Things To Do
in Guarapari
Guarapari is a coastal city in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, known for its sweeping beaches, warm Atlantic waters and distinctive dark, mineral-rich sand. It’s a popular destination for Brazilian holidaymakers seeking sun, surf and fresh seafood, with a lively summer atmosphere and quieter off-season months. The town mixes modern beachfront development with pockets of traditional fishing villages and scenic headlands that offer panoramic views.
Guarapari is convenient for day trips from Vitória and serves as a gateway to nearby coastal and montane attractions in Espírito Santo.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the oldest church in Guarapari, where you can admire its colonial architecture and vibrant murals. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, stopping at local shops to browse handcrafted souvenirs. Capture the picturesque scenery as you enjoy a traditional Brazilian breakfast at a nearby café, sampling fresh pão de queijo and strong coffee.
Head to the Praça do Morro, a lively square where you can immerse yourself in local culture and crafts. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional restaurant, indulging in regional seafood dishes like moqueca or freshly grilled fish. Afterward, take some time to relax at the nearby Praia do Morro beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
As the sun sets, return to the historic center for a delightful evening stroll along the waterfront promenade. Choose a cozy restaurant with views of the beach for dinner, where you can savor more local delicacies while enjoying live music. Conclude your day by visiting a local bar for a caipirinha, mingling with locals and soaking in the lively ambiance.
Kick off your beach day at Praia do Morro, known for its golden sands and clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Rent a beach umbrella and sun lounger, and spend the morning relaxing while enjoying the panoramic ocean views. If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or jet skiing, available for rent along the beach.
For lunch, grab a bite from one of the beachside kiosks offering fresh seafood and tropical drinks. After fueling up, join a guided snorkeling tour to explore the vibrant marine life at the nearby reefs, where you'll encounter colorful fish and coral formations. Spend the rest of the afternoon lounging on the beach or enjoying beach games like volleyball with locals.
As dusk approaches, enjoy a beachfront barbecue at one of the popular grill spots, sampling local meats and seafood. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the shore, feeling the soft sand beneath your feet and listening to the gentle waves. Cap off your day with a visit to a beachfront bar, where you can sip on caipirinhas while watching the stars twinkle above.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee / Snack | $1.50-4 |
| 🍺Beer (local) at bar | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (5–10 km) | $5-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, varied beaches within short distances of each other
- Excellent fresh seafood and regional Espírito Santo cuisine
- Close enough to Vitória for easy airport access and day trips
- Warm year-round climate and strong local tourism infrastructure
- Crowded and more expensive during peak summer months and holidays
- Some beaches and attractions have limited facilities in the off-season
- Petty theft can be an issue in busy tourist areas — vigilance required
- Public transport is limited for reaching smaller, quieter beaches
- "Olá / Oi" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado (m) / Obrigada (f)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica a praia?" - Where is the beach?
- "Tem cartão?" - Do you accept cards?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Guarapari
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for its dark, mineral-rich sand and dramatic rock formations — excellent for moody seascapes, close-ups of textured sand and sunset shots.
Long beachfront avenue, colorful kiosks and active surf provide great candid urban-beach photography and golden-hour panoramas.
Charming village scenes, rustic boats, oyster beds and traditional restaurants create atmospheric portraits and food photography opportunities.
Small headlands around the bay offer sweeping aerial-style views of beaches and islands — ideal for wide-angle shots at sunrise or sunset.
Food in Guarapari
Guarapari Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fish or seafood stew prepared with urucum (annatto), tomatoes, onions, cilantro and palm oil alternatives or local oils; try it at family-run restaurants in Meaípe and Praia do Morro.
Must-Try!
Simply grilled fresh fish served with rice, pirão or salad — available at most seaside restaurants and quiosques near the sand.
A savory pie made with crab, shrimp, fish and palms (heart of palm), traditional to Espírito Santo and often found in local menus and during festivals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small fish markets and piers sell the day's catch — buy fresh seafood early in the morning or watch boats land and sample ceviche-style preparations nearby.
