Things To Do
in Serra
Serra is a coastal municipality in Espírito Santo, Brazil, forming part of the Greater Vitória metropolitan area with a mix of beaches, suburbs and light industry. It offers a local, lower-key alternative to Vitória, with popular beaches such as Jacaraípe and Manguinhos and a growing surf and kitesurf culture. The city has a mix of historic pockets like Nova Almeida, modern residential neighborhoods, and easy access to regional attractions in Espírito Santo.
Serra is often visited by day-trippers from Vitória and serves as a practical base for exploring coastal and nearby mountain landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Mestre Álvaro mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Serra and learn about the local indigenous history. Wander through the surrounding trails and breathe in the fresh morning air as you explore the natural beauty of the region. Capture photographs of the lush landscape and the cityscape below as the sun rises higher.
Head to the Serra Cultural Center to immerse yourself in local arts and crafts, featuring works by regional artists. Enjoy a traditional Brazilian lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Spend some time browsing the artisan markets where handmade jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs reflect the heritage of Espírito Santo state.
Relax at a local café with a cup of Brazilian coffee while watching the sunset over the Mestre Álvaro mountain range. Attend a live music performance showcasing traditional Brazilian rhythms, such as samba or forró, in one of Serra’s vibrant cultural venues. End the evening with a stroll through the illuminated streets of Serra’s downtown area, feeling the warm and friendly atmosphere.
Begin your day on the sandy shores of Jacaraípe Beach, known for its calm waters and picturesque scenery. Take a morning swim or try stand-up paddleboarding to experience the peacefulness of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the refreshing sea breeze as the sun warms the beach and watch local fishermen prepare their boats.
Grab lunch at a beachside kiosk, sampling fresh seafood such as moqueca capixaba, a traditional fish stew from Espírito Santo. Spend the afternoon sunbathing, playing beach volleyball, or exploring the nearby markets offering local snacks and handmade crafts. Visit the small charming chapel of São Benedito, located just off the beach, to appreciate its simple beauty and serenity.
As the sun sets, join locals in an open-air beach bar to enjoy caipirinhas and live music. Wander along the shoreline under the stars, listening to the gentle waves and feeling the sand beneath your feet. Cap off your day with dinner at a nearby restaurant specializing in regional cuisine, accompanied by the sound of the ocean.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee at a local café | $2-4 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $40-60 |
| 🚍Local bus fare | $1-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close-to-nature coastal beaches with good watersports opportunities
- Lower-key, authentic local atmosphere compared with major tourist cities
- Convenient access to Vitória and regional attractions in Espírito Santo
- Affordable food and everyday costs with lively local markets
- Less developed tourist infrastructure than larger Brazilian beach destinations
- Hot, humid summers with regular afternoon showers
- Traffic congestion at peak times in the Greater Vitória area
- Limited English spoken in smaller establishments—use Portuguese phrases
- "Olá / Bom dia / Boa tarde" - Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "A conta, por favor" - The check, please
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Onde fica o(a)...?" - Where is the...?
Places to Visit in Serra
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant sunrise and action shots of surfers and kitesurfers; colorful kiosks and a lively beachfront atmosphere make for dynamic photos.
Softer sand, calm water and scenic sunsets; good for long-exposure shoreline photos and portraits by the sea.
Historic coastal village vibe with colonial-style buildings, fishing boats and a photogenic harbor area.
Hilltop and mountain viewpoints offering panoramic vistas over Serra and Vitória’s bay—ideal for wide landscape shots and golden hour photography.
Colorful produce, local crafts and candid street photography opportunities that capture daily life in Serra.
Food in Serra
Serra Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A lighter, tomato-and-onion based fish stew native to Espírito Santo (different from the Bahian version), often made with fresh local fish or shrimp; try it at family-run restaurants near the coast.
Must-Try!
Seasonal grilled mullet often sold at beach kiosks and local eateries during fishing season; best found at Jacaraípe and Manguinhos kiosks.
A sweet, German-influenced cake popular in the region, often topped with fruit or crumble and available at bakeries and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets and weekend fairs in neighborhoods offer fresh fruit, pastries, local sweets and snacks; try tapioca pancakes, pastel, and açaí bowls at stalls and kiosks near beaches.
