Salvador is the ideal place to purchase a holiday home

Salvador is the ideal place to purchase a holiday home in Brazil as it attracts millions of local holidaymakers and thousands of Brits, according to an expert.

Tom Wuckovich writing for the Toronto Star said that the city, which is in the north eastern state of Bahia, was the first major port and the capital of colonial Brazil for almost two centuries. The city lies between green tropical hills and broad beaches along the bay of Todos os Santos. In Salvador, the African influence in the makeup of Brazilian culture is readily visible more than anywhere else in the country, from the peppery dishes still called by their African names ( acaraji, caruru, vatapa), to the ceremonies of candombli which honor both African deities and Catholic holidays.

Many of the city's flamboyant churches, private homes, colorful colonial buildings, and cobblestoned streets have been preserved as part of Brazil's historic patrimony. For a cosmopolitan holiday, travelers may wish to head to the Pelourinho historical district, Mr. Wuckovich said.

"Pelourinho has a place on the national historic register and named a world cultural centery by UNESCO." he pointed out. This areas is Nicknamed as Pelo by residents which is in the older part of the upper city, or Cidade Alta, of Salvador. Pelo has something to see along every street, including churches, cafes, restaurants, shops and the pastel-hued buildings.

However, Locals and overseas tourists alike flock to Farol da Barra, a small island at the tip of Salvador to sit and watch the sun go down while drinking cocktails.

In related news, Will Hide, a Yorkshireman, now living in London, writes full time on many aspects of travel and food for numerous national UK papers recommended the Salvador de Bahia as being close to paradise for holidaymakers.