Did you know that Cananéia, on the far south coast of São Paulo, is one of the best ecological destinations in the world? The municipality of 12,000 inhabitants combines preserved Atlantic Rainforest, dunes and mangroves, a combo that made it a highlight in the international Condé Nast Traveler guide in 2022.
Recognized as a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Cananéia also offers historical and gastronomic attractions that appeal to all types of tourists. This makes it the perfect trip for those who want to explore the many facets of the state of São Paulo.
An untouched Atlantic Forest paradise
One of the city’s great differentials is the Lagamar de Cananéia State Park, which preserves one of the largest portions of Atlantic Forest in Brazil. With more than 40,000 hectares, the park has trails, waterfalls, a natural aquarium, boat trips and a river for contemplation, which show visitors why Condé Nast Traveler magazine chose the place as one of the best ecological destinations on the planet.
In addition, if you’re looking for things to do in Cananéia, it’s worth visiting the historic center, a listed area with cobbled streets, colorful colonial houses and the Church of São João Batista, dating from 1577. The tour takes you directly back to Brazil’s colonial times, giving you a glimpse of what the São Paulo landscape was like 500 years ago.
After the tour, you can visit the local craft markets and the Victor Sadowski Municipal Museum, which houses the world’s second-largest stuffed great white shark.
Taste the flavors of Cananéia!
Fans of gastronomic tourism can take advantage of their visit to try some caiçara food and other local flavors. Known as the gastronomic capital of the Ribeira Valley, Cananéia has several restaurants specializing in fresh fish and seafood, many of them right on the seafront.
So, if you like nature, history and typical cuisine, why not stop by Cananéia on your next long holiday? At 271 kilometers from São Paulo, it’s a quiet and still not very obvious destination, ideal for getting away from crowds and crowded beaches. Between boat trips on the Lagamar, caiçara dishes and centuries-old houses, the destination shows all the time why it deserves to bear the proud title of one of the best in the world.
