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

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Beach and Water Sports
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Praia da Areia Preta

Famous for its dark, mineral-rich sand and dramatic rock formations — excellent for moody seascapes, close-ups of textured sand and sunset shots.

Praia do Morro Promenade

Long beachfront avenue, colorful kiosks and active surf provide great candid urban-beach photography and golden-hour panoramas.

Meaípe Fishing Village

Charming village scenes, rustic boats, oyster beds and traditional restaurants create atmospheric portraits and food photography opportunities.

Clifftop Viewpoints

Small headlands around the bay offer sweeping aerial-style views of beaches and islands — ideal for wide-angle shots at sunrise or sunset.

Culinary Guide

Food in Guarapari

Guarapari’s cuisine is seafood-forward and influenced by Espírito Santo traditions. Expect fresh fish, shellfish, coconut, tropical fruits and capixaba-style preparations that are lighter than Bahian versions and often use local herbs. Beach kiosks and simple restaurants serve excellent, affordable meals while more refined venues combine regional ingredients with contemporary techniques. Don’t miss local sweets and tropical juices that complement coastal dishes.

Guarapari Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Moqueca Capixaba

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!

Peixe Grelhado

Simply grilled fresh fish served with rice, pirão or salad — available at most seaside restaurants and quiosques near the sand.

Torta Capixaba

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

Mercado de Peixe Local

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.

Quiosques da Praia do Morro

Beach kiosks offering fried snacks, grilled seafood, cold juices and caipirinhas — great for a casual snack and people-watching.

Climate Guide

Weather

Guarapari has a tropical coastal climate with warm temperatures year-round. Summers (Dec–Mar) are hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers and thunderstorms; winters (Jun–Aug) are milder and drier but still pleasant by the sea. Sea temperatures remain inviting most months, and humidity makes late spring and summer feel warmer. Rainfall peaks in summer; the driest months are typically June and July.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

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.

Beach Behavior

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.

Respect Personal Space

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.

Environmental Respect

Help preserve beaches and dunes: dispose of trash properly, avoid disturbing native vegetation and follow local signs in protected areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Guarapari is generally safe for tourists, but petty theft and opportunistic crimes occur, especially in crowded tourist areas and on beaches. Keep valuables out of sight, use hotel safes, watch bags on the sand and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or isolated spots. Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps late at night, keep emergency numbers handy, and respect local warnings about swimming conditions or restricted beach sections.

Tipping in Guarapari

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Summer

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.

Autumn

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.

Winter

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.

Spring

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.

Nightlife Guide

Guarapari at Night

Nightlife centers on beachfront bars, live-music venues and low-key clubs, particularly around Praia do Morro and Meaípe. Expect samba, MPB and acoustic sets rather than big dance clubs; summer months bring pop-up parties and extended hours. Many restaurants transition to lively bars after dinner, making for a relaxed late-evening scene rather than an all-night club culture.

Hiking in Guarapari

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal Headland Trails

Short hikes along the headlands linking beaches provide easy to moderate routes with panoramic ocean views, tide-pool observation points and birdwatching opportunities.

Local Island and Cliff Walks

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.

Pedra Azul / Mountain Day Trip

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.

Eurico de Aguiar Salles Airport (VIX) — Vitória

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).

Rio de Janeiro – Galeão (GIG) / Santos Dumont (SDU)

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.

Getting Around

Walkability

The main beachfront areas, promenades and central neighborhoods are very walkable; many shops, restaurants and bars are clustered along the sand. To reach quieter or more remote beaches you’ll often need a car, taxi or local bus. Street surfaces and sidewalks vary, so wear comfortable shoes and take care after rain.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Residents

Year-round inhabitants who work in fisheries, services and tourism; families with deep local ties and traditions.

Seasonal Tourists

Domestic tourists from Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo who swell the population during summer and holiday periods.

Retirees and Second-Home Owners

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.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport nationwide, with local amateur matches and enthusiastic fans watching national leagues on TV and at bars.

Beach Volleyball

Common on the sands at Praia do Morro and other beaches, both informally and in small local tournaments.

Surfing and Stand-up Paddle

Surfing is popular where waves are suitable; stand-up paddleboarding is widely practiced on calmer days and bays.

Recreational Fishing

Small-scale fishing and sport fishing excursions are part of the coastal culture, with opportunities for tourists to join local fishermen or charter trips.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic increases significantly during weekends and holiday periods, particularly in high season, with congestion on access roads and limited parking near popular beaches. Local buses and intercity vans connect Guarapari with Vitória and nearby towns, but schedules may be less frequent off-peak. Ride-hailing apps and taxis operate in the city and are a convenient alternative to public transport for visitors.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Guarapari.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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

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.

Gluten-free

Seafood-heavy menus often have naturally gluten-free choices (grilled fish, salads), but check fried items and sauces; specify allergies clearly to staff.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available via public health posts (postos de saúde) and a municipal hospital or emergency unit for non-critical needs. There are private clinics and pharmacies in town; for more specialized care or serious emergencies, larger hospitals in Vitória (about an hour’s drive) have more comprehensive services. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is recommended for international visitors.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide