Caraguatatuba, also known as Caraguá, is one of the beaches on the north coast of São Paulo that is worth a visit. 175 kilometers from the capital, the city of 130,000 inhabitants stands out for its crystal-clear waters and exuberant nature, offering the perfect stay for those who want to visit the sea.
To give you an idea, Caraguatatuba was one of the top 10 national destinations on Booking in 2023. And one of its beaches made it into the ranking of the 10 most photographed beaches in Brazil! In other words, there’s no shortage of reasons for you to explore the wonders of Caraguá.
To make your trip easier, here are some tips on what to do in Caraguatatuba, with beaches and other natural attractions. Choose your favorites and enjoy!
Caraguatatuba beaches you need to visit
Just like its neighbor Ubatuba, Caraguá’s coastline has options for everyone. From the hottest to the most family-friendly, we guarantee that there’s room on the sand for you.
For those who want peace and quiet, we recommend Tabatinga Beach, whose calm sea and clear sands are a great choice for those traveling with children or the elderly. As well as Cocanha Beach, whose kiosks and good infrastructure will ensure that you don’t have to worry about anything other than admiring the sea.
Another spot on the coast where the waters are shallow and calm is Prainha, which we also recommend for families or those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle.
But if you like a bit of excitement, the tip is to visit Martim de Sá Beach the most famous and busiest beach in Caraguatatuba. Being close to the center, it offers a good infrastructure of bars and restaurants and is a hotspot for young locals. Its stretch of sand is also great for practicing sports.
Remember how we mentioned a beach in Caraguá that made it onto the list of the most photographed beaches in Brazil? It was Martim de Sá, whose clear sands and natural surroundings enchant travelers from all over the country.
Caiçara cuisine and nature also stand out
Caraguatatuba’s beaches are certainly its biggest attraction, but make no mistake: there is much more to do there. One example is the Juqueriquerê Park a natural refuge with trails, a nursery and a bird observatory.
The municipality is also home to a nucleus of the Serra do Mar State Park which is home to 35,000 hectares of Atlantic Forest. Here you can go hiking, observe native animals and swim in waterfalls!
Finally, during your trip, don’t miss out on the local gastronomy. The town with caiçara roots is full of restaurants and snack bars offering the best of the authentic cuisine of this people, such as the traditional Azul Marinho. This dish of fish cooked with green banana is typical of the north coast and is an unmissable lunch for you to try while you explore the beautiful beaches of Caraguatatuba.
