Caraíva, The Hidden Paradise

  Caraíva's Climate is tropical, pleasant , with Northeastern predominant winds in Summer, and Southern and Southwestern ones in Winter, varying from 10 to 20 knots, perfect for those ones that practice sailing sports . All their streets are of sand. The telephones are either public or cellular with far-reaching antennas on top of the roofs of houses and inns. The clear-colored beaches , almost without stones formation, can be reached, on foot, by boat, or on horse.

  In the north, one can see SATÚ's Beach, name of the inhabitant who inhabits there, ESPELHO ( MIRROR ), with its white sea cliffs , and CURUÍPE , a small bay with a village of natives , who have reformed their shanties , changing them into bungalows of very good taste, and this place has acquired this name due to an old existing farm in that place. These two beaches were elected by " VEJA" magazine as the two of the seven most beautiful ones of the country.

  To the South , we have Ponta do Corumbau, with its Lighthouse, working night and day to warn the navigators about the square kilometers of reefs, " Recifes Itacolomi" ( Itacolomi Reefs ) recognized as one of the most beautiful diving points and coveted by the followers of snorkleling, and scuba diving. Today tumbled by IBAMA, like Monte Pascoal´s marine park, with its clear waters in most part of the year, and formations of very common kind of mushroom coral in star thistles . In front of Caraíva, a little to the North, one can see the “Tatuaçu” reef, also an excellent place for diving and quite near to Caraíva, 1 km, it is very full of fish.

  The Caraíva river, with its clear waters, is no doubt a wonderful option for a ride , navigable in its great extension, with woods and a very winding course along the indigenous reserve, and one can go up to Quebra Pote ( Pot Breaking ) , and from there on , ride on the " Manga Larga " horses, for a super cavalcade inside Monte Pascoal´s Indigenous reserve and to PATAXÓS's VILLAGE , BARRA VELLHA. With its paradisiacal landscapes, Caraíva, leaves nothing to wish to the most beautiful postcards of the world.

  The most found species of fish found in the regions are the Serranidae family, "Mero" , Sea bass, "Tainha", " Ariacó" ,Spanish mackerel , among others. The shrimp is also fished extrativistily by the local people, and it can be found at a good price in the bars and restaurants. The commercial predatory fishery is prohibited in the region by IBAMA, only the natives have this right, for their own consumption or the one of of their establishments. Caraíva makes part of the "Museu aberto do Descobrimento" (Open Discovery Museum) and, therefore, was tumbled by IPHAN , submitting to all the determinations of this federal entity for reforms and constructions, preserving ,thus, its architectural characteristics of the colonial style, with constructions that are never higher than two floors.

  The oldest inhabitants say that, in old times , Caraíva, had a woods benefit plant, making it a dynamic commercial harbor and woods exporter, still today scraps seen of this plant and ruins of the same are seen. At night , in Caraíva, there is an unequalled show of shooting stars , the sky gets all covered by them, and one can see, in a few minutes, in a new moon night , several of those stars . The villa has several restaurants, such as, " Brilho do Mar" ( “Shine of the Sea”), with its excellent Moquecas (fish stews) , fish in Shrimp sauce, and seafood in general, “Lagoa”, “Paxá”, “Bar da Praia”, “Tatuaçú”, “Barra Velha”, “Oceano”, “Ouriço”, among others. Its basic structure of pharmacy, health post , greengrocer’s , supermarket, is very simple and with the strictly necessary goods. We advise you to bring all you need that is very specific. The electric power has not arrived to the town yet , but even so, all the commercial establishments and most residences have generators worked by diesel or solar electricity . The inhabitants are divided with regard to the wish of the arrival of the same, and afraid of losing their romanticism. Do not forget to bring a small torch and comfortable sandals to walk on the fluffy sand. The highlight point is the “ Lagoa bar”, which is very pleasant , where everybody goes informally and at ease , thence leaving for the nigger ball, acoustic shows and other options that you can always count on.