Romantic 2-Day Couple's Escape in Paraty
A slow-paced, intimate 48-hour plan for couples in Paraty (August — dry, mild winter). Historic charm, seaside tranquility, sunset boat time and cozy dinners make this trip ideal for romance and quiet discovery.
Highlights
- Sunset cruise from Cais de Paraty
- Cobbled-stone Historic Centre strolls
- Private moments at a coastal fort viewpoint
- Beachtime at Ilha Comprida or nearby islands
- Intimate dinners at celebrated local restaurants
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and gentle introduction to Paraty's historic heart, capped with a sunset boat cruise and intimate dinner.
Check in at your romantic pousada
Arrive, settle into a charming room in the historic center and refresh. Take 30–60 minutes to unpack and enjoy a welcome drink on a porch or terrace.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the pousada staff for a quiet top-floor room or one facing an inner garden for privacy and less street noise.
- If arriving early, request a pre-check-in drink so you can relax on the terrace while staff readies the room.
- Confirm where the breakfast is served — a courtyard breakfast is more intimate than a busy dining room.
Leisurely walk through Centro Histórico de Paraty
Slowly wander the cobbled streets of Paraty's Historic Centre — whitewashed houses, boutique shops, small churches and secret courtyards. Perfect for hand-in-hand exploring and photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Take narrow side streets (ruas laterais) to find quieter courtyards and hidden artisan shops ideal for a romantic stop.
- Wear comfortable shoes — cobblestones are uneven; bring a light scarf for cool winter evenings.
- Pause at a small gallery or antique shop and ask the owner for local stories — these make intimate conversation starters.
Golden-hour private or small-group sunset boat from the Cais de Paraty
Board a late-afternoon boat at the Paraty pier for a sunset cruise around the bay’s islands — calm waters, warm light, and private moments on deck (special moment of the day). Plan for 2 hours to include boarding and the return.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the operator to position the boat where the sun sets behind the islands for the most romantic light and quieter anchor spots.
- Bring a lightweight wrap — sea breezes at sunset can feel chilly even in winter; consider a small picnic snack from the mercado if you prefer privacy on board.
- If you want privacy, request a small-group or private boat; reserve in advance to secure a later departure time in high season.
Romantic dinner at Banana da Terra
Dine by candlelight at one of Paraty’s celebrated restaurants — elevated Brazilian cuisine in a cozy historic-center atmosphere. Ideal for a special, intimate evening meal.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table on arrival — ask for a corner table for more privacy or a table near the window for people-watching in the square.
- Mention any dietary preferences when booking; the kitchen often adapts regional dishes into tasting menus perfect for sharing.
- Pair a shared dessert and a regional liqueur to end the meal slowly — ask the sommelier for a softly tannic wine that pairs with tropical flavors.
After-dinner stroll around Praça da Matriz
A short, quiet walk through the lit historic square to savor the cooled air, church facades and the hum of Paraty at night — a gentle nightcap before bed.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep your pace slow and take a bench to listen for distant church bells — the ambiance is especially romantic after dinner.
- Stop for a small gelato or espresso from a nearby café to extend the moment if you’re not ready to return to the pousada.
- Nighttime streets are narrower and quieter; stick to well-lit lanes near the square for safety and atmosphere.
Day 2
Coastal discovery with a morning island or beach outing, a relaxed afternoon viewpoint, and a sunset or late-afternoon romantic moment before a relaxed final dinner.
Breakfast at your pousada
Slow, shared breakfast in a courtyard or terrace — plan for a leisurely start with local fruits, coffee and regional breads.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask to have breakfast served slightly earlier or later to match golden-hour plans — timing makes the day feel unhurried.
- Share multiple small plates (fruit, cheese, tapioca) so you can graze together and plan the day calmly.
- If weather is clear, choose outdoor seating — courtyard sunshine in winter is warm and intimate.
Short transfer and half-day boat trip to Ilha Comprida (island beaches and shallow snorkeling)
A morning boat outing to nearby islands like Ilha Comprida to enjoy quiet beaches, shallow snorkeling and private coves. Return by early afternoon. This is a relaxed seaside special moment focused on intimacy and nature.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm pick-up time and exact pier location with the operator the evening before to avoid last-minute stress.
- Bring waterproof phone protection and a small dry bag for phones, a light blanket for resting on the sand, and reef-safe sunscreen to protect local marine life.
- Ask the captain for a quieter cove to drop anchor for a private swim or shaded lunch — quieter spots are common in the dry winter months.
Relaxed beachfront lunch upon return to Paraty
Return to the main pier and enjoy a leisurely lunch near the water — fresh seafood, light salads and chilled drinks to refresh after the boat trip.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a table with a view of the harbor so you can continue watching the light on the water while you eat.
- Share a seafood platter or ceviche to keep the meal light and shareable, leaving room for an afternoon walk.
- Ask the staff where local fishermen moor in the morning for a quiet post-lunch walk along the pier.
Afternoon visit to Forte Defensor Perpétuo (viewpoint and quiet picnic)
Short transfer to the fort/fortress area for sweeping bay views — an intimate spot for photos, conversation and a sunset picnic if you prefer. This is a slower cultural-outdoor moment that pairs history with panorama.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small picnic blanket and pick a quiet corner of the fort overlooking the bay for a private moment at golden hour.
- Check opening hours and access routes in advance — some fort areas have uneven stone steps, so wear sturdy shoes.
- The fort can be breezy; pack a light wrap and a thermos with a warm drink for a cozy pause together.
Sunset together on the fort or at Pontal Beach (special moment)
Finish the afternoon with sunset watched from the fort or a calm spot at Praia do Pontal — a quiet, cinematic ending to your Paraty escape.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before official sunset to select a private spot and settle in for photos as the sun lowers.
- Carry a small shared snack and a portable blanket; local vendors may leave at dusk, so bring what you need earlier in the day.
- If you want a slightly livelier scene with locals, choose Praia do Pontal; for privacy and drama, return to the fort viewpoint.
Intimate farewell dinner in the Historic Centre
End your trip with a relaxed, romantic dinner in the heart of Paraty — soft lighting, local wines and a dessert to share as you reflect on the two days together.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a quieter table in advance and ask the restaurant for a small celebratory touch (flowers or a dessert) if you’re marking a special occasion.
- Opt for shared plates or a tasting menu to continue a slow, connected dining experience.
- Ask for recommendations on local after-dinner digestifs or a quiet rooftop for one last nightcap if you’d like to extend the evening.
