Our guide to the Most Colorful Towns in Spain for your next trip. Have many of them you visited already? And which is your favorite colorful town in Spain?
Spain is home to some of the most picturesque and colorful towns in Europe. From vibrant seaside villages to historic cities adorned with brightly painted buildings, these destinations are bursting with color and charm.
From the blue-washed streets of Juzcar to the rainbow-hued houses of Villajoyosa, Spain is full of charming and colorful towns that offer more than just stunning visuals. Each destination has a unique history, culture, and local flavor that makes it worth exploring. Whether you’re wandering through the narrow streets of a fishing village or hiking to panoramic viewpoints, these colorful towns will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Here’s a travel guide to the most colorful towns in Spain, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and visual appeal.
Read Spanish sim card for tourist, Biggest Mistakes when moving to Spain and 30 things you should know before visiting Spain
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Most Colorful Towns in Spain
1. Ronda, Andalusia
Why It’s Colorful: Perched dramatically atop a deep gorge, Ronda is known for its whitewashed buildings set against the backdrop of rugged mountains and lush valleys. The town is famous for its breathtaking views and colorful accents throughout the streets, with blooming flowers adorning many homes and balconies.
What to Do:
Walk across the iconic Puente Nuevo, a bridge spanning the gorge with views of the countryside.
Explore the Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain.
Visit the Palacio de Mondragón, a beautiful Moorish palace with stunning gardens.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and vibrant blooming flowers.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
2. Cadaqués, Catalonia
Why It’s Colorful: Nestled on the rugged Costa Brava, Cadaqués is known for its whitewashed buildings with colorful shutters, doors, and tile roofs. This charming fishing village, once home to Salvador Dalí, is surrounded by clear blue waters and green hills, creating a vibrant contrast.
What to Do:
Visit the Casa-Museu Salvador Dalí, the artist’s former residence.
Walk along the scenic seaside promenade lined with boats and cafes.
Explore nearby Cap de Creus National Park, where stunning landscapes and hiking trails await.
Best Time to Visit: May to September for beach weather and lively local events.
3. Villajoyosa, Costa Blanca
Why It’s Colorful: Villajoyosa, often called “La Vila,” is a seaside gem on the Costa Blanca known for its brightly painted houses along the waterfront. The rainbow of colors on the homes was originally painted by fishermen to make it easier to spot their houses from the sea.
What to Do:
Stroll through the vibrant waterfront promenade, perfect for photos and people-watching.
Visit the Valor Chocolate Museum to learn about the town’s famous chocolate-making tradition.
Relax on the beautiful Villajoyosa beach and enjoy the colorful backdrop of houses.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to September) for beach activities and festivals.
4. Juzcar, Andalusia
Why It’s Colorful: Once a typical whitewashed Andalusian village, Juzcar became known as the “Smurf Village” after it was painted entirely blue in 2011 for the promotion of the Smurfs movie. Although the town decided to keep its blue hue after the promotion, it has since become a quirky and colorful destination.
What to Do:
Wander through the quirky blue streets and enjoy the whimsical Smurf-themed decorations.
Hike the nearby Genal Valley, known for its stunning natural beauty.
Explore Smurf-themed shops and cafes for a fun and unique experience.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant hiking weather and fewer tourists.
5. Cudillero, Asturias
Why It’s Colorful: Cudillero is a charming fishing village in northern Spain, known for its colorful houses that seem to cascade down the hills towards the harbor. The vibrant reds, blues, and yellows of the homes contrast beautifully with the deep blue sea and the green hills surrounding the town.
What to Do:
Walk around the harbor and admire the colorful boats and houses.
Hike to the Mirador de la Garita for a panoramic view of the town and coastline.
Try fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants along the waterfront.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) for warm weather and outdoor activities.
6. Setenil de las Bodegas, Andalusia
Why It’s Colorful: Setenil de las Bodegas is one of the most unique towns in Spain, famous for its whitewashed houses built into and under massive rock overhangs. The interplay between the stark white walls and the natural rock formations gives this town a distinct and colorful character.
What to Do:
Stroll through the narrow streets and experience the homes built into the cliffs.
Visit the Castle of Setenil, an ancient fortress with panoramic views of the town.
Explore the cuevas (caves), where many local shops, restaurants, and bars are located.
Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for moderate temperatures and fewer crowds.
7. Zaragoza, Aragon
Why It’s Colorful: While Zaragoza is more of a city than a small town, its El Tubo neighborhood is full of vibrant street art, colorful buildings, and lively tapas bars. The streets are filled with murals and graffiti that add a dynamic, colorful touch to this historic city.
What to Do:
Visit the stunning Basilica del Pilar, an iconic cathedral with colorful domes.
Explore the Aljafería Palace, a beautiful Moorish fortress with colorful interiors.
Wander through El Tubo for street art, lively bars, and delicious tapas.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant weather and local festivals.
8. Combarro, Galicia
Why It’s Colorful: Combarro is a small coastal town in Galicia, known for its colorful stone granaries (horreos) and houses perched along the waterfront. The town’s mix of stone architecture and colorful accents creates a charming and vibrant atmosphere.
What to Do:
Stroll along the harbor and admire the traditional horreos and their unique designs.
Sample Galician seafood at a local restaurant, known for its fresh shellfish.
Visit nearby Pontevedra, a historic town with more colorful streets and architecture.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn (May to September) for beach activities and mild weather.
9. Frigiliana, Andalusia
Why It’s Colorful: Frigiliana is one of the most beautiful white villages in Andalusia, but what makes it stand out are the colorful doorways, tiled steps, and painted pots that adorn the streets. This Moorish-influenced town is set against stunning mountainous landscapes, making it a picturesque and vibrant destination.
What to Do:
Wander the narrow streets of the Old Town and admire the colorful doors, ceramic tiles, and flowerpots.
Visit the Palacio de los Condes and learn about the town’s Moorish history.
Take a short hike to enjoy panoramic views of the town and the surrounding Sierra de Almijara.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) for blooming flowers and mild temperatures.
10. Llanes, Asturias
Why It’s Colorful: Llanes is a coastal town in Asturias known for its colorful waterfront, including the famous Cubos de la Memoria—a series of concrete cubes along the pier painted with vibrant designs. The colorful homes and green landscapes add to the charm of this northern Spanish town.
What to Do:
Visit the Cubos de la Memoria, a public art installation designed by artist Agustín Ibarrola.
Explore the historic Old Town and its medieval architecture.
Relax on the beautiful beaches such as Playa de Toro and Playa de Torimbia.
Best Time to Visit: June to September for beach weather and coastal hikes.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.