Santos

Santos is a coastal city of 434,000 people (2020) in southern São Paulo state, home to Latin America's biggest seaport. The city is famous for its football heritage as the home of Pelé and Santos FC, its colonial-era coffee trading history preserved in museums, and a 5.3 km beachfront garden recognized in the Guinness Book of Records. It's a popular weekend escape for Paulistanos seeking sun without venturing too far from São Paulo.

Founded in 1546 on the island of São Vicente, Santos grew wealthy on coffee exports during the 19th century when it handled a large portion of the world's coffee trade. The Coffee Museum and Coffee Stock Exchange Museum document this era. Today, the city also exports oranges, bananas, and cotton. The famous Santos FC museum displays trophies and memorabilia from Pelé's legendary career.

Santos maintains historic trams dating back to 1861. Tram tours cost R$5.00 and depart from Praça Mauá, passing main attractions in the center. The Double Deck tour runs along the beachfront on weekends and long holidays, departing from the Municipal Aquarium near Ponta da Praia for R$4. City beaches are walkable along the garden.

Santos has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 15.9°C in winter (July) to 29.4°C in summer (January-February). Rainfall peaks in March (257mm) and is lowest in September (73mm). Beach pollution is a concern during certain times of year—look for red flags near the pedestrian walkway indicating unsafe swimming conditions. The beach quality bulletin is available from CETESB.

Hotels line the beachfront avenue Presidente Wilson and Ana Costa. Budget options include Atlântico Hotel (av. Presidente Wilson 1) with air conditioning and free WiFi in a beautiful older building, and Atlântico Inn (rua Jorge Tibiriçá, 4). Higher-end choices include Parque Balneuário (av. Ana Costa, 555) and Mendes Plaza (av. Floriano Peixoto, 42).

Santos offers diverse dining from Brazilian burgers at Beduíno (Av. Ana Costa, 466) to Japanese self-service at Gotissô (Av. Saldanha da Gama, 159). Seafood lovers should try Vista ao Mar (Av. Bartolomeu de Gusmão, 68) for huge paella portions or Mar Del Plata for traditional seafood. For quick bites, Pasteluxo Grill (R. Djalma Dutra, 24) serves pastéis. Nightlife centers on bars serving caipirinha, batidas, and live MPB (Popular Brazilian Music).

Visit the Coffee Stock Exchange Museum (Rua XV de Novembro, 95) to learn about Brazil's coffee history—adults pay R$4, students R$2. Climb or take the tram (R$12.50) to Monte Serrat Hill (157m) for panoramic views of Santos and Guarujá. The Beachfront garden stretches 5.3 km and holds a Guinness record. Football fans should visit Santos FC stadium (Rua Princesa Isabel, free entry) to see Pelé memorabilia. The Aquarium (Av. Bartolomeu de Gusmão) charges R$5 for adults and R$2.50 for students.

The handicraft market at the end of Avenida Conselheiro Nébias operates every Saturday from 14:00-23:00, selling paintings, earrings, clothes, candies, and flowers. A smaller Sunday market takes place at Rua Conselheiro Ribas in front of SESC. The Fish Market near the ferry offers fresh seafood at low prices.

Beach pollution is a significant concern in Santos during parts of the year. Red flags along the pedestrian walkway indicate unsafe swimming conditions. Check the CETESB beach quality bulletin online before swimming. Otherwise, Santos is generally safe for tourists in main areas.

Head across the bay to Guarujá for nicer beaches and the famous island of São Sebastião. Take a ferry from Santos to visit the historic city of São Vicente, Brazil's first Portuguese settlement. São Paulo city is accessible by ferry and bus for a longer trip.