Have you ever driven along the Interpraias Highway, watching the signs for Taquaras, Estaleiro, Estaleirinho, Pinho, Taquarinhas, and Laranjeiras flash by between the curves, unsure where to stop first? The six beaches are just minutes apart, but they each have a very different vibe — and picking the wrong one could mean ending up on a beach with strong waves when all you wanted was calm water for the family.
The Interpraias Highway connects Balneário Camboriú to Itapema over 14 km and provides access to six beaches: Laranjeiras and Taquarinhas (calm water, family-friendly), Taquaras and Estaleiro (intermediate), and Estaleirinho and Pinho (strong waves, surfing, and naturism). The right choice depends on what you’re after: peace and quiet, waves, or a less crowded beach.
Quick verdict: which beach suits you
If you’re traveling with kids or don’t like rough water, head straight to Laranjeiras or Taquarinhas. If you’re into surfing — or at least watching surfers — Estaleirinho is the right call. Those seeking a more deserted beach, without naturism and without the crowds, will find a middle ground at Taquaras and Estaleiro. Pinho, meanwhile, is its own territory: an official naturist beach with its own crowd and rules.
Laranjeiras: the most complete and family-friendly
About 6 km from downtown Balneário Camboriú, Laranjeiras is the most developed of the six: it has bars, restaurants, inns, and shops along the shore, plus an archaeological site where fossils thousands of years old have been found. The calm waters are great for swimming and sailing, making it the top pick for families or anyone wanting full amenities without leaving the beach.
Taquarinhas: small, calm, and uncrowded
Right next to Laranjeiras, Taquarinhas is much smaller and less known to tourists, which means fewer people on the sand even in peak season. The sea is usually calm, similar to Laranjeiras, but with a more secluded vibe — a great option for those seeking peace without straying too far from the main circuit.
Taquaras: open ocean, minimal amenities
Taquaras has coarser sand, open ocean, and stronger waves than Laranjeiras, and it’s far less frequented by tourists — it’s a beach for the locals. Anyone looking for the opposite of the packed Praia Central will find exactly that at Taquaras: little infrastructure, few people, and a wilder sea. Good for surf casting, less ideal for a relaxed swim with small children.
Estaleiro: expansive with moderate waves
Estaleiro and Estaleirinho, side by side, together span 2,150 meters of coarse sand. Estaleiro has more moderate waves than its neighbor and a bit more in the way of support infrastructure, almost acting as a transition between the calm profile of Laranjeiras and the more challenging sea at Estaleirinho.
Estaleirinho: the surfer’s favorite
Estaleirinho is the most popular beach among surfers on the Interpraias: stronger, more consistent waves, a younger crowd, a laid-back atmosphere, and simpler amenities than Laranjeiras. It’s not the right beach for those seeking flat water, but it’s great for anyone wanting to watch — or try — a surf session.
Pinho: naturist beach with a wilder landscape
The Balneário Camboriú Tourism Department confirms: Praia do Pinho is Brazil’s first official naturist beach, stretching about 450 meters and divided into an area for couples/families and an area for unaccompanied individuals. Entry implies respect for the naturist code of conduct. Aside from that, it’s one of the most preserved landscapes along the route, with rocky outcrops, nearly untouched vegetation, and clear water — it has even hosted a naturist surfing championship.
How to drive the Interpraias Highway
The highway is 14 km long and connects Balneário Camboriú to Itapema, with the six beaches spread out along the way. A car or motorcycle is the most practical way to visit more than one beach in a single day, since public transport between them is scarce. If you’d rather not drive, you can book a boat tour of the region’s beaches departing from Balneário Camboriú, which covers part of this coastline by sea instead of by road.
According to Wikipedia, the road is considered one of the most beautiful on the Santa Catarina coast, thanks to the contrast between preserved forest and open ocean along the route. For those who want to see all six on a set itinerary, it’s also worth checking out the one-day Interpraias Highway itinerary, with a suggested visiting order. If you’re still deciding where to stay, the guide to where to stay in Balneário Camboriú helps you pick the area closest to your favorite beaches. And to finalize your trip budget, the updated cost guide covers prices for lodging, food, and tours. Heading further south, you’ll find another hub of crystal-clear water on the neighboring peninsula: the guide to things to do in Bombinhas shows which beaches in the region are worth the detour for anyone looking to dive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the six beaches of the Interpraias Highway?
Laranjeiras, Taquarinhas, Taquaras, Estaleiro, Estaleirinho, and Pinho, along a 14 km stretch of highway between Balneário Camboriú and Itapema.
Which Interpraias beach is best for kids?
Laranjeiras and Taquarinhas, thanks to their calmer waters and, in the case of Laranjeiras, more amenities like bars and restaurants.
Which beach is good for surfing on the Interpraias?
Estaleirinho is the go-to spot for surfers, with stronger, more consistent waves.
Is Praia do Pinho really a naturist beach?
Yes, it’s Brazil’s first official naturist beach, with designated areas and a code of conduct visitors must follow.
Can you visit all six beaches in one day?
You can, since the whole highway is just 14 km long, but the ideal is to pick two or three to truly enjoy rather than just driving past them all.
Conclusion
There’s no “best” beach on the Interpraias Highway — there’s just the right beach for what you’re in the mood for that day. Consider the sea conditions, the amenities, and the vibe of each one before you pick a spot to park, and your chances of enjoying the Balneário Camboriú coastline without any letdowns go way up. For more itineraries and tips on the region, check out voyagevoyage.com.br.
To keep planning, also check out the Ilhabela guide.