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.

Just a kilometre south of Chora lies the village of Pera Gialos, once the island's main port. Today it boasts a relatively well-developed tourist infrastructure and a charming beach, ideal for a refreshing swim. Boat tours run from here to nearby sites and other beaches.

This traditional festival happens once a year, and it offers small breweries from both Czech and foreign origin to display their beers, and show off their skills. While tasting the beers may be focused quite most, you will also learn more about the process of brewing, and the history of beers.