9 Red Destinations Around the World To Add to Your Bucket List

Located in the foothills of the Sierra Gorda mountain range in the state of Hidalgo, these dunes are red due to high levels of iron and other minerals in the soil. Here, rocks are nestled amid the sand, which varies in color between rust orange and fire truck red. Take a short hike or just pause to take in the view before visiting the nearby Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve.

Insider tip: While you’re in Hidalgo, take a guided tour of the magic towns of Real del Monte and Mineral del Monte.

The Moulin Rouge, a legendary cabaret immortalized by Toulouse-Lautrec and the 2001 Baz Luhrmann film, remains an electric spot for nightlife in the Pigalle neighborhood of Paris. The name literally means “red windmill,” and the colorful building is rather appropriately topped by one. Inside this birthplace of the can-can dance, the costumes and stage look as though they are draped in red velvet, too. Enjoy singing, dancing, and drinks, imagining you’re in the 1920s the whole time.

Insider tip: Don’t forget your flapper dress—and book ahead to receive a bottle of Champagne along with your entry.

Carved by centuries of flash floods, Arizona’s narrow Antelope Canyon is a spectacular destination for anyone interested in geology—or photography. Go for a hike through the ravine and be amazed by the play of light and shadow on the red rock. At moments, areas may look almost purple and at others orange, while the sky above plays peek-a-boo blue. Antelope Canyon’s smooth lines and tight corners are unlike anything else in the region ... and well-worth a visit.

Insider tip: Entry requires a guided tour of Antelope Canyon, which supports the local tribal government and conservation efforts.

Lake Natron, which straddles the border of Tanzania and Kenya, is highly alkaline, which means it’s filled with a form of salt. This creates a pH level that sometimes reaches 12—and means that the water can look blood-red. Surprisingly, certain animals—namely, flamingos—have adapted to living in this inhospitable environment. However, creatures who are less lucky may find that they can’t survive for long at all … and their bodies may even end up semi-mummified by the mineral-rich water.

Insider tip: Lake Natron pairs well with a safari in the Serengeti.

Each spring, much of the Netherlands transforms into a bonafide festival of color thanks to its flower fields. The most famous of the bouquet—tulips—sprout from mid-April to early May. To make the most of this short window, visit Noordoostpolder to see the largest flowering fields of these Dutch favorites—in red and nearly every other color. In the city of Aalsmeer, you can even visit the auction house of Royal FloraHolland, where over 20 million plants and flowers are sold every single day.

Insider tip: If you’re in Amsterdam in the spring, see what over 7 million flower bulbs look like at Keukenhof Gardens.

Located about six hours from Beijing, Panjin Red Beach ripens deep red every summer. This is due to the concentration of a variety of seaweed—Suaeda heteroptera—which can survive in the salt-rich soil of the area. The “beach” is actually a protected wetland where you can spot dozens of species of birds and other wildlife. The best time to visit is September, before the seaweed turns purple and eventually dies off for the year.

Insider tip: While you’re in the region, stop by the city of Shenyang, where you can go on a walking tour to see ancient imperial sites.

No, the volcanoes themselves are not red. But if you’re lucky enough to arrive and see some lava, you will certainly see red. Though eruptions vary (you should check the website of the National Park Service to see current conditions), any amount of lava can be a life-changing sight. The park includes two volcanoes: Kilauea, one of the world’s most active, and Mauna Loa, a huge shield volcano. In 2018, the park had to close after eruptions clouded the summits in smoke, but since then, visitors have been allowed back.

Insider tip: The summit is also one of the highest points on the Big Island and promises excellent views whether or not lava is visible.

Thanks to its famous white houses, you might not think of Santorini as one of the most colorful places to visit. But the sand at this beach might change your mind—it's a must-see tourist attraction for many who visit the famed Greek isle. Red Beach has such a unique color because the sand was created by pulverized volcanic rock that originated in a long-ago eruption. You can arrive here by boat (just anchor offshore) or on foot via a narrow path.

Of course, there’s plenty more to do on Santorini when you’re done with the sun, sea, and sand: Go horseback riding on Eros Beach, which is covered in black sand, or enjoy a sunset wine tasting and sample the local fare.

On the other end of the Mediterranean from Santorini lies Calpe, a beachside city in the east of Spain. The architect Ricardo Bofill designed a series of buildings here, collectively known as La Manzanera, over the course of 20 years. The star of this colorful architecture is La Muralla Roja, a strikingly red apartment complex that includes pools, sea views, and Moroccan-inspired geometry. Inside, the red exterior gives way to eye-catching blues, purples, and pinks—but no matter where you are in the building, you’ll feel transported to a different world.