Spectacular scenery, futuristic buildings and non-stop nightlife

As preparations for Brazil's legendary Carnival celebrations get underway - and with the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics just around the corner - we think of a better time to put together our wish list of Brazil's must-see sights and places. Make ours a caipirinha!

• Itacaré

Bahia has arguably some of the country's best beaches, and a homing beacon for surfers is Itacaré, south of the city of Salvador. A crescent of soft, white sandy stretches along a 20-mile coastline, and keen surfers will want to head there in July, as the waves are strongest then.

The temperature veers between 25 and 30C, and can rise to 40C in the hot season from December to March. June can be a bit rainy, but that's when you can bag the best deals.