Guarujá is a municipality in São Paulo state, Brazil. One of the busiest beaches in the state, only 87 kilometres from the city of São Paulo, Guarujá is a town that is devoted to tourism and has dozens of beaches that stretch along its avenues and urban zones, or are to be found in less accessible locations. Although the proximity with São Paulo is indeed a factor for its popularity, the town has wonderful beaches and its water quality is considered to be excellent, in comparison with other coastal towns in the state. For those reasons, Guarujá is nicknamed "The Pearl of the Atlantic".
In the central area, the blue waters of the beaches of Pitangueiras and Astúrias have great appeal to the tourists. Amongst the most popular spots are the beaches of Enseada and Casado. On the open sea and not good for bathing, the Tombo beach is excellent for surfers, in contrast with tranquility of Guaiúba, Prainha Branca and Iporanga where the fertile vegetation is enhanced by a waterfall and a freshwater swimming pool. Guarujá also has relics from history such as the Barra Grande Fortress built in the 16th century, the Forte Velho just 8 km from the centre and the Armação das Baleias, the first industrial plant set up in the state for the extraction of whale oil.
