Discover dreamy, coastal landscapes on this hiking route along the Camino de Santa Cruz, where your destination will be the stunning São José da Ponta Gross Fortress. Nature, history, and unforgettable views await. Don't miss it!
Hiking Details
We'll meet at the designated time at Praia do Forte, a calm beach surrounded by native vegetation with privileged views of the Bahía Norte in Florianópolis. After a short introduction on the hiking route, we'll begin our adventure. Ready to hike along one of the most historic trails on the island of Santa Catarina?
The trip will begin along the Camino de Santa Cruz, an old trail used by fishermen and locals. We'll walk at a relaxed pace on this easy trail, which stretches about 2.48 mi (4 km) in total, as we enjoy the natural environment. It's perfect for families and those with little hiking experience!
During the hike, we'll cross stretches of sandbanks and the Atlantic Forest, stopping at natural viewpoints with spectacular scenic views of the Praia da Daniela, Jurerê Internacional, and the islands of the bay. Plus, we'll stop along the way to learn about the native flora, the local geography, and the fascinating history of these ancient trails.
Our destination will be the Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa, a 13th-century military fortress that was part of Santa Catarina's defense system. Here, we'll go on a guided tour of 45 minutes to see its halls, canyons, and surveillance points. During the tour, you'll learn more about the Portuguese military architecture and the historic context of the fortress. Get ready to travel back in time!
Then, you'll have 20 minutes of free time to explore the fortress's exterior, rest, take pictures, and enjoy the landscapes before the journey back.
Finally, we'll return to the starting point after this 3.5-hour activity.