SANTA CATARINA – Stand 216
The best tourist destination in Southern Brazil
Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest in the world, both in geographical size (8.5 million square kilometers) and population (177 million inhabitants). A nation of continental proportions, it shares borders with 10 countries along 15 thousands kilometers and there are 9,2 thousands kilometers of coastline containing thousands of paradisiacal beaches blessed by warm South Atlantic waters.
Some of these beaches may be found in Sate of Santa Catarina, in southern region of Brazil. This is a special part of Brazil, because of its exuberant natural beauty. In all, there are 560 km of large bays, hidden coves and dozens of islands which appear deliberately crafted. Most of the beaches have crystal clear water, white sand and green woodlands and Atlantic Rain Forest bordering the shores.
The state of Santa Catarina, located halfway between Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, has long been considered a safe harbor for vessels in transit. For large vessels, the five coastal cities of São Francisco do Sul, Itajaí, Porto Belo, Florianópolis and Imbituba provide excellent facilities. They stand out due to their natural beauty, historical-cultural attractions, tourism infrastructure ˆ hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, etc ˆ and leisure opportunities. There are also many other mooring and anchorage points along the coast for small medium size boats.
São Francisco do Sul is a historic city ˆ which goes back 500 years ˆ and is a port city, located on a coastal island with a large navigable bay doted with twenty smaller islands.
Itajaí is a major port city, progressive and modern, with a number of natural attractions, which preserves the cultural heritage from its European settlers, especially Azoreans and Germans. Them, from 1850, the port of Itajaí became the main point of entry for European immigrants, who came to settle in the Itajaí Valley. Most of these immigrants went up the river and founded the city of Blumenau.
Porto Belo is the entry point to a beautiful and fascinating region. A large bay with crystal clear green water, ideal for scuba diving. Dozens of coves, beaches with white sand, diverse marine fauna, islands, and preserved nature.
Florianópolis is the Capital of Santa Catarina and is the city where you can dream all year round. Portuguese forts, colonial houses, lagoons, hill sand and 100 beaches. It is a paradise for eco-tourism lovers. About 45% of the island is a permanent preservation area. The infrastructure for tourism and the service sector is good, and there are excellent hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, an international airport and good nightlife.
Imbituba, founded by Azoreans, is on the south coast of Santa Catarina and for centuries has been the birthplace and feeding grounds for right whales. Today this municipality of a little more than 30 thousand inhabitants is a tourist center and whale watch point.
Include Santa Catarina in your travel itinerary. You will be very welcome!
