Longitude: 34.8° W
When to go: All year, February or March for Carnival
When the Portuguese arrived in Olinda and saw the sweeping ocean views and palm trees, legend says they exclaimed “Ó, linda,” meaning “Oh, beautiful,” and that’s how this sixteenth-century colonial town got its name. With pastel buildings, red-tile roofs, beautiful churches, and a vibrant art scene, Olinda is picturesque from all angles. The city is especially bursting with life and color during Carnival—although it’s not as well known outside of Brazil as Rio’s, Brazilians consider it to be one of the best in the country. With no admission fees, the party takes to the streets and is truly for the people.
Longitude: 3.0° W
When to go: November to June
Cabo Verde is an island playground for those seeking fun in the sun and Tolkien-esque adventures. With crystal blue waters, volcano hikes, windswept dunes, and pristine white-sand beaches, Cabo Verde is a chain of islands 310 mi/500 km west of the coast of Senegal. The archipelago is made up of ten islands, and the island of Santo Antão steals the show with its world class hikes through lush green valleys and gorges. Around Pico do Fogo, the highest peak of Cabo Verde and an active volcano, there are otherworldly hikes straight from Middle Earth.
Longitude: 23.3° W
When to go: All year
Mount Kirkjufell, an iconic stop along the ring road in Iceland, changes with the seasons. Lush green moss covers it in the summertime. In autumn, it has an orange glow. And during the wintertime it’s covered in blankets of stark white snow, glistening under the purples and greens of the Northern Lights.
Longitude: 38.5° W
When to go: July to February
A city filled with energy, Salvador was built on top of a precipice overlooking the harbour Baía de Todos os Santos. Until 1763, it was the capital of Brazil and was a major port throughout the years of the slave trade. The African influence in Salvador is everywhere, especially in Cidade Alta, Upper Town, which overflows with music and life. Get from here to the beach by a funicular or the Elevador Lacerda, a free-standing art deco elevator with sweeping views of the coast.
Longitude: 17.2° E
When to go: November to June
Lac Rose, or Lake Retba as it is also known, is a pink lake in Senegal that’s separated from the Atlantic Ocean by just a narrow row of dunes. For many years, it was the finish point of the Dakar rally, before it moved to South America. Wide and shallow, it is one of the few pink lakes that it’s possible to swim in—but it’s very salty. In the dry season (which is also when the color, caused by a pink algae, is at its most vibrant) the salt content reaches about forty percent, which is saltier than the Dead Sea, but makes it possible to float effortlessly. Salt workers, who extract tens of thousands of tons of salt each year from the lake, rub shea butter on their skin as a protectant and it’s advised anyone entering the water do the same, so douse yourself in shea and dive in.
Longitude: 21.9° W
When to go: August (for Pride celebrations)
Would Dorothy have wanted to head home if she’d been faced with a rainbow road instead of yellow bricks? Who knows. This path leading up to the Seydisfjordur Church in Iceland is in support of the LGBTQ community and plays a pivotal role in Reykjavik’s annual Pride festival.
Longitude: 22.4° W
When to go: Evenings during summer or winter
A black lava field and soft gray moss is the backdrop for the milky blue waters of Iceland’s renowned Blue Lagoon. Located near Reykjavik, this otherworldly lagoon offers a tranquil setting to relax and experience the benefits of the mineral-rich water, which can relieve skin conditions such as psoriasis. Created accidentally when a nearby power plant was drilling in the area, the man-made lagoon is now one of the best spas in the world. The water, made blue by algae, is hot all year round—in winter you can try and spot the Northern Lights, while in summer, the midnight sun casts a soft golden glow along the dreamy lagoon.
