Embedded within the Costa Verde, this delightful seaport, replete with colonial-style architecture, offers ample reason to leave the city for a day. Surrounded by green hills and within meters of the sea, Paraty’s idyllic landscape and rich history saw it become World Heritage listed by UNESCO in 2004.

This onetime vital shipping port was the outgoing point for gold to Rio de Janeiro as well as for the roaring Brazilian coffee trade to Europe. Its historic charm has, in part, been preserved due to the city’s isolation, not really becoming connected to São Paulo until a highway was built in the ’80s.

If you feel like wandering, meander by boat to the Porto de Our, passing by postcard-perfect beaches and magnificent islands, stopping at some of the bays to partake in some snorkeling.

The town gets quite lively come sundown, with no end of quality restaurants and live music that will surely keep you pinned to this ocean-side jewel.