The birthplace of samba and capoeira, Bahia is the country's pulsing epicenter of Afro-Brazilian culture. So while everyone is flocking to Rio and its famed Copacabana Beach to soak up the sun, head north to Bahia to soak up a warm, vibrant culture.

Salvador is the largest city (its historic centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985); other urban centres include Ilhus, Itabuna, Feira de Santana, Vitria da Conquista, Camaari, Jequi, and Alagoinhas.