With its historical towns, grand architectural masterpieces and museums galore, Europe is undoubtedly one of the world’s most appealing continents. But there’s more to Europe than just grey buildings, cobblestone streets and countryside vistas.
In just about every nation on the continent, there’s a town bursting with colour. And we’re not talking about blue oceans, green hills and snow-capped mountains.
From the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler in Romania to the relatively recently developed Eixample district of Barcelona, here’s our guide to the most colourful towns and cities in Europe.
Portree, Scotland
Here in the UK, we have plenty of colourful towns and cities. And one of our favourites is the town of Portree, which is located on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Pink, blue, yellow and green houses overlook the pier, backdropped by dramatic cliffs covered in greenery. Even on gloomy days, Portree is one of the most brightly coloured settlements on the British Isles. Go and explore Portree and you’ll understand why we love the place so much.
Sighisoara, Romania
Romania conjures up images of spooky folklore and dark castles. But Sighisoara is one of the country’s most colourful towns, despite being known as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula). Located in the region of Transylvania, the UNESCO-protected town of Sighisoara is filled with homes in all the colours of the rainbow. Add these sights to the fortified walls and maze-like alleys, and you can see why Sighisoara is the perfect mix of hip, historical and charming. Want to see Romania’s unofficial colourful capital for yourself? Check out our Transylvanian Halloween Trek.
Burano, Italy
Despite being just 45 minutes from Venice, Burano remains off the beaten path for most tourists. Yet it’s one of Italy’s most brightly coloured towns. This small island in the Venetian Lagoon has colourful houses lining the canals that run through its streets. It really is a photographer’s dream, and you can explore it by booking our Roman Footprints trip.
Lisbon, Portugal
You’ll find bursts of vibrant colours around every corner in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital. But the most colourful area has to be Rossio Square. From the square, you can relish the sight of colourful architectural gems that climb the surrounding hills. From opulent mansions to quaint townhouses, you’ll see them all in Lisbon. And, if you’d rather not explore the city alone, check out our Ultimate Iberian Adventure!
Barcelona, Spain
Catalonia’s capital city should be on any traveller’s bucket list, with its world-class architectural masterpieces both new and old. In the Old Town, you can explore historic structures in a range of styles. But if you’re looking for a splash of colour, we recommend heading to Eixample, which was developed during the 19th and 20th centuries to resolve the problem of overcrowding. Here, you’ll find brightly coloured structures and landmarks including La Sagrada Familia and Casa Milà. The best way to get to know Barcelona is to join us on our Iberian Trail trip.
For more colourful experiences across the European continent, why not build your own customised itinerary using our online Adventure Planner! Europe is your oyster!
