In living colour: photogenic travel destinations that surrender to one hue

Sidi Bou Saïd, Tunisia

Perched above the Gulf of Tunis, the charming town of Sidi Bou Saïd is famous for its striking whitewashed houses accented with vivid blue doors, shutters and window frames—painting a pretty picture that drew artists including Paul Klee and Ammar Farhat.

Although this travel destination attracts tourists year-round, the rhythm of life remains slow. Visitors can stroll the cobblestone pathways to photograph the neighbourhood, linger in bougainvillea-shaded café terraces, or continue uphill for spectacular views of the sea and the timeless Mediterranean sunset.

Ostuni, Italy

Nicknamed La Città Bianca or The White City, Ostuni rises like a hilltop fortress above the olive-dense hills of Puglia’s Murgia region. Its whitewashed buildings were designed to reflect the sun’s glare to either—depending on whom you ask—momentarily blind invading enemies in the past or to keep interiors cool.

Visitors can wander medieval cobblestone streets and make their way to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a Roman-Gothic structure with a stunning rose window that serves as Ostuni’s crowning jewel. From prime viewpoints, the city offers sweeping vistas of the Adriatic and the rolling hills beyond.

Alberobello, Italy

Thanks to its unique white huts, known as trulli, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello looks straight out of a fairy tale. These cone-shaped dry-stone structures, dating back to the mid-14th century, were ingeniously designed to be dismantled quickly—a clever way for locals to avoid paying taxes. Today, they are home to shops, cafés and restaurants. For the full experience, visitors can also rent a trulli overnight.

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Jaipur, India

Also known as The Pink City thanks to the blush-hued façades that dominate the historic streetscape, the story goes that Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh I had the city painted pink—the colour associated with hospitality—in honour of Prince Albert Edward’s visit in 1876. The tradition endured, giving Jaipur its signature palette.

Hawa Mahal, built from pink sandstone and later pink-washed with calcium oxide paint, remains Jaipur’s most iconic building, thanks not only to the pastel-rose colour of this palace, but also to the honeycomb latticework of windows, which are a hallmark of Rajput architecture.

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Toulouse, France

France’s La Ville Rose (“The Pink City”) owes its nickname—and distinctive charm—to its terracotta brick buildings. Unlike much of France, the city lacked abundant limestone when it was being built, but it had plenty of clay, which was used to make the bricks responsible for Toulouse’s rosy-hued cityscape.

Visitors can walk along the banks of the Garonne, lose themselves in the winding lanes of the old town, and admire landmarks such as the Basilica of Saint-Sernin and the Capitole, all glowing in soft pink tones at sunset.

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Marrakesh, Morocco

Made from clay and sandstone rich in iron oxide, the buildings and ramparts of Marrakesh have a distinct colour. Aptly called “The Red City”, visitors strolling through its labyrinthine streets, browsing the souks or sipping mint tea in one of its cafés are enveloped in warm ochre hues that shift with the changing light.

Beyond the riads and the medina walls, cultural landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque and the Saadian Tombs glow with the same rosy tones, weaving Marrakesh’s history and architecture into one unforgettable palette.

Izamal, Mexico

Known as La Ciudad Amarilla (“The Yellow City”), Izamal is one of Mexico’s 132 pueblos mágicos—“magical” towns officially recognised for their cultural significance. Originally founded by the Maya and later colonised by the Spanish, Izamal embodies a layered heritage: the monastery of St. Anthony of Padua stands just steps away from the ruins of Kinich Kak Moo pyramid, harking to a past where Maya and Catholic worlds converged.

Nobody can definitively say why the town is painted golden yellow. Some claim it was done to celebrate Pope John Paul II’s 1993 visit, while others believe it’s to honour the Mayan sun god.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Famous for its colourful lanterns, skilled tailors and vibrant yellow buildings, this UNESCO World Heritage town is one of Vietnam’s prime tourist destinations. The town’s golden-yellow walls provide more than just a pretty backdrop for photos, they’re also believed to help regulate the temperature—cooler during the dry season and warmer during the wet season.

From the iconic Japanese Bridge, visitors can admire rows of mustard-yellow houses lining the riverbank. The same radiant hue washes over many of Hoi An’s landmarks, including the 18th-century Tấn Ký Old House, the Trần Family Chapel and the bustling Central Market.

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