Things To Do
in Cravinhos

Cravinhos is a small, agriculture-centered municipality in São Paulo state, nestled in the Ribeirão Preto region. The town blends rural countryside with a touch of regional culture and warm hospitality. Its center offers simple eateries, markets, and a charming square anchored by a church.

Surrounding sugarcane fields and citrus groves make Cravinhos a relaxed base for exploring nearby cities and the countryside.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Heart of Cravinhos
morning
:

Start your day with a stroll through the charming streets of Cravinhos. Enjoy a delicious Brazilian breakfast at a local café, sampling pão de queijo and fresh fruit juices. Visit the main square to admire the colorful local architecture and vibrant flowers.

afternoon
:

Explore the nearby parks, such as Parque da Represa, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk or rent a paddleboat. Have lunch at a traditional restaurant, where you can savor regional dishes like feijoada or farofa. Spend the rest of the afternoon visiting local artisan shops to pick up unique souvenirs.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the town by dining at a family-owned eatery. Taste traditional Brazilian barbecue while enjoying local musicians performing in the background. Conclude your evening with a nightcap at a cozy bar, mingling with locals and fellow travelers.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Dedicate your morning to visiting the local cultural center to understand Cravinhos' history and traditions. Participate in a workshop on local handicrafts, learning skills passed down through generations. Enjoy the interactive exhibits that showcase the region's rich heritage.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a nearby café and try a regional delicacy such as coxinha or kibe. Afterward, head to a nearby historical site, such as a local church, to delve deeper into the town's architecture and stories. Engage with knowledgeable guides who can share fascinating tales about the area.

evening
:

Cap off your day by attending a cultural event or festival if available, where you can witness folk dances and local cuisine. Enjoy the sense of community as families gather to celebrate. Indulge in sweet treats like brigadeiros from nearby vendors before returning to your accommodation.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🍕Three-course dinner for two (mid-range)$25-50
🏨Hotel room per night$30-70
🚕Taxi ride (short distance)$3-10
🧺Groceries for a week (basic items)$10-25

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Calm town with easy access to nature
  • Warm, welcoming locals
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Fewer big-city amenities compared to nearby Ribeirão Preto
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
  • "Falo um pouco de português" - I speak a little Portuguese
  • "Você aceita cartão?" - Do you accept cards?
  • "A conta, por favor" - The bill, please

Places to Visit in Cravinhos

Visit one of these nice places.

Igreja Matriz de Cravinhos

Historic church in the town center with a tall bell tower and colorful facade; great for architectural shots in daylight and dramatic twilight.

Praça da Bandeira / Praça Central

Main square framed by colonial buildings, fountains, and local activity; ideal for candid street photography and sunset shots.

Rural countryside and sugarcane fields

Golden-hour scenes across manicured fields and quiet farm roads just outside Cravinhos; perfect for wide landscape photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Cravinhos

Cravinhos sits in a rich agricultural region, where many eateries focus on traditional Brazilian fare, fresh produce, and hearty regional dishes. Expect simple, generous portions and familiar flavors found across interior São Paulo. The town is also dotted with cafés and pizzerias that pair light meals with locally roasted coffee.

Cravinhos Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Feijoada

A classic Brazilian black bean stew with pork and beef, typically served with rice, orange slices, and farofa; commonly found in local cantinas and traditional eateries.

Must-Try!

Picanha com farofa

Grilled or roasted beef cut (picanha) served with farofa and vinaigrette; a staple at churrascarias and family-run restaurants.

Massas caseiras e pizza

House-made pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas from local trattorias and pizzerias; great for casual dinners.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Cravinhos

A municipal market offering fresh produce, regional snacks, and everyday groceries; great for tasting local flavors.

Feira de produtores locais

Seasonal stalls with fruits, vegetables, honey, artisanal breads, and other locally produced goods; ideal for a quick bite or a picnic.

Climate Guide

Weather

Cravinhos has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Summers are hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms; winters are mild to cool. Typical daytime highs range from the mid-20s to low 30s Celsius in summer and the high teens to mid-20s in winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a friendly 'bom dia/boa tarde'; shake hands with adults and hug close friends. Politeness and small talk are appreciated.

Respect for personal space

Avoid loud conversations in public spaces; show appreciation for hospitality and modest dress when visiting religious sites.

Tipping and sharing costs

Tipping is customary but not obligatory; splitting bills politely is common in group meals.

Safety Guide

Safety

Cravinhos is generally safe in tourist areas. Use common-sense precautions: keep valuables secure, use licensed taxis, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and take standard dengue-prevention measures during the rainy season.

Tipping in Cravinhos

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is common but not mandatory. If service is included, a tip is optional; otherwise, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is appreciated.

Payment methods

Cash (BRL) and credit/debit cards are widely accepted. Mobile payments and installment options are increasingly common in larger shops; some small places may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm to hot days with high humidity and occasional heavy showers; carry water, sunscreen, and a light rain layer.

Autumn

Mild days with cooler evenings; comfortable for outdoor activities and photography.

Winter

Cooler mornings and evenings; many days are pleasant for exploring; frost is rare in the area.

Spring

Pleasant temperatures with blooming fruit trees and lush landscapes; ideal for outdoor adventures and photography.

Nightlife Guide

Cravinhos at Night

Nightlife in Cravinhos is low-key, centered on local bars and botecos. Weekends may feature live music and gatherings around the town square or at churrasco spots; most places close by 1–2 am, offering a relaxed evening atmosphere rather than a club scene.

Hiking in Cravinhos

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Countryside trails around Cravinhos

Low-difficulty trails on rural roads and farmland; popular for sunrise hikes.

Batatais nearby hill trails

Hilly terrain with scenic viewpoints accessible by car; suitable for a day trip.

Airports

How to reach Cravinhos by plane.

Ribeirão Preto Regional Airport (RAO)

Closest airport with domestic flights; drive about 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.

Viracopos International Airport (VCP) in Campinas

Major international and domestic hub; about a 3-4 hour drive.

São José do Rio Preto Airport (SJP)

Regional airport with connections to major Brazilian cities; drive about 1-2 hours.

Getting Around

Walkability

Cravinhos has a compact town center that is comfortable to explore on foot. For broader exploration, a car or local bus/taxi is convenient to reach nearby attractions and countryside routes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Longstanding families in agricultural towns, often with multi-generational homes.

Farm workers and service staff

People employed in agriculture and local services; community-oriented.

Students and young professionals

residents who study or commute to larger towns for work or education.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol (soccer)

The most popular sport, with local teams and casual play in parks.

Futsal

Indoor football common in clubs and recreation centers.

Volleyball

Played in schools and community centers.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Cravinhos is light outside peak hours; the easiest way to get around is by car. Public buses connect Cravinhos to surrounding towns, and taxis are available; ridesharing may be limited but is growing in the region.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Cravinhos.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarians can rely on salads, grains, beans, roasted vegetables, and dairy/eggs. Ask for vegetable-based dishes with rice and beans, and communicate any dairy or egg restrictions to kitchen staff.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in Cravinhos through local clinics and a municipal health center. For more complex care, residents typically travel to Ribeirão Preto, which has major hospitals and specialists; private clinics in Cravinhos provide faster routine services.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide