Garopaba is a beautiful city on the south coast of Santa Catarina, known as the surfing capital of Santa Catarina and belonging to the tourist region Encantos do Sul. It is formed by beautiful beaches, lakes, trails, waterfalls and lush landscapes, with 60% of its territory formed through mountains and hills. It is located in two areas of environmental protection: the APA da Baleia Franca and the Serra do Tabuleiro National Park. The word Garopaba comes from the Tupi-Guarani Amerindian and means canoe cove.
The city nowadays is a pulsating place, where you can live with quality, as it meets requirements such as population and differentiated nature. The people who live in or travel through Garopaba make up a group with training in various fields and active in numerous segments of the economy, with a vision of sustainability expressed in projects and actions, and the varied natural resources make it possible to aspire and promote conditions for living well and respecting the nature.
GAROPABA CENTER
The city center still resembles the centers of small towns.
On the main avenue, there are several options for shops, pharmacies, restaurants and markets.
On the seafront there is the boardwalk, where fairs are held on certain days of the week, also with several options of bars and restaurants.
The main church is next to the city hall and in front of the Governador Ivo Silveira square, where the city's festivities are held.
HISTORIC CENTER
Formed by beautiful properties of Azorean architecture, the historic center is a place where you can find marks that intertwine with the memory of past times of the process of occupation and formation of Garopaba. One of the aspects that distinguishes the space is that it was the place where the São Joaquim de Garopaba whaling ship operated, whose traces are present in its landscape. The whaling fleet, installed between 1793 and 1795, was a relevant factor in establishing the population and boosting economic activities. The Garopaba frame, still present in the landscape of the historic center, was an important center for the production of whale products such as whale oil or oil from whalebone, as well as meat and bones.
APRIL 21 SQUARE
The square is named after Tiradentes. It is located in the historic center of Garopaba and is an important part of the city's rich history. The fishermen's houses make the landscape even more beautiful and portray where it all began.
PARISH OF SÃO JOAQUIM
Paróquia São Joaquim was built in Azorean style and is located in the historic center, opposite Praça 21 de Abril. Access is via a ladder, so it gets higher and draws attention to the scenery. Integrating the beach landscape, the charming church makes the image even more beautiful. Going up the stairs, in addition to visiting the small Parish, we have a view of Garopaba from another angle.
OUR LADY OF LOURDES GROTTO
The city of Garopaba grew around the Gruta Nossa Senhora de Lourdes.
It was from there that constructions began to be erected and that civilization developed. It is a small and simple cave. A structure that today serves as historical and religious tourism and that impresses with its simplicity.
The path to the grotto is quite beautiful, with a staircase leading up to it. Deep down, religious images that allow people to have their moments of faith.
And of course, all of this very close to the beach. The Nossa Senhora de Lourdes Cave is also located in the historic center and is close to the sea. It's another opportunity to enjoy a beautiful view.
GASTRONOMY IN GAROPABA
Despite being a small town, Garopaba does not disappoint with its gastronomy. This is due, of course, to the high number of tourists it receives.
As it is a coastal city, the main characteristic is the consumption of seafood. If you are a fan of shrimp, squid, oysters and the like, you will be delighted!
This consumption can be done either with your feet in the sand, in beautiful portions at beach kiosks, or in more sophisticated restaurants, which can provide a beautiful romantic or group dinner.
If you're not such a fan of seafood, don't worry. There are several other options: Brazilian, Italian, Arabic cuisine, pancakes, pastries... your palate will certainly be treated well.
BEACHES
Praia Central de Garopaba: It is about 20 km from BR-101. Access is via the main avenue. It is the most urban beach in the city, with calm waters and a very busy shore. Its main audience is made up of families and foreign tourists.
Praia da Ferrugem: It is about 7 km from the city center. Access is via the SC-434 highway. It has greenish waters, which when mixing with the sand resembles the color of rust, originating the name of the beach. It is also a surfers paradise with several options for leisure, both day and night in its bars.
It is also formed by Lagoa Encantada.
Praia da Barra: It is about 9 km from the city center. It is a place with very untouched nature and not very busy, excellent for those who want tranquility. With 800 m, its cove has a beautiful view with rocky areas on both sides. From the top of the hill that divides Praia da Barra and Ferrugem, you have the best panoramic view of the beach with its beautiful houses by the sea.
Praia do Ouvidor: It is about 17 km from the center of Garopaba. The main access is via the road that leads to Praia do Rosa or via the trail that departs from Praia da Barra and passes through beautiful dunes and archaeological sites. It is around 750 m long, with an almost always rough sea.
