Ever imagined of living in a place, which reminds a fairy-tale rather than a real grown up city? Or a place so surreal you have to pinch yourself to make sure you are not dreaming? Check out this list of places that radiate joy and happiness. It must be pretty exciting living there, right!
10. Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, South Africa
The vibrant part of Cape Town is home for the ethnic community of Cape Malay – the Southeast Asian and Muslim immigrants. The vivid colors vary on each Dutch or British style house, situated on the Signal Hill. Some houses were built in 1750s and are enlisted as national monuments.
Why to go there?
Capetown blends the amazing South African nature, historic and cultural heritage. Bo-Kaap is definitely a lovely suburb of the city.
When to go there?
Anytime – Cape Town falls in a pleasant Mediterranean climate zone.
How to get there?
Bo-Kaap is easily found in the central Cape Town.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Sanjay Pradhan
9. Agitagueda Art Festival, Agueda, Portugal
The entertaining art installation was started by one design studio. The initiative turned out to be so inspiring, that now other European cities do the same thing. The fun festival attracts people to the beautiful Medieval city of Agueda.
Why to go there?
To see the historic town and this amusing festival.
When to go there?
The umbrellas are being hung during July.
How to get there?
Buses go from the most cities in Portugal to Agueda.
Read more or book: Colorful Umbrellas Floating in the Streets in Portugal, Hotel Conde de Agueda
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Veselin Malinov
Photo by Alberto Vale
8. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
The capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, St John’s is often referred to as the oldest English-founded city in the continent. The architecture is distinct from the rest of Canada: the bright colored houses built by the fishermen define the city.
Why to go there?
St. John’s historic importance, as well as colorful cityscape attract visitors to the town, that is often being compared to San Francisco.
When to go there?
The climate is mild all year round, but the period from August to January gets pretty humid.
How to get there?
St. John’s is very accessible: it has an international airport and Trans-Canada Highway connects it with the rest of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Read more or book: St. John’s, Hometel on Signal Hill, Courtyard by Marriott St. John’s Newfoundland
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Mag Hood
Photo by Dennis Minty
Photo by Zach Bonnell
Photo by Patrick J. Boening
7. Tulip Fields in Netherlands
The country is a famous distributor of tulips. Many fields in Netherlands are covered with these colorful flowers in spring. Areas in Keukenhof, Lisse, North Holland like Alkmaar become very picturesque each year.
Why to go there?
See the spectacular tulip bloom like nowhere else while traveling in the country.
When to go there?
End of March till early May.
How to get there?
Netherlands is a small country – trains and buses will take you anywhere.
Read more: Holland
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Lars van de Goor
Photo by Allard Schager
Photo by Unknown
6. Valparaiso, Chile
The most important seaport of Chile is situated 112 km (70 mi) from Santiago. The city with its colorful houses and steep streets was known among the sailors as “Little San Francisco”. Declared a world heritage site and protected by UNESCO, Valparaiso’s eclectic architecture attracts tourists from all around the world.
Why to go there?
To see the beautiful town and get a lift by a funicular, which is considered to be a historic treasure of the city.
When to go there?
Anytime – the weather is moderate all year round as Valparaiso falls into the Mediterranean climate zone.
How to get there?
The nearest airport is in Santiago. Buses go from the airport and other cities to Valparaiso.
Read more or book: Zerohotel, Alto Mirador Hotel Boutique
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Renato Cortes
Photo by Felipe Becerra
5. The Danxia Landform, China
The spectacular natural wonder lies in southeast and southwest China. The red-colored striped sandstone land is a result of millions of years of formation. Many caves under the surface make it even more enigmatic and attractive to speleologists.
Why to go there?
Definitely the incredible wonder of nature, found nowhere else in the world.
When to go there?
Anytime.
How to get there?
The landform is the most accessible from Zhangye in northwest-central Gansu – the town has its own airport and a railway station. It is also connected by China National Highways with the rest of the country.
Read more: The Surreal Danxia Landform in China
Photo by China Foto Press
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Ratnakorn Piyasirisorost
4. Chefchaouen, Morocco
The village is famous for its houses painted in various shades of blue. Surrounded by the Rif Mountains, this is a beautiful oasis in a rough nature. Narrow streets, handcraft’s markets and local traditions attract a lot of tourists to this small town.
Why to go there?
One of the must-sees once in Morocco.
When to go there?
Anytime – the climate is moderate all year round.
How to get there?
Buses frequently go to Chefchaouen from other cities of Morocco.
Read more or book: Chefchaouen – the Blue City, Hotel Parador
Photo by Javier Garcia
Photo by Sabino Parente
Photo by Jose Juan Luque
3. Manarola, Italy
One of the Cinque Terre towns Manarola fascinates with its colorful houses, situated on the Italian Riviera. The postcard beautiful town is the oldest from the five. A Love’s Trail leads to Riomaggiore – another Cinque Terre town.
Why to go there?
A beautiful authentic Italian town, surrounded by amazing nature.
When to go there?
Anytime – the climate is mild all year round.
How to get there?
Best way to get there is by train from Pisa Centrale.
Read more or book: The Colorful Cost in Manarola, Ca’ D’Andrean
Photo by Marco Carmassi
Photo by Mirko Saviane
Photo by Peter Stewart
Photo by John Monster
2. Namaqualand, Namibia and South Africa
The experience of Namaqualand in bloom is simply priceless. Thousands of flowers cover the huge area every spring. There are hundreds of different flower species, but orange and white daisies dominate the landscape.
Why to go there?
Namaqualand is a nature reserve worth seeing, especially during the bloom.
When to go there?
The flowers bloom between early August and late September, that are the spring months there.
How to get there?
The Flower Route is 5 hours from Cape Town.
Read more: Namaqualand in Bloom, Namaqualand Flower Route
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
1. Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
The mix of Taino people – the locals – and the European descendants resulted in a city’s rich cultural heritage. Everything in Old San Juan is colorful and eclectic: the houses differ in color and style, even the pavements are made of the blue bricks.
Why to go there?
The town is protected by UNESCO – that’s how important and beautiful it is.
When to go there?
Anytime – the weather is warm all year long.
How to get there?
Get in San Juan by Caribbean ferry or plane.
Photo by Mark Millan
Photo by George Oze
Photo by Carlos Gotay
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