Vera Cruz, Brazil

With a population of just 22,136, Vera Cruz is hardly the bustling metropolis some might expect. The municipality occupies a mere 87% of the island of Itaparica, the remainder belonging to the neighboring town of Itaparica. While the colonial-era architecture and Jesuit ruins hold historic charm, the lack of federal, state, or municipal protection means these structures are left to decay. And bureaucratic headaches are a persistent reality, with the island only gaining city status as recently as 1962.

Ultimately, Vera Cruz offers a quiet, slower-paced lifestyle far removed from the chaos of Brazil's major cities. But those seeking the comforts of modern infrastructure and robust cultural institutions would be wise to look elsewhere.