Itajaí 3-Day Itinerary

The central Catholic church, built in the 1950s in a simplified neo-Gothic style. Inside, the stained-glass panels show local fishing scenes rather than biblical themes.

🕐 Tue-Sun 08:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00

💡 Check the noticeboard outside for the free Friday evening organ recitals — they're irregular but worth catching. Entry to the nave is free; the crypt is usually locked.

A covered market from the 1940s with fishmongers, fruit stalls, and simple eateries. The architecture is utilitarian concrete with good natural light. Entry costs nothing unless you buy food.

🕐 Mon-Sat 07:00-19:00, Sun 07:00-13:00

💡 Go before 11am to see the catch being unloaded. The pastel de camarão at the northeastern corner stall is reliably good and costs about 6 reais.

Castelo Montemar Restaurante e Eventos · ££

Churrascaria Estação 101 · ££

Housed in an old city hall building, this museum shows the town's port and fishing history through photos, tools, and ship models. Small but well-curated.

🕐 Tue-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat 09:00-13:00

💡 The entrance is via the side door off Rua Hercílio Luz — the main gate is often locked and leads to the council chambers instead.

A small triangular plaza with a playground, a concrete skate bowl, and shaded benches. Locals come here for craft fairs on weekends. Unremarkable but functional.

🕐 24 hours (craft fair Sat 08:00-13:00)

💡 The Saturday morning feirinha de artesanato has hand-painted pottery and homemade cachaça samples. Bring small notes — stalls rarely have change for 50 reais.

Mariais

BioGarden

A clifftop park with paths, a small chapel, and panoramic views over the port and the Itajaí-Açu River. Benches and shade trees make it a decent picnic spot.

💡 Wear shoes with grip — the last 200 metres of the climb are over loose gravel. The view is best in late afternoon when the sun hits the water.

Bokerão Dupera

Estação Café