1. Hoi An Ancient Town - Vietnam
Hoi An Ancient Town is a famous city in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. It is a remarkably preserved ancient town with over 1000 architectural relics, including streets, houses, community halls, pagodas, ancestral houses, wells, and traditional dishes, all contributing to the unique cultural spirit of the local people. A visit to Hoi An is sure to enchant travelers with its timeless beauty, which is both rustic and charming. Hoi An is renowned for its harmonious traditional architecture, where the houses, walls, and streets blend seamlessly together. Despite the historical ups and downs, the town retains its ancient beauty in the moss-covered tiles, bricks, and trees, much like the humble and warm-hearted nature of its residents.
The first thing that captivates visitors to Hoi An is the sight of the closely-knit houses, all painted in a distinctive deep yellow. This color has historical significance, as during the feudal era, yellow was associated with royal families. However, architects have also noted that yellow is an ideal color for Vietnam's tropical, humid climate as it absorbs less heat. Regardless of the reason, yellow has become a cultural symbol in Vietnam, representing good fortune, pride, and prosperity. The architecture in Hoi An predominantly uses traditional materials like brick and wood, with no building exceeding two stories. Here, one can feel the traces of time through the old architectural styles, the moss-covered rooftops, the weathered walls, and the ancient carvings found everywhere.


2. Ubrique - Spain
Ubrique, known as the “White Town,” is located in the province of Cadiz, in the autonomous region of Andalusia, southern Spain. This town has a rich historical heritage, with evidence of Roman and Phoenician settlements from ancient times. The city is known for its rows of pristine white houses that create a striking contrast against the surrounding dark, natural landscape. The choice of white is practical, as the Andalusian plains are bathed in sunlight for most of the year, and the white color helps reflect heat, keeping the interiors of the homes cooler by 5-6 degrees compared to the outside temperature.
Ubrique is the largest and most famous town in Spain where the entire town is adorned in brilliant white. Locals believe that the white color provides a cooling effect, soothing the intense heat of the region. Ubrique is home to about 1,500 white houses, creating a dazzling, luminous space amidst the surrounding arid, dark land. The town is steeped in history, with remnants of Roman and Phoenician civilizations, such as the oppidum — natural water towers that were common in the Roman Empire. A visit to Ubrique promises an unforgettable experience and fantastic photos in this unique and picturesque town!


3. Collonges la Rouge - France
France, known for its romantic charm, is home to many ancient towns full of unique attractions. One such place is Collonges la Rouge, a stunning village in the Limousin region of central France. The first impression of the town is its striking red brick buildings, constructed from sandstone, which gives it an old-world feel. The medieval architecture, with watchtowers and red-tiled roofs, along with balconies adorned with flowers, conjures up a fairytale atmosphere. In fact, this village inspired Disney to create settings for many of its famous animated films.
Collonges la Rouge is listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France” and serves as the headquarters for this association. The town exudes tranquility and serenity, with its pristine, fresh air creating an ideal environment for relaxation. Additionally, the streets in Collonges la Rouge are laid out in a grid pattern, running from east to west and north to south. The town blends ancient cultural heritage with an incomplete process of modernization. Its quiet, clean, and spacious streets make it perfect for peaceful strolls every day.


4. Jodhpur - India
Jodhpur is the second-largest city in the state of Rajasthan, India. This state is home to four cities that attract visitors from all over the world: Jaipur, the Pink City; Udaipur, the White City; Jaisalmer, the Golden City; and Jodhpur, the Blue City. While Jaisalmer is famous for its golden sandstone, Jodhpur stands out with its tranquil blue hues, which are said to carry a deep cultural and spiritual significance. Several theories explain this distinctive color; one suggests that the blue paint was chosen for its cooling properties, given Jodhpur’s proximity to the arid Thar Desert. Another theory relates to the local Brahmin caste, while others believe it stems from the city’s reconstruction under the reign of Rao Jodha, who sought to bring a sense of hope and renewal through the blue color.
Founded in 1158, Jodhpur is home to intricately carved ancient architecture, with many grand palaces, tombs, and museums, including the iconic Mehrangarh Fort, Khejalar, and Umaid Bhawan Palace. The city is encircled by a massive 10-kilometer-long fort wall, which houses a maze of narrow alleys, especially in the Blue City district at the base of Mehrangarh Fort. The sight of blue-painted houses against the backdrop of the golden sands of the Thar Desert creates a striking and beautiful contrast. Exploring the palaces, forts, and temples will keep you fascinated, as will the vibrant markets where you can find textiles, leather goods, hand-painted lacquerware, antiques, rugs, puppets, and figurines. Jodhpur is not only a popular tourist destination but also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region.


