Things To Do
in Tijucas
Tijucas is a small city in Santa Catarina, Brazil, situated along the Tijucas River just inland from the coast. It blends rural charm with a quiet urban life and serves as a gateway to beaches to the north and green hills inland. The town has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere with markets, riverfront spots, and easy access to outdoor escapes.
Visitors come for relaxed sightseeing, local cuisine, and nature days in the surrounding countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Tijucas and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful beaches, soaking in the sun and the scenery. Grab breakfast at a local bakery, enjoying fresh pão de queijo and coffee.
Explore the town center, visiting local shops and markets. Don't miss the vibrant street art that embodies the spirit of Tijucas. Enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant while savoring local seafood delicacies.
As the sun sets, enjoy a scenic walk along the beach. Find a cozy spot at a beachside bar to experience the local nightlife and perhaps listen to live music. Relish in a dinner featuring regional cuisine, surrounded by friendly locals.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on an adventure to the nearby Serra do Mar National Park. Hiking in the lush landscapes, breathe in the fresh, clean air and marvel at the stunning waterfalls. Pack a picnic to enjoy amid nature’s beauty.
After exploring the trails, spend the afternoon swimming in natural pools and enjoying the tranquility of the park. If you’re adventurous, try your hand at rock climbing or zip-lining. Return to Tijucas in the late afternoon, ready to relax.
Wind down with a barbecue dinner at your accommodation or a nearby restaurant. Taste local meats grilled to perfection while mingling with fellow travelers. Conclude the night by stargazing on the beach, creating unforgettable memories.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea in a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $50-100 |
| 🚗Taxi ride within town (short distance) | $4-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed pace and friendly local vibe
- Proximity to beaches and green landscapes for day trips
- Smaller nightlife scene compared to larger coastal cities
- Limited high-end dining options within the city itself
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does this cost?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Pode me recomendar um bom restaurante?" - Can you recommend a good restaurant?
- "Eu sou vegetariano/vegetariana." - I am vegetarian.
- "Não entendi" - I didn’t understand
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Could you help me?
Places to Visit in Tijucas
Visit one of these nice places.
A tranquil lagoon with reflective waters, ideal for sunrise or sunset photography and birdwatching.
Historic square with fountains and colonial-influenced architecture, perfect for street photography and people-watching.
A hillside viewpoint offering sweeping views of the town, river, and distant coast.
Riverside lanes and bridges in the town center provide charming urban-landscape shots, especially in soft evening light.
Food in Tijucas
Tijucas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy, seasoned fish broth served with rice and farofa; a staple at many seaside and inland eateries.
Must-Try!
Rice cooked with a mix of fresh seafood, reflecting the coastal influence on local meals.
Brazilian-style grilled meat commonly found in casual restaurants and barbecues around town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Core city market with fresh produce, fish, meats, dairy, and everyday snacks.
Weekend outdoor stalls offering street foods, crafts, and live music in a relaxed setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Bom dia/Boa tarde' and use ‘por favor’ and ‘obrigado/obrigada’. Portuguese is preferred; many locals appreciate a basic effort to speak or understand common phrases.
Punctuality is appreciated in formal settings, and public displays of affection are generally accepted but should be modest in more traditional areas.
Safety
Tipping in Tijucas
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is appreciated if service isn’t included. Rounding up the bill in casual places is common, and hotel staff often appreciate a small gratuity for good service.
Cash and card payments are widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in shops and restaurants. Some small vendors and rural markets may prefer cash only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with regular afternoon showers; bring light clothing, sunscreen, and an umbrella. Coastal breezes help, but humidity can be high.
Mild temperatures with comfortable days and cooler nights; rainfall tapers off as you move into late autumn.
Cooler but generally mild; daytime temps are comfortable, nights can be chilly. Rain remains possible, especially in inland higher terrain.
Warm days with refreshing rain showers; ideal for outdoor activities, blooming scenery, and outdoor markets.
Tijucas at Night
Hiking in Tijucas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A collection of forested trails with scenic overlooks; suitable for day hikes from Tijucas with varying difficulty.
A relaxing lakeside route ideal for short hikes, birdwatching, and sunset photography.
State park trails offering diverse ecosystems and panoramic viewpoints within a short drive.
Airports
How to reach Tijucas by plane.
Florianópolis, approximately 100-180 km away depending on route; major domestic and some international connections. Access by road via BR-101.
Navegantes, about 60-100 km away; a primary gateway to the northern Florianópolis coast with good domestic flight options. Drive via BR-101 to Tijucas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A stable, family-oriented community with schooling options and community events.
Many residents enjoy a slower pace and local services tailored to long-term residents.
People who commute to nearby coastal towns for work or study, contributing to a growing service and small-business scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport with local leagues, school teams, and informal matches across neighborhoods.
Nearby beaches offer beginner to intermediate surfing and beach volleyball; coastal towns nearby have vibrant surf communities.
Common in parks and clubs, especially during warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tijucas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Navigate by choosing fresh vegetables, beans, rice, and salads; ask for no meat stock or lard, and look for vegetarian options labeled in menus. Phrases like 'sem carne' (without meat) help describe your needs. If in doubt, request simpler preparations of grains and vegetables.