Serra between the coast, lagoon and mountains

In Serra, you can make days on the coast, nature experiences and historic places different focal points of your trip. The municipality has 23 kilometers of coastline, spread across Bicanga, Carapebus, Balneário Carapebus, Jacaraípe, Manguinhos and Nova Almeida. Some stretches have stronger waves suitable for surfing; others have calm waters and are well suited to family activities. As weather and water conditions can vary, take these differences into account when planning.

The coast and Lagoa do Juara

If you first think of the water when considering Serra, in addition to its coastal areas, Lagoa do Juara offers another focus for an outing. It is more than 13 kilometers long and has restaurants and fish markets. The Lagoa Juara also offers pedal boat rides and shops selling handicrafts made from Taboa fibers. This means there are options for different interests: stronger waves for surfing, calmer stretches of coast for family recreation and activities on the lagoon. Operating hours and offerings may change; check the current options if you are planning a visit.

Trails and green spaces

Mestre Álvaro reaches an elevation of 833 meters. Its trails can be accessed via Serra-Sede, Pitanga, Queimado and Furnas. The different access points are useful when making specific hiking plans; trail conditions may change and should be checked before setting out.

The urban green spaces also offer a range of features. Parque da Cidade has a tennis court, multipurpose sports courts, a walking path, a playground and a skate park. As facilities may change, it is advisable to check their current status before visiting. Parque Jardim Botânico includes streams, wetlands, springs, an artificial lake, rock outcrops, slopes and remnants of the Atlantic Forest. Environmental education activities are also held there, promoting the preservation of flora, respect for the environment and sustainable development.

Serra has seven protected areas: six environmental protection areas and one area under integral protection. The classifications may be updated by the responsible authorities. Together with the coast and the trails on Mestre Álvaro, they offer a range of nature-related options to consider when choosing your activities.

History and cultural heritage

Sítio Histórico de São José do Queimado preserves the ruins of its former church, which are considered evidence of Queimado’s history. In Carapina, Sítio Histórico e Arqueológico includes 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.

Museu Histórico da Serra is located in the home of the Castello family, one of the few surviving examples of 19th-century architecture. Its collection includes movable cultural assets, documents and works of art. Check the current visitor access conditions before your visit. Centro de Interpretação Aldeia de Reis Magos is dedicated to the history of the Jesuits in Espírito Santo and of the aldeamentos in Brazil.

Igreja e Residência Reis Magos is located in Nova Almeida, 40 meters above sea level, and offers views of the surrounding area. Jesuits and Tupiniquim Indigenous people built it around 1580, and the building is protected by Iphan. A visit therefore brings you into contact both with the area’s long history and with a specific part of Jesuit history.

Congo tradition and cuisine

The Congo tradition is part of Serra’s cultural identity. The bands use drums, caixas and the traditional Casaca, an instrument carved from wood that is considered cultural heritage of the state of Espírito Santo. Serra’s main celebration of this tradition takes place during Festa de São Benedito in Nova Almeida. As dates and programs can vary, check current event details before your trip.

Festival Manguinhos Gourmet also adds a culinary highlight: in Manguinhos, it brings together chefs, restaurants and lovers of good food. If this is a key part of your visit, check the festival’s current dates separately.

Find accommodation to suit your travel interests

When looking for a vacation rental in Serra, it is worth first deciding which themes interest you most: the coast and lagoon, trails and green spaces, or history and culture. Then choose the places you want to visit and compare the accommodation’s location with your itinerary. This way, you can choose a base that suits your actual interests without trying to fit every activity into a single schedule.

Discover more destinations: Angra dos Reis, Pedro Canário, Divino de São Lourenço, Nova Venécia, Fundão, Baixo Guandu, Mimoso do Sul

Return to the main travel overview: Espírito Santo.