Itajai Tourist Attractions

Itajaí

Situation and Characteristics

The port of Itajaí (founded 1824), 92km/57mi south of Joinville and 100km/63mi north of Florianópolis, was the base from which thousands of settlers from Germany, Italy and elsewhere in Europe settled the valleys in north-eastern Santa Catarina from 1851 onwards. It is now an important fishing center. Within easy reach are some of the most fashionable bathing resorts in Santa Catarina.

Beaches

Among the most popular beaches round Itajaí are the Praia dos Cabeáudas (6km/4mi from town center) and Amores (7km/4.3mi), both looking out on the open sea and separated from one another by rocks and hills.

Historical Museum

The Mueu Histórico of Itajaí, housed in the Palácio Marcos Konder, displays documents on the early history of the town and the settlement of the Itajaí valley.

Surroundings

There are a number of attractions, towns, and natural areas within a short distance of Itajaí, which are worth a visit.

Itajaí Valley

The Itajaí Valley is dotted with 46 towns and villages that look very European in nature.

Highlight:	Oktoberfest

Barra Velha

The fishing port of Barra Velho (pop. 12,000), 39km/24mi north of Itajaí, has a number of beaches facing the open sea, with cliffs and rocks. At the Praia da Barra Velha, to the north, the sea can be rough. The most popular beaches lie to the south of the town: Praias do Tabuleiro (monazite sand) and de Itabuja, which offer ideal conditions for surfing; Pedras Brancas, Pedras Negras and Grant. A further attraction is the salt lake in the center of the town, separated from the sea only by a narrow sandbank. From the Morro do Cristo, a hill within the town center, there are views of the whole town, the lake and the adjoining coast.

Penha

25km/15.5mi north of Itajaí is the little coastal town of Penha (pop. 15,000), with a number of good beaches: Armação (6km/4mi from town center), a favorite with water-skiers, sailing enthusiasts and surfers, Paciància, Praia Grande and Praia Vermelha (with cliffs). Within easy reach of Armação are the Itacolomi lighthouse and the Ponta da Vigia. Boats can be hired to the islands of Feia and Itacolomi.

Porto Belo

Porto Belo, 52km/32mi south of Itajaí, have a more rugged coast and a promontory reaching out to sea, The best known beaches are the Praias de Bombas and Bombinhas, to the east of the town. To the south are the beaches of Zimbros (monazite sand) and Ponta de Zimbros.