Italy, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine, is a dream destination for many. However, few realize that many colorful cities and towns in Italy are worth seeing.
In this post, we’ll whisk you away on a colorful journey through Italy’s most picturesque locales – from the pastel-hued facades of Procida to the strikingly vibrant houses of Manarola; the lesser-known but equally mesmerizing streets of Camogli, and the iconic floating city of Venice.
So, grab your sunglasses because these destinations are bright in every sense of the word and deserve a spot on your travel bucket list!
15 Most Colorful Cities and Towns in Italy That You Should See!
If you are looking for some of the most colorful houses in Italy, you will find a selection of cities and towns that feature gorgeous, colorful buildings.
1. Procida
Procida, a tiny island gem in Italy’s Bay of Naples, is like stepping into a vibrant painting that refuses to be muted.
Just a short ferry ride from Naples, Procida offers an escape to a simpler, yet strikingly beautiful life away from the hustle and bustle.
The most colorful part of Procida is Marina Corricella. Here, you will find an explosion of color, with pastel-hued houses scattered along its quaint marina.
It’s not just the buildings; the island blooms with the vivid colors of nature – from the deep blues of the surrounding sea to the lush greens of its landscape and yellow lemons growing on trees.
Procida is not only one of the most colorful places to visit, but it is also one of the best Italian islands to see!
2. Manarola
Manarola, a vibrant jewel nestled along the Italian Riviera, is a feast for the eyes with its kaleidoscope of colorful houses perched daringly on rugged cliffs.
This charming village is one of the five famed Cinque Terre towns, each boasting its own unique allure.
Visitors come to Manarola for its stunning scenery and serene vibe, a peaceful escape from city life (when you visit outside of peak season that is!).
Wander the alleys to find local shops, eateries with Ligurian cuisine, and vineyards sloping towards the sea for fine wines.
Further Reading: 100 Bucket List Experiences in Italy
3. Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore features a burst of colors from the buildings, ranging from warm yellows to fiery reds. It’s as if every sunset decided to make its home on the walls and alleys of this charming village.
Located in the Cinque Terre region of Italy, Riomaggiore is the first stop along the famous hiking trail that connects all five towns.
While there isn’t much to do in this town except take photos and eat, it is a worthwhile place to stop for a morning or afternoon.
4. Burano
Just a short Vaporetto ride from Venice, Burano, an enchanting island in the Venetian Lagoon of Italy, is like a palette of vibrant colors splashed against the canvas of the sea.
Known for its lace-making and brightly painted homes, this picturesque island seems straight out of a fairy tale.
Imagine walking down narrow streets and waterfronts, where each building is adorned in hues as vivid as the sky at sunset—fiery reds, deep blues, sunny yellows, and every shade in between.
This kaleidoscope of colors isn’t just for show; it historically helped fishermen spot their homes through the dense fog common to the area.
5. Positano
Positano, a cliffside village on southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast, is like a masterpiece painted with the most vibrant palette imaginable.
Imagine houses tumbling down the cliffside like a cascade of color; from pastel pinks to sunny yellows, each building seems to compete for your attention.
Whether you’re meandering through its steep, narrow streets or lounging on its pebbled beaches, Positano on the Amalfi Coast is one of our all-time favorite destinations.
6. Portofino
Nestled on the Italian Riviera, Portofino is a picturesque, charming fishing village.
It is tucked into a secluded cove and boasts a harbor that’s alive with an array of brightly colored houses, each one more inviting than the last.
Located in the province of Genoa in the Liguria region of Italy, Portofino is more than just a visual delight; it’s a serene escape that offers visitors a taste of la dolce vita amidst its colorful scenery and quaint streets.
7. Venice
Venice, a colorful city in Italy, is like a canvas painted with the most vibrant hues imaginable.
Nestled in northeastern Italy, it sprawls across a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges.
The city’s charm lies not just in its historic architecture or the romantic gondola rides but also in its vivid color palette.
This blend of water, history, and color makes Venice an unforgettable tapestry of life and art.
