Colorful Beach Towns You Need to Visit

11 May 2025

Who doesn’t love a good beach town? There’s something about salty air, vibrant streets, and the sound of waves that feels like an instant vacation. But if you’re looking for more than just a stretch of sand and a palm tree, then set your sights on some of the most colorful beach towns in the world!

These places don’t just offer sun and sea—they burst with character, bright facades, and picture-perfect charm. So, pack your sunglasses and flip-flops because we’re about to take a tour of the most eye-catching beach towns you need to visit.

1. Burano, Italy – A Rainbow by the Water

When people think of Italian islands, Venice often steals the spotlight. But just a short boat ride away sits Burano, a tiny island that looks like a painter’s palette exploded in the best way possible.

The houses here are painted in every vibrant shade imaginable—reds, blues, yellows, and greens—all standing in neat rows along picturesque canals. There’s even a local legend that homeowners had to paint their houses bright colors so fishermen could find their way home through the fog.

Aside from its postcard-worthy streets, Burano is also famous for its centuries-old lace-making tradition. So, while you’re soaking up the views, be sure to stop into one of the lace shops and witness artisans creating delicate lace by hand.

Best Time to Visit: Spring or early autumn when the crowds are thinner, and the weather is just right.

2. Willemstad, Curaçao – The Caribbean’s Most Cheerful Capital

Picture this: A waterfront lined with Dutch-style buildings, but instead of the usual muted colors, they’re painted in shades of pink, yellow, green, and blue. Welcome to Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao and one of the most visually striking spots in the Caribbean.

The town’s colorful look actually started because of a former governor who believed the bright hues helped prevent migraines. Whether that’s true or not, the result is stunning!

Wander through Punda and Otrobanda, two of the city’s most famous districts, cross the famous Queen Emma Bridge, and make sure to snap photos at the Handelskade, a waterfront street that looks straight out of a fairytale. Pair all that with gorgeous beaches and rich cultural influences from Dutch, African, and Caribbean traditions, and you’ve got a beach town that’s truly unforgettable.

Best Time to Visit: December to April for sunny skies and perfect beach weather.

3. Positano, Italy – Where Pastels Meet the Sea

If Burano is a riot of bold colors, Positano is its sophisticated, sun-kissed cousin. This cliffside village along Italy’s Amalfi Coast is famous for its pastel-hued buildings that seem to tumble down toward the turquoise sea.

A postcard-perfect blend of peach, coral, and lemon-colored homes, Positano is the kind of place where every view looks like a painting. The town’s steep, winding streets lead to charming boutiques, cozy cafes, and, of course, breathtaking beaches like Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo Beach.

Whether you’re sipping a chilled Limoncello, taking a boat ride along the coast, or just lounging on the beach with a good book, Positano feels like pure magic.

Best Time to Visit: May to early July or September to October to avoid peak crowds and scorching heat.

4. St. John's, Newfoundland – A Kaleidoscope in Canada

Colorful beach towns aren’t just for tropical regions—St. John's, the capital of Newfoundland in Canada, proves that even cold-climate seaside towns can be bursting with color.

Nicknamed “Jellybean Row”, the downtown houses are painted in every color under the sun, creating one of the most cheerful coastal cityscapes you’ll ever see. Legend has it that sailors painted their homes in bright colors so they could spot them from the sea.

Beyond the vibrant charm, St. John's offers rugged coastal beauty, friendly locals, and a lively arts scene. Don’t miss Cape Spear, the easternmost point of North America, where you can watch the sunrise before anyone else on the continent!

Best Time to Visit: June to September for the warmest temperatures and the best whale-watching opportunities.

5. Sayulita, Mexico – A Surfer’s Paradise with a Splash of Color

Mexico is filled with stunning beaches, but Sayulita, a small coastal town on the Pacific, stands out for its laid-back vibe and explosion of color.

This bohemian beach haven is decorated with bright papel picado (colorful paper flags), lively murals, and beautifully painted buildings. And while the streets are a feast for the eyes, the warm ocean waves draw surfers from all over the world.

Beyond surfing, Sayulita’s cobblestone streets are filled with boutique shops, taco stands, and artisan markets selling beautiful Huichol beadwork.

Best Time to Visit: November to May for the perfect combination of sunshine and surf.

6. Bo-Kaap, South Africa – A Historic Splash of Color

Perched on the slopes of Signal Hill in Cape Town, Bo-Kaap is a vibrant neighborhood with a rich cultural heritage and some of the most colorful streets in the world.

Originally home to freed enslaved people, the area became famous for its bright houses—painted in an array of bold pinks, blues, oranges, and greens—as a symbol of freedom and identity.

While Bo-Kaap itself isn’t a typical beach town, it’s just minutes away from Cape Town’s incredible beaches, like Camps Bay and Clifton Beach. So, if you want a mix of history, culture, and beach vibes, this is the place to be.

Best Time to Visit: September to April for warm weather and outdoor adventures.

7. Kinsale, Ireland – A Seaside Fairytale

Ireland might not be the first place that pops into your mind when you think of beach towns, but Kinsale will change that. This charming coastal town is known for its colorful houses, cozy pubs, and stunning harbor views.

The streets look like something out of a storybook, with buildings painted in cheerful pastels and vivid hues. Adding to its appeal, Kinsale has a fantastic food scene, boasting some of the best seafood in Ireland.

Take a scenic walk along the waterfront, visit the historic Charles Fort, and enjoy a pint in one of the town’s lively pubs. It’s Irish charm at its best!

Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn for mild weather and outdoor dining.

8. Valparaíso, Chile – An Artistic Cliffside Wonderland

If you love street art and eclectic charm, Valparaíso should be at the top of your list. This South American coastal city is covered in murals, graffiti, and brightly painted homes that seem to climb up the hillsides.

Known as “The Jewel of the Pacific”, Valparaíso’s winding alleyways and funiculars make exploring an adventure. The town has a raw, bohemian energy, drawing artists, poets, and travelers looking for something different.

Emerging from the chaos of color and creativity, the nearby beaches and fresh seafood offer a laid-back escape from the lively streets.

Best Time to Visit: November to March for warm weather and clear skies.

Final Thoughts

Beach towns aren’t just about sun and sand—they’re about personality, history, and, in these cases, color! Whether you’re soaking up the pastel perfection of Positano, strolling through the artistic alleys of Valparaíso, or chilling in the boho paradise of Sayulita, these colorful destinations will steal your heart.

So, which one’s going on your bucket list first?