Set on the emerald green Costa Verde, Paraty is a beautifully preserved colonial town. The whitewashed buildings and quiet cobbled streets have been awarded UNESCO world heritage status such is their beauty and historical importance. The town has many great restaurants and some great bars with live music, with the emphasis on relaxing rather than partying.

Though there are no beaches of note immediately reachable on foot from the town, Paraty is in the corner of an enormous bay area whose calm waters are home to hundreds of islands; many with their own unspoilt beaches and seafood restaurants. Boats can easily be chartered and exploring these areas is a real joy.