Villa dos Golfinhos

Cananéia is the southernmost city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, near where the Tordesilhas Line passed. The population in 2020 was 12,541 and its area is 1,242.010 km2 (479.543 sq mi). The elevation is 8 m. The city of Cananéia is host to the Dr. João de Paiva Carvalho research base belonging to the Oceanographic Institute of the University of São Paulo.

Founded in 1502, Cananéia is one of the oldest cities in Brazil and a former Portuguese colony. Its historic center is well-preserved and features colorful colonial-style buildings, cobblestone streets, and a picturesque waterfront. One of the highlights is the Matriz Church, a 17th-century baroque temple that houses beautiful works of art and is considered one of the most important religious monuments in the country.

But Cananéia is not only about history and architecture. The town is also surrounded by a vast network of rivers, islands, and mangrove forests, which form the largest estuarine complex in the world. This natural wonder is home to diverse species of flora and fauna, including endangered ones like the manatee and the Atlantic rainforest. Visitors can explore the region by boat, kayak, or hiking trails, and enjoy activities like fishing, birdwatching, and ecotourism.