5. Piodao - Portugal
Nestled at the foot of the Serra do Acor mountain range, the picturesque village of Piodao emerges from the lush greenery and flowing streams like something straight out of a painting. Its simple, rustic houses are arranged in a terraced formation that mirrors the natural contours of the land. At night, the village takes on an almost magical quality, with its serene atmosphere and quaint charm. The architecture is characterized by its use of local slate stone, which not only forms the buildings but also the cobblestone streets that wind through the village. Located in the Coimbra district, Piodao is accessible by foot or horseback, making it a truly off-the-beaten-path destination.
Piodao, located in the heart of Portugal, is a village rich in history and tradition. It is a perfect example of a rural settlement from the 1980s, with houses made from local materials such as slate and wood, and painted in shades of dark brown, with doors painted a bright blue. The lush green of the surrounding landscape complements this earthy color palette, making the village blend seamlessly into its natural environment. The only structure that stands out is the local parish church, which is painted stark white, creating a striking contrast with the rest of the village. Due to its remote location, Piodao is not a popular tourist destination, requiring visitors to navigate winding dirt roads to reach it. However, the effort is worth it for the opportunity to experience a village that feels frozen in time.


6. Juzcar - Spain
Juzcar is a small, peaceful village nestled in the Genel valley (Andalusia) with a population of just 250 people. Located in the Malaga region of Spain, Juzcar stands out for its unique all-blue color. The village was originally white, but in 2011, the makers of the Smurfs movie chose it as the perfect backdrop and painted the entire village blue to match the film's theme. After filming, the plan was to return Juzcar to its original white, but the villagers decided to keep the blue, embracing the quirky transformation. Many residents even dress like the Smurfs for photo opportunities, adding to the fun atmosphere.
Since its makeover in 2011, the village has attracted a significant number of visitors, with numbers soaring to over 200,000. The town was eventually transformed into a Smurf-themed village, and Sony Pictures hired 12 local workers to paint Juzcar in Smurf blue using 4,200 liters of paint. The town has since become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors who are charmed by its unexpected, lively look. Come visit and experience the whimsical beauty of this village!


7. Jaipur - India
Jaipur, known as the 'Pink City' or the 'Paris of India', is the capital of the desert state of Rajasthan. It is perhaps the only ancient city designed with a commercial urban plan, surrounded by tall walls and wide streets, lined with shops built from pink sandstone. Locals say that the 'Pink City' refers only to the walled area within Jaipur, which was designed and constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. As a result, Jaipur is considered India's first city with a planned urban design.
Jaipur is also a major cultural hub of India, home to universities, observatories, grand palaces, and some of the largest forts in the country. The city's symbol is the iconic Hawa Mahal, located at the heart of Jaipur. This palace is a famous tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. Visitors are often awestruck by its majestic architecture and grandeur. The palace is an emblem of the wealth and prosperity of India's royal family. It is also known as the 'Palace of Winds,' as it was designed to capture the breeze and cool the air in every corner of the palace.


8. Izamal - Mexico
Izamal, a town in the Yucatan region of Mexico, is famously known as the 'Golden City.' The entire town is bathed in a warm, egg yolk yellow, accented with white trim. It is also regarded as the oldest town in the Yucatan, built upon the ruins of a Mayan settlement. For this reason, Izamal has another nickname, the 'City of Hills,' due to the many ancient Mayan pyramids and temples scattered throughout the area. Visitors often feel as though the urban development has never touched this place. The town’s charm lies in its stone churches, souvenir stalls, and the striking yellow facades that greet visitors at every street corner.
Izamal - the 'Magical City' of Mexico, is bathed in sunshine and known for its bright yellow buildings, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere regardless of the weather. The cobblestone streets connect limestone churches and vibrant government buildings. The Church of San Antonio de Padua, dating back to the 16th century, is a popular site, attracting visitors with its historical and mythical significance. If you find yourself in Mexico, make sure to explore this enchanting 'Golden City.'


9. Chefchaouen - Morocco
Chefchaouen, a charming town in the northeastern part of Morocco, is one of the country’s most enchanting travel destinations. The town is bathed in a soothing blue hue, perched on the rugged Rif Mountains. This distinctive blue comes in various shades, gradually transitioning from light to dark, creating a harmonious and artistic display. Chefchaouen is also a vibrant shopping destination, where visitors can find unique souvenirs such as metalwork, leather goods, handwoven wool fabrics, and local goat cheese.
Often referred to as the 'Blue Pearl' of Morocco, Chefchaouen is famous for its stunning visual appeal. The buildings are painted in shades of blue, with darker tones on the lower levels and lighter hues at the top. Decorative door frames and accents highlight the depth of color, giving the town a striking, almost surreal appearance, as if straight out of a painting. The blue hue creates a calming, peaceful atmosphere that envelops the entire city. Every two years, the streets are freshly painted to maintain their vibrant look, a task that is joyfully undertaken by the children of the town, who approach the chore with enthusiasm and a playful spirit.