Longitude: 9.7° W
When to go: March to October
While the majority of the buildings in this coastal city are white, all the accents are in a brilliant cobalt blue, from doors and shutters, to archways and steps. Even the city’s fishing boats have followed the color theme. Hours can pass as you watch the boats bob in the harbor—seagulls flying above, fishermen mending nets—all with the backdrop of the perfectly proportioned harbor citadel behind. The streets of the town are filled with little shops and restaurants and the delicate scent of spice. Although it’s a beach town, it’s also the windiest city in Africa for most of the year, so the beach isn’t one for sunbathers. However, nothing gets in the way of the epic beach football that is played on the wide, flat, sandy beach here on a daily basis. After exploring all this delightful town has to offer, enjoy a fish dinner—seafood doesn’t get much fresher.
Longitude: 9.1° W
When to go: All year
What can you do with a bunch of old shipping containers and derelict buses? Convert them into a place to work, eat, and party of course. Composed of fourteen brightly colored maritime containers and two retro buses, Village Underground Lisbon is a coworking space and arts hub for creative types, as well as a venue for cultural events. Don’t worry, you can still visit if you’re not looking to sit down with your laptop. There’s a café serving coffee and food, a skate ramp for the thrill seekers, and parties in the evening for those who want to dance under the stars.
Longitude: 17.3° W
When to go: All year
Though it is now an idyllic island with colorful colonial buildings, a vibrant arts community, and a little beach for relaxation, Île de Gorée has a heartbreaking history. For over three hundred years it was a major outpost for the slave trade, passing through the hands of multiple European empires until 1848 when slavery was abolished in Senegal. Gorée today is a quiet and colorful island destination, the perfect place to visit and reflect on the past.
Longitude: 9.3° W
When to go: Spring and fall
Sitting on top of one of the highest hills in Sintra, the Palacio Nacional da Pena is hard to miss. But, it wasn’t always this way. In 1996, Pena Palace was restored and the exterior, which was fading, was repainted to the original yellow, red, and blue colors that once covered its walls.
Longitude: 9.42° W
When to go: July
Green and blue are the order of the day at Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher. Every day in fact. The sea cliffs run for about 9 mi/14 km and reach a height of 700 ft/214 m. From them, there are spectacular views of the Aran Islands, the Maumturks, and the Twelve Pins mountain ranges.
Longitude: 8.6° W
When to go: May to September
Named for Port wine, the city of Porto is filled with quirky, leaning houses covered in blue and white tiles and painted in bright, golden hues of yellow. Found in the neighborhood of Ribeira, a walkway winds its way through the homes, straight to the Douro River, where colorful boats carry barrels of wine to shore.
Longitude: 9.4° W
When to go: Early spring to late fall
As pretty as a seaside painting, Cascais is an idyllic coastal town in Portugal. Only forty minutes from Lisbon, the harbor village is a favored retreat for locals and tourists. More than just a beachtown, Cascais is built around a rocky coastline and scattered with epic viewpoints such as Buraco do Fojo. In town, houses painted in bold yellow and covered in traditional blue tiles line the small alleyways. Bright magenta flowers climb the walls and create canopies over the tiny, winding roads. Vibrant murals of turquoise and fuschia cover large buildings. You can’t help but inhale color.
Longitude: 9.1° W
When to go: March to October
Once the “Red Light District” in Lisbon, Rua Nova do Carvalho was the meeting point for sailors, criminals, and prostitutes for several decades. Now, the dilapidated, run-down buildings and warehouses have been turned into works of art and Pink Street has become the hotspot for cool cafés and bustling bars and nightclubs. The vibrant road, which was painted pink in 2011, stays open well after the bars in Bairro Alto close up. Known locally as Rua Cor-de-Rosa, the area is constantly buzzing with locals and tourists, no matter the night. Some of the bars on the bright pink street nod to their history by hanging fishing nets while yellow and red awnings line the streets and colorful table tops become the backdrop to a night out.
Longitude: 8.7° W
When to go: May to June
Casa de Serralves is the perfect place for fans of modernist architecture. Designed by the architect José Marques da Silva, the curvaceous building is a smooth blend of neoclassical, romantic, and art deco styles with pink and blue hues. Simply lovely.
