Saquarema, Brazil

With a population of just under 38,000, Saquarema is a sleepy coastal town that doesn't quite live up to its reputation as Brazil's "surfing capital." While the beaches may offer excellent waves, the reality is a persistent bureaucratic headache for residents. The city's glory days of hosting surfing festivals in the 1970s are long gone, and it's unclear if its recent addition to the World Surfing League circuit will provide a meaningful economic boost. Unless you're a die-hard wave rider seeking to ride Saquarema's famous breaks, this municipality offers little to draw in newcomers.