25 Coastal Jewels Where Colorful Homes Meet The Sea

8. Willemstad, Curaçao – A Caribbean Pastel Paradise

Few places in the Caribbean are as eye-catching and historically rich as Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao. With its Dutch colonial buildings painted in pastel shades of pink, yellow, blue, and green, Willemstad looks like a tropical version of Amsterdam, set against the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Legend has it that in the 19th century, a former governor of the island suffered from frequent migraines, which he blamed on the blinding effect of the sunlight reflecting off white buildings. To remedy this, he ordered that all houses be painted in bright colors, a tradition that has endured for generations. The city is divided into two halves—Punda and Otrobanda, connected by the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. Walking through Punda’s narrow streets, you’ll find colorful marketplaces, street art, and vibrant cafés, while Otrobanda offers stunning panoramic views of the rainbow-hued waterfront. With its mix of Caribbean culture, European architecture, and tropical energy, Willemstad remains one of the most visually stunning places in the world.