//
Municipality in Southeast, Brazil
Photo: John Paul, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Vila Velha, meaning old village, is a city in the metropolitan region of Vitória. It was the original capital of Espírito Santo State, founded in 1535 by Vasco Fernandes Coutinho. Then due to clashes between colonists, slaves, and Indians, the colonists largely resettled in Vitoria across the bay leading to the transfer of capital status to the latter. Vila Velha today though can boast the highest population in the Vitoria-Vila Velha area, albeit a lot of it is rather unremarkable housing blocks to the tourist.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
An old convent perched atop the hill near the bridge to Vitória.
Museu Vale
Recounts the historical importance of the Vitoria-Vilha Velha area through collections of photos, books, and relics, particularly as it pertains to the rail and port system here that enabled vast quantities of commodities like gold from Minas Garais to be transported. It is housed in the former Pedro Nolasco Railway Station with its eye-pleasing facade incorporating ionic columns and arches. Also on site is the Locomotive Makato 185, a train model, and the occasional art exhibit. But the best part might be the views of central Vitoria across Vitoria Bay.
A lighthouse built of iron in 1870 is a nice landmark and the location also affords interesting views of the entrance to Vitoria Bay.
Really small regional museum that captures the history of the area from the time Vasco Fernandes Coutinho first founded Vila Velha and then Vitoria as the seat of Espiritu Santo State through the slaveholding period and up to the industrial phases of today. Includes a small replica of Coutinho's 1535 Sant Maria ship that he commanded, along with a trolley outside. And don't miss the Museu Atelier Homero Massena (Homero Massena Workshop Museum) just a couple of houses to the west that relives the life of this painter from Vila Velha.
A 30 minute hike up this coastal hill will reward you with some truly wonderful views of the coastal area, including the Third Bridge (Terceira Ponte) to the east and Praia da Costa to the south. You can also ride a zip-line or abseil here. Take care because the trail can be a bit precarious in spots.
Like your classic sandy beach with palms and corniche lining the side.
Continuation of the long sandy beach of Praia da Costa marked with restaurants playing live music and palms, benches, umbrellas. Tends to be less affected by the Vale mining runoff and sewage pollution than beaches further north.
Praia da Costa
Soothing albeit sometimes crowded beach that ends in a succulent-adorned rocky point called Pedra de Sereia to the south.
Beach marked with a lot of rock and stone slabs.
Tiny pocket beach alongside cottage fishing industry that is serenely set below Morro do Moreno but unfortunately quite polluted.
Xerotic picturesque beach. Behind it is the Jacarenema Ecological Reserve featuring mangroves and some old Jesuit ruins.
Little hole in the wall place to get some grub across the street from the Praia da Costa. Churrasco-style beef, fish, shrimp, chips, ice cream, etc.
Economical and pleasant homestay, right out on a peninsula.
Another chain hotel tower whose rooftop pool is way up there; whew, hopefully you're not agoraphobic, though the views fronting the sea are pretty terrific from there. Hotel also features a free breakfast with lots of cake and fruit and other items.
Big shopping mall with cinema.
More of the modern shopping mall experience.
Vitória Airport (VIX) - also known as Eurico Salles Airport - in the capital city of Vitória, is the closest airport to Vila Velha. It receives daily flights from most state capitals in the country.
Read in the guideMost urban buses pass by Terminal Vila Velha in the city center, including quite a few that cross to Vitória.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Vitória · International · VIX
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Vila Velha (Espírito Santo) and Brazil.
InspirationExplore the best places to visit in February across snow festivals, world-famous carnivals, tropical island beaches, and polar night aurora displays.
6 min read
Travel tipsPlan your trip with our Rio Carnival 2027 guide. Compare Sambadrome tickets, street blocos, safety strategies, and neighborhood hotel recommendations.
8 min read
ItinerariesLearn how to plan a trip around major sports events in 2027, covering ticket deadlines, rooms, flights, and costs for the world's biggest tournaments.
7 min read
Culture & historyTwin towns may refer to one of: Town twinning, two geographically-disparate municipalities which have been paired as twin towns, partner cities or sister cities as part of a cultural, economic or paradiplomatic…
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.