Brazil has many fun destinations and charming towns that are worth discovering. The coastal town known as Vila Velha is modern and beautiful, with plenty of new residential developments, stunning beaches, and historic Catholic churches. Vila Velha is within the state of Espírito Santo, near the capital city of Vitoria, and faces the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, Brazil’s largest chocolate manufacturer has a factory and museum here, which is another popular attraction among travelers. Read on to learn more about the best things to do in Vila Velha!
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1. Costa Beach
📌Praia da Costa, Vila Velha 📷@walterfae Siga: @festascapixabas _____________________________ #euamo_es #euamo_vilavelha #praiadacosta #beach
Posted by Eu amo ES on Monday, 26 December 2016
Costa Beach is one of the more established and popular seaside destinations in Vila Velha. It attracts many visitors, especially over weekends due to its cleanliness and large variety of restaurants and bars nearby. Therefore, there’s no better place to enjoy swimming, sailing, kite surfing, volleyball, and interacting with the friendly locals, than at this vibrant beach.
2. Praia da Sereia
Praia curva da Sereia, Vila Velha -ES (Salmos 116:5) - Piedoso é o SENHOR e justo; o nosso Deus tem misericórdia. Instagram: @silvanefranco
Posted by Capixaba Da Gema on Sunday, 15 February 2015
If Costa Beach is too crowded for your tastes, then you might prefer a quieter alternative. Consider Praia da Sereia, a beach that’s so secluded that you’d mistaken it for your own private paradise, to enjoy by yourself or with family and friends. Furthermore, the waves near the shore are so mild that they’re perfect for kids and novice swimmers.
Praia da Sereia
Address: Rua Gastao Roubach, Vila Velha, State of Espirito Santo 29101-020, Brazil
3. Morro do Moreno
Vila Velha is such a scenic place that you’d want to check it out from high above. Morro do Moreno is a lookout situated on top of a hill that’s accessed via a hiking or biking trail. It’s best to take your time completing the trail as it does have some hazardous spots. Expect to make it to the top in around an hour but it’s a worthy experience, and you’re bound to see some paragliders launching from here.
Morro do Moreno
Address: Vila Velha, State of Espirito Santo, Brazil
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4. Museu Vale
Posted by Edson Tomás de Lima on Sunday, 30 July 2017
This unique museum celebrates the history of a famous local railroad company, Vale Corporation, which was responsible for shuttling passengers and minerals between the port and inland regions. The well-maintained locomotives have an old world charm, and they’ll fascinate both train lovers and kids. On top of that, the view of the bay from Museu Vale is just exquisite and worthy of many snapshots.
Museu Vale
Address: Rua Antiga Estacao Pedro Nolasco s/n, Argolas, Vila Velha, State of Espirito Santo 29114-920, Brazil
Website: Museu Vale (in Portugese)
5. Igreja De Nossa Senhora Do Rosario
A Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário fica muito contente em poder compartilhar mais uma novidade 🎉🎉 . A Igreja agora ficará...
Posted by Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário Prainha Vila Velha/ES on Wednesday, 9 August 2017
The old Prainha square is home to one of Brazil’s oldest churches, the Igreja De Nossa Senhora Do Rosario. The whitewashed building is timeless and evokes a sense of serenity, which seems to blend well with its cozy surroundings. And once you’ve finished your visit you may want to take a short walk to the nearby convent, Convento da Penha.
Igreja De Nossa Senhora Do Rosario
Address: Rua Delmar Duarte, Centro, Vila Velha, State of Espirito Santo 29100-210, Brazil
Facebook: Igreja De Nossa Senhora Do Rosario
6. Nossa Senhora da Penha Convent
Paz e bem! Uma semana abençoada a todos nós! Senhor, Deus da paz, tu que criastes os homens para serem herdeiros da...
Posted by Convento da Penha on Monday, 20 February 2017
Nossa Senhora da Penha Convent is an imposing but beautiful white building that sits atop a hill, overlooking both Vila Velha and Vitoria. Nevertheless, it’s very inviting, and visitors may take photos of the church interiors, and the stunning panoramic views of Prainha and the beach. Since it’s such a well-known location, it won’t be a problem finding a cab driver to take you there.
Nossa Senhora da Penha Convent
Address: Rua Vasco Coutinho, Parque da Prainha, Vila Velha, State of Espirito Santo 29100-231, Brazil
7. Vila Velha Memorial House
Posted by Casa da Memória de Vila Velha on Thursday, 21 September 2017
There are many popular attractions in and around Vila Velha, but there’s also some low profile destinations that few know about. Tucked away in one of Praihna’s charming neighborhoods is a turquoise-colored historical museum. It exhibits local paintings and memorabilia, giving visitors a taste of the region’s arts and culture.
Vila Velha Memorial House
Address: Rua Luciano das Neves 14, Prainha, Vila Velha, State of Espirito Santo 29100-100, Brazil
Facebook: Vila Velha Memorial House
8. Fort Sao Francisco Xavier da Piratininga
Forte São Francisco Xavier da Barra, prainha de Vila Velha, ES Photo Marcus Pedrosa
Posted by Capixaba Da Gema on Wednesday, 28 June 2017
Fort Sao Francisco Xavier da Piratininga is a historic landmark and was used to protect against invading Dutch forces. It’s under the control of the military and visits are permitted under appointment only, so it’s important to plan ahead. While the fort is quite old, it’s actually a very beautiful space and looks especially stunning during the evening when the lighting is switched on. There’s also a church, convent, and hotel within and around the fort’s grounds.
Fort Sao Francisco Xavier da Piratininga
Address: 38 Batalhao de Infantaria Praia de Piratininga, s/n Prainha, Vila Velha, State of Espirito Santo 29100-901, Brazil
9. Garoto Chocolate Factory
Most of us are chocolate lovers. Therefore, it’s always great when one arrives at a destination that has a prominent chocolate company. The Garoto Chocolate Factory produces some mighty fine Brazilian chocolate and even holds tours to show interested parties their manufacturing process. Visitors must purchase their tickets beforehand to take part in the tour, hosted by friendly guides that cover all key points regarding safety and manufacturing on the factory floor. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and is bound to leave visitors craving Garoto’s tasty chocolates.
Garoto Chocolate Factory
Address: Praca Meyerfreund 1, Gloria, Vila Velha, State of Espirito Santo 29122-900, Brazil
10. Museu Garoto
Garoto está presente em todos os momentos do dia. O que, além de uma boa companhia, não pode faltar na hora de saborear seu chocolate?
Posted by GAROTO on Saturday, 8 April 2017
The Garoto Chocolate Factory also has its own specialty museum that gives visitors greater insight into the history of Brazil’s largest chocolate manufacturer. The museum’s guides speak both Portuguese and English, and are knowledgeable about the company’s history and ethics. These guided tours last around an hour, and there are slots available during morning and afternoons, so it’s important to check ahead.
Museu Garoto
Address: Praca Meyerfreund 1, Vila Velha, State of Espirito Santo 29122-900, Brazil
Website: Museu Garoto (in Portugese)
Entertaining sunny days in Vila Velha
Vila Velha is the kind of place that will enchant you with its charming streets, beautiful scenery, and awesome beaches. And it’s great that so many churches hold festivals throughout the year, so there’s always something interesting happening. History and culture buffs also have plenty of excellent museums and galleries to keep them occupied.
History
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