Vitória, Brazil: The second best Brazilian capital in terms of quality of life
Find out where in Brazil Vitoria is located, when is the best time to visit, where to stay, where to eat, what are the best things to do there during your trip, and much more.
Located in the Southeast region of the country, Vitória, the capital of the state of Espírito Santo, is one of the three Brazilian state capitals that have its most part located on an island.
At first called Vila Nova do Espírito Santo, the city was founded on September 8, 1551 by Portuguese explorers, who later changed to its current name after the victory of a battle against the indigenous people over the place.
Vitória Island nowadays is composed of an archipelago of 33 islands and part of the capital is located on the continental part. Still, the region suffered several interventions, changing its original form in favor of its modernization and development. Landfills, staircases and demolitions were made, and in 1927 the bridge that links the island to the mainland was built.
In 1941, the first pier was built; in 1970 the port of Vitória became one of the most important in the country. And in 2015 the city was considered the 2nd best city to live in Brazil by the UN.
In this article you will find all the information you need to plan your trip, such as: how to get there, what to do in Vitória by day and night, discover the beaches of the capital of Espírito Santo, tips on where to stay, where to eat and much more!
Where Victoria is located
The state of Espírito Santo is located in the Southeast region of Brazil and borders Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, Bahia and the Atlantic Ocean. The city of Vitória is located in a mountainous region in the coastal part of the state.
How to get to Vitória, Brazil
Photo: Elaine Villatoro
There are direct flights between Vitória and the main capitals of the country. From São Paulo, it is possible to reach Vitória Airport (code: VIX) a 1 hour and 40 minutes flight and departing from Rio de Janeiro, the flight takes just over 1 hour. By car, the driving time is 13 hours and 8 hours respectively.
Distances from some brazilian cities:
- Rio de Janeiro: 521 km
- São Paulo: 882 km
- Belo Horizonte: 524 km
- Brasília: 1.239 km
- Salvador: 1.202 km
How to get around in Vitória
The city has two urban transport systems: one that works only within the municipality and the other that links the city of Vitória to other cities in the region. The service offered is not the greatest, so the best way to get to know the city is to hire a specialized tour with travel agencies or even to rent a car and get to know the city on your own.
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Beaches in Vitória, Brazil
The beaches in the region pass through a weekly inspection to verify if they are swimmable, so it is always necessary to follow the city hall’s website with the updated information.
Curva da Jurema Beach
As one of the city’s postcards, Curva da Jurema Beach is a great option for taking a boat trip or cycling. Its waters are super calm, which allows the practice of stand up paddle.
Camburi Beach
Camburi Beach is not very popular for swimming, but due to its good structure and its 6 km long boardwalk, it is the busiest in the city, being one of the most frequented by locals. The region is very windy, making it the perfect place for windsurfing and kite surfing.
Canto Beach
Located in a noble neighborhood of the city, Praia do Canto is where you can find many bars, restaurants and clubs. It is the most bohemian and elegant region and where the night happens.
Things to do in Vitória, Brazil
Full of beaches, parks, museums, bars and restaurants, Vitória has been standing out in business and leisure tourism and is a great city to practice sports, enjoy good cuisine or simply relax. Its Carnival is one of the biggest cultural events in Espírito Santo and the parades take place a week before the country’s official date.
Another highlight of the city is the Festa da Penha, in honor of Nossa Senhora da Penha, which takes place in the neighboring town, Vila Velha. In addition, the city has many tourist attractions and several of which are located in the Historic Center.
Below is a list of the 18 best things to do in Vitória, ES:
1) Anchieta Palace
Located at the entrance to Cidade Alta, it was built to be a church and is now the headquarter of the state’s executive power. The building is open to the public.
Photo: Elaine Villatoro
2) São Gonçalo’s Church
The church of São Gonçalo is located in the historic center of Vitória and has been a National Historic Heritage since 1948. Built in 1707, it has a Baroque style and is known as the church of lasting and happy marriages.
