How do I get there?

There aren’t any direct flights to Vitoria (VIX). Instead, we’d recommend travelling through Rio (GIG) or São Paulo (GRU). Vitoria is roughly a 1 hour short hop from either.

Should I rent a car?

Ideally yes. While you wouldn’t necessarily need one while in Vitoria or Rio, it would be very useful while in Anchieta (the place where we’ll be around the time of the wedding) or if you’re planning a trip to Pedra Azul. Prices seem very reasonable, for example, we did a quick search and it worked out as a little over €20 a day for a Volkswagen T-Cross. Kayak is a good site to book through as it aggregates results from multiple companies. Saying that, Uber may be an option for short trips around the area.

Do you have a recommended itinerary for a 2 week trip?

That’s a tough one but let’s give it a go. Imagine you’re travelling from 15th to 29th of April, with a day either side for travel.

Vitoria (2 nights)

Fly straight into Vitória and spend 2 nights there. Great place to start if you’ve never been to Brazil before. We should be around town from the 12th to the 16th

Spend the morning at Praia do Canto. Rent a bike or walk the prom which stretches for over 5km. This walk is full of nice beachfront cafes to have a bite or drink in.

Visit the Convento da Penha, a historic monastery perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city. Take a cable car or hike up to the top for great views out over the bay.

Projeto Tamar is a sea turtle conservation based in Vitoria. Great for young kids.

Shopping - There are various boutiques in the Praia do Canto area or in Shopping Vitória, a decent size shopping centre.

Anchieta/Iriri (4 nights)

We’ll be spending a few days here before and after the wedding. We have a BBQ and lunch organised for the day before (18th) and after (20th) the wedding.

If you’re staying in Iriri then you can chill by one of the local beaches or take a drive to any of the nearby towns.

• Praia Areia Preta: Enjoy the unique black sand beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

• Santa Helena Beach: Discover a quieter and more secluded beach with crystal-clear waters.

• Praia Costa Azul: Explore this popular beach with a variety of amenities, including restaurants and bars.

• Praia dos Namorados: Find a romantic spot on this secluded beach, ideal for couples.

• Surfing: Catch waves at nearby surfing spots, such as Anchieta and Guarapari.

• Paddle Boarding

• Picolé: you can’t come to Brazil without savouring some of the ice pops made from fruits like coconut, mango, grape and my favourite peanut.

Pedra Azul (2 nights)

Pedra Azul is a picturesque mountain range located in the state of Espírito Santo. Known for its distinctive blue hue, the mountain is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and nature enthusiasts. The surrounding area offers stunning landscapes, including waterfalls, rivers, and lush forests. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, explore local trails, and experience the tranquility of the natural environment.

Rio de Janeiro (4 nights)

A visit to Brazil can’t go without a trip to its most vibrant and iconic city, renowned for its stunning beaches, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. From the breathtaking Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain to the world-renowned Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Rio offers a diverse range of attractions. The city is known for its festive Carnival celebrations, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality. Santa Teresa is a vibrant, bohemian neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, known for its colorful colonial houses, artistic vibe, and lively cultural scene.

What food do I need to try?

At the wedding itself you’ll get a good mix of different food from the region. Here are 5 typical dishes from the area:

1. Moqueca Capixaba: This seafood stew is a regional specialty, featuring a variety of fish and shellfish cooked in tomatoes, onions, garlic and coriander.

2. Torta Capixaba: A savoury pie filled with salted cod, palm hearts, olives and onions. It's a popular dish often served for special occasions.

3. Bolinho de Bacalhau: These codfish fritters are a classic Brazilian appetiser or snack, often enjoyed with a cold beer.

4. Risoto de Frutos do Mar: A delicious seafood risotto made with rice, seafood, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.

5. Tapioca: A popular Brazilian street food made from cassava flour, often filled with ingredients like the local cheese, carne seca, or fruits.

And what are the typical drinks?

1. Caipirinha: The national drink of Brazil, made with cachaça (sugarcane liquor), lime, sugar, and crushed ice. It's a popular and refreshing cocktail.

2. Guarana: A popular fizzy drink made from guarana, a Brazilian plant with stimulating properties. It's a common choice for a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage.

3. Mate: A traditional South American drink made from yerba mate, a type of holly. In Espírito Santo It's typically served cold and served with lemon or ginger.

4. Caipiroska: A variation of the caipirinha, made with vodka instead of cachaça. It's a popular choice for those who prefer a milder taste.

5. Açaí: More like a sorbet than a drink, it’s a frozen fruit puree made from açaí berries, native to the Amazon rainforest. It's often topped with granola, fruits, or honey and is a healthy and delicious treat.