Itaúnas Travel Guide

Discover the culturally and naturally rich destination of Itaúnas with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and how to get around.


Introduction to Itaúnas

Located in the North Coast of Espírito Santo within the Southeast region of Brazil, Itaúnas is a small town with plenty to offer visitors. Famous for its sand dunes and traditional music, Itaúnas attracts nature lovers, music enthusiasts, and adventurous travelers alike.

List of Places to Visit in Itaúnas

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museu da Cachoeira: This museum showcases the history of the town and its surroundings, particularly the importance of water resources.
  • Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo: A 17th-century church originally built by Jesuits that reflects the Baroque style of architecture.
  • Cine Itaúnas: An old cinema that has been restored and converted into a cultural center for movies and theatrical performances.

Natural Attractions of Itaúnas: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Dunas do Sabiá: These towering sand dunes rise up to 30 meters and offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the forest and coastline. Visitors can go sandboarding, take photos, or simply enjoy the sunset.
  • Praia de Itaúnas: A beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters where visitors can practice kitesurfing and fishing.
  • Rio Itaúnas: A peaceful river that runs through the town, offering visitors the chance to take a swim or go canoeing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Itaúnas

  • Caminho do Mar: A 15 km trail through the forest that takes visitors to the Praia de Riacho Doce beach.
  • Trilha do Vale Encantado: A 6.5 km trail that reveals the beauty of the Vale Encantado valley and its small waterfalls.

Best Things to Do in Itaúnas: Activities and Tours

  • Forró: This traditional music and dance style is deeply rooted in Itaúnas’ culture. Visitors can enjoy live performances, take classes, or attend one of the many festivals throughout the year.
  • Fishing: The sea and the river offer excellent catching opportunities for different species such as snook, croaker, and sea trout.
  • Horseback Riding: A relaxing and scenic way to explore the Itaúnas region is on horseback. Visitors can choose from different trails according to their preferences.

Week-Long Itinerary for Itaúnas

Day Activities
Day 1 Explore the town center, visit Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo and Museu da Cachoeira, and attend a Forró performance.
Day 2 Go horseback riding to Caminho do Mar, swim in the river and take a nap on the beach.
Day 3 Spend the day sandboarding and taking in the impressive views at Dunas do Sabiá.
Day 4 Take a guided tour to the Vale Encantado and have a picnic lunch at one of the small waterfalls.
Day 5 Enjoy a day of fishing at Praia de Itaúnas.
Day 6 Take a scenic drive along the coast to nearby destinations such as Guriri Beach and Conceição da Barra.
Day 7 Relax on the beach, enjoy some local cuisine, and attend a sunset concert in Cine Itaúnas.

Food and Drink Scene of Itaúnas

Must-Try Dishes

  • Moqueca de Peixe: A traditional Brazilian fish stew made with coconut milk and spices.
  • Bobó de Camarão: A creamy dish with shrimp, cassava, and palm oil.
  • Farofa: A side dish made of toasted manioc flour, garlic, and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Cachaça: A traditional Brazilian spirit distilled from sugar cane juice that can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
  • Vinho de Jabuticaba: A sweet and fruity wine made from the jabuticaba fruit, a local delicacy.

Where to Stay in Itaúnas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Pousada Terra Boa: A rustic pousada with a swimming pool and charming wooden cabins.
  • Pousada Girassóis: A cozy option with comfortable rooms and a garden area.
  • Itaúnas Hostel: Ideal for budget travelers, this hostel has dormitories and private rooms as well as a shared kitchen and lounge area.

What to Buy in Itaúnas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Northeastern Handcrafts: Itaúnas is known for its handicrafts made from local materials such as bamboo and piaçava straw.
  • Cachaça: Visitors can bring back bottles of this traditional spirit in different flavors and brands produced in the region.
  • Jabuticaba Products: Aside from the wine, visitors can buy jam and other sweets made from the jabuticaba fruit.

Local Culture and Customs of Itaúnas

  • Forró: This traditional music and dance style is a big part of Itaúnas’ culture and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
  • Bumba meu Boi: This traditional dance performance is typically held during the Catholic festivity of São João.
  • Carnaval de Itaúnas: During Carnaval, the town’s streets are filled with lively parades and enthusiastic revelers.

Best Time to Visit Itaúnas

The best time to visit Itaúnas is during the Brazilian summer, from December to February, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors can also enjoy the town’s various music and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Itaúnas

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Attend a Forró performance or take a dance class.
  • Enjoy the sunset views from Dunas do Sabiá.

Don’t:

  • Swim in the sea or the river outside of designated areas.
  • Disrespect local customs or traditions.
  • Leave trash behind in natural areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Itaúnas

While Itaúnas is generally a safe destination, visitors should take normal precautions such as not leaving valuables unattended and being aware of their surroundings, particularly at night.

Health in Itaúnas

It is recommended that visitors be up to date on routine vaccinations before traveling to Brazil. Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus can be prevalent in certain areas, so it is important to take measures to prevent mosquito bites.

Getting to Itaúnas: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Itaúnas

The nearest airports to Itaúnas are São Paulo (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro (GIG), both of which offer domestic flights to several major cities in Brazil. From there, visitors can take a connecting flight to the nearest regional airport, Aeroporto de Vitória.

Bus Stations Near Itaúnas

The nearest bus station to Itaúnas is in Conceição da Barra, which is approximately 24 km away. From there, visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Itaúnas.

Other Options

Visitors can also arrange for private transportation or take a shared taxi service called lotação from nearby towns such as Nova Venécia or São Mateus.

How to Get Around in Itaúnas

Visitors can easily get around Itaúnas by walking or renting a bicycle. For longer distances, a taxi or car rental service is available.

Where to Go Next from Itaúnas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Conceição da Barra: A charming and historic town known for its beautiful beaches and cultural events.
  • São Mateus: This city has a long and rich history linked to the sugar cane industry and features an old main square with colonial architecture.
  • Montanhas Capixabas: A mountainous region in Espírito Santo where visitors can enjoy hiking, waterfalls, and rural tourism experiences.

Conclusion

Itaúnas is a destination that offers visitors a mix of natural beauty, cultural richness and outdoor adventures. Whether it’s exploring the sand dunes, enjoying the local cuisine and music, or simply relaxing on the beach, Itaúnas is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Brazilian experience.

Sunset in Itaúnas Sunset in Itaúnas