This Secret 'Graffiti Island' Is One of the Most Colourful Places in the World
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/14899682262_6b7d1e4df9_o.webp)
Dreaming of a holiday destination with Caribbean waters, endless sandy beaches, limited tourists and walls upon walls of vibrant, multicoloured street art? Look no further than Holbox, Mexico, a tiny island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula where you can be a professional beach bum and an obsessive culture seeker at the same time.
Between the green of the lush vegetation, the crystal blue of the sea and the rainbow-coloured murals by international artists, this has to be one of the most colourful spots on the planet!
![speech icon man in bubble](https://theculturetrip.com/img/map/logo-c.webp?s=10x)
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.![Holbox Mexico](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/holbox4.webp)
Unlike Miami’s Wynwood Walls or the tiny alleyways of London’s Shoreditch neighbourhood, Holbox’s street art does not live in a bustling city but instead blends into the vista of a beach lover’s heaven-on-Earth. Plus, contrary to its more hyped-up counterpart, Tulum, Holbox is mostly undiscovered. There is just one ATM on the 25 mile-long (40km) island and there are no cars. It’s practically nothing but nature and art with just enough restaurants and hotels to keep you comfortable.
![Holbox Mexico](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/holbox-1730685_1920.webp)
Interestingly, until recently you wouldn’t have found much in the way of art on this secret paradise in Mexico’s Quintana Roo region, but in 2014 the first edition of Mexico’s International Public Art Festival (IPAF) decided to call Holbox home and the island’s bright and inviting murals have been there ever since.
![Holbox Mexico](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/holbox2.webp)
The IPAF team spent two years sourcing the artists for the project, so Holbox’s collection of street art is some of the most innovative and intriguing out there—and it has become an integral part of the island’s landscape.
![Holbox Mexico](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/holbox5.webp)
Speaking of the landscape, Holbox is actually a part of one of Mexico’s largest ecological reserves, Yum Balam, meaning there is a guaranteed abundance of nature and wildlife to be found. In fact, should you choose to get to the island by ferry (which takes just 15 minutes from Port Chiquila), your welcome greeting will most likely be from a flurry of migrating pink flamingos who flock to the shallow waters that separate the sandy island from the mainland.
![Holbox Mexico](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/14876342636_94fa0cd38e_o.webp)
So if you love the beach and you love art, what’s stopping you? Make your way to Holbox ASAP!
![Holbox Mexico](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/holbox1.webp)
![Holbox Island](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/holbox3.webp)
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
![women sitting on iceberg](https://theculturetrip.com/img/meet-our-leader/meet-our-leader-first.png?s=10x)
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
![group posing for picture on iceberg](https://theculturetrip.com/img/meet-our-leader/meet-our-leader-second-block-right.png?s=10x)
![group posing for picture on iceberg](https://theculturetrip.com/img/meet-our-leader/meet-our-leader-third-block-left.png?s=10x)
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
![map of volcanic iceland trip destination points](https://theculturetrip.com/img/meet-our-leader/meet-our-leader-third-block-map.png?s=10x)
![landscape with balloons floating in the air](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/trips_turkey_-cappadocia_stocksy_txp81a0648dwea300_medium_2665653-1024x682.webp)
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.