Things To Do
in Urussanga
Urussanga is a small, charming town in southern Santa Catarina known for its strong Italian-Brazilian heritage, rolling vineyard-covered hills, and warm community festivals. The town sits amid agricultural valleys where grapes, apples and other crops shape the local economy and culinary scene. Narrow streets in the historic center are lined with bakeries, family-run restaurants and cellar doors where local wines and cachaças are produced.
Urussanga is a gateway for slow travel—food and wine tourism, rural trails and easy day trips to nearby beaches and larger regional towns.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day by wandering through the charming streets of Urussanga's historic center, where colonial-style architecture tells the story of the town's Italian heritage. Visit the Igreja Matriz São Bonifácio, an iconic church that boasts stunning stained glass windows and intricate woodwork. Don't forget to stop by local cafés to savor a traditional Brazilian breakfast of pão de queijo and fresh coffee.
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll to the Museu Histórico de Urussanga, where you can delve deeper into the town's rich history and cultural artifacts. Engage with local artisans who often showcase their crafts in the town square, providing a taste of the vibrant community spirit. As the afternoon sun casts a golden hue, enjoy a refreshing gelato from a nearby shop, perfect for cooling off.
In the evening, settle down at a cozy restaurant that specializes in regional cuisine, and try the delicious polenta or fresh fish dishes. As you dine, listen to live music that often fills the air, creating a lively atmosphere. Post-dinner, take a moonlit walk through the town, soaking in the peaceful charm of Urussanga at night.
Set out early to the nearby Serra Catarinense region, known for its breathtaking landscapes and exceptional wineries. Begin your wine adventure with a tour of a local vineyard, where knowledgeable guides explain the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of the region's grapes. Sample a selection of wines, savoring the rich flavors that reflect the area’s terroir.
Continue your exploration with a picnic lunch amidst the vineyards, enjoying local cheeses and cured meats paired with your favorite wine. Afterward, visit additional wineries, participating in tastings that allow you to compare bold reds and crisp whites. The picturesque scenery of rolling hills and grapevines provides the perfect backdrop for capturing memorable photos.
As the sun sets, return to Urussanga and unwind at a local pub where you can share your wine-tasting experiences with fellow travelers. Enjoy a light dinner featuring regional specialties, perhaps paired with a glass of local wine. Wrap up the evening by indulging in a traditional dessert, such as a torta de maçã, while reflecting on the day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍷Glass of local wine | $2-6 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $1.50-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-8 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / pousada (per night) | $30-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Italian-Brazilian food culture and family-run wineries
- Scenic rural landscapes and pleasant slow-travel atmosphere
- Close enough for day trips to beaches and regional attractions
- Friendly community and seasonal festivals showcasing local traditions
- Limited late-night entertainment and fewer services than larger cities
- Public transport options are limited — a car is recommended
- Some specialized medical services require travel to bigger hospitals
- English is not widely spoken; basic Portuguese helps
- "Olá / Oi" - Hello / Hi
- "Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Sou vegetariano(a)" - I am vegetarian
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Urussanga
Visit one of these nice places.
Sunset or sunrise over planted rows gives soft light, lens-worthy patterns and sweeping vistas — great for landscape and detail shots of grapes and trellises.
Cobblestone streets, traditional houses, local bakeries and the main church provide colorful street scenes and portrait backdrops.
Quieter country lanes framed by hedgerows, eucalyptus and pasture offer rustic compositions and candid shots of rural life.
Close-ups of glasses, barrels, labels and winemakers at work make atmospheric food-and-drink photography.
If you take a short coastal trip, cliffs and beaches provide dramatic seascapes for broader landscape images.
Food in Urussanga
Urussanga Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple of Italian-descendant families: creamy or fried polenta topped with slow-cooked meat sauce and local cheeses; widely available at traditional restaurants and festival stands.
Must-Try!
Homemade pastas made in small kitchens — try them with local mushroom, tomato or meat sauces in family-run trattorias.
Small producers sell table wines and artisanal cachaças — cellar visits let you taste and buy bottles directly from makers.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market where producers sell fresh fruit, cheeses, sausages and homemade preserves; a great place for sampling and buying local products.
During town festas you’ll find polenta, fried snacks, roasted meats and sweets — ideal for tasting traditional comfort foods in a lively setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Friendly, warm greetings are common; a handshake or one-to-two cheek kisses (among women or between women and men) may be used. Use polite phrases and smile—locals value cordial interactions.
Meals are social events—accept offers to taste local specialties and be prepared for relaxed timing. Compliments to hosts or cooks are appreciated.
Casual, neat clothes are fine for most places; dress a bit smarter for nicer restaurants or special events. Respect private farmland and ask permission before photographing people or properties.
Portuguese is the local language; learning a few basic phrases goes a long way and shows respect.
Safety
Tipping in Urussanga
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory in smaller establishments. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge ('serviço') to the bill; if not added, a 5–10% tip is common for good service. For guides, drivers or exceptional service, tip in cash directly.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and larger shops, but smaller markets, rural vendors and roadside stands may prefer cash. ATMs are available in town and in nearby larger towns; carry some Brazilian reais for small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February: Warm and humid with the highest temperatures; ideal for vineyard walks and day trips to nearby beaches. Expect afternoon showers occasionally; bring sun protection and light rainwear.
March–May: Mild days, cooler nights and beautiful colors in orchard and vineyard areas; harvest activities and wine events often happen in this season.
June–August: Cooler and sometimes chilly at night (for the region); daytime temperatures are mild. Rural fog and occasional frost can occur—pack layers and a warmer jacket.
September–November: Warming temperatures, flowering orchards and active farm life. Spring is pleasant for outdoor walks and visiting producers preparing for the growing season.
Urussanga at Night
Hiking in Urussanga
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, easy walks that thread through local vineyards and farmland—great for gentle hiking, photography and tasting stops.
A scenic mountain area elsewhere in southern Santa Catarina suitable as a longer day trip for panoramic viewpoints and more challenging hikes; expect winding roads and dramatic vistas.
If you head to the coast, look for beachfront trails and rocky headlands for easy hikes and sunset views along the southern Santa Catarina shoreline.
Airports
How to reach Urussanga by plane.
The nearest regional airport serving Criciúma and nearby cities — approximately a 30–60 minute drive depending on traffic; convenient for short transfers and regional flights.
Major airport connecting national and some international flights; typically a 2–3 hour drive to Urussanga depending on road conditions.
Other nearby regional airports and bus terminals in the southern Santa Catarina and northern Rio Grande do Sul regions provide alternative access; buses are a common intercity option.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population traces roots to Italian immigrants; cultural traditions, food and language influences remain strong.
Farmers and small producers who manage vineyards, orchards and dairies form the backbone of the local economy and community life.
Younger residents often commute to nearby larger towns for work or education, creating a mix of traditional and more modern influences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport in the region, played at amateur and youth levels with local community teams and matches that draw local crowds.
Indoor sports popular in schools and community centers, common recreational options during evenings and weekends.
Growing interest in cycling for both leisure and sport on quiet country roads and scenic routes around vineyards.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Urussanga.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are less common in traditional menus; ask for vegetable-based sauces, cheese plates, and polenta dishes. Bring snacks if you have strict needs and communicate clearly using Portuguese phrases (e.g., 'Sou vegetariano(a)').
More limited in small towns—larger restaurants may accommodate requests, but plan ahead, bring alternatives, or choose simple salads, grilled vegetables and fresh fruit from markets.
Carry key allergy phrases in Portuguese and consider showing written notes; cross-contamination is possible in home-style kitchens.