Parati, Brazil

Set amidst jutting peninsulas and secluded beaches, with a backdrop of steep, jungled mountains plunging into an island-studded bay, Paraty is one of Brazil's most appealing and exquisitely preserved historical gems. Paraty's colonial center is remarkable not only for its centuries-old architecture, but also for its lack of automobile traffic. The irregular cobblestone streets are closed to motor vehicles, making it a delightful place to stroll about. Elegant white buildings adorned with fanciful multi-hued borders and latticed windows blend harmoniously with the natural beauty that envelops the town.