- Penha has the largest number of beaches in Santa Catarina, officially documented as having 21 distinct stretches of sand.
- The city's economy transitioned significantly from traditional whale hunting in the 18th and 19th centuries to tourism and marine-based industries.
- Penha is known as the capital of the 'Mariscal' (mussel), as it is one of the largest producers of mollusks in Brazil due to its favorable ocean temperatures and currents.
- The city is part of the Costa Verde & Mar tourism region, which links several coastal municipalities through shared ecological and cultural corridors.
About Penha, Santa Catarina
Penha is a coastal municipality in Santa Catarina, Brazil, internationally recognized as the home of Beto Carrero World, the largest theme park in Latin America. The city features a diverse coastline with over 20 distinct beaches, such as Praia da Bacia da Vovó and the scenic Praia da Saudade. Visitors often combine park visits with maritime excursions on the Capitão Gato Escuna Pirata or educational trips to the Oceanographic Museum Univali Movi. Its geography offers a mix of family-oriented leisure infrastructure and preserved natural shoreline.
Highlights of Penha, Santa Catarina
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Amusement parks
It is the largest theme park in Latin America and serves as the primary tourism anchor for the region.
Places of interest
This beach offers a long stretch of sand ideal for walking and viewing the coastal landscape of the Penha-Piçarras border.
Places of interest
Boat tours provide a perspective of the local coastline from the water with a thematic, family-friendly nautical experience.
Amusement parks
This location offers insight into the personal history and entrepreneurial journey behind the development of the adjacent theme park.
Museums
It houses an extensive collection of marine fauna specimens, serving as a critical scientific and educational facility.
Beaches and ponds
This beach area is recognized for its historical connection to the local fishing community and calmer water conditions.
Beaches and ponds
Known for its unique rocky formations and surrounding vegetation, it is a preferred spot for those seeking a more rugged coastal environment.
Beaches and ponds
This beach is well-regarded for its accessibility and proximity to central local services.
Top things to do in Penha, Santa Catarina
The 43 highest-rated places in Penha, Santa Catarina, ranked by travellers.
1
Amusement parks
Beto Carrero World is the largest theme park in Latin America, located in Penha, Santa Catarina. The park is divided int...
2
Places of interest
Central Beach in Barra Velha is a primary urban coastline destination situated along the Atlantic coast of Santa Catarin...
3
Places of interest
Praia de Piçarras is a coastal stretch located in the municipality of Balneário Piçarras, Santa Catarina, serving as a p...
4
Places of interest
Capitão Gato Escuna Pirata is a specialized maritime tourism operator in Penha, Santa Catarina, offering coastal boat ex...
5
Amusement parks
Beto Carrero World is the largest multi-themed amusement park in Latin America, sprawling over 14 million square meters...
6
Beaches and ponds
Alegre Beach is a sand beach located in the municipality of Penha, Santa Catarina, characterized by its calm waters and...
7
Beaches and ponds
Praia da Bacia da Vovó is a small, semi-urban cove in Penha characterized by its calm, shallow waters protected by natur...
8
Places of interest
Tray Beach, also known locally as Praia de Itajuba, is a coastal destination situated in Barra Velha, Santa Catarina, Br...
9
Beaches and ponds
Praia de São Miguel is a small, semi-urban beach located in the Gravatá neighborhood of Penha, Santa Catarina. It is geo...
10
Museums
The Oceanographic Museum Univali (MOVI) is one of the largest oceanographic museums in the Americas, located in Balneári...
11
Beaches and ponds
Praia da Saudade, locally known as Prainha, is a small, cove-shaped beach located in the municipality of Penha, Santa Ca...
12
Places of interest
The Ponte Pênsil Barra do Itapocu is a pedestrian suspension bridge connecting the banks of the Itapocu River in Araquar...
13
Beaches and ponds
Praia do Quilombo is a distinct stretch of coastline in Penha, Santa Catarina, known primarily for its coarse sand and c...
14
Parks
Square Lauro Loyola is a central urban park located in the coastal city of Barra Velha, Santa Catarina. It serves as a p...
15
Beaches and ponds
Praia da Paciência is a small, secluded beach located in the Armação district of Penha, Santa Catarina. It is characteri...
16
Places of interest
Barra do Rio Piçarras is the geographic point where the Piçarras River meets the Atlantic Ocean, acting as the natural m...
17
Beaches and ponds
Praia da Fortaleza is a small, sheltered beach located in the Armação district of Penha, Santa Catarina. It is primarily...
18
Amusement parks
Trenzinho Vila Esperança is a scenic, miniature-style train attraction located within the expansive grounds of Beto Carr...
19
Parks
Water Park Blue Crow, known locally as Parque Gralha Azul, is a regional aquatic recreation facility located in Barra Ve...
20
Beaches and ponds
Praia de Piçarras is a primary coastal destination situated between the cities of Penha and Balneário Piçarras in Santa...
21
Beaches and ponds
Praia de Itajubá is a prominent coastal stretch in Penha, Santa Catarina, recognized for its consistent swells that cate...
22
Beaches and ponds
Praia Central is the primary urban coastline of Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina, characterized by its recent large-sc...
23
Places of interest
Cerro Beach is a coastal stretch located in the Itajubá II neighborhood near the border of Barra Velha and Penha in Sant...
24
Places of interest
The Molhe Sul da Barra do Rio Piçarras is a stone jetty extending into the Atlantic Ocean at the meeting point of the Pi...
25
Places of interest
Praia das Palmeiras is a coastal stretch located at the municipal boundary between Penha and Balneário Piçarras in Santa...
26
Beaches and ponds
Praia Barra Velha is a coastal destination in Santa Catarina, Brazil, characterized by its combination of ocean-facing b...
27
Beaches and ponds
Praia Itajuba, often referred to as Barrinha, is a coastal destination located on the border between Barra Velha and Piç...
28
Places of interest
29
Natural attractions
30
Temples
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Penha, Santa Catarina on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Penha, Santa Catarina
December to March, as the summer months provide the best weather for accessing the city's numerous beaches and the outdoor attractions of the theme park.
3-4 days to dedicate at least two full days to the theme park and additional time for beach hopping and local museums.
Personal vehicles or rental cars are the most practical means of transportation, as the attractions are spread out along the coastline and inland areas.
Stay near Praia de Piçarras or the central beaches of Penha for convenient access to both the seaside and the transport routes leading to the theme park.
Mid-range; while public beaches are free, entrance fees to major parks and seasonal accommodation demand during summer peak can increase costs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 43 curated attractions in and around Penha, Santa Catarina, ranked by traveller ratings.
Beto Carrero World is the highest-rated place to visit in Penha, Santa Catarina right now.
The largest category is beaches and ponds, with 17 places to explore.
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