Vila Velha Attractions

Praia da Costa

The Praia da Costa, one of the most beautiful beaches in Espírito Santo, lies 3km/2mi from Vila Velha on the coast to the east. At the end of the beach is the Santa Luzia lighthouse (1871). Nearby is the Morro do Moreno (167m/548ft), a favorite launching-pad for hang-gliders.

The beach of Barra do Jucu, 12km/7.5mi from Vila Velha, is the venue of the Brazilian surfing championship. Here there are the ruins of a Jesuit settlement. A short distance away on the Rodovia do Sol is the Lago Jabaeté, a lake well stocked with fish.

Conceição da Barra

The fishing village of Conceição da Barra, where the congo is still danced in African fashion, was founded by freed slaves. The Congo band of Barra do Jucu, formed by local fishermen, is one of the oldest and best known ensembles in Espírito Santo. Beyond the estuary of the Rio Jucu is the Praia da Lage, with a great platform of rock which emerges from the sea at low tide.

Itaparica

5km/3mi from the town is the beach of Itaparica.

The beaches to the south of Vila Velha are reached on the Rodovia do Sol (ES 060), which runs from Vila Velha to Marataizes. Nearest to the town is the beach of Itapoã (3km/2mi), where there is a small fishing village.

Jacaranema Forest Reserve

The Jacaranema Forest Reserve, through which the Rio Jucu flows, offers a representative cross-section of the flora and fauna of the region.

Museu Homero Massena

On the Prainha (a section of Avenida Beira-Mar) is the Homero Massena Museum, in the former home of Homero Massena, the most celebrated painter of Espírito Santo. It displays many of his pictures as well as personal mementoes of the artist. In the Prainha Park near the museum a craft fair, at which regional dishes can also be sampled, is held on Fridays and Saturdays.

N.S. do Rosário

On Praça da Bandeira is the church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário (1551).

Ponta de Fruta Lagoa Vermelha

The beach of Ponta de Fruta, on which there is a fishing village, is reached on the Rodovia do Sol (18km/11mi). Between Ponta de Fruta and Barra do Jucu is the Lagoa Vermelha ("Red Lagoon"), also called the Lagoa do Milho.

Praia da Baleia

The Praia da Baleia ("Whale Beach"), 24km/15mi from Vila Velha, lies close to the beaches north of the bathing resort of Guarapari, which is also on the Rodovia do Sol.