Longitude: 7.9° W
When to go: March, in the morning
Nestled within the crowded souks of Marrakech, it’s easy to miss this restored sixteenth-century riad. Featuring vivid green tiles and colorful interior walls, the garden has plants from all over the world including South Africa, Madagascar, Australia, and Latin America, as well as a reconstructed Islamic section. Drop by and feel the peace.
Longitude: 8.6° W
When to go: Late April to mid-October
Jagged cliffs hug the coastline of Lagos in Portugal. And below those cliffs, an endless array of golden sand creates the perfect oasis for a relaxing afternoon. Powerful waves crash along the beaches and cliffs, creating coves and natural bridges that form some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
Longitude: 7.9° W
When to go: March to May or September to November
Marrakech is a true feast for the senses, but nowhere is more vibrant than the city’s souks. Traditionally, traveling merchants who arrived by donkey or camel would visit these areas of the city, selling their wares to locals. The souks grew and grew, with smaller souks merging with others to create the vast medina we see today. To make the most of the experience, start in Jemaa el Fna Square to enjoy tasty street food and watch the storytellers and snake charmers entertaining crowds. Then enter the labyrinth of the medina, made up of shadowy passages filled with stalls selling a vast array of items, including multicolored carpets, leather slippers, silk kaftans, scarves, spices, lanterns, and jewelery. There are plenty of workshops tucked away, too, including leather-makers, jewelers, and weavers. Even the best navigators are likely to get lost here, but that’s all part of the experience. Be warned though, if you ask one of the locals for help, there’s a chance they’ll offer to show you the way, which may involve a stop at their friend’s/brother’s/long-lost cousin’s shop. Our advice? Arrive with an open mind and your best haggling skills, and no doubt you’ll leave with a few copper lanterns, several bags of aromatic spices, and some authentic gifts for your friends back home.
Longitude: 7.9° W
When to go: March to May or September to November
It’s impossible not to fall in love with the Jardins Majorelle with their exotic cacti, picturesque fountains, and colorful tiles. This urban oasis is the perfect spot to escape from the intensity of Marrakech. The 12 acre/48,500 m2 gardens took French artist Jacques Majorelle forty years to create, and now boast more than three hundred plant species from five continents. They’re often referred to as the Yves Saint Laurent gardens, as the legendary designer bought them in the 1980s after they fell into disrepair. They became his refuge from fame and a place for inspiration. After he passed away in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the gardens. Standing out in its Majorelle blue is the Berber Art Museum, which showcases an array of cultural artifacts including carpets, clothing, and musical instruments. In 2017, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent was opened, featuring several of his designs and serving as a reminder of his passion for Marrakech.
Longitude: 8.3° W
When to go: March to May for spring weather
The colorful seaside town of Cobh is Cork’s magical city harbor. It was the last port of call for the Titanic in 1912 before the ship’s unfortunate end and became an embarkation point during Ireland’s mass emigrations—around 2.5 million Irish people emigrated to North America between 1848 and 1950.
Longitude: 6.9° W
When to go: March to November
The Río Tinto in southwestern Spain rises in the Sierra Morena mountains of Andalusia and for around 30 mi/50 km of its length it has a spectacular red coloring. This unique reddish-orange color is due to its highly acidic makeup, combined with high levels of iron and heavy metals. The surrounding area is rich in ores and has been mined for so many thousands of years that nobody is quite certain whether the river’s color is due to this long history of mining or a result of the natural environment in this area.
Longitude: 5.9° W
When to go: Avoid the summer season
This Italian Renaissance building serves as a permanent residence to the Dukes of Medinaceli but is also open to the public for tours. Originally dating to the late fifteenth century, the palace incorporates a mixture of Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance decor, with beautiful azulejo tilework, frescoes, and artesonados.
Longitude: 6.2° W
When to go: June
The town of Portree is well known for its picturesque landscape, sheltered harbor, and history of Scottish residents departing for America. But, most of all, it’s known for the quaint and colorful houses that line its edges. Originally a fishing village, it earned the Gaelic name Port-an-Righ, which means “King’s Port,” after a visit from King James V.