Informal beachfront stalls and kiosks serve grilled seafood, fried fish, bolinho de bacalhau and cold drinks—great for casual meals with a view.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Brazilians are friendly and often greet with a handshake or a light cheek kiss among acquaintances; say 'Olá', 'Bom dia' or 'Boa tarde' when entering shops or meeting people.
Casual warmth is common—use polite phrases like 'por favor' and 'obrigado/obrigada' (thank you). Avoid loud arguments in public spaces and show respect to elders.
Be respectful at beaches: avoid leaving trash, don't take or disturb fishermen’s gear, and follow local signage about swimming safety.
Beachwear is fine at the shore but avoid wearing swimsuits away from the beach; casual clothing is acceptable in most venues, while nicer restaurants may expect smart-casual attire.
Safety
Tipping in Serra
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% service charge ('serviço') is commonly added to restaurant bills — if it isn’t included, leaving ~10% is normal for good service; for small purchases tipping is not expected but rounding up is appreciated. Taxi drivers do not require tips but rounding up fares is common; give hotel porters and room attendants a small tip for help.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at restaurants and shops; contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common. PIX (instant bank transfer) is ubiquitous for peer-to-peer payments and many businesses accept it; carry some cash (reais) for small vendors, beacheside kiosks and markets that might be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot temperatures, high humidity and frequent afternoon showers are common; peak beach season with lively kiosks and more crowds on weekends. Protect yourself from strong sun, stay hydrated and expect salt spray and sandy conditions at the shore.
Gradual cooling and lower humidity make outdoor activities and hiking more comfortable, with fewer crowds than summer. Rainfall declines but occasional tropical storms can still occur early in the season.
Mild winters with comfortable days and cooler nights; lowlands rarely see cold extremes, making it a good time for hiking, sightseeing, and calmer seas. Some marine and seafood availability can vary seasonally.
Warming temperatures and more stable weather bring flowering plants and pleasant beach conditions before the summer humidity increases. A good time for outdoor photography and early-season watersports.
Serra at Night
Hiking in Serra
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Local hills and trails around the Mestre Álvaro massif offer day hikes and panoramic views over Serra and Vitória; choose routes suited to your fitness level and go with local guidance when possible.
Short coastal trails and headland strolls provide scenic viewpoints, birdwatching and shoreline photography opportunities; accessible for casual hikers.
A longer drive (several hours) but popular for visitors based in Serra—this state park features the iconic Pedra Azul rock formation, cooler mountain air and varied hiking trails for half- or full-day excursions.
Airports
How to reach Serra by plane.
The main airport serving Vitória and the Serra area, about a 20–40 minute drive depending on your Serra neighborhood; offers domestic flights and connections to major Brazilian hubs.
Major international gateway with frequent flights to Espírito Santo (VIX) and other Brazilian airports; used for international arrivals and departures if direct flights to VIX are limited.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Traditional fishing families and small-scale artisans populate coastal neighborhoods, contributing to the local seafood culture and crafts.
Many residents commute into Vitória and surrounding industrial zones for work, creating a suburban population of families and professionals.
Like much of Espírito Santo, Serra has a diverse demographic makeup with strong Afro-Brazilian, mixed-race (pardo) and European-descended communities, reflected in local culture and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide and locally—community fields, youth clubs and local matches are common, and residents avidly follow state and national teams.
Coastal conditions at Jacaraípe and other nearby beaches support surfing and kitesurfing, with schools and local enthusiasts active year-round.
Casual beach sports and organized volleyball games are frequent along popular beaches, especially on weekends.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Serra.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in larger cities: expect salads, tapioca, rice and beans, and vegetable stews in restaurants. Informal eateries may not have dedicated vegetarian menus, so specify 'sou vegetariano(a)' and ask for 'sem carne, por favor' (without meat).
Vegan choices exist at some cafés and health-food spots but can be scarce; carry snacks and be prepared to request dishes without dairy or fish. Use 'sem leite, sem ovo, sem queijo' to clarify needs.
Gluten-free awareness is growing but inconsistent; tapioca-based dishes are naturally gluten-free and widely available. When dining, ask 'tem glúten?' or request simple preparations.