Things To Do
in Piçarras
Piçarras is a small coastal municipality in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, known for long sandy beaches, calm bays and a family-friendly resort atmosphere. The town blends fishing-village charm with seasonal tourism, offering seafood restaurants, kiosks along the seafront and low-rise hotels and pousadas. Its shoreline and nearby coastal hills give easy access to swimming, boat trips and viewpoints that capture the region's clear blue water and islands.
Piçarras is a relaxed base for exploring nearby Bombinhas, Porto Belo and the northern Santa Catarina coast.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the charming streets of Piçarras' historic center, where you can admire the colonial architecture and vibrant local shops. Stop by a quaint café to savor a traditional Brazilian breakfast featuring fresh pão de queijo and strong coffee. As you stroll, take in the colorful murals that narrate the city's rich history.
In the afternoon, visit the local museum to learn more about the cultural heritage of Piçarras and the surrounding region. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling regional dishes like seafood moqueca or feijoada. Spend some time at the nearby park, relaxing and soaking in the lively atmosphere.
As the sun sets, head to the waterfront promenade, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach. Choose a cozy spot for dinner, indulging in fresh seafood while listening to the rhythmic sounds of the ocean waves. Conclude your day by watching the sunset paint the sky with vibrant colors.
Begin your day at Praia de Piçarras, one of the most stunning beaches in the region, where you can soak up the sun on golden sands. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the calm waters, enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery. Alternatively, join a guided snorkeling tour to discover the vibrant marine life just off the coast.
After your morning of adventure, relax on the beach with a refreshing coconut water or a cold beer from a nearby beach bar. As the afternoon progresses, try your hand at beach volleyball or take a leisurely swim in the warm ocean waters. Grab lunch at a beachfront restaurant, savoring fresh grilled fish and local specialties.
In the evening, enjoy the lively beach atmosphere as local vendors set up stalls selling crafts and snacks. Find a spot to watch the local musicians perform live, adding a festive ambiance to the night. End your day with a delicious seafood dinner, followed by a moonlit stroll along the beach.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (glass, bar) | $3-6 |
| 🚕Local taxi short ride (2–5 km) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel / pousada (per night) | $50-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed, family-friendly beaches and a calm coastal atmosphere
- Fresh seafood and local coastal cuisine
- Good base for exploring nearby Bombinhas, Porto Belo and northern Santa Catarina
- Scenic viewpoints and water-based activities (snorkel, boat trips)
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions outside high season
- Services and businesses may reduce hours in low season
- Can get crowded and more expensive during summer holidays
- Fewer specialized dietary and shopping options compared with larger cities
- "Olá / Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Obrigado (if you are male) / Obrigada (if you are female)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica a praia?" - Where is the beach?
- "Sou alérgico(a) a frutos do mar" - I am allergic to shellfish/seafood
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Piçarras
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic seafront shots at sunrise and sunset, capturing fishing boats, palm-lined promenades and calm waters — great for wide panoramas and local life.
Colorful boats and vendors provide authentic portraits and close-ups of daily catches and local industry; mornings are best for activity and light.
Short hikes to viewpoints such as Morro do Macaco (Bombinhas) offer sweeping vistas of islands, reefs and the coastline — ideal for golden-hour and drone shots where permitted.
Explore rocky headlands at low tide for dramatic seascapes, reflections and macro shots of marine life in tide pools.
Warm pastel skies over the bay are a nightly spectacle and photograph beautifully from the promenade or quieter beaches.
Food in Piçarras
Piçarras Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A multi-course shrimp meal served in several preparations (fried, in sauce, risotto-style) — commonly found at seaside restaurants and kiosks during dinner service.
Must-Try!
A local fish stew with vegetables, manioc or rice, often offered in family-style portions at traditional restaurants and family-run establishments.
