Espírito Santo Coast: Guarapari's Radioactive Black Sands
Guarapari — one hour from Vitória — has some of Brazil's most unusual beaches; the dark monazite sands are naturally radioactive, believed therapeutic, and visited by millions seeking the supposed health benefits
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Monazite Black Sand Beaches
Guarapari's beaches have areas of dark monazite sand - a natural thorium-rich mineral that emits higher-than-normal radiation; Brazilian doctors recommended the sand for decades as therapeutic until the claims were questioned
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Praia da Areia Preta
Areia Preta (black sand) beach is Guarapari's most famous — the distinct dark spots among the lighter sand create a visually unusual coastal landscape; the mineral rich sand is really different in texture and weight
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Guarapari Marine Reserve
The offshore marine reserve around Guarapari protects coral reefs, sea turtles and rocky island ecosystems; snorkeling tours from the beaches reveal the marine biodiversity of the Espírito Santo coast
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Meaípe Beach
Meaípe beach south of Guarapari – with its fresh oysters, craft boats and distinct Espírito Santo coastal atmosphere – is where locals come for the best seafood; the restaurant scene is more relaxed than Guarapari really
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Anchieta Town
The historic town of Anchieta south of Guarapari was the mission center of the Jesuit José de Anchieta - co-founder of São Paulo and Santos; the basilica and Jesuit heritage are important to Brazilian Catholic history
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Setiba National Park
The protected area of Setiba in Guarapari - sand dunes, restinga and the freshwater lagoons behind the beach - is one of Espírito Santo's most important nature conservation areas; wildlife includes sea turtles that nest on the beaches