This coastal Brazilian city sits on a rocky island, connected to mainland by bridges. A major port with calm beaches, universities, and a strong local economy.
Vitória occupies an island and mainland section of eastern Brazil, where the Vitória Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Walk through streets lined with 16th-century buildings like the Metropolitan Cathedral, see cargo ships dock at the Port of Tubarão, or swim at Camburi Beach's 6-kilometer shoreline. You can take boat tours through mangrove-filled waterways or taste moqueca capixaba - the local fish stew - in the Praia do Canto neighborhood.
Getting to Vitória
You can fly into Vitória International Airport from Rio de Janeiro (1 hour), São Paulo (1 hour 40 minutes), or Belo Horizonte. The downtown bus terminal connects to these major cities by long-distance buses. If you're driving, take highways BR-101 or BR-262, which connect Vitória to the rest of Brazil.
Exploring the Colonial Center
Walk through 470 years of history in the city center. The Metropolitan Cathedral, completed in 1551, sits near the Chapel of Santa Luzia - the oldest church in Vitória. You can see the 16th-century Anchieta Palace's white facade and red-tiled roof from many points in the center. Take a break under the trees at Moscoso Park, surrounded by colonial-era stone buildings.
Beaches and Bay Areas
Walk, jog, or cycle along the 6-kilometer stretch of Camburi Beach on the mainland. Swim in the calm waters of Curva da Jurema beach in the bay area. The Ilha do Boi neighborhood has small beaches where you can look across the bay to see mountains on the opposite shore.
Local Food Scene
Try moqueca capixaba, the local fish stew cooked in clay pots with olive oil - different from the coconut milk version found in Bahia. Find fresh seafood restaurants in Praia do Canto, or head to Triângulo das Bermudas for its concentration of bars and casual restaurants.
Day Trips from Vitória
Cross the Third Bridge to Vila Velha to visit Convento da Penha, a 16th-century monastery perched on a 154-meter hill. Drive 50 kilometers south to swim at Guarapari's beaches. In Domingos Martins, 40 kilometers inland, you'll find stone houses and German restaurants reflecting the town's colonial past.
Weather and Timing
Temperatures stay between 24°C and 30°C throughout the year. The rainy season runs from October through January, while February through September remain mostly dry. Local tourism peaks during summer (December-February), leading to higher accommodation rates.
Practical Information
Check the city website for weekly beach water quality reports. At night, be careful around Curva da Jurema and Shopping Vitória areas. The local area code is 27. While Portuguese is the main language, you'll find English speakers in most tourist areas.
