Ilhéus, Brazil

With a population of just 223,750, Ilhéus is a modest coastal city, far from the glitz and glamour of Brazil's major metropolises. The economy is heavily reliant on tourism, buoyed by the city's beaches and cultural heritage, but the infrastructure shows signs of strain - a proposed new deep water port has faced fierce environmental opposition. And while the tropical rainforest climate may seem idyllic, the city's sewage and garbage problems are a persistent headache. For those seeking an authentic slice of Brazilian life outside the big cities, Ilhéus offers a laidback, if somewhat unpolished, experience.