- Itanhaém was founded in 1532 by Martim Afonso de Sousa, making it one of the original Portuguese settlements in the Americas.
- The city is home to the famous 'Cama de Anchieta', a natural rock formation where the Jesuit priest José de Anchieta allegedly rested during his travels.
- During the colonial period, the local Chamber House and Jail functioned as both a judicial center and a place of detention for the captaincy.
- Itanhaém served as a critical strategic point for the Portuguese Crown to monitor and defend the southern coastline against foreign incursions.
- The city maintains a strong tradition of religious tourism, deeply rooted in the historical presence of the Society of Jesus.
About Itanhaém
Itanhaém is the second oldest city in Brazil, situated on the southern coast of São Paulo state, and is historically significant for its role in Jesuit colonization. The city blends colonial architecture with natural geological formations, such as the coastline seen from the Morro Sapucaitava. Visitors frequently explore the Chamber House and Jail - Conceição Museum Itanhaém to understand local administrative history. The town is known for its unique coastal landmarks like the Morro Do Paranambuco - Pedra da Esfinge and the spiritual quietude of the Gruta Nossa Senhora de Lourdes.
Highlights of Itanhaém
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Observe the unique rock formation that resembles a sphinx at this elevated coastal viewpoint.
Places of interest
Visit this cave which holds significant spiritual importance for local pilgrims and visitors.
Museums
Explore the historic building that functioned as the town's administrative and judicial hub during the colonial era.
Places of interest
Follow the trail to enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding vegetation.
Places of interest
Climb to this lookout point for an unobstructed view of the Atlantic coastline and urban landscape.
Museums
View local artistic expressions that highlight the cultural heritage of the Itanhaém region.
Top things to do in Itanhaém
The 85 highest-rated places in Itanhaém, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Praia do Guaraú serves as the primary gateway to the Juréia-Itatins Ecological Station, a massive protected Atlantic For...
2
Places of interest
The Mulheres de Areia (Women of Sand) monument is a tribute sculpture located on the rocky coastline of Praia dos Sonhos...
3
Places of interest
Morro do Paranambuco is a coastal hill in Itanhaém, São Paulo, famous for the 'Pedra da Esfinge' (Sphinx Stone), a rock...
4
Parks
Parque Ecológico A Tribuna de Mongaguá is a municipal park focused on environmental education and the preservation of At...
5
Parks
VIVA Parque is an ecological water park located in the Atlantic Forest region of Juquitiba, São Paulo. The facility dist...
6
Temples
Paróquia São João Batista serves as the central Catholic parish in the coastal city of Peruíbe, São Paulo. Situated in t...
7
Places of interest
The Gruta Nossa Senhora de Lourdes is a coastal religious shrine built into a rocky formation overlooking the Atlantic O...
8
Museums
The Chamber House and Jail, or Casa de Câmara e Cadeia, is a colonial-era building in Itanhaém, Brazil, constructed in t...
9
Places of interest
Morro da Padroeira is home to the iconic image of Nossa Senhora Aparecida, located in the municipality of Mongaguá, São...
10
Places of interest
Praia da Saudade is a small, sheltered cove located in Itanhaém, São Paulo, recognized for its dramatic rock formations...
11
Places of interest
Morro Sapucaitava is a coastal promontory located at the end of Praia dos Sonhos in Itanhaém, São Paulo. The site featur...
12
Beaches and ponds
Praia Itaóca is a coastal beach located in the municipality of Mongaguá, São Paulo, characterized by its extensive sandy...
13
Beaches and ponds
The Barra do Una Sustainable Development Reserve is a protected coastal area located in the municipality of Peruíbe, São...
14
Temples
The Ruins of Abarebebe comprise the stone remnants of a 16th-century Jesuit church and residence located in the coastal...
15
Beaches and ponds
Praia de Vera Cruz is a coastal destination in Mongaguá, São Paulo, characterized by its dark, monazitic sand and consis...
16
Places of interest
17
Parks
18
Beaches and ponds
19
Parks
20
Places of interest
21
Parks
22
Venues
23
Beaches and ponds
24
Amusement parks
25
Parks
26
Parks
27
Temples
28
Museums
29
Places of interest
30
Venues
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Itanhaém on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Itanhaém
September to November, when the weather is mild, the humidity is lower, and the city avoids the peak summer crowds of December and January.
2-3 days, sufficient to explore the historic center, coastal trails, and local museums.
The city is best navigated by car or regional bus lines, though the historic center is relatively walkable.
Stay in the central historic district for proximity to museums or near Praia dos Sonhos for immediate beach access.
Generally budget to mid-range, offering accessible coastal tourism options compared to neighboring northern resorts.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 85 curated attractions in and around Itanhaém, ranked by traveller ratings.
Praia do Guaraú is the highest-rated place to visit in Itanhaém right now.
The largest category is parks, with 22 places to explore.
Travellers also explore São Paulo, Brasília, Fortaleza.
Explore more of Brazil
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
