Olá! Welcome to Vitória & Vila Velha, Espírito Santo!

Just across the Third Bridge lies the coastal city of Vila Velha. This smaller city is part of the greater Vitória metropolitan area, but the dividing bridge makes it feel like a different city all together. The beaches here are fine and walking along the beach boulevard and watching the sunset is the perfect way to end the day on your Brazil holiday. The Penha Convent on the hilltop offers spectacular views over the city. With luxurious Vila Velha hotels on the rise, this Espírito Santo coastal town is an ideal choice to get out of the city’s hustle and bustle for a relaxing Brazil beach vacation.

It was in the year 1535 that Portuguese sailors first discovered a beautiful island covered with verdant forests and surrounded by mangroves and the sea. The island, known by the local residents as Guaananira (island of honey) and tucked away between water and forests, provided them a safe haven against attacks, and they dropped anchor.

In 1551, the island was renamed Vitoria. Today Vitória is the capital of Espirito Santo and a very important city in Brazil. It is also one of the earliest capitals of Brazil's states. Vitória is rooted in granite in and has two major granite outcrops: the Hill of Sao Benedito (Morro de Sao Benedito), which rises to a height of 194 metres and the Stone of Eyes (Pedra Dos Olhos), which rises to a height of 296 metres. The principal peak of Vitoria is the Hill of the Great Spring (Morro da Fonte Grande), which is 308.8 metres high. 

Vitória is one of the greenest cities in Espirito Santo with around 91 square metres of green area per person. Surrounded by lush mangroves, beautiful gardens, parks and squares, Vitória is not only a visual delight for tourists to see on Vitória tours, but also provides a healthy and enriching environment for its citizens. 

The three most important ports of Brazil are found in Vitória and they contribute significantly to the economy of the island, as well as that of Brazil. It was the coffee industry that pioneered economic activity in Vitoria around 1900. The island has come a long way since then, and is today the largest producer of steel in the world. Lately, Espirito Santo has also become one of the largest producers of oil in Brazil. The island has very well developed infrastructure and 6 bridges cross the ocean to link it to the mainland. The pride of Vitória is the 3.33-km Darcy Castelo de Mendonca Bridge. This is the largest infrastructural project undertaken by the state and offers a stunning view of the bay of Vitória, with its ports, islands and beaches and the neighbouring Vila Velha.

Vitória's warm sunny climate and beautiful beaches and coves are perfect for embarking on Vitória tours to make the most of any Vitória holiday. There is a beautiful 6-km beach at Camburi where tourists can not only soak in the sun but, also go for a stroll or jog and find comfort in a Vitória hotel. The Canto beach has two main squares, Namorados and Desejo, which have some fine Vitoria restaurants. There you can sample the iconic dish of Vitória, the moqueca capixaba, a rich fish stew. You can also take on the extensive nightlife. Take a look at the Vitória map to see where all the best beaches are located and decide on the ideal hotel in Vitória in relation to its nearby attractions. 

Local residents of Espirito Santo are known as Capixabas, which translates as 'corn plantation' in Tupi Guarani, a family of native South American indigenous languages. There were five indigenous tribes living in the area when the Portuguese arrived. Capixabas is thought to originate during this time, as the blond hair of the Portuguese resembled the color of the locally-grown corn. Many elements of the local indigenous cultures have grown into the larger and distinct Brazilian-Portuguese culture of southern Brazil.

It is the natural splendour of Vitória that primarily attracts travellers. But once in the region, they are touched by the warmth of the hospitable Brazilian locals. Despite the multilingual and multicultural influences that give the region colour and life, there is one universal sign familiar to all: the thumbs up sign! It is used to say anything and everything, from hi to bye, thank you and even you’re welcome! And, it is always said with a wide smile and genuine kindness.

Browse through our personal recommendations of hotels in Vitória and our organized Vitória tours to piece together the perfect Brazilian holiday. If any questions arise, feel free to contact us to find out more about the lovely state of Espírito Santo!