Santos beach
The beach at Santos, located not far from São Paulo, is a serene escape for city dwellers seeking respite from the frenetic pace of urban life. On weekends, residents of the metropolis flock here to unwind. In terms of scale and popularity, as well as being lined with chic high-rise hotels, it bears a resemblance to Rio's Copacabana. However, Santos Beach offers a more tranquil atmosphere, devoid of the vibrant and occasionally perilous nightlife. For many, the absence of noisy and inebriated crowds is a welcome advantage, making Santos Beach a more peaceful retreat.
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Beach description
Welcome to Santos Beach, a vibrant coastal gem and the gateway to São Paulo, often hailed as Brazil's principal maritime entrance. Navigating your way to this picturesque beach is hassle-free. From São Paulo-Guarulhos Airport, a mere 120 km separates you from the sun-kissed shores. Opt for a convenient taxi ride at 250 reais, or choose the economical Cometa bus service, available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., which will whisk you to São Paulo or Santos for just 22 reais. The journey spans approximately 2 hours. Tickets are readily available at the Terminal 1 ticket window, situated on the arrivals floor. Moreover, buses depart for Santos from the São Paulo bus station throughout the day, at an affordable fare of 20 reais.
The beach itself boasts a sandy expanse, characterized by a flat shore and seabed. While the sand's grey hue may appear unclean, it is, in fact, its natural color, adding to the locale's unique charm. Visitors enjoy the freedom of strolling barefoot, thanks to the absence of sharp stones or debris, and the beach's meticulous maintenance. The waters here cater to all, offering both shallow and deep zones. The sea's embrace is gradual and extended, with depths beginning at a considerable distance from the shoreline.
For enthusiasts of surfing, Santos Beach is nothing short of a paradise. Its long, towering waves make a grand entrance to the shore, yet the beach's ample width ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, including children frolicking at the water's edge. The beach attracts a diverse array of visitors: water sports aficionados, young families, exuberant groups of teenagers, serene elderly couples, and sociable singles seeking new connections. Despite its popularity, the beach remains a local favorite, with international tourists being a rare sight. This local atmosphere significantly reduces the likelihood of visitors encountering deceit, a stark contrast to the tourist-heavy sands near Rio de Janeiro.
When is the best time to go?
Best Time for a Beach Vacation in Brazil
Planning the perfect beach vacation in Brazil requires considering the vast country's diverse climates and regions. However, there is a consensus on the ideal period to soak up the sun on Brazil's stunning coastlines.
- December to March: This is Brazil's summer season, where you'll find the warmest weather, perfect for beach activities. It's also the time for vibrant festivities, including the famous Carnival.
- Late April to June: For those who prefer fewer crowds and still enjoy pleasant weather, this period offers a more tranquil beach experience.
- September to November: Spring in Brazil is another great time to visit, with less rainfall and moderate temperatures, ideal for enjoying the natural beauty and waters of Brazilian beaches.
It's important to avoid the rainy season, which can vary depending on the region but generally includes the months of April through July in the Northeast, and October through January in the South. Ultimately, the best time for a beach vacation in Brazil is when the weather aligns with your preference for festivities or tranquility.
Video: Beach Santos
Infrastructure
Despite the fact that Santos Beach is located within the city, the beach is quite green and clean. It is separated from the sidewalk and the highway by a green strip of the seaside park, which stretches for 4 miles. In the Guinness Book of Records, it is listed as the longest city park stretching along a beach. The park features benches, flower beds, and real masterpieces of landscape art, as well as paths for pedestrians and cyclists, exercise equipment, and even a freshwater shower for those who swim in the ocean.
On the eastern part of the beach, there is a special area for surfers, identifiable by a characteristic monument symbolizing a red wave. This area is dedicated to the sport, with a museum, a spectator platform, a school for beginners, and specialty shops. Not far from this spot, paragliders land, having taken off from a 180-meter cliff on the border of Santos and São Vicente, accessible by cable car. Adventurers can also descend using a hang glider, though the landing area is confined to one of the beaches of São Vicente, a nearby town. For those who prefer beach sports, there are nets and goals for volleyball and football on Santos Beach.
In general, the beach infrastructure is very well-developed, offering food and entertainment for every taste. Sun loungers, parasols, beer and cocktails on the beach, complimentary showers and toilets, fashionable restaurants, and beach bars with light snacks are available, as well as hotels of various ratings. Thus, everyone can find an option to suit their budget. A notable establishment with a prime location and a wide range of services is the resort complex Parque Balneário.
Weather in Santos
Best hotels of Santos
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- Santos is a city founded in the XVI century, which has always played an important role in the economy of Brazil. Therefore, there are many historical and architectural monuments, as well as many museums and ancient churches. This is an ideal place to relax the soul and body – in between swimming and sunbathing, take the time to enrich yourself culturally.
- The Museum of Fisheries is located at the end of the eastern edge of the beach, where it narrows sharply and ends with the park. It occupies a palace formerly owned by the Maritime Academy. Earlier, the main fort was located here, protecting the entrance to the port bay. The museum displays stuffed animals of various commercial fish, giant squids and other wonders, but the highlight of the exposition is the 23-meter whale skeleton.
- Both children and adults will be interested in visiting the city Aquarium. It is quite large: sharks, stingrays, moray eels and other conspicuous inhabitants of the see swim in it. Penguins and seals are housed in a separate room. The world of the freshwater kingdom is represented by catfish, huge flat tambacas, unfriendly piranhas, etc. At the same time, it is well decorated and offers inexpensive tickets worth 5 reais, or about 75 rubles.
- "Feature" of the excursion program in Santos will be the former Coffee Exchange, which is now the Coffee Museum. Previously, the main auctions for wholesale deliveries of this product took place here, but now a very modest thematic exhibition is presented here. It is "revived" by the existing cafeteria, where you can buy both a ready-made drink with a variety of pastries, and grain by weight. The architecture and the height of the building deserve special attention. After the restoration, a new life was breathed into it, so it still deserves a visit.