PARATY HOLIDAYS

Situated 250km from Rio de Janeiro, this quaint colonial town epitomises what Brazil is all about; surrounded by 65 islands with over 100 beaches and a backdrop of lush mountains, combined with an historical centre containing 18thcentury churches.
Paraty has unusually large cobbled streets, where no vehicles are allowed to pass, are designed to be flooded during high tides; the sea enters just far enough to cover them and wash them, presenting a magical image of a town apparently floating on water.

A small town, 8 streets by 6, was declared a national historic monument by UNESCO in 1966, though its beautifully maintained centre with traditional white walls and brightly coloured doorways makes it feel larger than it is. This is the outside, inside however the pousadas and café’s open up on to delicately landscaped courtyards with ferns, orchids, rosebushes and begonias. All of which make a stunning monument to Brazil’s colonial past.

Paraty has a charm which is enough to entice almost anyone, but what lies beyond its borders is a world waiting to be discovered. The 65 islands and numerous beaches are accessible only by private boat, providing seclusion and privacy amongst stretches of sand and clear blue waters. The mountains that form the towns stunning backdrop are part of a national park system and contain walking trails, bike paths and waterfalls.