Being home to one of Brazil's busiest container ports, alongside Praia Brava, one of Santa Catarina's most consistent surf beaches — a rare mix of working harbour city and genuine beach destination.
Discover Authentic Itajaí: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
Itajaí runs on its port and its beaches in roughly equal measure, and the team at Mercure Itajaí Navegantes — a short walk from both — built this guide around that split: a working jetty on one side, a proper surf beach on the other. Their picks are below, alongside an interactive map and the questions guests ask us most.
Our map pins local favourites such as Praia Brava, the Molhes da Barra jetty and Atalaia Natural Park.
Top 5 Things to Do in Itajaí
Praia Brava
Santa Catarina's most reliable surf beach, with consistent swell that draws surfers from across the state and a beachfront strip of bars and seafood restaurants to match. It's livelier and younger in feel than the calmer beaches further south. Weekday mornings are the best window if you actually want to surf rather than just watch.
Parque Natural Municipal da Atalaia
A protected hillside reserve with trails climbing to viewpoints over the coastline where Itajaí, Navegantes and Balneário Camboriú all meet at the river mouth. The Trilha do Morro do Atalaia hike is the main draw, steep in sections but manageable in an hour or two. Go on a clear day — the payoff is the view.
Molhes da Barra
The long stone jetties marking the entrance to Itajaí's harbour, one of Brazil's busiest container ports, and a genuine local spot for an evening walk or bike ride as fishing boats and cargo ships pass close by. It's an unpolished, working-harbour view rather than a manicured promenade, which is part of the appeal.
Parque Ecológico Raimundo Gonçález Malta
A riverside ecological park along the Itajaí-açu river, with trails and green space that give a quieter counterpoint to the port and beach scenes elsewhere in the city. It's used mainly by locals for walking and running rather than as a tourist stop, so expect an uncrowded, low-key visit.
Farol de Navegantes
A lighthouse marking the river mouth on the Navegantes side, an easy stop for sea views and a look at the shipping traffic heading in and out of the port. It pairs naturally with a walk along Molhes da Barra on the opposite bank, with the two structures facing each other across the channel.
Explore Itajaí's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Itajaí
We've mapped local spots along the Itajaí coast.
Coast
Praia Brava
Golden sand, turquoise waves, beach bars and terrace restaurants – no wonder Praia Brava is Itajaí's favourite beach for surfing and nights out.
Praia Brava · Beach · Perfect for surf and sunsets
Molhes da Barra jetty
Walk or cycle the jetty as cargo ships glide into the Itajaí-Açu river. Views of Atalaia Beach and the skyline – and, sometimes, dolphins.
Itajaí-Açu river mouth · Jetty · Ideal for sunsets
Navegantes Lighthouse
Navegantes · Lighthouse · Great for photos
Parks & trails
Morro do Atalaia trail
A short but steep 3.5 km climb to a viewpoint above Atalaia Beach, where hang gliders take off.
Atalaia Natural Park · Hiking trail · Perfect for views
Atalaia Natural Park
Once the site of a watchtower for ships bound for Itajaí, the park now protects 19 hectares of coastal forest. Hike it or ride it by mountain bike.
Atalaia · Natural park · Made for hiking
Parque Ecológico Raimundo Gonçalez Malta
Boardwalks along the Camboriú river, past capybaras, turtles and birds, with picnic spots and a play area.
Itajaí · Ecological park · Great for families
Culture & food
Museu Histórico de Itajaí
More than 16,000 objects tell the city's maritime and cultural story inside a former palace. Entry is free.
Centre · Museum · Ideal for history
Igreja Matriz do Santíssimo
A neo-Gothic landmark since the 1950s, with stained glass and twin spires. Step inside when the light comes through.
Centre · Church · Perfect for architecture
Casa da Cultura
The city's first public school, now an arts and culture centre.
Centre · Cultural centre · Great for culture
Cervejaria Faroeste
A Wild West-themed craft brewery with live music and food trucks.
Brewery · Made for craft beer fans
Zephyr Seafood & Sushi
Seafood and sushi on the waterfront, right by the marina.
Marina · Restaurant · Perfect for seafood
Feira Municipal
Saturday mornings, regional produce and crafts. Meet the growers.
Centre · Market · Great for souvenirs
FAQ
Fresh seafood is the default here given the city's fishing and port industry — grilled or stewed catch of the day, best had near the harbour at spots like Kais 0 or beachfront at Praia Brava.
Yes — Praia Brava has some of the most consistent swell in Santa Catarina state and draws surfers from across the region, though conditions are best checked locally as they shift with the season.
Praia Brava, popular for surfing, beach bars and nightlife.
From the Molhes da Barra jetty at the mouth of the Itajaí-Açu river.
Yes. The 3.5 km Morro do Atalaia trail climbs to a viewpoint above Atalaia Beach.
Where to Sleep in Itajaí
See Mercure hotels in Itajaí, all within reach of these picks.