Longitude: 5.2° W
When to go: March to May or September to November
Sky-colored walls dotted with bright carpets, flower pots, and intricate tiles are the highlight of this Moroccan gem. Various stories speculate on why Chefchaouen’s originally white walls were painted, but whatever the reason, wandering around the blue-soaked buildings of Morocco’s Blue Pearl is a drifter’s dream.
Longitude: 5.9° W
When to go: March to May
Built in 1929 for the Ibero-American Exposition, you’ll be amazed when you see Plaza de España’s curved architecture, impressive fountains, and canal. Color lovers will adore the exquisite bridges, clad with blue and white, and the forty-eight detailed alcoves (one for each province of Spain), each with vibrant painted tiles.
Longitude: 5.9° W
When to go: April to October
Once a bustling warehouse district, the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast is now known for its artsy vibes. Filled with pubs, restaurants, and galleries, there is almost always something going on. But, the real reason people flock to this area is to check out the street art that ranges from political to modern murals.
Longitude: 5.2° W
When to go: September
If sailing is your vibe, a stop at Puerto de Sotogrande is essential. With a vivid blue marina and the skyline to match, the port is a pitstop for those heading on an Atlantic crossing or preparing to sail in the Mediterranean Sea. Head into the countryside to see Los Alcornocales and the Guadiaro River Nature Site.
Longitude: 5.9° W
When to go: All year
There’s a lot of rain in northern Spain, so what could be better for one town’s skating community than an indoor skate park? This amazing venue—known as Kaos Temple—is an old, neglected church that was falling into ruin until it was taken over by a local collective called the “Church Brigade.” Through crowd-funding and a bit of sponsorship from Red Bull, they built skate ramps and employed artist Okuda San Miguel to transform the walls with his stunning colorful murals. Almost every flat surface is now covered in vibrant color. As the artist himself said, it’s like his own personal Sistine Chapel.
Longitude: 5.7° W
When to go: Fall, for nature at its best
Consisting of narrow, winding streets and bright blue walls, Juzcar is the perfect destination for culture, food, and outdoor adventures; an excellent place to while away an afternoon. The village was originally one of the “white villages of Andalusia” where buildings were traditionally whitewashed. However, in 2011, Sony España painted the entire village blue to celebrate the premiere of The Smurfs movie, which caused the area to surge in popularity. The village was filled with illustrator Pierre Culliford’s cheeky cartoon characters to sit alongside the movie but these little blue friends have since moved on. At the end of the promotion, village residents were given an option to revert back to white and held a special referendum. It was decided that the village still retained its original Andalusian charm, only with a touch of color, and so remains a bold hue of beautiful blue.
Longitude: 4.8° W
When to go: July
If you go down to the Scottish woods today, you’re in for a big surprise. Nestled in the Kelburn country estate lies a colorfully painted castle. Kelburn Castle is one of Scotland’s oldest castles and in 2007, it was found that the castle’s concrete façade would need replacing. Owner Lord Glasgow invited four Brazilian graffiti artists to decorate the exterior. World-renowned street artists Nunca, Nina, and the Os Gêmeos twins flew in to add their touch to the listed building. The result is an eclectic mix of Scottish heritage and Brazilian carnival flair.
Longitude: 4.2° W
When to go: March to August
Right off Argyle Street in Glasgow’s Finnieston neighborhood is a charming little lane painted in every color of the rainbow. A bit off the beaten path, the Hidden Lane is a community of artists, designers, and musicians working in about one hundred studios. Visitors can try their hand at learning a new skill in the row of arts and craft workshops. From handmade jewelry and quirky upholstered furniture to guitar lessons and yoga classes, the Hidden Lane is a one-stop spot for anything and everything, including a delightful tearoom.
Longitude: 3.7° W
When to go: On a warm evening
Enjoy beautiful music and a vivid light show at Pitlochry’s Faskally Wood after dark as the forest is illuminated with dazzling visuals set against an original music score. The colorful annual event known as “The Enchanted Forest” has received awards as the Best Cultural Event in Scotland.
