Veracruz

Mexico's oldest and historically most significant port, Veracruz was founded by Hernán Cortés on 22 April 1519 as Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz — the first Spanish settlement on the American mainland to receive a coat-of-arms. The city's Gulf coast location, colonial fortifications such as Fort San Juan de Ulúa, and a food and music culture shaped by indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean influences give it a distinct character. The walkable centre has a lively café and restaurant scene and several historic churches.

• Population428,323
• Nearest water from center1.8 km
• Nearest mountain from center1.0 km