A town in Brazil's southern state of Santa Catarina, 130 kilometers from Florianópolis, Gravatal conserves the architectural and cultural charm derived from its colonization by the Portuguese, then settlement by Italian and German immigrants. It also sits atop an area whose former volcanic activity, basaltic lava and thermal water (with a flow of 2,000 liters per minute at a temperature of 37º Celsius) has enabled it to become a paradise for all those seeking rest, relaxation and well-being on a physical and mental level.
The origins of tourism in the thermal waters of Gravatal lie with Pedro Zappelini, an Italian whose family arrived here between 1880 and 1885. Zeppelini appreciated being able to swim in the river, even in winter, and decided to buy the land, which belonged to a German family. After various studies and tests, it was discovered that the waters of Gravatal possessed great therapeutic powers. With great determination, he changed the course of the river channel and became the master of the “valley of miracles”, the name the locals gave to the place due to the astonishing healings of illnesses that were considered chronic.
But Gravatal provides not only relaxation, but also plenty of adventure tourism activities in the zone, such as gliding, hiking, mountain biking and the little ones can enjoy a fantastic water park while their parents relax.
The city is also rich in places of historical interest; the church of São Sebastião, the Gruta Nossa Senhora da Saúde and the Santuario Do Sagrado Coracão De Jesus are sites you must visit. The town offers great infrastructure for leisure and entertainment, as well as various shopping malls and stores selling typical and handcrafted products. If you want to explore the stretch between Tiburón and Urussanga in a strange way, there is nothing like taking the little steam train, Raid the Rail, a top tourist attraction.
The areas surrounding Gravatal are also of great interest. The mountains and the south coast of Santa Catarina have many attractions which are worth visiting. The Serra do Rio do Rastro mountain range, the city of São Joaquim and the historical Laguna Beach are some of the places of interest close to Gravatal.
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from our blog Passport To...
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