Angra do Heroismo, Portugal

Capital City

With a population of just 35,402, Angra do Heroismo can seem like a quaint, peaceful escape. But beneath the historic charm lies a persistent bureaucratic headache - the island's isolation means even basic paperwork can be a slog. And while the climate is mild, averaging 24-25°C in summer, the Azores are no stranger to earthquakes, with a major tremor hitting in 1980. Still, for those drawn to the region's rich history and stunning landscapes, Angra may be worth the trade-offs.