From the picturesque canals and brightly painted colonial buildings of its old town to its skyscraper- and palm-fringed beaches, Recife’s skyline reflects its personality—a bold blend of traditionalism and modernism whose free spirit shines during its legendary Carnival celebrations.

An hour or two south of Recife, Porto de Galinhas was made for the not-so-extreme tourist. Raves one traveller, "It's what it doesn't have that makes it great:" no heavy traffic, no nightlife to speak of. Explore the natural tidal pools that form in the reef, feeding fish that swim all around you; or ride a dune buggy to romantic Muro Alto beach. Or skip all that and doze in a hammock by the warm, green, clear Atlantic.

Powerful coastal sunshine keeps beaches bustling year-round in Joao Pessoa, and brightly-painted art nouveau architecture hints at the city’s creative tradition. Art is front-and-centre in daily life here, with local studios crafting everything from pottery to crochet.

Amsterdam is truly a biker’s city, although pedaling along the labyrinthine streets can get a little chaotic. Stick to walking and you won’t be disappointed. The gentle canals make a perfect backdrop for exploring the Jordaan and Rembrandtplein square. Pop into the Red Light District if you must—if only so you can say you’ve been there. The Anne Frank House is one of the most moving experiences a traveller can have, and the Van Gogh Museum boasts a sensational collection of works.