Locally caught fish grilled simply over coals; best at beach kiosks and fish restaurants near the waterfront.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small fish markets and kiosks along the promenade sell fresh catches, fried fish, shrimp skewers (espetinhos) and simple seafood plates — ideal for a casual meal or to buy fresh fish to cook.
During high season you’ll find pop-up stalls and evening fairs selling pastries, grilled meats, sweets and regional snacks; try pastel, tapioca and cold coconut water.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are generally warm and informal; greetings (Olá, Bom dia/tarde/noite) and a smile go a long way. Casual dress is normal on the coast, but avoid entering religious sites in beachwear.
Keep beaches clean and remove trash; respect fishermen’s gear and private property. Loud parties on public beaches at night may be frowned upon in quieter residential areas.
Portuguese is spoken everywhere; learning key phrases is appreciated. Use polite forms (por favor, obrigado/obrigada) and be patient if language barriers arise.
Safety
Tipping in Piçarras
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% service charge is commonly added to restaurant bills; additional tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For small services (taxis, hotel porters), leaving a small amount or rounding up is customary.
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels and shops; small beach kiosks and markets are often cash-only or prefer card readers. ATMs are available in town, but carry some Brazilian reais (BRL) for small purchases and stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
(December–February) Peak tourist season: warm to hot temperatures, busy beaches, extended opening hours for restaurants and nightlife, and higher prices. Book accommodation in advance; expect lively beach kiosks and family crowds.
March–May brings slightly cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, with still-pleasant beach weather early in the season. Rain can increase in some months, but it’s a good time for quieter exploration and better accommodation rates.
June–August is mild to cool (especially evenings) with lower tourist numbers and some businesses closed or on reduced hours. Swimming is less common but hiking and sightseeing remain pleasant on clear days.
September–November warms up with blooming coastal vegetation and a gradual return of tourists. It’s a good shoulder season for outdoor activities before the summer rush.
Piçarras at Night
Hiking in Piçarras
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A relatively short but steep trail near Bombinhas that leads to a lookout with panoramic views of beaches, reefs and islands — popular at sunrise or late afternoon.
A series of scenic coastal walks and rocky headlands linking beaches in the region; ideal for moderate hikes, photography and exploring tide pools.
Short trails and rural walks in the foothills near Itajaí and surrounding municipalities, offering cooler air, forested paths and views over the coast; suitable for half-day excursions.
Airports
How to reach Piçarras by plane.
Closest major airport (roughly a 30–50 minute drive depending on traffic) with domestic flights to São Paulo, Curitiba and other regional hubs; convenient for access to Piçarras via taxi or rental car.
Larger international airport serving Santa Catarina’s capital, about a 1.5–2 hour drive from Piçarras depending on route and traffic; wider range of flight options and car rental services.
Regional airport north of Piçarras, offering limited domestic connections and a drive of roughly 1–1.5 hours; an alternative depending on flight availability.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Small-town residents whose livelihoods center on fishing, tourism, hospitality and local commerce; multigenerational families are common.
Like much of Santa Catarina, the region has communities with Portuguese, Italian and German heritage that influence culture, food and local traditions.
Domestic Brazilian vacationers and some international visitors who swell the population in summer months, bringing a livelier atmosphere and expanded services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Brazil; local amateur matches and youth leagues are common and major professional football teams draw regional support.
Beach volleyball, beach soccer and footvolley are common on sandy shores and informal courts near the waterfront.
Surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and recreational fishing are popular among locals and visitors, especially in calmer bays and reef-protected areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Piçarras.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with big cities; ask for salads, rice and vegetable stews. Larger cafés and some restaurants will adapt dishes on request, and bakeries/padarias offer snacks.
Vegan and strict gluten-free choices are limited; bring staples if you have severe restrictions. In high season some venues in tourist areas may be more accommodating — communicate requirements clearly in Portuguese for best results.
Seafood dominates the menu; if you have shellfish allergies, state it clearly in Portuguese ("sou alérgico(a) a frutos do mar"). Small kitchens may have cross-contamination risks.