There are a few towns in Italy that seem to be puked by a rainbow. Lovely in pictures and incredibly cheerful in real life, these towns will make you want to play that game of “In which house would you live?”
Here’s a list of the 10 most colorful cities in Italy, from North to South. I can promise you, there is at least one city that you have never heard of.
Burano Island, Veneto
This one is probably the most famous. I bet you saw at least one picture of it on your Instagram feed. Originally a fishermen’s village, it is located less than one hour from Venice and famous for the bright colors of its small houses. Walking through the colorful houses of Burano is like entering a fairytale world.
Cinque Terre, Liguria
Cinque Terre is located along the Ligurian Coast and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cinque Terre literally means “five lands”, which are: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. With its colored houses standing on the edge of the rocks and a perfect blue water, these eye-catching lands can only be described with a lot of cheesy adjectives.
Comacchio, Emilia Romagna
The little town of Comacchio in the Province of Ferrara is often called the Little Venice and it isn’t hard to understand why. Pastel colored houses follow one another along the tiny canals, creating a picturesque atmosphere. The cities and towns crossed by canals are so charming, aren’t they?
Ponza, Lazio
Ponza is a small town situated on the homonymous island in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Characterized by steep cliffs and crystal-clear water, Ponza is a stunning – yet not very popoular – summer destination. Coming from the sea, you will be fascinated by the colourful horseshoe shaped Ponza port.
Aielli, Abruzzo
I discovered this place just last year when I heard about the Borgo Universo festival. The vibrant colours on the walls and the geometric street art transform the borgo in an open-air museum.
Procida, Campania
Less famous than the neighbor islands of Capri and Ischia, Procida is a charming island situated in front of Naples, Campania. With its stunning colorful houses by the water, you will fall for Procida as soon as you see that rainbow view welcoming you from the sea.
Positano, Campania
The glamourous town of Positano, on the Amalfi coast is one of the most scenic place to take stunning panoramic pictures. The dominant colors here are not as bright as those of other localities of this list, but the red and yellow shades covering the steep slopes make this post-card town really iconic.
Ostuni, Puglia
This is the opposite of a colorful city but I just couldn’t not put it on this list. Famous for the dazzling effect of its whitewashed buildings, Ostuni is known as the White city. Its unique and charming atmosphere can make you think you are somewhere in Greece.
Casamassima, Puglia
There’s a fil rouge – or shall I say fil blue – that links together the cities of Jodhpur (India), Chefchaouen (Morocco), Safed (Israel) and Casamassima, and that is the color blue. Many buildings in Casamassima are painted in blue shades and that’s why the city is nowadays called “Paese Azzurro”.
Bosa, Sardinia
Located in the northern part of the island, Bosa is a small village characterized by a rainbow townscape, which makes it one of the most beautiful cites in Sardinia.
Did you know any of those colorful cities in Italy?
Let me know by leaving a comment below.
Travelling to Italy? Chech out more inspiring content.