Praia do Forte

Praia do Forte is a beach destination in Mata de São João featuring wide light-colored sands and shallow reefs near the shore. The water is warm and welcoming, with calm bays for swimmers and deeper areas to explore.

A stone fort from the 1500s stands at this location and is one of the few surviving structures from that era in South America. Portuguese settlers built it to guard the coast and establish their presence in the region.

The place takes its name from an old fort that shapes its identity. You see references to this history woven into daily life along the shore today.

The area is easily reached by public buses from the nearby city, with multiple departures throughout the day. Most paths are walkable, so sturdy shoes and sun protection matter here.

A research center here focuses on protecting sea turtles and lets visitors watch hatchlings emerge and head to the ocean. The program works with multiple species and offers insight into marine life.

Location: Mata de São João

GPS coordinates: -12.57754,-38.00636

Latest update: December 20, 2025 11:31