3) Metropolitan Cathedral
With a neo gothic influence, this cathedral, which is a symbol of the city of Vitória, began to be built in 1920. It was completed only in 1970 and, in 1984 it was declared a heritage by the State Council of Culture.
Photo: Elaine Villatoro
4) Chapel of Saint Luzia
Considered the oldest building in the city of Vitória, the chapel has simple architectural features that dating back to the Brazilian colonial era and was declared a heritage by IPHAN in 1946. It used to be a museum and an art gallery and now it is an important tourist spot for the historic center of Victory.
5) Carlos Gomes Theater
It is the oldest in Espírito Santo and its style was inspired by Teatro Scalla in Milan. In 1970 it was listed by the State Council of Culture and today it is one of the main monuments of the state’s culture. It can be visited through free guided tours.
Photo: Elaine Villatoro
6) St. Diogo’s Staircase
The staircase formerly belonged to the fort that served to monitor one of the city’s entrances, but with its modernization, the fort was demolished. The staircase was conserved, going through a renovation in 1942 and today it maintains the function of connecting the lower city to the upper city.
7) Frade’s Island and Castanheira’s Beach
Frade’s Island is an Environmental Preservation Area, less crowded and a great place to relax and enjoy it in peace.
With shallow waters and no waves, the Castanheira’s Beach is located on Frade’s Island and guarantees a perfect contrast between nature and the urban landscape.
8) Caieira’s Island
One of the most charming spots to enjoy the sunset, this place is also one of the oldest neighborhoods in Vitória and today stands out for its restaurants that are a reference in the state cuisine. It is also in this place that the Torta Capixaba Festival takes place during Holy Week.
9) Ox Island
It is a residential neighborhood with beautiful landscapes. Formed by the beaches on the right and on the left, Ilha do Boi (Ox Island in English) is located close to the Curva da Jurema beach and actually, it is not an island as it is connected to Vitória Island, but it is quite bathed by seawater. It has a modern infrastructure and it is quite busy. Another highlight of this location is the Hotel Senac Ilha do Boi, where you can have a panoramic view of the city.
10) St. Anthony’s Basilica
A landmark of the city of Vitória, its construction began in 1956 to replace the main church of Santo Antônio, which was no longer supporting the growing demand of the churchgoers in the region and took 20 years to be completed. Its design was inspired by a 16th-century Italian temple and its interior features paintings by the Italian painter Alberto Bogani.
Photo: Elaine Villatoro
11) Statue of Iemanjá on Camburi Beach
The local, known as the Pier of Iemanjá, houses the statue of the “Queen of the sea” and is located on the mainland of the city.
12) Humpback Whale Space
The Humpback Whale project has existed since the monitoring of the first humpback whale strandings in ES in the 1990s and today it has a fixed space in Pope’s Square. This space works in partnership with the City Hall and aims to promote awareness for the conservation of marine life, especially dolphins and whales.
13) Guava Pots
The Goiabeiras Pots barn is located near the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES) and the pans are named after the neighborhood where they are. If you want a complete experience, take the opportunity to make your own pan and take it home.
Photo: Marcio Auriema
14) Pope’s Square
This famous tourist spot in Vitória was named after a mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II in the place. It’s a great place to enjoy the sunset. Tip: Close to there is the Tamar Project.
15) Lover’s Square
It is a complete square for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The place has a children’s playground, skate park, skating and exercise area. And on weekends there is a handicraft and food fair.
16) Vitória 360 degrees monument
It is an anamorphic sculpture that was inaugurated in honor of the 466th anniversary of Vitória. With 2.5 meters high and 12 meters long, the sign that forms the city’s name has become another tourist spot to be visited.
Photo: Elaine Villatoro
17) Science Square
Located near Vitória’s Shopping, this square contains scientific instruments for students to learn physical and astronomical concepts in practice. The site also promotes free workshops for the community.
18) Moscoso Park
Located in the city center, Moscoso Park is the oldest municipal park in Vitória and has an area of
What to do in Vitória at night
Bars & Restaurants in the Triângulo das Bermudas
For those who like to enjoy the night, you cannot miss one of the most popular places in Vitória: the Triângulo das Bermudas. Located at the end of Canto’s Beach, the place has many bars, restaurants, breweries and pubs and attracts all types of audience.
