This coastal town in Espírito Santo has 40+ beaches, including black sand shores rich in monazite minerals. A popular summer destination for Brazilian families.
Guarapari, a coastal city in Brazil's Espírito Santo state, stretches along 52 white-sand beaches. At Praia da Areia Preta, you can cover yourself in naturally radioactive monazite sand, which locals use for therapeutic treatments. Watch sea turtles glide past while scuba diving at Três Ilhas archipelago, trek through coastal dunes at Paulo César Vinha State Park, or eat fresh-caught fish in moqueca capixaba at the beachfront restaurants.
Getting to Guarapari
Take a bus from Vitória, with departures every 1.5-2 hours. By car, drive either Rodovia do Sol (ES-060) or BR-101, both with toll roads. The trip takes about 1-1.5 hours from Vitória.
Weather and Timing Your Visit
Temperatures in Guarapari stay around 25°C year-round. January heats up to 32°C, while June cools to about 22°C. Expect frequent rain in November and December. Tourist numbers peak during summer (January-March), bringing higher accommodation rates.
Beaches and Monazite Sands
The 36-kilometer coastline contains 52 beaches. The black monazite sand found on several beaches emits natural radioactivity. Many visitors rub the sand on their skin, believing it helps with arthritis and other conditions. Scientists recommend limiting your time on these beaches, as a full day's exposure equals roughly one medical X-ray.
Marine Life and Diving
Swim alongside groupers and sea turtles in Guarapari's waters. Sign up for beginner diving courses or join guided trips to Três Ilhas archipelago and Escalvada Island if you're already certified. You'll likely spot schools of tropical fish, including parrotfish and angelfish.
Paulo César Vinha State Park
Walk the 3-kilometer main trail through this 1,500-hectare protected area. The path winds through Atlantic Forest vegetation, where you can spot toucans and marmosets from designated observation points. Take a kayak out on Lagoa dos Caraís or follow shorter trails leading to secluded beaches.
Local Food
Seafood dominates Guarapari's cuisine. Try moqueca capixaba, fish cooked slowly with tomatoes, onions, and urucum spice - unlike other Brazilian versions, it contains no coconut milk. Sample torta capixaba (seafood pie) and caranguejada (crab feast). Beachfront restaurants receive fresh fish every morning from local fishermen.
