The Old Road of Santos, also known as the Caminho do Mar Highway (SP-148), is one of the most important historic routes in São Paulo. It features heritage sites from the imperial and republican eras , with stretches of Atlantic Forest and lookouts overlooking the Baixada Santista.
Before the road existed, the route was part of indigenous trails, and in 1792, it became the Calçada do Lorena. It was the first road paved with stones from the mountains, used to transport sugar through the Port of Santos. It was also the path along which Dom Pedro I ascended toward Ipiranga before declaring Brazil’s independence.
The road we know today, however, was built in 1840 and inaugurated by Emperor Dom Pedro II. It was initially named Estrada da Maioridade, in reference to the monarch’s early emancipation so that he could assume the throne at age 14.
The route was paved in 1920, becoming the first road in Latin America to receive this improvement. However, with the opening of the Anchieta Highway in 1947, the Caminho do Mar lost its prominence and became a secondary route. This is where the name Estrada Velha de Santos came from.
In 1985, the route was closed to regular vehicles, allowing only service vehicles and visitors on foot. The section was only reopened in 2002 within Caminhos do Mar Park for ecotourism visits. The road retains its original pavement along most of its 8-kilometer length.
The road also served as inspiration for Roberto Carlos in his 1969 song “As Curvas da Estrada de Santos.” The song speaks of the winding curves of the descent to the coast, reinforcing the imagination of those who have never had the opportunity to drive along them.
The main points of interest and monuments along the Old Road of Santos
Circular Belvedere
The ring-shaped lookout symbolizes the transition between the stone path of the colonial era and the modern road of 1920.
Built with bricks and stones, featuring a railing that juts out over the valley. It is not only an important landmark along the road but also a must-see stop! After all, it offers views of the sea, the coastal cities, and the Imigrantes and Anchieta highways .
Calçada do Lorena and Padrão do Lorena
Conceived by Bernardo José Maria de Lorena, it is the oldest stretch in the region. The stone road was built in 1792 and was the route used to transport sugar from the interior to the Port of Santos. It was the path used by indigenous peoples and Dom Pedro I, making it an important historical stretch.
The Padrão do Lorena, on the other hand, is a commemorative site. It houses the old inauguration plaque for the road, near the Monumento do Pico, at the highest point of the road. Standing there is, literally, stepping on 18th-century pavement and getting a taste of what it was like in the past.
Rancho da Maioridade
Built in the 19th century as a rest stop, the ranch was one of the “inns” providing support through the mountains. It offered shelter, a place to eat, and a stop for vehicles and animals.
Today it lies in ruins, with only the walls, masonry foundations, and a few details of the old architecture remaining. It is a monument listed by CONDEPHAAT and an interesting spot for photography, despite the decaying structure and the dense vegetation of the site.
What to do on the Old Road of Santos?
In addition to visiting all these historic landmarks, the road offers excellent ecotourism opportunities, with trails, waterfalls, and light adventure activities, as well as nature observation spots.
Another attraction is the “Voo da Serra” zip line . The experience allows you to fly over the stretch between São Bernardo do Campo and Cubatão in just 60 seconds, with views of the forest and the coastal plain.
Along the Old Road, you’ll also find Pouso de Paranapiacaba, a monument that currently houses Café 1922. A charming mansion with hand-painted bricks and Portuguese cuisine you won’t want to miss!
