Founded by a Franciscan monk in 1542, San Miguel de Allende was the first Spanish settlement in Mexico's Guanajuato region and served as an important silver-mining area during colonial times. Today, it's enchanting visitors with its delightful blend of old-world charm, cosy restaurants and lively nightlife.

The town's historic heart is an idyllic time capsule where cobblestone streets meet colourful façades and stone colonnades. Most magical of all is La Parroquía (pictured), an immense 18th-century, neo-Gothic church. It's made of pink stone and looks like it's been plucked straight from a Walt Disney film set.

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