Paraty has more

Night darkens and the sea waters shine!
On dark nights in Paraty, the sea glitters, and this is not a “Cachaça” (rum drink) induced vision, but a common phenomena that occurs on the more distant beaches. The glow is created by a process known as bioluminescence which happens when micro organic plankton absorb the suns light and then shine with great intensity on the darkest nights.

The house of Thomas Mann’s mother
Paraty’s literary fame started many years before the FLIP (Festa Literária Internacional de Paraty) which is held annually during the first week of July. It was in this coastal town that Julia da Silva Mann (1851 – 1932) mother of Thomas Mann, was born. Thomas Mann was the greatest German writer since Goethe. According to Mann, “The Sea is not a landscape. It is an experience of eternity”. The well preserved house is situated beside the Marina de Paraty, five kilometres from the historic centre.

Such a choice of Artwork
One of Paraty’s trump cards is the high quality of its artwork; paintings, engravings, sculptures, ceramics, tiles and tapestries. Paraty has more art workshops per square meter than any other Brazilian city.

Watch out for pebbles in your shoe!
The charm of Paraty is best absorbed by simply strolling through the labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets of the historic centre, taking in every detail and peeking at the houses, some of which are obscured by their internal gardens. But beware, pay attention to where you are stepping, and wear comfortable shoes. The large stone slabs that make up the roadways can be a nightmare for the ankle, a real “stone in your shoe”!

Do taste this!
For those who appreciate delicious regional cooking using typical ingredients, do put dinner with Chef Yara Roberts on your agenda. Yara’s house, situated within the historic centre of Paraty, lies across the road from her Academia de Cozinha e Outros Prazeres (Academy for culinary arts). Yara receives guests into her home, and treats them to a real Brazilian feast. While she prepares dinner, she gives suggestions for unusual aromatic flavourings, explains the nutritive value of ingredients, comments on cultural aspects of food and some curiosities of the adaptation of indigenous ingredients. Finally, Yara will show you differing ways of presenting ethnic dishes.