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Travel Guide
About Itaúnas
Itaúnas is a small fishing village in the far north of Espírito Santo, part of the municipality of Conceição da Barra, bordering Bahia. Known worldwide as the capital of forró pé de serra, the village has sandy streets — a conscious choice by the community to preserve its traditional character.
Beneath the enormous dunes lies the original village, buried between the 1940s and 1970s due to deforestation of the coastal vegetation. The current village was rebuilt on the right bank of the Itaúnas River. The Itaúnas State Park, created in 1991, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its integrated ecosystems.
The community was formed in the 18th century by Portuguese, Spanish, indigenous, and quilombola people, and maintains cultural expressions such as Ticumbi, Alardo, Jongo, and Reis de Bois (presented at the Festa de São Sebastião e São Benedito in January).
When to Visit
- July: FENFIT — Festival Nacional de Forró de Itaúnas (24th edition in 2026, July 18-25). The village swells from 2,000 to ~100,000 people. Prices increase significantly.
- January/February: Street Carnival (small, family-friendly) + Festa de São Sebastião with traditional cultural events
- March to June / August to November: Low season, quiet, affordable prices
- December: New Year's Eve with forró programming
Climate
Tropical heat year-round (23-28°C, sea water ~26°C). Winter (Jun-Aug): dry, constant wind, great for hiking. Summer (Dec-Mar): 25-35°C, rain. In July, cool nights—pack a light jacket.
What to Bring
- Cash and Pix set up
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Light clothing + jacket for July nights
- Flip-flops and sneakers (sand and trails)
- Flashlight (unlit streets at night)
- Reusable water bottle
Getting There
Getting There / Transportation
No matter how you choose to arrive...
Travel Tips
- Money: There are no banks, ATMs, or gas stations in Itaúnas. Bring cash. Many places accept Pix and cards, but the connection can be unreliable.
- Cell service: Works, but unstable. Vivo has the best coverage.
- Mosquitoes: Use repellent, especially at dusk near the river.
- Roads: Access is via ES-010/ES-209. The last few kilometers may be dirt roads. Any car can make it, but go slowly.
- Sunscreen: Essential. The sun is strong year-round.
- Pharmacy: There's a small pharmacy, but bring essential medications.
- Local transportation: The village is compact—everything is within walking or biking distance. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the beach, dunes, and trails. Buggy and kayak tours are available.
- Safety: Very peaceful and isolated village with a bucolic atmosphere.
Places Guide
Getting There 4
Nearest airport with regular flights. Distance: ~250km (4h drive). From there, Águia Branca bus to Conceição da Barra (~...
Vitória, ESNorthern alternative. Porto Seguro ~200km, Teixeira de Freitas ~150km.
Porto Seguro/Teixeira de Freitas, BAFrom Conceição da Barra, Mar Aberto vans to Itaúnas at 7am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm (~40min, ~R$20).
Conceição da Barra, ESVia BR-101 to Conceição da Barra, then ES-010/ES-209. No gas station in Itaúnas — fill up before. Paid parking during th...
ES-010, ItaúnasWhere to Stay 8
A very well-located hostel next to the Central Square. Great for those who want to pop in to sort something out in the r...
Rua Demerval Leite da SilvaOne of the highest-rated. Cozy, good breakfast, ~800m from beach.
R. Maria Ortiz Barcelos, 154
Budget option. Shared rooms, camping, and private suites. 2min from church square, near river.
R. Adolpho Pereira Duarte, 100Pet-friendly, 200m from the Church Square. Charming suites, hammock area, near beach.
Centro, ItaúnasDowntown, easy access to everything. Good value. Tel: (27) 98111-9159.
Rua Theophilo Cabral da Silva, 6, ItaúnasFarm hotel feel. 2 pools, game room, bicycle tours, rustic decor.
Rua Projetada, s/n, ItaúnasWell-rated guesthouse in the center. Tel: (27) 3762-5012.
Rua Adolpho Pereira Duarte, 41, ItaúnasFirst campsite in Itaúnas (since 1984). Village center, less than 5min walk to everything.
Av. Bento Daher, 563, ItaúnasWhere to Eat 5
Most praised restaurant in Itaúnas. Rustic decor, varied menu: moqueca capixaba, salads, meats, fish, pasta, risotto.
Rua Adolpho Pereira Duarte, ItaúnasBudget home cooking. Famous for moqueca capixaba and PF (set meal). Cooked by Dona Pedrolina herself.
Vila de ItaúnasMore upscale option in the village. Good wine and drinks selection.
Rua Demerval Leite Da Silva, 410, ItaúnasGastrobar with refined touch. Signature cocktails and creative snacks.
Av. José Basílio dos Santos, 123, ItaúnasSnacks, cold beer and drinks in a relaxed setting.
Centro, ItaúnasThings to Do 6
Dunes up to 30m high that buried the original village. UNESCO Heritage. Incredible panoramic view — go at sunset. The ol...
Parque Estadual de ItaúnasState park with over 15km of trails for hiking and nature observation. Created in 1991.
Itaúnas, ESWonderful river bathing. Kayak tours (~1h) via Casinha de Aventuras in the center.
Itaúnas, ESWide, wild beach behind the dunes. Good for walks and surfing. Watch out for currents.
Itaúnas, ESBeach 16km from the village where the Itaúnas River meets the sea. Forms the ES/BA border.
16km de ItaúnasEcological trail through the mangrove in the State Park. Best in early morning. Bring repellent.
Parque Estadual de ItaúnasMarkets 2
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