Things To Do
in Fundão
Fundão is a small coastal municipality in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, known for its relaxed pace, fishing communities and access to beaches and mangroves. The town combines a working fishing port and agricultural surroundings with simple local commerce and family-run seafood restaurants. Its location in the greater Greater Vitória region makes it a quiet base for visiting nearby cities, islands and mountain parks in Espírito Santo.
Expect friendly local life, fresh seafood, and basic tourist infrastructure rather than resort-style amenities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the local market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and sample fresh produce and homemade delicacies. Don’t miss trying the regional fruits that are unique to the area. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the quaint streets lined with colorful houses.
In the afternoon, head to beautiful Praia de Fundão, a serene beach that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. You can choose to relax on the sand or engage in beach activities like volleyball or kite flying, enjoying the warm sun. Consider visiting a local seafood restaurant for lunch, where you can savor the catch of the day.
As the sun sets, find a lively bar or café along the beach and unwind with a refreshing drink while watching the waves gently lap the shore. Engage with locals and fellow travelers to share stories and experiences from your trip. The evening wraps up perfectly as you sample some traditional Brazilian dishes at an eatery nestled in the heart of Fundão.
Wake up early and prepare for an exciting hike in the nearby Serra do Caparaó National Park. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on the trail, surrounded by lush forests and the sounds of nature. Keep your camera handy as you may encounter rich wildlife along the way.
After a fulfilling hike, enjoy a packed lunch at one of the park's scenic viewpoints, taking in breathtaking panoramic views. Spend the afternoon exploring additional trails or simply relaxing by a waterfall and allowing the tranquility of nature to invigorate your spirit. Remember to bring plenty of water and sun protection as you navigate the wilderness.
Return to Fundão in the evening to refresh and possibly explore local cuisine at a nearby restaurant. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner featuring traditional dishes such as feijoada or pão de queijo. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town afterwards, soaking in the quiet ambiance of the night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or snack | $1-3 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed coastal atmosphere with fresh seafood and local character
- Good base for exploring both beaches and nearby mountain parks in Espírito Santo
- Friendly local community and authentic everyday Brazilian coastal life
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer English speakers compared with major cities
- Public transport options can be infrequent — a car is often useful
- Fewer entertainment options and amenities after dark compared to nearby Vitória
- "Olá / Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado (if you're male) / Obrigada (if you're female)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica a praia / o mercado?" - Where is the beach / the market?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Fundão
Visit one of these nice places.
Early morning and late afternoon light highlights boats, fishermen and nets — great for candid, documentary-style photography.
Coastal sandbanks, estuary mouths and shallow waters provide scenic seascapes, reflections at low tide and shorebird opportunities.
Twisting roots, calm tidal channels and abundant birdlife make mangroves excellent for intimate nature photography and macro shots.
Colonial-style church facades, colorful houses and market scenes offer cultural and architectural photo subjects.
Food in Fundão
Fundão Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A local fish stew made with native fish, tomatoes, onions, cilantro and annatto (urucum) oil, wrapped or cooked with banana leaves in some versions — widely served in coastal restaurants.
Must-Try!
A savory pie-like seafood dish featuring crab, shrimp and sometimes fish with herbs and manioc flour — a regional specialty worth seeking out at local eateries.
Classic fried fish served with fried plantain and rice; commonly found in beachside bars and small restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small municipal market where fishermen sell fresh catches, and vendors offer fruit, regional snacks and coffee; ideal for buying fresh ingredients or trying quick local bites.
Look for pastel, coxinha and tapioca stands in town or near beaches; seasonal stalls sell grilled corn and seafood skewers during festivals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Warm greetings are customary: a handshake or light hug among acquaintances; a quick kiss on the cheek is common in informal situations (varies by gender and age).
Portuguese is the language; learning basic phrases is appreciated. Use 'por favor' and 'obrigado(a)' and be polite when making requests.
Family ties are strong; show respect to elders and be mindful of family dynamics in social settings.
Social life moves at a relaxed pace — punctuality is flexible for social events but be on time for formal appointments.
Safety
Tipping in Fundão
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; many restaurants include a 10% service charge (verifique a conta — check the bill). If service charge is not included, a 5–10% tip for good service is common. Small tips for porters or casual help (R$2–5) are fine.
Brazil uses the Brazilian real (BRL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops, especially in larger establishments; small vendors and markets often prefer cash. Mobile payments and PIX are common locally but require a Brazilian bank account.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–March: hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; beach season is at its busiest and water activities are best, but bring rain gear and expect higher humidity and mosquitos.
April–May: temperatures begin to moderate, rainfall decreases and conditions are pleasant for outdoor activities; good time for visiting without peak-season crowds.
June–August: cooler and drier, comfortable days and cooler nights — still mild compared with southern Brazil; ideal for hiking and sightseeing inland.
September–November: warming temperatures and the start of the rainy season later in the period; flowers and greenery return and beaches become more inviting.
Fundão at Night
Hiking in Fundão
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, easy trails and boardwalks through mangroves and along estuaries ideal for birdwatching, photography and gentle walks.
A well-known state park with dramatic rock formations and hiking routes; typically a 1–2 hour drive from coastal towns in Espírito Santo and a popular option for a full-day excursion.
Undeveloped rural roads and small hills near Fundão offer low-difficulty hikes and countryside walks — best explored with local guidance or a map.
Airports
How to reach Fundão by plane.
The nearest major airport serving Espírito Santo with domestic connections and some international flights; reachable by road in roughly 1–2 hours depending on traffic and your exact location in Fundão.
Other Brazilian hubs (e.g., Rio de Janeiro Galeão–GIG, Belo Horizonte Confins–CNF) are reachable by bus, car or flights via Vitória and are options for international connections — expect longer travel times.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding communities involved in artisanal fishing, small-scale agriculture and local commerce form the backbone of Fundão's population.
Like much of Espírito Santo, the population reflects mixed ethnic backgrounds with cultural influences from indigenous peoples, African descendants and Portuguese settlers.
Some residents commute to larger nearby cities for work or business, linking Fundão economically to the metropolitan region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport culturally and socially — local matches and youth clubs are common and the national passion is visible everywhere.
Beach football and volleyball are popular along sandy shores and among young people.
Artisanal and recreational fishing are important activities for locals and visitors alike; small-boat outings are commonly arranged.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fundão.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in large cities: expect rice, beans, salads, manioc-based sides and eggs; ask restaurants for veggie preparations and use markets to assemble fresh produce-based meals.
Vegan choices are limited outside bigger nearby cities — carry snacks, specify no dairy/eggs when ordering, and rely on fruits, rice, beans and vegetable sides at buffets.
Gluten-free diets are manageable with rice, grilled fish, salads and manioc/maize-based dishes; mention 'sem glúten' and be careful with sauces and fried items that may be breaded.