25 Coastal Jewels Where Colorful Homes Meet The Sea

7. Valparaíso, Chile – The City of Murals and Color

Nicknamed “The Jewel of the Pacific”, Valparaíso is a riot of color and creativity, cascading down steep hills that rise from the Chilean coast. What sets it apart from other coastal villages isn’t just its multicolored homes, but its seamless fusion of architecture and street art, where every wall, staircase, and alleyway is adorned with murals. Once one of the most important ports in South America, Valparaíso thrived during the 19th century, attracting European immigrants and artists who left their mark on the city. However, after the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914, the port’s economic importance declined. Instead of fading into obscurity, Valparaíso embraced its bohemian soul, becoming a haven for painters, musicians, and poets, including the legendary Pablo Neruda. Today, wandering through the city feels like stepping into an open-air museum, where funiculars rattle up the hills, cafés spill onto sunlit plazas, and artists add new layers to its vibrant walls. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valparaíso is a place where color isn’t just decoration—it’s a way of life.