São Mateus brings together coastal landscapes, historic architecture and cultural offerings. Three questions can help you plan your trip: What kind of beach interests you? Would you like to make local history a key part of your visit? And would you like to plan your stay around an event? Guriri, Barra Seca and Bosque da Praia each have distinct coastal features; the Centro Histórico and cultural events offer their own highlights.
Beaches and Coastal Landscapes
Praia de Guriri has a 42-kilometre-long stretch of beach with light-coloured sand. Natural pools form there at certain times. If you would like to experience this particular feature, bear the timing in mind when planning: you cannot assume the pools will be there regardless of when you visit.
Praia de Barra Seca is an official nudist beach within the municipality of São Mateus. You can also reach it by boat across the Rio Ipiranga. Bosque da Praia features native vegetation and clear, shallow water, making it suitable for family recreation. Unlike Guriri’s long stretch of beach, its main recreational features are the shallow water and vegetation.
A Projeto Tamar base is located on the northern side of Ilha de Guriri. It monitors and protects sea turtle nesting sites. Nearby is the mangrove area of Barra Nova, 30 kilometres from the centre of São Mateus. Dark waterways and several channels wind through the lush mangrove, which provides protection for crabs, goiamuns and other shellfish. Alongside its beaches, the region offers a distinct type of mangrove landscape, characterised by its waterways and protected wildlife.
History and Culture in São Mateus
The Centro Histórico de São Mateus comprises colonial mansions, centuries-old churches and historic buildings. The ground-floor exhibition at the Museu Municipal, which opened on 21 May 2015, offers another perspective on the past. It features archaeological objects excavated in various neighbourhoods of São Mateus, including funerary urns from the Tupi, Guarani and Aratu peoples. The cultural offerings therefore include both historic architecture and archaeological finds connected with the city.
Lira Mateense also contributes to the town’s cultural diversity: the orchestra also performs as a brass band and was founded on 21 September 1909. Its two musical roles and clearly stated founding date make it a distinctive subject for travellers interested in the cultural history of São Mateus.
Events and Culinary Experiences
The Festival Nacional de Teatro (FENATE) traditionally takes place in July. The programme includes street theatre performances and performing arts workshops. If theatre or workshops influence your travel plans, check that year’s current edition before you go.
The Festival do Camarão de Barra Nova, held at the Barra Nova lagoon, has a different focus. At this food festival, visitors join fishermen and the local community for a shrimp tasting. While FENATE puts the performing arts centre stage, this festival is about sharing a culinary experience. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the date of the relevant edition.
Planning Your Journey and Accommodation
The main road route from Vitória to São Mateus is via the BR-101. Check road conditions and traffic before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Aracruz, Marataízes, Anchieta, Rio Bananal, Sooretama, Itaipava, Vila Velha, Conceição Da Barra.
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