Parati (Paraty) is a Brazilian town situated in the extreme south-east of the state of Rio de Janeiro on the Costa Verde (Green Coast). A testimony to colonial Brazilian architecture, Paraty has also proved to be a popular tourist area, just three hours drive from Rio de Janeiro and four hours from Sao Paolo. The streets are washed clean by seawater at high tide. The architecture is a mix of European, Asian (peaked roofs) and African influences (moucharabieh).
Paraty, Ilha Grande & the Costa Verde
Situated between Rio de Janeiro and Săo Paolo, the Costa Verde seems to have been blessed by the Gods, with areas of wonder and enchantment scattered throughout the centre of a land, packed with history and traditions.
The Costa Verde, or literally the “Green Coast”, refers to the colour of the calm waters of the bay of Ilha Grande and its 300 blissful islands.
Green also refers to the mata atlantica, a unique tropical forest which originally stretched all along the Brazilian coastline before the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century. This place is one of its last refuges.
The primary, almost virgin nature of this forest can be discovered and explored against a backdrop of parks and natural reserves. Like a green carpet, it envelops the hills of the Serra Do Mar, a coastal chain overlooking the sea from a low elevation.
The Costa Verde, a corner of paradise
The gem in this corner of paradise is , one of the best-preserved colonial towns in Brazil with a constantly growing reputation. A few kilometres from here are hidden fishing villages built on stilts in the water and accessible only by sea and foot. They will delight those who are searching for authenticity and a change of scene.
Whether you are looking for a cultural or hiking holiday, a sea cruise, beaches or gastronomy, the Costa Verde offers many places of interest, from Ilha Grande à Paraty.
Whether Paraty Whether Paraty is your idea of paradise or not, you can be sure that a holiday spent here and in its surrounding area is always too short.
