A coastal city in São Paulo state with 17 beaches along its 29-kilometer shoreline. Popular for surfing and swimming, with clear waters and mountain views.
Caraguatatuba, called Caraguá by residents, sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the steep green hills of Serra do Mar. You’ll find 17 beaches here, such as Cocanha Beach with its offshore rock formations and Martim de Sá Beach, where the water stays shallow far from shore. Head to Dr. Candido Motta Square to see the white Church of St. Anthony, built in the 1600s, and nearby restaurants serving virado à paulista—a plate of beans, pork, and crispy fried plantains. Try paragliding from Santo Antônio Hill or rent a paddleboard to explore the bay at Cocanha, where coconut trees line the sand and beach bars mix sugarcane liquor into icy drinks.
Beaches and Water Activities
Caraguatatuba’s coastline runs 30 kilometers, with beaches that differ in shape, sand type, and surroundings. At Cocanha Beach, golden sand curves between rocky islands you can paddle to on a rented kayak. Groups often rent banana boats here for fast rides over the waves, or you can sit under a shaded umbrella and try a caipirinha made with fresh lime. Martim de Sá Beach, close to downtown, has mild waves safe for swimming and a paved walkway dotted with grills serving shrimp skewers and whole grilled fish. On Massaguaçú Beach, watch workers pull fishing nets onto the sand or join a casual volleyball match. For less crowded areas, Brava Beach and Flecheiras Beach have fewer buildings and more forests and rocky cliffs along the shore.
Hiking in Serra do Mar State Park
The thickly forested mountains of Serra do Mar rise behind the city, crossed by trails starting at the state park. Walk the paths to reach waterfalls like Cachoeira do Tico-Tico, where you can swim in clear pools below the falls. Guides point out wildlife along the way, including bright toucans, loud howler monkeys, and orchids that bloom in shades of pink and yellow. Drive 15 minutes from downtown to Santo Antônio Hill, where paragliders leap from the summit and you can see the entire coastline from the lookout. Full-day guided hikes go deep into the forest, but shorter routes like the Jequitibá Trail take two hours and pass streams and old-growth trees.
History and Food in the City Center
The Church of St. Anthony, a white building with a carved wooden altar, has stood in Caraguatatuba’s main square since the 1600s. Around Dr. Candido Motta Square, former colonial houses now hold cafes selling strong coffee and shops with handmade pottery. Order virado à paulista at local diners or moqueca de peixe—a coconut-based fish stew—at beach kiosks. On weekends, the open-air market sells pineapples, mangoes, rounds of goat cheese, and bottles of cachaça. End meals with doce de banana, soft bananas cooked in caramelized sugar and served with a shot of espresso.
Activities for Families
Indaiá Beach draws families with its warm, shallow water and wide stretch of soft sand. Water parks near downtown have slides, lazy rivers, and pools with artificial waves. The Environmental Education Center teaches kids about mangrove ecosystems through touch tanks and short films. Boat tours from Camaroeiro Beach take groups to snorkel spots where angelfish and parrotfish swim around coral. During holidays, the city hosts free events like outdoor film screenings in squares or workshops where children paint clay figurines.
Transportation to Caraguatatuba
Drive three hours from São Paulo on the Tamoios Highway, a road that twists through mountain forests. Buses leave multiple times daily from São Paulo’s Tietê station and arrive at Caraguatatuba’s bus terminal. Private planes and charters land at Ubatuba Airport, 40 kilometers northeast. To reach Ilhabela Island, take a ferry from São Sebastião, a 20-minute drive south. Within the city, use taxis or ride-sharing apps to get to beaches and trailheads quickly.
Where to Stay
Over 1,500 hotels, guesthouses, and rental apartments operate in Caraguatatuba. Many lodgings sit near Martim de Sá Beach and Centro Beach, putting restaurants and shops within walking distance. Mid-priced hotels often serve breakfast with papaya, passion fruit, and warm cheese bread. For longer visits, rent an apartment with a kitchen near Massaguaçú Beach. Rooms fill fast in December and July, so reserve at least eight weeks ahead for those months.
