Discover Itapoá

Itapoá combines a coastal landscape with protected areas and a long history. The municipality’s beaches are spread across five seaside resorts, while the lighthouse, riverbanks and archaeological sites offer other points of interest. This gives you a clear first question when planning your trip: should the coast be the main focus, or would you also like to give nature and history equal consideration?

Five seaside resorts for planning your coastal trip

The beaches in the municipality of Itapoá are spread across Barra do Saí, Itapema do Norte, Itapoá (centro), Pontal do Norte and Figueira do Pontal. These five names give the coastline a clear structure. If beaches are the deciding factor for your trip, you can start by considering which seaside resort is relevant to your plans. This way, your search for a vacation rental begins with a specific place name rather than a general idea of the coast.

Lighthouse and views

The Farol de Itapoá lighthouse is in Pontal do Norte, on the shore of Baía da Babitonga, within the municipality of Itapoá. The Brazilian Navy inaugurated the lighthouse on October 18, 1948. Its beautiful surroundings make it a tourist attraction in Itapoá. If you are interested in coastal history, you will find a clearly dated event here; its scenic setting also contributes to its appeal as a tourist destination.

The 1ª Pedra, also known as “Espia,” offers another view of the coastal landscape. At this natural landmark in the municipality of Itapoá, a deck with a walkway provides views of the rock, Ilha de Itapeva, the coastline and cities along the border between Santa Catarina and Paraná. The view takes in several distinct landmarks: the rock itself, an island, the coast and cities in the border region between the two states.

Protected areas by the river and nearby

Parque Natural Municipal Carijós was established in 2011 to protect the Atlantic Rainforest. It lies on the banks of the Rio Saí Mirim and covers 40 hectares of protected land. This gives you a specific conservation focus alongside the seaside resorts: the park is dedicated to preserving the Atlantic Rainforest. The year marks its establishment, while the riverbank location and area provide more precise details about the site.

Reserva Volta Velha offers another perspective on nature. It is less than ten minutes from the center of Itapoá. The operator states that its protected areas cover 830 hectares. The figures indicate different scales: 40 hectares at Parque Carijós and 830 hectares of protected land at the Reserva. These two named natural attractions, with clearly distinct area figures, offer different options for your plans.

Archaeological traces through time

The Sambaqui do Saí-Guaçu, also known as Sambaqui do Saí, is in the municipality. It was used more than 4,000 years ago; one dating estimate points to settlement about 4,040 ± 210 years before the present. The ± 210 years indicates the margin of the dating estimate; it is not an exact calendar year. Alongside the Farol de Itapoá, whose inauguration is dated to 1948, the sambaqui offers a glimpse into a much more distant past.

Sambaqui Volta Velha I is also in the municipality of Itapoá. During guided visits, protective measures help preserve the archaeological site. If you are planning a visit, check in advance whether it is currently possible.

Discover more destinations

São José do Cedro, Jaraguá Do Sul, Bom Jesus, São José, Grão Pará, Tapera, Ituporanga, Piratuba

Return to the main travel overview: Santa Catarina.