Vibrant Rainbow Destinations: Explore Every Color from Red Square to Lavender Fields
The world abounds with vivid, captivating destinations that transform travel into a spectrum of color—both literal and metaphorical. Lonely Planet honors these gems in our groundbreaking book Travel by Color, the first guide organized by color palette. Showcasing 400 breathtaking photographs of extraordinary places and events in every hue, it spans from the vivid reds of scarlet macaws in Peru's Tambopata National Reserve to the emerald greens of England's Peak District hills. Discover our curated rainbow selection to ignite your wanderlust.
Red: Red Square, Moscow, Russia
A cornerstone of Russian heritage, St. Basil's Cathedral—commissioned by Ivan the Terrible—stands majestically at the southern edge of Moscow's storied Red Square. Constructed from 1555 to 1561, its whimsical, multicolored onion domes rise from amber-red towers. The plaza earns its name through dominant red tones in Lenin's Mausoleum, Kazan Cathedral, the State Historical Museum, and The Tsar's Tower. Plan ahead, as closures for events and rehearsals are common.
Orange: New England, USA
Autumn's ultimate draw for leaf-peepers, New England's foliage explodes in breathtaking orange hues. Scarlet and sugar maples, birch, beech, dogwood, and oak create a symphony of color, ideal for outdoor adventurers. Prime viewing awaits at Vermont's Smugglers Notch and New Hampshire's Crawford Notch—ancient glacial-carved forests offering unparalleled panoramas.
Yellow: Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon's iconic yellow funiculars offer a charming, efficient ascent through the hilly cityscape—far superior to climbing endless stairs. The Glória Funicular (Elevador da Glória) links downtown Restauradores Square to Bairro Alto's Rua San Pedro de Alcântara, delivering sweeping views. These vintage cars, with their bright yellow exteriors, are beloved symbols of the city.
Green: Kamakura, Japan
Beyond a mere Tokyo day trip, serene seaside Kamakura delivers profound tranquility. Hokokuji Temple's lush grove of 2,000 moso bamboo stalks frames a striking Buddha statue behind its Zen gate. Nearby, Kyoto's Arashiyama bamboo forest enchants, accessible via the scenic Sagano Romantic Train.
Blue: Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Iceland's famed Blue Lagoon geothermal spa draws milky-blue waters from the adjacent Svartsengi power station. A must-visit, it blends 70% seawater and 30% freshwater to a soothing 38°C, enriched with mineral salts, blue-green algae, and silica mud. Winter soaks amid crisp air may coincide with northern lights displays.
Indigo: The Sahara Desert
For Sahara-crossing Tuareg nomads, indigo-dyed tagelmust turbans and veils are vital alongside camels and water—shielding from sun, wind, and sand. Reserved for adult males, this tradition offers travelers immersive cultural adventures across the vast dunes.
Violet: Provence, France
Provence and the Côte d'Azur draw photographers to vast lavender fields blooming purple and violet each summer. Iconic vistas line the D8 toward Plateau de Valensole, mingling with sunflowers; seek more in Drôme's Saou, Montbrun-les-Bains, and before Sénanque Abbey. Pair with olive groves, clifftop roads, and alpine peaks.
Rainbow: India and Nepal
Holi, the Hindu festival of spring and love, unleashes one of the world's most explosive color celebrations across India, Nepal, and beyond. Revelers hurl tonnes of powdered and liquid pigments via guns and balloons—prepare for full immersion in this joyous riot of hues.