Destinations near Vitória
Vila Velha
Visit the Nossa Senhora da Penha Convent, a postcard of the region, the Garoto’s chocolate factory, and the Railway Museum. An interesting gastronomic experience is eating crab on Itaparica beach.
Photo: Marcio Auriema
Domingos Martins
Photo: Elaine Villatoro
Located in the mountains region, Domingos Martins has a mountainous relief, making the region well known for mountain tourism. Neighboring the city of Venda Nova do Imigrante, this is where the Pedra Azul State Park is located.
Venda Nova do Imigrante
Also located in the Espírito Santo mountains, about 120 km from Vitória, Venda Nova do Imigrante is known as the National Capital of Agritourism. Colonized by Italians, it is famous for the Festa da Polenta, which takes place at the beginning of October, a celebration that keeps alive the origins of those who live there.
Photo: Marcio Auriema
Guarapari
Less than 50 km from Vitória is Cidade da Saúde, as Guarapari is known. Rich in marine biodiversity, the city attracts bathers, many divers, lovers of history and even rural tourism due to the mountains in the region.
Photo: Sagrilo / Setur – ES
What you need to know about the capital of Espírito Santo
Vitória is the city that has the least thermal variations in the entire state of Espírito Santo. Its average annual temperature is around 25ºC and the rainy period runs from October to January.
Summertime is when the region is busiest due to the activities schedules, but because of its little temperature variation, it is possible to visit the city all year round. Beyond to the beaches, which are the main attraction of the hottest time of the year, the city has a variety of museums, theaters, parks. In its mountainous region it is possible to paraglide and practice other adventure activities.
2 to 3 days are enough to get to know the city, but if you plan to visit some nearby towns, it’s better to plan to spend 5 to 7 days in the region.
As any other big city, attention is required when getting to know the city center. Avoid walking with electronic equipment, and if possible, do a City Tour with an agency. You will feel safer and, in addition, you will learn much more about the city if you are with the guide.
Where to eat in Vitória, Brazil
Hotel Ilha do Boi restaurant
The hotel itself is a must-see, and its restaurant deserves to be highlighted. So be sure to try the typical dishes of the region: Moqueca and Torta Capixaba filled with seafood and heart of palm.
Moqueca do Teresão
Located on Ilha das Caieiras, it is one of the most recommended places to enjoy a good moqueca (stew in English). Take the opportunity also to taste the crab shells.
Barba Ruiva
Located in Domingos Martins, it is the perfect place for those who enjoy craft beers with the possibility of taking a mini tour to learn more about brewing.
Where to stay in Vitória, ES
These regions are well served by shops and restaurants and some options we indicate are:
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Golden Tulip Porto Vitória
The Golden Tulip Porto Vitória is a 4 star hotel with an excellent location, close to the beach and close to Shopping Vitória. It has a restaurant, a gym and an outdoor pool. It is an excellent option for those who want convenience and comfort.
Hotel Senac Ilha do Boi
Famous for its location on the top of the island, the Hotel Senac Ilha do Boi offers a panoramic view of the city. The hotel-school provides a variety of experiences for its guests, in addition to having an award-winning restaurant.
Photo: Elaine Villatoro
Píer Vitória Hotel
Facing the sea on Camburi beach, the Pier Vitória Hotel is very well located, close to several points of interest and has great value for money. It has a restaurant, a gym and a cafeteria.
Artsy Vitoria Hostel
Artsy Vitoria Hostel is a great option for those who like a more economical option or simply prefer to be in a more relaxed environment. There are options for beds in shared rooms, rooms for couples or families, and all the accommodations have air conditioning and private bathroom.
So, are you ready to visit the capital of Espírito Santo?
Read also:
- Guarapari: the city with the largest marine biodiversity in Brazil
- Venda Nova do Imigrante: The rural treasure of the mountains of Espírito Santo
- Domingos Martins: where to eat, where to stay, what to do and more
