This coastal city in southern Brazil has three large rock formations rising from its beaches. Palm-lined boardwalks lead to surfing spots and seasonal whale watching areas.
Torres sits on Brazil's southern coast in Rio Grande do Sul state, where three basalt towers rise 40 meters from the Atlantic Ocean. You can surf at Praia Grande, explore the rock formations at Praia da Guarita, or hike through the dunes at Itapeva State Park. Visit in April to see hundreds of hot air balloons take flight during the Easter festival, or come between August and September to spot migrating right whales.
The Coastal Landscape
Three basalt towers stand along Torres' coastline, the only such rock formations on Brazil's southern shore. Wave action has carved several sea caves (furnas) into these vertical columns. The largest formation, Furnas Hill, rises 600 meters from the city lighthouse next to Cal Beach, where local surfers catch waves throughout the year.
Beaches of Torres
Each of Torres' beaches has distinct characteristics. At Praia da Guarita, you can walk 800 meters along the sand between towering rock formations. The 2-kilometer Praia Grande attracts swimmers and beach volleyball players. Prainha (Middle Beach) runs for 600 meters with rocks dotting its shoreline, while Cal Beach draws surfers with waves that break consistently near the shore.
Natural Parks and Wildlife
At Guarita State Park, established in 1971, walking trails lead you along clifftops overlooking the Atlantic. In Itapeva State Park, you'll find paths winding through sand dunes and coastal meadows covered in low-growing plants adapted to sandy soil. Right whales swim past the coast during their migration from August to September. The Ilha dos Lobos, 1,700 meters offshore from Praia Grande, shelters seals, sea lions, and various seabirds.
Climate and Seasonal Activities
Surfers find the best conditions from May to September, when waves reach up to 3 meters. February temperatures average 23°C, while July sees averages around 15°C. Since 1989, Torres has hosted Brazil's largest hot air balloon festival during Easter, with over 100 balloons taking flight each morning.
Local Food Scene
Restaurants along the beachfront serve fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen. You'll find traditional rodizio restaurants throughout town, where servers bring different cuts of grilled meat to your table. Many dining spots concentrate along Praia Grande's waterfront strip.
Getting to Torres
The city is 197 kilometers from Porto Alegre and 280 kilometers from Florianópolis. Most visitors arrive through Porto Alegre's international airport, though Torres has its own small airport. In summer, direct bus services connect Torres to Argentine cities including Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Rosario, operated by companies like Pluma and Flechabus.
