Costa Verde
Brazil
The Rio–Santos coastal highway (BR-101) threads between the Serra do Mar mountains and the Atlantic, colonial fishing villages, the world's largest urban forest at Tijuca, islands, and Brazil's most spectacular beaches.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Rio de Janeiro
Start in the Cidade Maravilhosa. Sugarloaf, Copacabana, Tijuca Forest, and Christ the Redeemer before heading southwest along the coast.
- Angra dos Reis
A bay scattered with 365 islands. Schooners depart daily for Ilha Grande, one of Brazil's most beautiful and car-free islands.
- Paraty
A perfectly preserved Portuguese colonial town where cobblestones flood at high tide. One of Brazil's finest and most atmospheric historic centres.
- Trindade
A small village just south of Paraty with extraordinary rock formations, clear lagoons, and undeveloped beaches tucked beyond the hillside.
- Ubatuba
Over 100 beaches in a single municipality. Itamambuca and Prumirim rank among the finest stretches of sand on the entire Brazilian coast.
- São Sebastião
Colonial port town facing Ilhabela across a narrow channel. The 18th-century Igreja Matriz anchors a well-preserved historic centre flanked by excellent beaches.
- Ilhabela
A mountainous island blanketed in Atlantic rainforest, with over 40 beaches, dozens of waterfalls, and the best offshore sailing in South America. Reached by a short ferry from São Sebastião.
- Bertioga
Home to Forte São João, one of the oldest Portuguese fortifications in Brazil, built in 1547 at the mouth of the channel where Hans Staden was once held captive.
- Guarujá
The beach resort of São Paulo, an island city of 90 km of coastline reached by ferry from Bertioga. Pitangueiras and Enseada are the most popular stretches.
- Santos
Brazil's largest port city, with the longest urban beach garden in the world stretching along its seafront promenade.
Where to Eat
- Restaurante Banana da TerraBrazilian
Offers contemporary Brazilian cuisine with a focus on seafood, set in a charming colonial house in Paraty's historic center.
- Ponto de EncontroSeafood
Known for its fresh seafood dishes and ocean views, this restaurant in Ubatuba provides a relaxed dining experience.
- Manacá RestauranteContemporary Brazilian
Set amidst lush gardens in São Sebastião, Manacá offers innovative Brazilian dishes in a serene atmosphere.
Things to Do
- Paraty Historic CenterHistoric Site
Explore cobblestone streets lined with preserved colonial architecture, reflecting Brazil's rich history.
- Praia do BoneteBeach
Accessible via a scenic hike or boat, this secluded beach in Ilhabela is known for its natural beauty and surfing waves.
- Forte de São JoãoHistoric Site
A 16th-century fortress in Bertioga offering panoramic views and insights into Brazil's colonial past.