Guaruja
Guarujá, one of the main showcases of the south coast of São Paulo, targets different traveler profiles. Those looking for calm will find refuge on the most reserved beaches, like Éden. Those who prefer the hustle and bustle have the sands of Tombo as an ideal place for sports and lively kiosks.
Accommodation follows this diversity: there is everything from hostels to resorts with privileged views of the sea. Off the beach, bars and restaurants reinforce the summer atmosphere with places to have coffee, lunch and happy hour. See below for a route around the city.
Eden Beach, in the town of Guaruja
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Adriano Vizoni/Folhapress
Beaches
White Beach
A trail of about half an hour leads to Branca beach, located between Guarujá and Bertioga. It is one of the most isolated and preserved in the region. The entrance to the route is near the Bertioga-Guarujá ferry.
Eden Beach
It is a quiet corner, surrounded by the Atlantic forest, hidden on the hill of Sorocotuba. It is accessed by a small vertical path between the beaches of Pernambuco and Enseada, which requires effort. It is recommended to bring whatever you want to eat and drink, as there is no kiosk on site.
Pernambuco Beach
In a residential area, it is an alternative for those looking for more tranquility. In addition to soft sand and clear waters, the attraction is the island of Mar Casado. When the tide is low, a strip of sand connects the beach and the island, in a section offering shade and calm waters.
Pitangueiras Beach
One of the busiest beaches in Guarujá, especially in high season, is centrally located. It attracts a variety of audiences, from families to surfers. The whole area has a good structure of kiosks and chairs. The beach is also home to craft fairs and a pier. As it is well located, there is no shortage of good restaurants in the area.
Tombo Beach
Known for its strong waves, it is one of the favorite spots for surfers, but it also attracts the general public. Sometimes it is possible to observe paragliders jumping from Galhetas Hill, next to the beach. All visitors should be careful when entering the sea, which quickly becomes deep.
BARS AND RESTAURANTS
Atlantic
It is one of the restaurants of the Casa Grande hotel which receives external visitors. Specializing in seafood, it serves dishes like paella marinera (R$424, for two). Other options are Sushi Bar, offering Japanese cuisine, and Thai, located in the middle of the beach and serving Thai cuisine.
Av. Miguel Stefano, 1.001, Enseada, tel. (13) 99799-9398. @atlanticofrutosdomar
Dalmo Barbara
With a reader in front
on Enseada beach, its flagship product is hake cambucu grilled in butter and accompanied by slices of hearts of palm, fried potatoes and rice (R$231, for two). A lighter alternative is the tuna salad (R$128), in which fresh fish is marinated in onion and served with grated peach palm, lettuce and mango.
Av. Miguel Stefano, 4.751, Enseada, tel. (13) 3351-9298. @dalmobarbaro
Alcide’s
Founded in 1979, it even serves pizzas, but the real flagship remains the fish dishes. Two menu highlights feature pink shrimp: Alcide’s risotto (R$335), in which the crustacean is accompanied by gratinated rice and other seafood, and camoranga (R$368), in which the ingredient is presented in pumpkin. For three people.
Av. Dom Pedro 1º, 398, Jardim Tejereba, tel. (13) 3387-6323. @alcidesrestaurant
Date
It started as a snooker bar and now operates as a restaurant, without giving up the pool tables. To share, the rack of lamb (R$325) is accompanied by potatoes with gorgonzola sauce or a mixture of vegetables and chimichurri sauce. Another option is the seafood feijoada (R$248), one of the house specialties.
Av. Miguel Stefano, 1.755, Jardim Vitoria, tel. (13) 3351-9231. @datirestaurant
Monte-Carlo Mediterranean
Highlights of the Mediterranean house include the gnocchi with chorizo (R$101) and the stuffed squid served with spaghetti (R$92). Lighter, the Mediterranean salad (R$36) presents a mixture of leaves accompanied by a vinaigrette of orange, ricotta, walnuts and raspberry.
Av. Général Rondon, 742, Vila Alzira, tel. (13) 3386-1669. @mediterraneo.guaruja
Bar Projac
A small, casual bar, it offers portions like breaded chicken (R$89.90) or cassava with dried meat (R$94). But it is also possible to order main dishes, such as pork ribs with barbecue sauce (R$119.99), for a maximum of four people.
R. do Contorno, 804, Centro, Whatsapp (13) 98153-9579. @projac.bar
Rudy’s bar
Dedicated to German cuisine, it serves pork shank, or eisbein, pururucado (R$299) or smoked (R$320), which feeds up to two people. It also offers white or Viennese sausages and sauerkraut, which accompany dishes like Kasseler (R$79), a typical cut of pork. The house also has arcade machines and pinball machines.
