Balneário Camboriú is more than just the boardwalk of Praia Central. Heading out of the center towards Itajaí, a road of just over 12 km leads to six much quieter beaches, nestled between hills and restinga vegetation. This is the Interpraias Highway, and you can explore the entire stretch in a single day — as long as you know where to stop.
The Interpraias Highway connects six beaches in Balneário Camboriú — Estaleirinho, Estaleiro, Pinho, Taquaras, Taquarinhas, and Laranjeiras — along a roughly 12 km route between the BR-101 and the coast. Unlike the bustling Praia Central, most of these beaches are uncrowded, with cleaner water and a landscape of hills — you can complete the entire route in a day by car, stopping at 2 to 4 beaches at a relaxed pace.
Why explore the Interpraias
While the central waterfront is packed with high-rises, kiosks, and crowds, the beaches in the region preserve much of their original vegetation and are smaller, some with just a few dozen meters of sand between two rocky headlands. It’s the classic outing for anyone who’s already seen the city’s postcard and wants a more peaceful afternoon, with short trails, natural pools among the rocks, and views of the open sea.
The six beaches, in order
Coming from the center of Balneário Camboriú, the sequence along the highway is: Estaleirinho, Estaleiro, Pinho, Taquaras, Taquarinhas, and Laranjeiras. This is the order that makes the most sense if you want to link your stops without backtracking later.
Estaleirinho and Estaleiro
The first two beaches on the route have open sea and usually have better waves for surfers. Estaleiro is one of the largest on the stretch, about 1.7 km long, surrounded by well-preserved headlands and restinga — small natural pools form among the rocks at low tide.
Praia do Pinho
It’s the region’s naturist beach, with restricted access for those who choose this type of beach — good to know before you stop by mistake thinking it’s a regular beach.
Taquaras and Taquarinhas
Two small coves separated by a rocky headland, with more sheltered waters and less swell. They’re the favorites for those seeking peace and quiet even in high season, as access is more restricted and parking is limited.
Praia de Laranjeiras
It’s the busiest of the six, with kiosks, restaurants, and proximity to the cable car station at Parque Unipraias — many people combine Laranjeiras with a trip up to the park in the same outing.
If you’d rather not drive and want a ready-made itinerary for the neighboring coast, you can also book a tour of Bombinhas’ beaches departing from Balneário Camboriú, which follows the same logic of stopping at quieter coves away from the center.
Where to eat along the way
Restaurant infrastructure is concentrated in Laranjeiras, with seafood options and beach snacks. At the other stops, you’ll most likely find simple kiosks or seasonal food trucks — it’s worth bringing water and an extra snack if you plan to stop at more isolated beaches like Taquaras or Taquarinhas.
How to get there
The state highway Interpraias starts and ends at the BR-101: coming from the south (Itajaí/Itapema), you access it via exit 136, just before the Morro do Boi tunnel. The stretch is best done by car or motorcycle — the city bus runs through the area, but less frequently and without stopping at every point, which makes a rental car the most practical option for stopping where and when you want.
Best time to go and how long to allow
Start early, around 9 a.m., to enjoy the sun at the first beaches and avoid the return traffic in the late afternoon, when the flow leaving Laranjeiras tends to jam up. Set aside the whole day if you want to stop at 3 or 4 beaches at a relaxed pace — you can visit all six, but it’ll be more rushed, without time for a swim at each one.
What’s nearby
Those already coming from Laranjeiras can take the opportunity to head up to Parque Unipraias, which sits right at the beach entrance. If you’d rather stay in the center after the outing, the boardwalk at Praia Central is the most natural way to round out the day, with dinner and nightlife options.
Tips
Bring cash: not every kiosk at the smaller beaches accepts cards. Parking is limited at Taquaras and Taquarinhas, so avoid high-season weekends if you’re planning to stop at those two specifically. Sunscreen and water are essential — shade is scarce along most of the route.
Frequently asked questions
Which beaches are part of the Interpraias Highway?
Estaleirinho, Estaleiro, Pinho, Taquaras, Taquarinhas, and Laranjeiras, in that order for those coming from the center of Balneário Camboriú.
Can you do the Interpraias in one day?
Yes. The full route is about 12 km, but the ideal is to set aside the whole day and pick 2 to 4 beaches to enjoy at a relaxed pace rather than trying to visit all six in a rush.
Do you need a car to explore the Interpraias?
It’s much more practical. The city bus runs through the area, but less frequently and without stopping at every point — by car, you can choose where to stop.
Which Interpraias beach has the most infrastructure?
Laranjeiras, with restaurants, kiosks, and proximity to the cable car station at Parque Unipraias.
Conclusion
The Interpraias Highway is the perfect counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of Praia Central: smaller beaches, calmer waters at some stops, and hillside scenery the whole way. Set aside a day, pick 2 or 3 beaches at a relaxed pace, and pair it with the rest of your itinerary in the complete Balneário Camboriú guide. To compare the water profile and amenities of each one before you decide, also check out which of the 6 Interpraias beaches fits your style.