Vila Velha, Espírito Santo
South America · Brazil
Did you know?
- Convento da Penha occupies a hilltop near the bridge to Vitória.
- Morro do Moreno's trail opens views of the Terceira Ponte and Praia da Costa.
- The Vale Museum occupies a former railway station with Ionic columns.
See also
Vitória
Brazil20.32°S 40.34°W · 4 m
Overview
Vila Velha mixes beach days with colonial heritage on the Espírito Santo coast. The hilltop Convento da Penha gives the city a distinctive historic landmark.
Languages: Portuguese
Why go?
Vila Velha is a historic coastal city in Espírito Santo that was founded in 1535 by Vasco Fernandes Coutinho, making it older than the state capital Vitória. Though today it consists largely of unremarkable housing blocks, the city preserves colonial heritage including the Convento da Penha perched on a hilltop, and offers beaches and outdoor activities that draw visitors from across the metropolitan region.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Vila Velha is connected to Vitória by the Terceira Ponte (Third Bridge) crossing Vitória Bay. The nearest major airport is Eurico de Aguiar Salles Airport (VIX) in Vitória. Bus connections from Vitória and other parts of Espírito Santo arrive at Terminal Vila Velha in the city center.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Most urban buses pass through Terminal Vila Velha in the city center, including routes that cross to Vitória. Local buses serve the beach areas along Avenida Antônio Gil Veloso and the southern districts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The best time to visit is during Brazil's summer months (December to March) when weather is warmest for beach activities, though this is also peak season with more crowds. The shoulder seasons of autumn (April-May) and spring (September-November) offer milder temperatures and fewer tourists.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation options are concentrated along Praia da Costa and the beachfront avenue. Budget travelers can find economical homestays like A Casa Morro do Moreno (from R$135) near the peninsula, while mid-range chain hotels such as Quality Suites Vila Velha (from R$183) offer rooftop pools with sea views and free breakfast.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Local dining options cluster around Praia da Costa beachfront. Cantinho Gaúcho offers churrasco-style beef, fish, shrimp, and chips in a casual setting across from the beach. Beachside restaurants at Praia de Itapoã serve fresh seafood with live music, while beach shacks throughout the coastline provide quick snacks and drinks.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
The standout activity is hiking Morro do Moreno, a 30-minute trail rewarding visitors with panoramic views of the Terceira Ponte and Praia da Costa coastline, plus zip-lining and abseiling options. History buffs should visit Convento da Penha, an old convent atop a hill near the bridge to Vitória (open 06:00-16:00 weekdays, 07:00-16:00 weekends), and the Vale Museum housed in a former railway station with Ionic columns, featuring exhibits on the region's port and rail history and views of Vitória Bay.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Vila Velha experienced unrest during a police strike in 2017, with carjackings and homicides making residents fearful. While conditions have calmed since then, standard urban safety precautions apply: avoid displaying valuables, stay aware in less-familiar areas at night, and use registered taxi services rather than hailing random vehicles.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay healthy
Some beaches in Vila Velha are not suitable for bathing, with conditions that can change from day to day due to pollution from Vale mining operations and sewage. Check the city's weekly bathing report (resultado de balneabilidade) on the municipal website before swimming. Praia de Itapoã tends to be less affected by pollution than northern beaches.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
The telephone area code for Vila Velha is 27, shared with central and northern parts of Espírito Santo. Major Brazilian mobile carriers (Vivo, Claro, TIM, Oi) provide 4G coverage throughout the metropolitan area. Most hotels and restaurants offer free WiFi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Cross the Terceira Ponte to Vitória, the state capital with its bay, beaches, and nightlife. South lies Guarapari, a beach resort famous for clubs and parties in summer. For mountain scenery, visit Domingos Martins to see the iconic Pedra Azul (Blue Rock) and experience German colonial heritage, or Santa Teresa for Italian immigrant culture. Farther northeast, Itaúnas offers dunes and forró dancing.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
A Casa Morro do Moreno
Economical and pleasant homestay, right out on a peninsula.
Recorded price: R$135
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Quality Suites Vila Velha
Another chain hotel tower whose rooftop pool is way up there; whew, hopefully you're not agoraphobic, though the views fronting the sea are pretty terrific from there. Hotel also features a free breakfast with lots of cake and fruit and other items.
Recorded price: R$183
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Cantinho Gaúcho
Little hole in the wall place to get some grub across the street from the Praia da Costa. Churrasco-style beef, fish, shrimp, chips, ice cream, etc.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Casa da Memória de Vila Velha
Really small regional museum that captures the history of the area from the time Vasco Fernandes Coutinho first founded Vila Velha and then Vitoria as the seat of Espiritu Santo State through the slaveholding period and up to the industrial phases of today. Includes a small replica of Coutinho's 1535 Sant Maria ship that he commanded, along with a trolley outside. And don't miss the Museu Atelier Homero Massena (Homero Massena Workshop Museum) just a couple of houses to the west that relives the life of this painter from Vila Velha.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Convento da Penha
An old convent perched atop the hill near the bridge to Vitória.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Lighthouse Santa Luzia
A lighthouse built of iron in 1870 is a nice landmark and the location also affords interesting views of the entrance to Vitoria Bay.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Vale Museum
Recounts the historical importance of the Vitoria-Vilha Velha area through collections of photos, books, and relics, particularly as it pertains to the rail and port system here that enabled vast quantities of commodities like gold from Minas Garais to be transported. It is housed in the former Pedro Nolasco Railway Station with its eye-pleasing facade incorporating ionic columns and arches. Also on site is the Locomotive Makato 185, a train model, and the occasional art exhibit. But the best part might be the views of central Vitoria across Vitoria Bay.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Boulevard Shopping Vila Velha
More of the modern shopping mall experience.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Area code is 27. Major carriers provide 4G coverage. WiFi available at most accommodations.
Language
Portuguese is the local language. Some English in tourist areas but limited outside major establishments.
Safety
Exercise caution after the 2017 police strike unrest. Avoid displaying valuables and use registered taxis at night.
Transport
Buses to and from Vitória depart from Terminal Vila Velha. Local buses serve beach areas along Antônio Gil Veloso avenue.
Water
Check the city's weekly bathing report before swimming—some beaches have pollution from mining runoff and sewage.