A town on the coast of São Paulo with just 12,000 inhabitants has been immortalized in one of the most important monuments in Lisbon, Portugal. Cananéia is in the south of the state, 265 kilometers from the capital, and stands out for being one of the only Brazilian municipalities to appear on the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a Lisbon monument in tribute to the Portuguese expeditions.
Once a stopping point for European navigators, Cananéia is now a must-see destination for those who want to explore culture, beaches and nature. All this just a few hours from São Paulo! Learn about its history below, and check out the best attractions to explore in the city.
Did you know that one of Brazil’s oldest cities is in São Paulo?
Cananéia was one of the first witnesses to the construction of Brazil. Long before it became a city, the region was recognized by the Portuguese as a “safe port” during their navigations in the Atlantic Ocean, in the process of colonizing South America. Thus, a small community sprang up there in the mid-16th century, officially founded in 1531.
In other words, despite its small size, Cananéia has a large presence in Brazilian history. So much so that it features on the map of Portuguese expeditions in the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, one of Lisbon’s most important monuments. The map shows that navigators first landed on Cananeian land in 1502, so occupation of the area began long before its official date. That’s over 520 years of history!
Apart from Cananéia, the only other Brazilian city to appear on the map is Porto Seguro, which first welcomed the Portuguese. This reinforces the importance of the city in São Paulo in terms of the history of Brazilian colonization.
What to do in Cananéia?
Today, the town on the south coast retains remnants of its origins and is a must-see destination for anyone who enjoys Brazilian history. The Historic Center has colonial mansions and the Casa de Pedra (Stone House) is home to the ruins of an old 19th century mill.
But the trip also offers unmissable ecotourism attractions, with quiet beaches and unspoiled nature. O Ilha do Cardoso State Park for example, offers guided tours and visits to local communities, which preserve the culture and gastronomy of the caiçara people.
So we see that Cananéia is a destination for travelers of all styles, guaranteeing a dive into the history and biodiversity of the state of São Paulo. Are you curious to visit? Then check out our guide to what to do in Cananéia!