Beach kiosks offering fried snacks, grilled seafood, cold juices and caipirinhas — great for a casual snack and people-watching.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Brazilians are warm: a handshake or one cheek kiss (among women and between women and men, depending on familiarity) is common. Start interactions with a friendly 'Olá' and small talk.
Beachwear is acceptable on the sand but not in restaurants away from the beach; remove wet swimsuits before entering dining venues. Keep noise respectful late at night in residential areas.
Friendly physical contact is normal, but avoid overly loud or aggressive behavior. Ask permission before taking close-up photos of people, especially fishermen and vendors.
Help preserve beaches and dunes: dispose of trash properly, avoid disturbing native vegetation and follow local signs in protected areas.
Safety
Tipping in Guarapari
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Restaurants often add a 10% service charge (confira a conta — check the bill); if no service is included, rounding up or leaving 5–10% is common. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is typical; tip guides and helpful staff 5–10% depending on service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels and larger restaurants; small kiosks and street vendors may prefer cash. ATMs are available in town but can run low of cash in peak season — carry some Brazilian reais for beaches and markets. Mobile payments and contactless cards are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December to March: High season with hot, humid weather, crowded beaches and many events. Book accommodation early; expect lively nightlife, more vendors and occasional traffic on weekends and holidays.
April to May: Temperatures are milder, water is still warm and crowds thin out — a good time for calmer beaches, reduced prices and clearer skies for photography.
June to August: Cooler, drier weather with pleasant daytime temperatures; sea can be slightly cooler but still swimmable on sunny days. Off-season means many businesses may have reduced hours.
September to November: Warming temperatures and blooming coastal plants; ideal for outdoor activities and visiting before the summer crowds arrive. Some festivals and holiday weekends start to increase visitor numbers.
Guarapari at Night
Hiking in Guarapari
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hikes along the headlands linking beaches provide easy to moderate routes with panoramic ocean views, tide-pool observation points and birdwatching opportunities.
Guided or self-guided walks to nearby small islands or cliff viewpoints offer photographic vantage points and chances to spot seabirds; check tides and local guidance before setting out.
A longer day-trip option (driving required) to Espírito Santo’s inland attractions like Pedra Azul State Park for dramatic granite formations and well-marked hikes — popular with visitors who combine coastal and mountain experiences.
Airports
How to reach Guarapari by plane.
The nearest major airport (~60–70 km north). Regular domestic flights connect Vitória with major Brazilian cities; from there, rent a car, take a bus or arrange a transfer to Guarapari (about 1–1.5 hours by road).
Larger international airports farther away (4–6 hours by car or bus). Useful for international travelers combining trips in the region, but not practical for short transfers due to distance.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Year-round inhabitants who work in fisheries, services and tourism; families with deep local ties and traditions.
Domestic tourists from Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo who swell the population during summer and holiday periods.
A noticeable segment of older residents and absentee owners who spend extended time in town, attracted by the climate and coastal lifestyle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide, with local amateur matches and enthusiastic fans watching national leagues on TV and at bars.
Common on the sands at Praia do Morro and other beaches, both informally and in small local tournaments.
Surfing is popular where waves are suitable; stand-up paddleboarding is widely practiced on calmer days and bays.
Small-scale fishing and sport fishing excursions are part of the coastal culture, with opportunities for tourists to join local fishermen or charter trips.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Guarapari.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in big cities; ask for salads, grilled vegetables, rice and bean preparations. Many restaurants can adapt dishes if asked — carry basic snacks if you rely on specific ingredients.
Vegan choices are available at some cafés and newer bistros but may require communication (Portuguese phrase suggestions help). Fruit, juices and simple rice-and-bean combos are safe staples.
Seafood-heavy menus often have naturally gluten-free choices (grilled fish, salads), but check fried items and sauces; specify allergies clearly to staff.