South Africa's third-largest city, Durban blends together African, Indian and colonial influences to create a vibrant atmosphere. The bustling Victoria Street Market shows off the city's cosmopolitan side with its teeming stalls and colourful exterior. Blessed with sun-kissed sands and a balmy subtropical climate, Durban is one of the top surfing destinations in South Africa. Find ideal wave conditions at Dairy Beach and along the Golden Mile. It's also a hotspot for diving. Swim with tiger sharks and manta rays at Aliwal Shoal, a rocky coral-studded reef. Refurbished for the 2010 World Cup, the city's seafront promenade runs from uShaka Marine World, a huge theme park with an aquarium, to the futuristic Moses Mabhida Stadium. Durban also hosts the Comrades Marathon, the world's oldest ultra-marathon.