Longitude: 4.2° W
When to go: All year
Multicolored Georgian houses line the port of Aberaeron, a charming town on Cardigan Bay in west Wales. The tiny fishing village is home to tasty restaurants serving up fresh catch of the day. And when the sun sets, the golden hues create a glow along the mouth of the port, captivating passers by.
Longitude: 2.7° W
When to go: Late August for heather in bloom
The Lammermuir Hills look more like a patchwork blanket from above than a hillside. Hues of purple, browns, and greens drape over the range of hills in southern Scotland, forming a natural boundary between Lothian and the Borders and stretching for miles without any other form of landmark. Visit in late August and you’ll find the breathtaking heather in full bloom, engulfing the hillside in shades of lilac, gray, violet, mauve, and even pink—but it only lasts for a few weeks.
Longitude: 4.1° W
When to go: July, but look out for special events
This enchanting Italianate village on the coast of North Wales was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975. Pastel-colored villas and piazzas give the village a Mediterranean air that has seen it take center stage in many films and TV shows, most famously the surreal UK TV series The Prisoner.
Longitude: 3.1° W
When to go: May to October
Edinburgh’s very own Diagon Alley, Victoria Street was the inspiration behind the famous street in the Harry Potter novels. But, the vibrant buildings and cobblestones found their beginning in 1829, when the street was built by Thomas Hamilton. Once known as Bow Street, it was then named for Queen Victoria after she took the throne.
Longitude: 2.9° W
When to go: June to September
With its blue-green waters sparkling like a gemstone, Brittany’s Côte d’Émeraude, or “Emerald Coast,” is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in France. Given its name by French historian Eugene Herpin, the Emerald Coast is dotted with white-sand beaches reminiscent of a tropical paradise.
Longitude: 3.9° W
When to go: June to September.
Head underground at Llechwedd Slate Caverns and you’ll find a playground full of color among the cavernous ceilings and coves. The former slate mine descends 500 ft/150 m below ground and stretches for 25 mi/40 km beneath the mountain, where it plays host to brightly lit mountain-biking tracks, zip lines, and giant underground trampolines.
Longitude: 1.8° W
When to go: Spring to fall
Known for its classic Moorish architecture and bohemian vibes, the hillside village of Mojacar is a charming oasis in southern Spain. Overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and barren Sierra Cabrera Mountains, the town is split into two parts. The Mojacar Pueblo, rooted in tradition, and the Mojacar Playa, the modern expansion. And the real magic is located in Mojacar Pueblo. White-washed houses line the steep, winding streets and pops of magenta bougainvillea hang over yellow and blue doors, inviting passers-by to keep exploring. Sweeping views of the green and brown desert meeting the deep blue sea can be seen from spectacular viewpoints. From the Moorish fountain located at the foot of the town to the detailed tiles that can be seen decorating doorways and staircases to the emblem of Almeria, the Indalo Man marking buildings, Mojacar is a beautiful coastal town brimming with history.
Longitude: 2.6° W
When to go: All year
Hidden on a walk through pine trees in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is the Oma Painted Forest. Bright patterns and colors adorn the trunks of the trees and seen from a distance, they line up to create bigger shapes and patterns that change as you move through the woodland. It is all part of artist Agustín Ibarrola’s desire to have you contemplate the relationship between man and nature.
Longitude: 1.3° W
When to go: Outside of rush hour
On a stretch of the River Hamble near Southampton, a ferry service has taken people from one side to the other between the villages of Warsash and Hamble for more than five hundred years. The tiny ferries that each carry a maximum of twelve passengers could be straight out of a Wes Anderson film: they are named Claire and Emily, and painted bright pink. On the Warsash side of the river, passengers can wait in a similarly charming pink ferry shelter. Built in the early 1900s, the shelter was originally where the nearby Bugle Pub stored kegs out of the rain.
Longitude: 0.1° W
When to go: August
A celebration of the arts, CHALE WOTE is a next level street festival that brings art, music, dance, and performance out of galleries and into the streets of James Town, Accra. By letting art loose in the streets, CHALE WOTE breaks the boundaries for people seeking art: it’s already there and they are already a part of it.
