Itanhaém between coast, culture and nature

Itanhaém combines around 26 kilometres of beaches with rivers, rocky stretches of coastline and islands. The destination appeals to a range of interests: you can explore the coastal area, learn about its colonial history, or discover nature trails and activities on the water. When choosing a holiday rental, it’s worth first considering which of these interests you want to shape your trip.

Colonial heritage and religious traditions

Itanhaém’s Centro Histórico is a collection of colonial buildings dating from the 16th century. These include the Convento Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the Casa de Câmara e Cadeia, the Igreja Matriz de Sant’Anna, the Casario and the Beco de Sant’Anna. The Convento is a religious heritage site protected by the Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional (Iphan); its history stretches back more than 400 years. It can be visited from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

The Museu Conceição de Itanhaém is housed in the former Casa de Câmara e Cadeia. Exhibits include documents, photographs and other records, among them Padre José de Anchieta’s baptismal certificate and Benedicto Calixto’s book “Vila de Itanhaém”. A visit to the historic complex can therefore also include a look at written and photographic records. If you’re travelling with people who have different interests, culture and coastal activities can each be a focus of your stay.

Cama de Anchieta also connects landscape with tradition: the rock formation lies on the coastal slope of Praia do Sonho. It is associated with the period when Blessed José de Anchieta is believed to have meditated, written poetry and prayed there. You can reach it via the Passarela de Anchieta or over the rocks. The 220-metre wooden walkway connects Gruta Nossa Senhora de Lourdes with Cama de Anchieta and provides unobstructed passage.

Nature trails and landscapes

The Vale do Rio Branco route covers 14 kilometres of rural road through the Mata Atlântica. It passes farms and the slopes of Morro Guapuruvu, following the Rio Branco. Along the way, the route brings together forest, farmland and river scenery. Another nature experience is the ecological trail at Morro do Sapucaitava: visitor signs and a tourist information kiosk accompany the easy route, which is listed as taking around 30 minutes.

At Morro do Sapucaitava, the Mata Atlântica vegetation is shaped by sea breezes and salt spray. This distinctive landscape differs from the rural river route of Vale do Rio Branco. Whether you prefer a short trail described as taking around 30 minutes or the 14-kilometre route, your outings will have different focuses. The route details can help you plan your day around the trail you choose.

Beaches, river and activities on the water

There are several places and activities to consider for water sports and nautical experiences. The 7-kilometre Rio Itanhaém offers opportunities for nautical tourism, including jet skis, banana boats and small motorboats. According to the municipal tourism description, Boca da Barra is suitable for stand-up paddleboarding, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, kayaking and rides on watercraft. At Praia dos Pescadores, the long, perfect waves are cited as the reason the beach is considered an excellent place to surf.

Ilha das Cabras, also called Givurá, is another special coastal spot: at low tide, it can be crossed on foot if the tides allow passage. This condition is important when planning a visit. If you’re travelling with a group whose members have different preferences, cultural sites, nature trails and water activities each offer a different focus—without necessarily forming a single route.

Itanhaém’s religious and cultural traditions include the Festa da Padroeira, with Masses, a novena, a fair, cultural performances, a pilgrimage and a procession, as well as the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo. The latter is a folkloric-religious event featuring various rituals and cultural expressions handed down through generations. Alongside its coast and nature, Itanhaém thus offers a glimpse of religious celebrations and local traditions.

Discover other places

You’ll also find these destinations in the directory: São Bernardo Do Campo, Icém, Palmital, Votuporanga, Barueri, Brotas, Pau-D'alho, Fernandópolis.

View the broader travel guide: São Paulo.