Marataizes, Brazil

With a population of just under 46,000, Marataízes is a crowded beach town on Brazil's southern coast. The city's main draw is its status as a tourist destination, though the high population density and limited land area of 42 hectares mean space and privacy are at a premium. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the local government maintaining a nature reserve that occupies over a quarter of the municipality's total area. Overall, Marataízes offers an authentic seaside experience, but its small-town feel and infrastructure struggles may overwhelm those seeking a more tranquil coastal lifestyle.