8. Camogli
Camogli, a hidden gem located on the Ligurian coast of Italy, is a feast for the eyes with its vibrant palette.
Imagine buildings painted in warm shades of yellow, pink, and terracotta, nestled against the deep blue backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
Walking through its narrow cobblestone streets feels like flipping through pages of an Italian fairy tale, with each corner offering a new splash of color.
9. Vernazza
Vernazza, a true kaleidoscope of colors, is nestled in the heart of Italy’s Cinque Terre.
This charming village, perched on the rugged coastline of the Italian Riviera, boasts a vibrant palette that captures the essence of la dolce vita.
There are many wonderful pathways leading to incredible photographic spots looking out over the town of Vernazza.
10. Portovenere
Nestled on the Ligurian coast of Italy, Portovenere is a hidden gem that bursts into color the moment you look at it.
Located just south of the Cinque Terre, Portovenere offers a quieter but equally enchanting experience compared to the popular towns.
Its quaint streets, lined with artisan shops and local eateries, lead you on an adventure through layers of history and culture, all while surrounded by an explosion of color that captures the essence of Italian coastal charm.
11. Castelsardo
Nestled on the enchanting island of Sardinia, Italy, Castelsardo is a vibrant treasure waiting to be explored.
Castelsardo’s charm doesn’t just lie in its color palette but also in its location—perched high on a rocky promontory in the northwest part of Sardinia, it offers panoramic views that are nothing short of spectacular.
Here, life moves at a leisurely pace, inviting you to soak up the sun and immerse yourself in the rich hues that define this magical corner of Italy.
12. Corniglia
Nestled atop a rugged cliff and offering breathtaking views of the Italian Riviera, Corniglia is the gem that often goes unnoticed among the famed Cinque Terre villages.
Unlike its siblings, Corniglia sits proudly at about 100 meters above sea level, making it the only village not directly adjacent to the water.
Reaching this quaint village is an adventure in itself; visitors can take a train to Corniglia station and then tackle the Lardarina staircase—all 382 steps of it—or hop on a minibus that winds up the hillside.
Once there, you’re greeted by narrow streets, colorful houses stacked side by side, and vistas that will make your heart skip a beat.
13. Monterosso al Mare
Nestled along the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, Monterosso al Mare is a gem that captures the heart of everyone who visits.
Unlike its Cinque Terre sister villages, Monterosso al Mare offers a more spacious layout with its expansive sandy beaches—a rarity in the rocky landscape of Liguria.
Here, pastel-colored houses and historic buildings are set against a backdrop of lush hillsides that plunge into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
14. Bosa
Nestled along the west coast of Sardinia, Italy, Bosa is a hidden gem that dazzles visitors with its vibrant palette.
Imagine wandering through cobblestone streets lined with buildings painted in various colors – from soft pastels to vivid hues that seem to capture the essence of joy.
This charming town is perched beside the Temo River, making it the only river town in Sardinia, which adds an extra layer of beauty to its picturesque scenery.
15. Boccadasse
Tucked away on the Italian Riviera, just a stone’s throw from Genoa’s bustling city center, lies the enchanting little fishing village of Boccadasse.
The charm of Boccadasse is undeniable. Whether you’re strolling along its pebbly beach, enjoying a gelato by the seafront, or capturing the perfect sunset shot, Boccadasse captivates your heart in an instant.
Final Thoughts On The Most Colorful Places in Italy
As our journey through the most colorful places in Italy comes to an end, we hope you’re feeling inspired to pack your bags and see these vibrant destinations for yourself.
From the captivating hues of Bosa, the charming allure of Boccadasse, to the sun-kissed beauty of Monterosso al Mare, Italy proves once again that it is a country bursting with color, life, and stories waiting to be told.
Keep following our Italy travel blog for more hidden gems and tips to make your trip unforgettable. And if you love color, you will most likely enjoy our post on the most colorful cities in the world.
Remember, these are just a few of the most beautiful places in Italy; there’s so much more waiting to be explored. Arrivederci!
