Holding on to their colonial heritage, the Brazilian towns of Morretes and Antonina are a journey through time, and offer both history and nature between Atlantic Ocean and Rain Forest. Close to Curitiba in the state of Parana, they are full of surprises for those looking for hiking, trekking, climbing, swimming or simply some peaceful days in a quaint Morretes and Antonina hotel surrounded by nature.
Whilst in Morretes or Antonina, you should try the traditional dance - the 'fandango'! Introduced by Portuguese settlers, it has once again become popular and spread all over Paraná´s coast.
Here you will find useful information to plan your Morretes and Antonina holiday with the best tours and places to stay. Feel free to design your own Morretes and Antonina tour! You can even use our interactive map to choose your Morretes and Antonina hotel based on its location.
Wrapped around the River Nhundiaquara, Morretes is a small but pleasant historic town established in 1721. It is home to about 15,000 inhabitants. Lying 16 km inland from Antonina at the point where the river enters the Paranaguá Bay, it is situated on a plain fringed by the Serra do Mar Mountains on one hand and the Paranese coast on the other. The town is well connected by road to Curitiba, Antonina and Paranaguá and lies on major bus routes. It is known for the mouth tingling cachaça (a spirit distilled from sugarcane) and for the restaurants serving "barreado", the local dish. Morretes is very much loved among "curitibanos" looking for a pleasant weekend trip, and as such has many lovely Morretes hotels.
Morretes' economy survives on tourism and on horticulture and there is much to see and do here. The area is blessed with a profusion of tropical plants, and its flora and fauna are an ecologist's delight, perfect for discovering on a Morretes tour. The hot and damp microclimate in Morretes is ideal for the cultivation of a unique sugarcane variety, traditionally used in the production of rum. Bananas also grow in abundance in this region. The Parque Estadual do Marumbi, a wondrous state park with stupendous views and wonderful walking trails, lies close to Morretes. More information about this park can be obtained from the tourist office located in the Casa Rocha Pombo, Largo José Pereira 43.
Morretes is a treasure house of unspoilt colonial buildings along with old row houses and churches, offering tourists a historical treat. The Old Bridge across the Nhundiaquara River and the tranquil riverside are the other highlights of the town. The curious visitor, enthralled by the beauty of Morretes old architecture, often turns to locals for details pertaining to the region's history, and Morretes friendly locals will be glad to give you their history.
Antonina is Morretes' neighbour. It is a sleepy, old colonial town that has lost some of its lustre over the years. However, it is still pretty as a picture, with brightly coloured houses and stores lining its streets, and wonderful views of the ocean. The largest fjord of the Americas, the third largest in the world, is located here. While in Antonina you must try balas de banana (chewy banana candy typical of the region). The most typical ones are made here and easy to recognise with their green package.
An old Municipal Theatre dating back to 1875 is an added attraction in Antonina and its restaurants serve delectable seafood that will have you asking for more. You could also take an Antonina tour or walk up to ‘Pedra do Penhasco', the highest point in the town, and enjoy the scenic view of the Paranaguá Bay.
