Founded by the Portuguese in the late 17th century, Colonia de Sacramento is a beguiling old colonial town stretching along a sweeping bay on the Rio de la Plata in Uruguay. It boasts beautiful sandy beaches with sweet-smelling eucalyptus and pine trees. It also has a charming barrio historico (old town) with a host of small museums, architectural treats and appealing shops.

Colonia was transferred to Spanish control in 1770s and was used by the British for smuggling, which stopped when Uruguay was formed in 1828. Today, the town is a popular weekend retreat or day trip for portenos from Buenos Aires who come here to escape the city and soak up the tranquil ambience. Curiously, although there are fewer these days, you’ll see some fabulous old trucks and cars, parked on or driving around the town's streets.