Santos

Santos, a coastal city in São Paulo state, Brazil, is known for its long sandy beaches and its role as Latin America's largest seaport. The city has played a significant part in Brazil's coffee industry, which you can learn about at the Coffee Museum. Sports fans can visit the Pelé Museum, dedicated to the legendary footballer. You can stroll along the world's longest beachfront garden or take in views of the city from Monte Serrat hill.

Beaches and Beachfront Gardens

Santos has 7 kilometers of wide, sandy beaches bordered by the world's longest beachfront garden. The garden extends 5.3 km along the coast and includes bike paths, playgrounds, and sports facilities. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, drink fresh coconut water from vendors, or join locals in a game of beach volleyball. Gonzaga and José Menino are the most popular beaches, which tend to be busy on weekends.

Port of Santos

The Port of Santos handles about a quarter of Brazil's foreign trade and is the largest seaport in Latin America. While it's not typically a tourist destination, you can see massive container ships and understand the city's economic importance. Some boat tours provide views of the port from the water, giving a different perspective on Santos' maritime activities.

Coffee Museum

The Coffee Museum (Museu do Café) is located in the former Coffee Exchange building and tells the story of Brazil's coffee industry. The museum's main attraction is the grand trading hall with its stained-glass ceiling and detailed decorations. Interactive exhibits explain coffee cultivation, processing, and trading. You can also try different Brazilian coffee varieties at the museum's café.

Pelé Museum

The Pelé Museum showcases the career of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known worldwide as Pelé. The museum displays over 2,500 items related to the player, including trophies, jerseys, and interactive exhibits. It's situated near the Vila Belmiro stadium, home of Santos FC, where Pelé played for most of his career.

Historical Center

Santos' historical center, around XV de Novembro Street, has well-preserved colonial-era buildings. These include the Santos Coffee Exchange, now home to the Coffee Museum, and the Valongo Sanctuary, one of Brazil's oldest churches. You can ride a historic tram through the area, providing an interesting way to see the old town.

Monte Serrat

For views of Santos and the surrounding area, visit Monte Serrat hill. A funicular railway takes you to the top, where you'll find a former casino building and the Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat chapel. From here, you can see the city, beaches, and port.

Getting Around

Santos has an extensive bus network and a growing system of bike lanes. Renting a bicycle is a convenient way to explore the beachfront and flatter parts of the city. Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available. If you're planning a day trip to São Paulo, buses leave regularly from the rodoviária (bus station) and take about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Santos has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. From May to September, there's less rainfall and milder temperatures, ranging from 16°C to 25°C (61°F to 77°F). This period is good for beach visits and exploring the city. The summer months (December to March) can be hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), and occasional heavy rainfall.