Guaruja Attractions

The fort of Barra Grande (1580), 7km/4.3mi from Guarujá, was once the strongest fortified post on this stretch of coast; it lies on the road to Santa Cruz dos Navegantes, but can also be reached by boat from the Ponta da Praia in Santos. There are also boats from there to the Forte Velho (Old Fort; 3km/2mi from town center), built to protect Santos harbor.

Beaches north of town

The long beach of Enseada, favored particularly by water sports enthusiasts, is 3km/2mi north of the Praia Pitangueiras. At the near end of the beach is the Morro do Maluf, a hill from which there are fine views of the town and the offshore islands. The most luxurious beaches are Pernambuco and Perequà, respectively 5km/3mi and 10km/6mi from Ensenada. On the road to Bertioga, at the entrance to the Praia de Pernambuco, is another hill affording wide views, the Morro de Sorocotuba. On Perequà beach is the 18th century Capela dos Escravos (Slaves Chapel). Beyond this are the beaches of São Pedro, Iporanga and Pinheiro, which can be reached only by boat. The beaches of Praia Branca and Praia Preta are reached from the bridge at Bertioga.

Some 27km/17mi north of Guarujá, at the northern tip of the island of Santo Amaro, at the entrance to the Bertioga Canal, is the chapel of Santa Cruz dos Navegantes, which is mainly frequented by fishermen.

Nearby, close to the landing-stage used by the ferry, are the ruins of the 16th century hermitage of Santo Antìnio de Guiabé.

Beaches south of town

The best beaches to the south of the town are Astúrias (1km/.7mi; calm water), Tombo (2km/1.3mi; heavy seas), which is favored by surfers, and Guaiúba (3km/2mi; calm sea), with luxuriant vegetation.

Beaches within town

The particular attraction of this resort is its nineteen beaches. The two busiest of these are Guarujá and Pitangueiras, which lie close to the main shopping streets. From there, there are boats to the islands of Pombeva and Cabras.