Necochea, Argentina

Capital City

With a population of just 73,557, Necochea is a sleepy coastal town that offers little beyond beaches and a port. The area was first charted by Jesuits in 1748, and the city itself was established in 1881 as a defensive outpost against raids. While it has since become a popular domestic tourism destination, the bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the casino, for example, has burned down twice since 2001. For those seeking a quiet, no-frills beach escape, Necochea may fit the bill, but most will find it rather dull.