruz, set in the Canary Islands. You’ll find yourself away from tourists and beaches and getting back to an older, more Mediterranean way of life. Sun yourself in one of the cafes, and drink in the surroundings.
Beach huts, Whitby, the UK
No list of the most colourful places in Europe, would be complete without jaunty beach huts. The Victorians saw them as a prudish way to get undressed in private, but today they’re the home of scuba diving equipment, beachside picnics and one of the prettiest things on the seafront. If you’re thinking of buying one, though, think again. There’s usually a waiting list as long as your arm and a hefty fee. These babies are popular! Interested? Read all about moving to the UK.
Wondering to yourself why the houses in the mountainous cities of northern Italy have brighter colors than the more southern regions? The answer is partly the climate – colourful houses could absorb more heat than bright, reflective white.
In the north of Italy, houses often need a coating for protection as it tends to rain more than in the southern region, and why wouldn’t you jazz it up if you’re painting? Here’s a way to plan your European trip that might be useful!
So there you have it, one European’s opinion on Europe’s most colourful streets, spots and secret corners. Coming to Europe soon? Here’s how to spend your time visiting an active volcano, if you fancy the challenge. Leave me any questions you have and I’ll see you at the end of the rainbow!
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Seeing all these colors makes me so happy. I just love visiting colorful towns, so thank you for adding several to my list! LOVE IT!
OMG, Kinsale is so adorable! I had no idea this existed and now I wanna go. I love everything colourful. To Brighton, Florence and Lisbon I’ve already been.
Just been to Burano and it really left a great impression, sure these others would be lovely too.