Praia da Silveira: Located about 3 km from the city centre. It is considered one of the best beaches for surfing. The public is diverse and the infrastructure has grown every year, with new kiosks, restaurants and inns. The landscape is lush, with the presence of undergrowth and rocky shores.
Praia da Vigia: It is a small beach, in the shape of a horseshoe, about 1 km from the center. The natural beauty is exuberant, with calm sea and very clear water. The rocky shore and the Atlantic forest complete the incredible view. It is in a noble and residential area, full of houses with beautiful architectural designs.
Praia da Preguiça: Also known as Prainha, it is a small beach located between the rocks, just to the right of the city's urban beach. Access is via Rua São Joaquim, which passes next to the church, 300 m after it. There is no place to park your car on this beach, so to get there, walk from the right corner of Praia de Garopaba.
Praia do Siriú: Praia do Siriú is part of the Serra do Tabuleiro State Park and is considered a permanent preservation area. It is beautiful, surrounded by nature, hills and dunes and also has a lagoon with clean and calm waters, ideal for those who want to relax.
Praia da Gamboa: Located about 15 km from the city centre. Access is via SC-434 and the route is breathtaking: there is a mountain section, then dunes, valleys and a river. It doesn't have much infrastructure, not even a lot of people. It is for those who enjoy nature and tranquility. The sea has strong waves and has an easily accessible lookout point, from where you can spot whales in the season from July to October.
LAGOONS
Lagoa de Garopaba or Lagoa Encantada: It goes all the way to Praia da Ferrugem, reaching the sea and dividing Praia da Ferrugem from Praia da Barra. It has a spectacular sunset and is ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy a stunning view.
Lagoa das Capivaras: Located in the heart of Garopaba. The place has become a meeting point, leisure and contemplation, since its revitalization. In addition, art and culture fairs take place. This lagoon was once connected to the sea.
Lagoa do Macacu: It is located in the Siriú region. The end of the lagoon is at sea, north of Siriú beach, when it turns into the Siriú River. The junction of the beach and the lagoon is a great option for children and those who like tranquility to bathe, as the waters are calm.
HILLS
Morro da Embratel (also known as Morro das Antenas or Mirante de Garopaba): It is only 3 km from the city center and is also close to the Siriú Dunes. You can choose whether you want to climb it on foot, which can be very tiring for some, or by car. Up there, the view is spectacular, almost 360°. It is even possible to see Florianópolis, since the capital of Santa Catarina is not that far away. It is also possible to see the central region of Garopaba, Garopaba beach, Siriú beach, Siriú dunes, Vigia beach, the historic church of São Joaquim, Lagoa das Capivaras, Siriú River, Guarda do Embaú ( on clear days), etc.
The atmosphere of the place is very romantic. Many couples go there to date.
You cannot leave Garopaba without appreciating this view!
Morro da Ferrugem: Going along the beach, access is close to Bar do Zado, through the stones in the north corner. Upon arriving at a stone lookout point, you can see the surfers and the entire Ferrugem beach. Going a little further, there is a trail that leads to a more open part of the hill, with a spectacular view of a cliff.
Going along the road and climbing halfway up the hill, you have a view of the lagoon, the 'Portuguese rooster' and an unforgettable sunset.
Morro do Índio: Located on the border between Praia da Ferrugem and Praia da Barra, Morro do Índio is an ancient indigenous cemetery dating back over 7000 years, possibly inhabited by the Carijós Indians. The place is historic. Some rocks have marks that show the history of the pre-colonial people who produced their work tools there. It is a place that definitely deserves a visit! If you go early, you will see a breathtaking sunrise and if you go in the late afternoon, a fantastic sunset. And even if it's a full moon night, you can stay a little longer and you won't regret it.
Morro da Silveira: The climb to the hill provides other angles of the city. During the journey, it is possible to see, on one side, Praia da Silveira and, on the other, Praia de Garopaba. There is no lookout point, but on the way there are points that provide beautiful views.
Morro do Faísca: Literally, Morro do Faísca is one of the most popular attractions in Gamboa. Located on the north coast of the beach, the region exudes beauty and natural preservation. Inserted within the Serra do Tabuleiro State Park, in the territory of neighboring Paulo Lopes, this tourist spot has beautiful dunes that form paradisiacal sheets with rainwater, a cliff with natural pools and even a lot of fauna and flora that complete the landscape of immensity of the ecological reserve that still have Lagoa do Coração and Rio da Madre as protagonists of a corner of paradise in Santa Catarina. To get to the Dunes, you need to take a short trail along the beach or up the Faísca hill. It is really worth the trip, after all, in addition to the beautiful landscapes, the path is considered easy to access, and without much physical effort to enjoy this ride in the northern corner of Gamboa.
