Once the first free settlement in the Americas, founded by those who escaped slavery during the colonial period, the town of San Basilio de Palenque still stands today, and with it the unique culture of its inhabitants. A portion of the population still speaks palenquero, a creole tongue that emerged from a mix of several European and African languages, now used almost exclusively in San Basilio de Palenque. Music and dance occupy a place of paramount importance in residents' lives, with the Drums and Cultural Expressions Festival held annually in October. The palenque cuisine deserves a separate mention — a culinary tradition upheld by inhabitants of a small Colombian village has garnered international acclaim, with a cookbook written in the town receiving the highest prize at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in 2014. If your schedule happens to be too tight for a dedicated day trip (which earns our highest recommendation), try some of the tropical fruit sold by palenqueras in downtown Cartagena. The village was named Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005.

The settlement of Soliman (on the Gulf of Tunis side) is worth the 40km trip for its characteristic feel - the town is very reminiscent of Moorish architecture typical of the Spanish south. Soliman is home to a couple historic mosques, and is only a short drive away from the nation's capital of Tunis.

One of the largest towns in the area, Nabeul is best visited on a Friday, when the famous local market is set up all along the city's main artery. Other attractions include the very pleasant beach and the city Archaeological Museum, containing findings and artifacts found in the area.