Longitude: 0.7° W
When to go: June to September
It’s hard not to think pink when paying a visit to Las Salinas of Torrevieja. This pink-water lake is often filled with pink flamingos too. The natural park spreads across 3,450 ac/14 km2 and can be home to up to two thousand flamingos during breeding season. But why is it pink? Due to exceptionally high salt levels in Las Salinas of Torrevieja, a micro-organism called archaea and a micro-seaweed called dunaliellas can thrive, and together they turn the water pink. Visitors to Las Salinas of Torrevieja can float in the water, which is much like the Dead Sea, and reap the benefits of the natural spa qualities.
Longitude: 0.1° W
When to go: All year
From a Michelin-star restaurant to a famous pink afternoon tea room to a dining room with a carpet inspired by moss, this London eatery has it all. But perhaps the thing that Sketch is most famous for is its egg-shaped toilets, where you can, quite literally, pee in a pod.
Longitude: 0.3° W
When to go: On a Saturday
Humber Street in Hull might look like a relatively normal street in an English town, but come the weekend, it turns into a lively mix of street art, food, and culture. The waterside area inherited “The Fruit Market” name due to a large number of family fruit businesses that were established in Humber Street in the early 1900s.
Longitude: 0.2° W
When to go: End of August for Notting Hill Carnival
More than just the setting of a popular movie, Notting Hill is a favorite destination among locals and tourists alike. Its streets are full of color and quirky independent shops and bars all year round, but it is in August that people really flock to the area. Each year, the Notting Hill Carnival takes the stage as the biggest street festival in Europe. Two million people fill the streets over the course of the three-day weekend. As well as a hugely colorful procession full of floats and elaborate costumes, there are also steel pans, sound systems, and stages on every corner as music fills the air.
Longitude: 0.1° W
When to go: All year, but check opening times
Sometimes art comes in the most unexpected of places, colliding with the oldest of buildings. Alexandra Palace—or “Ally Pally” as its affectionately known—was built in 1873 in north London. Having undergone an extensive renovation in 2018, the palace’s East Court was in need of something special to celebrate. Graphic artists Art+Believe stepped in to design a piece of artwork to reflect the space. They created a hand-painted series of geometric floor pieces. The artwork covers four separate spaces to make one immersive piece: a vivid array of shapes set against the grand Victorian architecture.
Longitude: 0.1° W
When to go: All year
A labyrinth of open-air markets is the focal point of Camden Town. From eateries and street vendors serving up food from around the globe to eclectic shopping, this part of north London is the place to be. But the real treats are the dynamic murals by popular street artists that line the side streets.
Longitude: 0.0° W
When to go: All year
In a city that’s always buzzing, Shoreditch is the hotspot for street art. The area’s artistic renaissance began in the 1990s when Shoreditch was the hub of the Young British Artists’ scene, and while most of them have moved on, the street art continues to thrive. There are stunning murals to be found on walls, buildings, and railway hoardings throughout the area. Brick Lane and Great Eastern Street in particular are covered in works by a number of renowned street artists—although murals do frequently change—while on Rivington Street there’s a Banksy that will be sticking around for a while.
Longitude: 0.15° W
When to go: On a sunny day
Brighton-based artist Lois O’Hara believes in using colorful artwork to bring positivity and joy to the world. This rainbow crossing painted in front of King’s Road Arches in 2018 took three days to complete and a total of 13 gallons/50 liters of paint. Inspired by her love of surfing when growing up, her artwork reflects the motion of the waves with curved lines and abstract shapes taking precedence. And her long-term mission? To color in the world.
Longitude: 0.1° W
When to go: Early August
Brighton is to England’s LGBTQ community what San Francisco is to the United States’, and it has a Pride celebration to match. Thousands of revelers fill the streets with love and color for a joyous march through town that ends with a huge party in a park and smaller parties all over town. It even boasts a Pride Dog Show.