Morro do Fortunato: It is located near Lagoa do Macacu and has become a tourist route in recent years. It is formed by a quilombola community, which at certain times, offer activities such as walks through the village, preparation of breakfast or lunch, exhibition of organic gardens, handicraft exhibition and experimentation of sweets and snacks. It is a tour through the past and present in the black territory, full of stories, traditional dishes and nature rich in nature.
TRAILS
Caranha trail (natural environment, maintained by the Gaia Village Project): Path along the coast, connecting the beaches of Ferrugem and Barra to Praia do Ouvidor. It has stretches with panoramic views of the beaches, with incredible landscapes and natural pools. The trail is quiet and well marked, with stakes indicating the way. It is considered easy, suitable for hikers with less experience. It extends for about 1.8km along the slopes and slopes of Morro da Caranha, with stunning views of the beaches, ocean and diabase and pink granite shores. For the walk, you need water, protection from the sun and suitable footwear, due to some stretches of more humid soil. The highlights are: the “little shower”, like a geyser, which occurs when the waves hit the crevice of the rocks near Ouvidor; the forest groves; and the impressive view looking north, with Pedra da Caranha in the foreground, the small bay of stones, Ponta do Areal, and the beaches of Barra and Ferrugem. In the course of about 40 minutes, loose cattle graze. They are tame, but it is good to keep their distance. Caranha is a large carnivorous fish that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean, especially in the Northeast region of Brazil. It is said that, observing the Ouvidor hill from Praia da Barra, it is possible to glimpse a face, a face, a snapper.
Viewpoint Trail at Praia do Ouvidor: It is an almost secret trail that must be done as soon as possible, as it is located on a private property. Currently the house and land are abandoned, but the property will soon go up for auction. The highlight of this trail is the view. And what a view! It is worth the climb, which is not long, and the small climb on the rock with steps. The natives call this trail “Mirante do Ouvidor”. Some also call it the “Abandoned House Trail”. Regardless of the name, it's a beautiful and short route, but in the end you have to have the courage to climb a rock to reach the top. The stone has steps made by the previous owner. And the landscape at the top is surreal. Incredible panoramic view. The entrance is right in front of a rock on the road to the beach and in less than 15 minutes you arrive at the abandoned house. According to the story, the owner of the house loved to throw very eccentric parties. It was he who built the gazebo on the rocks. It is still possible to see the hole from the pool. Walking around the house you will see the stones and stairs. Climb up and enjoy the first view. Soon you will see, on your left, the steps on the rock to reach the viewpoint. Don't be afraid, go slow. Wonderful view of Praia do Ouvidor, Ferrugem, Lagoa and mountains.
Trail to Praia do Ouvidor (via Caminho dos Búfalos): It is considered an easy trail. Very rich in fauna and flora, the path offers a mixture of sandbanks and coastal vegetation. The trail passes through private properties, and the time to walk it is approximately 4 hours round trip, with about 8.2 km.
Trail from Praia da Ouvidor to Praia Vermelha: Trail considered easy, with a round trip of approximately 4 km. It takes about 2 hours to walk around. Green fields, trees and blue sea make the journey stunning. Praia Vermelha is usually deserted. It has a wide area of golden sand. The area is quite isolated, and there are no bars or stalls. In the place it is possible to see some surfers due to the quality of the waves.
Casqueiro Trail: Indicated for walking and/or running, with a round trip of approximately 8 km and a route considered moderately challenging. It is located entirely within the Environmental Protection Area of Baleia Franca (APA) and connects Praia da Vigia to Praia do Silveira. Along its route, there are lithic workshops, a solar observatory, the Atlantic Forest, natural pools, rock inscriptions and the Guardian of the Sun (Pedra da Esfinge). The trail starts at Praia da Vigia, continues along the coast of the sea and offers sections inside the forest and open field.
Pedra Branca trail: Pedra Branca de Garopaba is located at the top of a hill. It can be seen from afar by its white color amidst the green of the forest and the mountain. Pedra Branca is 273 m high. The view from the top offers stunning views of Lagoa de Garopaba, Praia da Barra, Praia da Ferrugem, Praia do Rosa and Silveira. Much of the trail is in the shade, in the middle of the forest and along a small river. The path, about 3.5 km (round trip) is a steep climb.
