Discover Serra

Serra brings together coast, nature and history. The coastline stretches for 23 kilometres across Bicanga, Carapebus, Balneário Carapebus, Jacaraípe, Manguinhos and Nova Almeida. There is also a long lagoon, hiking trails and historic sites. When searching for a holiday rental, you can consider whether water sports, nature experiences or culture should be the focus of your stay.

Coast and water in Serra

The coastal stretches differ in their conditions: in some places, the waves are stronger and suitable for surfing, while other stretches have calm waters for family activities. If you want to make the sea the focus of your stay, you can take these different coastal experiences into account when choosing where to stay. The places along the coast are called Bicanga, Carapebus, Balneário Carapebus, Jacaraípe, Manguinhos and Nova Almeida.

Lagoa do Juara also offers a different perspective on the water. It is more than 13 kilometres long, and there are restaurants and fish markets along the lagoon. Pedal-boat rides add to the leisure activities, and shops sell handicrafts made from Taboa fibres. This lets you combine a trip to the water with a glimpse of local cuisine and crafts.

Hiking trails, green spaces and activities

Mestre Álvaro reaches an elevation of 833 metres. Its hiking trails can be accessed via Serra-Sede, Pitanga, Queimado and Furnas. The elevation and different access points give hikers specific reference points for planning; the trails offer a way to experience Serra beyond the coast. Paragliding flights also take off from the Falésias de Nova Almeida.

If you would rather visit a park than follow a hiking trail, Parque da Cidade has a walking path, a playground, a skatepark, a tennis court and multi-purpose sports courts. Parque Jardim Botânico features a varied landscape with streams, wetlands, springs, an artificial lake, rock outcrops and slopes. There are also remnants of the Atlantic rainforest. Environmental education activities are held there, focusing on preserving flora, respect for the environment and sustainable development.

Serra has seven protected natural areas: six environmental protection areas and one area under strict protection. If you give nature and outdoor activities greater priority than coastal pursuits when planning your trip, you can focus on these places and Mestre Álvaro as distinct themes.

History and local traditions

At the Sítio Histórico de São José do Queimado, the ruins of the former church stand as a testament to the history of Queimado. The Sítio Histórico e Arqueológico de Carapina includes the Capela São João Batista de Carapina, dating from 1594, as well as the ruins of a manor house that bear witness to the settlement of the area. The Sítio Histórico de São João de Carapina also provides access to a historic site via its walking path.

The Igreja e Residência Reis Magos is in Nova Almeida, 40 metres above sea level, and offers views of the surrounding area. Jesuits and Tupiniquim Indigenous people built the church and residence around 1580; it is protected by Iphan. The Museu Histórico da Serra displays movable cultural heritage, documents and works of art. It is housed in the Castello family home, one of the few surviving examples of 19th-century architecture. The Centro de Interpretação Aldeia de Reis Magos explores the history of the Jesuits in Espírito Santo and of the aldeamentos in Brazil.

The Congo tradition is also part of local culture. The bands use drums, caixas and the casaca, a traditional hand-carved wooden instrument and an item of cultural heritage in the state of Espírito Santo. The most important celebration of this tradition in Serra takes place during the Festa de São Benedito in Nova Almeida. In Manguinhos, the Manguinhos Gourmet festival brings together chefs, restaurants and lovers of good food.

More destinations

For more travel ideas, you can also discover these destinations: Pedro Canário, Nova Venécia, Fundão, Angra dos Reis, Divino de São Lourenço, Mimoso do Sul and Baixo Guandu.

For the overview of the wider region, see: Espírito Santo.