Forte de São Mateus
Perched on a rocky islet at the very tip of Praia do Forte, this whitewashed 17th-century Portuguese fortress is one of the oldest in Brazil — and the views from its ramparts alone are worth the scramble up the rocks. History, salt air, and original war cannons: few spots in the Região dos Lagos pack this much punch in one frame.
Built to hold back empires
Forte de São Mateus was constructed between 1617 and 1620 to defend the brazilwood trade against raids by the French, Dutch, and English — three colonial powers who coveted the timber-rich coastline. Its compact, low-slung design hugs the natural rock formation, making it look as though it grew straight out of the Atlantic.
Inside the walls you'll find original bronze cannons still trained on the horizon, a small exhibition on the fort's military history, and locally made crafts sold by vendors near the entrance. The climb is steep and there are no formal stairs — you ascend directly over the rocks — so wear closed shoes and take your time.
The view that stops everyone
From the top of the battlements you get a sweeping panorama of the full arc of Praia do Forte stretching north, the open Atlantic to the south, and on clear days the silhouette of Arraial do Cabo to the west. Sunrise and the golden hour before sunset turn the sea an almost impossible shade of turquoise.
The fort sits right beside a natural shallow pool that forms between the rocks at low tide — popular with children and a great spot to cool off after the climb. Time your visit for a weekday morning to avoid the weekend crowds that spill over from the adjacent beach.
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