At the far south of the Santa Catarina coast — no, wait: this is already Rio Grande do Sul. Torres is the first (or last) gaúcho town on the coast, and the state’s only beach with basalt cliffs pushing out over the sea. The “towers” of the name are exactly that: walls of volcanic rock that create a setting unique on Brazil’s southern coast, protected by the Parque Estadual da Guarita.
Getting there
Torres sits on the RS-SC border, beside the Rio Mampituba, about 190 km from Porto Alegre and 290 km from Florianópolis, with direct access on the BR-101. There is a bus station with frequent services from both capitals. The town is flat and compact: you can reach a good part of the attractions on foot or by bike.
Parque Estadual da Guarita
This is the town’s postcard: basalt cliffs tens of meters high, lookouts leaning over the Atlantic, Praia da Guarita tucked between the rock walls and short trails linking it all. The park charges entry in season and has parking and kiosks. Late afternoon seen from the top of the Torre Sul, with the sea breaking on the dark rock, is one of the most beautiful moments on the gaúcho coast.
Ilha dos Lobos and the Mampituba
Facing the town lies Ilha dos Lobos, a wildlife refuge and the only point on the Brazilian coast where fur seals and sea lions rest regularly, mainly in winter. Landing is not permitted, but authorized boat trips circle the island for viewing — bring binoculars. The Rio Mampituba, which separates Torres from Passo de Torres (SC), makes for calm outings by boat, kayak and SUP between the two states.
Ballooning
Torres is Brazil’s ballooning capital: every year, usually in fall, the International Ballooning Festival fills the town’s sky with colored balloons. Outside the festival, local operators offer sunrise flights when the weather allows — book in advance and check the rescheduling policy for wind.
🥾 Who is it for?
Lookouts and beaches of the Parque da Guarita: an easy activity, good for all ages; the main lookouts have short access, but with steps and uneven surfaces in places — active older visitors enjoy it fully, and wheelchair users can take in the views from the lower areas beside the parking lot. Trails along the cliffs: an easy to moderate activity, for children from age 5 always holding hands near the edges — the rock walls do not have railings along their whole length. Boat trip to Ilha dos Lobos: an easy activity, from age 4, subject to a calm sea; anyone prone to seasickness should take the usual precautions. Balloon flight: an easy activity, but it requires getting in and out of the basket unaided — check restrictions with the operator for small children, pregnant women and people with reduced mobility.
Practical tips
Summer is the high beach season; fall brings the ballooning and winter the best chance of seeing the sea lions. The north-easterly wind is constant — bring a windproof even in the heat. Praia Grande concentrates the urban seafront and the services; the Prainha and Praia da Cal are more sheltered beside the cliffs. Combine Torres with the Vale do Maquiné, an hour away by car, to put sea, cliffs and Atlantic Forest in the same trip.