R. Rio de Janeiro, 274, Barra Funda, Guarujá, tel.(13) 99644-5269. @rudysbarguaruja
Saint John
In this Irish-style pub, the emphasis is on beers. In addition to the pint of draft beer
(from R$28), the menu offers a variety of national and imported products, such as the German Paulaner (R$38) and the traditional Irish beer Guinness (R$72).
R. Argentina, 36 years old, Jardim Vitória. @stjohnsenseada
Tepisco
More relaxed space in front of Enseada beach. The menu offers diversity: in addition to main beach dishes, such as fish à la belle meunière (R$245, for four people), fish fillet accompanied by shrimp and capers, it also offers snacks and starters. There are even entire sections dedicated to Japanese recipes, pokes and burgers.
Av. Venezuela, 55 years old, Balneário Cidade Atlântica, Whatsapp (13) 3395-6713. @tepiscorestaurante
HOLIDAYS
Laroc Guaruja
The second unit of the club, known to fans of electronic music, can accommodate up to 3,000 people. It has an open area and a pier with access to the Bertioga canal. A show by DJ Martin Garrix, a producer who has collaborated with Dua Lipa and Usher, is planned for December 28. Tickets start at R$1,000 at Ingresse.
Stem. Ariovaldo de Almeida de Viana, S/N, Balneario Praia do Perequê, Whatsapp (19) 98191-3259. @laroc.guaruja
HOTELS AND INNS
Casa Grande Hotel Resort & Spa
It is a five-star hotel located in front of Enseada beach which combines colonial architecture and modern structure. Daily rates start at R$1,659, but chalets, with three bedrooms and sleeping up to six people, typically cost around R$10,000. In the day use modality, it is possible to stay in the rooms from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for 60% of the price of the chosen modality. In addition to the lounges, chairs and bar available on the beach, the space has services such as a heated swimming pool, a beach tennis court, mini golf, a gym and a spa, as well as a children’s play area with attractions such as tree climbing and a mini running track.
Av. Miguel Stefano, 1.001, Enseada, tel. (13) 3389-4000 and WhatsApp (13) 99799-8482. @casagrandehotel
Grand Hotel Guaruja
A more affordable alternative, with options starting at R$589, can be found in Morro do Maluf. There are slightly more expensive rooms with views of Pitangueiras beach.
Al. Mal. Floriano Peixoto, 311, Morro do Maluf, tel. (13) 3323-7322 and WhatsApp (13) 3304-2331. @grandhotelguaruja
Jequitimar Hotel
Luxurious choice for those who want to stay close to Pernambuco beach. It has a spa, gym, volleyball court, swimming pool with children’s section and activities such as windsurfing and boat trips. There are room options starting from R$2,145, with breakfast included.
Av. Marjory da Silva Prado, 1.100, Balneário Praia do Pernambuco, tel. (13) 2104-2000 and WhatsApp (13) 99209-8598. @hoteljequitimar
Pousadas Canto das Laranjeiras
There are five guest houses in Guarujá, two on Pernambuco beach, two on Guaiúba beach and one on Tombo beach. It is possible to find rooms from R$350, which can accommodate up to two adults. Dining and bar options vary by unit.
Tombo Unit – Street. Alexandre Migues Rodrigues, 766, Jardim Las Palmas, Whatsapp (13) 99205-3349. @cantodaslaranjeirastombo
Pousada Orquideas do Guaruja
More affordable option, with daily rates for couples starting at R$280 and less than 300 meters from Pernambuco Beach. The space, simple and comfortable, also has a swimming pool and a games room.
R. das Orquídeas, 360, Balneário Praia do Pernambuco, tel. (13) 98161-3760. @pousadaorquideasdoguaruja
VISITS
Aqua World
The penguins are one of the aquarium’s most popular attractions. You can see them feeding every day, at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Another popular activity is diving, which must be booked in advance. In one of the options it is possible to swim among marine animals.
Av. Miguel Stefano, 2001, Enseada, tel. (13) 3398-3000 and WhatsApp (13) 3398-3003. Tickets: from R$50 at the box office. @acquamundo
lookouts
They give a panoramic view of the city’s beaches. The Campina viewpoint, on Maluf hill, is located between the beaches of Pitangueiras and Enseada and guarantees a good view of the latter. To admire Tombo beach, the choice is the Galhetas lookout. In both places, with good weather and a little luck, you may even see paragliders jumping from these spaces. There is also the Tony Villela pier, with views of Pitangueiras and Asturias, a favorite place for those who like to watch the sunset.
Trails
Anyone who has already taken the path to reach Praia Branca must take a second path to reach the neighboring Preta beach. It is an intense course, which generally lasts more than an hour for those most accustomed to the activity. To access trails of different difficulties, from the simplest to the most complicated, the place is Parque do Conde, which also offers zip lines, abseiling and other activities.
Parque do Conde – stem. Ariovaldo de Almeida de Viana, 14, Balneario Praia do Perequê
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