Trail from Praia da Vigia to Praia da Gamboa (via cycle path): The route starts from Praia da Vigia and goes to Praia da Gamboa via Siriú Cycle Path, with about 32 km (round trip). The path is considered difficult, mainly used for walking, running and cycling. Praia da Vigia is very small, almost private. There is a creek that flows right into the middle of the beach and is an invitation to get in touch with nature. The journey continues along the Siriú cycle path until reaching Praia da Gamboa, a paradisiacal place, with incredible views and viewpoints.
WATERFALLS
Siriú Waterfall: Close to the Siriú Dunes and easily accessible, it has a small and very pleasant waterfall. It also has a colonial restaurant and café. Ideal place to relax and take the kids to enjoy the day.
Macacu Waterfall: In addition to the waterfall, it has a whole infrastructure, with a restaurant, swimming pools, zip line, climbing wall, etc. Access is super quiet and entrance is charged.
Pedra Branca Waterfall: It is right at the beginning of the Pedra Branca trail. Great refuge for those who arrive tired from the trail and need a shower to relax. Not much signage. Therefore, be aware of the sound of the water and head towards the lookout, on the right.
Cascata Encantada: Place with excellent structure, located 27 km from the center of Garopaba. Access is via the BR-101 Highway (about 30 minutes from downtown). Admission is charged and in addition to the waterfall, the complex has 3 natural pools, barbecue kiosks, camping area and motor homes, garden, hammocks, bar, restaurant, picnic area, playground, trail and soccer field.
DUNES
Siriú Dunes: The Siriú dunes are the highlight of the beach. A walk on the dunes is a differential for those who want a little adventure. The dunes are part of the Serra do Tabuleiro National Park and access is via the road on the way to the beach, with two options for going up. To get an idea of the size of this natural monument, it is about 3.5 kilometers long and has sand hills that can reach 40 meters in height. The main attraction in these dunes is sandboarding, surfing on the sands. Those who have experience or want to challenge themselves, choose a narrower board and go standing up. The more cautious or less experienced can choose wider boards and go seated. As the sand hills have irregular sizes, you can choose to go down the smaller ones. The fun is valid for both adults and children and the equipment can be rented on site, throughout the year.
Those who are not adept at such an adventure can choose to just walk on top of the dunes and have a privileged view of the sea. In addition, in rainy periods, the water puddles in the uneven sand and forms natural pools in the middle of the dunes. A spectacle of nature!
Dunas da Gamboa: The dunes are in the north area of Gamboa beach, but the busiest side is the south, with bars and shops. So, access can be done in two ways: through a long walk on the beach or by car on a dirt road.
Dunas do Ouvidor: A field of dunes near Praia do Ouvidor is a place that provides a beautiful landscape and different photos in the city (as well as the other dunes). The Ouvidor Dunes are characterized by being smooth and low.
LOVE VIEWPOINT
The Mirante do Amor has an enchanting landscape, where visitors can admire the view of Lagoa do Macacu with Coral Island, the Siriú Dunes and the Siriú River on the horizon. The space is a free attraction, with 100% accessibility and panoramic views. Those who visit the lookout can glimpse all the exuberant nature, in a comfortable and accessible way.
In various parts of Europe, and in some places in Brazil, couples in love lock padlocks at specific points, as a symbol of affection and in the desire for an unbreakable relationship. And that is the invitation for visitors to the Mirante do Amor, in Garopaba.
SOUTHERN FRANCE WHALES VISIT
From July to October, the coast of Garopaba receives a special audience: right whales. The bay of Garopaba is very protected and has warm waters, ideal conditions for whales to give birth to their young and breastfeed them in peace during the first months of their lives. A calf is born at 5 meters and weighs around a ton, but it is fragile enough to travel to the coldest waters in the south. Here in Garopaba, babies can get stronger and gain weight, in addition to playing a little, putting on a show for those who enjoy enjoying nature and these spectacular animals.
VISIT TO PRAIA DO ROSA
Praia do Rosa is located in the neighboring town of Imbituba, but as it is only 15 km from Garopaba, this famous beach is definitely worth a visit. It is perfect for those looking for a more rustic place to be in full contact with nature.
It has two sides. Rosa Sul is the most structured area, where most of the beachfront bars and restaurants are located. Rosa Norte has a smaller structure, with some kiosks and sea with great waves for surfing. It is more frequented by surfers and young people.
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