The Espírito Santo Mountains: Cool Climate, Local Flavors and Stays Minutes from the Sea
Between Pedra Azul, Venda Nova do Imigrante and Vargem Alta, discover an Espírito Santo of Atlantic Forest, agritourism and inns with character.
Guide · Mountains · November 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Espírito Santo has mountains just minutes from the sea. In no time, travelers leave the beach behind and find a cool highland climate, Atlantic Forest, valleys, lakes, waterfalls, gardens and a hospitality shaped by European immigrant heritage.
Across Domingos Martins, Venda Nova do Imigrante, Vargem Alta and other towns in the region, the experience blends rest, contemplation, adventure, romance, rural tourism and agritourism. It is the perfect way to extend your stay and combine sea and mountains on the same trip.
Experiences in the highlands
Mountain scenery and the Pedra Azul Natural Monument
The Rota do Lagarto, one of the region's best-known scenic roads
Rural tourism and agritourism on small family farms
Trails, waterfalls, gardens, lakes and green areas
Adventure tourism and days outdoors
Mild weather and romantic getaways
Pedra Azul Natural Monument, surrounded by Atlantic ForestMontanhas Capixabas Convention & Visitors Bureau
Mountain flavors
Food is one of the great strengths of the Espírito Santo mountains. The region blends German, Italian and local cuisine, with restaurants, colonial-style cafés, artisan products and farm experiences that bring visitors closer to the local way of life.
In Venda Nova do Imigrante, recognized as Brazil's National Capital of Agritourism, and along the routes of Domingos Martins, travelers find cheeses, breads, coffees, wines, liqueurs, sweets, cured meats and socol, all made on small farms.
Cheeses, artisan cured meats, bread and wine: the generous table of the Espírito Santo mountainsMontanhas Capixabas Convention & Visitors Bureau
Flavors to add to your itinerary
Specialty coffees
Artisan cheeses and dairy
Homemade breads, sweets and biscuits
Socol and other cured meats
Wines, liqueurs and cachaças
Italian and German cooking and traditional colonial-style cafés
Where to stay: a place for every style
The mountains are home to hotels and inns with strong character. Before booking, think about the kind of trip you want:
For couples and honeymooners
Retreats with suites featuring fireplaces, balconies, soaking tubs or hot tubs and views of Pedra Azul — some above 1,000 meters and adults-only. There are also private bungalows on the Rota dos Lagos in Venda Nova do Imigrante, with an on-site restaurant and their own vegetable garden.
For families
Inns surrounded by gardens, with pools, kids' areas, fishing lakes, horseback riding and trails. For resort-style amenities, Domingos Martins has an option with a water park, thermal center, cable car and zip line, about 72 km from Vitória.
For nature lovers
In Vargem Alta, you can stay next to the Águia Branca Environmental Reserve, with a waterfall, trails and direct contact with the Atlantic Forest. In Domingos Martins, country properties with lakes, pedal boats and bicycles welcome families — and their pets.
Paragliding over the mountains of Santa TeresaLeonardo Meira
For lovers of the classics
Neoclassical mansions and decades-old traditional inns along the Rota do Lagarto, with restaurants, wine cellars and the closest views of Pedra Azul.
Much more than beaches: the mountains reveal an Espírito Santo that is diverse, close by and ready to welcome families, couples and groups.
Stunning landscapes, generous food and time to breathe: in the Espírito Santo mountains, time is precious again.
Mountains · Pedra Azul · Domingos Martins · Venda Nova do Imigrante · Vargem Alta · Agritourism