Itajaí, Port municipality in Santa Catarina, Brazil
Itajaí is a port municipality where the river of the same name meets the Atlantic Ocean in Santa Catarina state. The city combines harbor districts with industrial facilities, residential areas on hillsides, and several sandy beaches along the coast.
Portuguese settlers established the first outposts at the river mouth during the mid-17th century. German immigrants shaped urban development from the 1860s onward, bringing new trades and architectural styles with them.
The name comes from Tupi and means "river of stones," reflecting the rocky riverbed that once defined the waterway. Families gather at the waterfront promenade in the evenings, watching cargo ships pass under the bridge while children play in the small parks.
The city is best explored in sections: beaches to the north, harbor districts in the center, and quieter residential areas to the west. Weekends can get crowded around the port and beaches, while weekdays offer easier conditions for exploring.
Container terminals occupy much of the waterfront, making cargo ships visible from many neighborhoods throughout the city. At certain spots, visitors can watch cranes loading containers onto ships from public viewpoints.
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