The Port of Itajai in southern Brazil is at the mouth of the Itajai River just six meters above sea level. Established in the mid-1800s by colonists from Italy and Germany, it is now a busy commercial center and port for the agricultural region of the river. The Port of Itajai exports manufactured goods (cotton textiles and wrapping paper) and a variety of agricultural crops including cassava, tobacco, sassafras, starch, vegetable oil, and lumber. Connected by road and air to the capital of the State of Santa Catarina, the Port of Itajai is about 700 kilometers southwest of Rio de Janeiro. In 2005, almost 160 thousand people called Itajai home.

Colonization of the area began in 1658 when Joao Dias D’Arzao arrived there. Portuguese colonists settled there in 1750, and it was a popular region for settlers from Portugal by 1823. At the end of the 19th Century, many German immigrants found their way to the Port of Itajai. The city was officially founded in 1860. The modern Port of Itajai is the state’s main port and the second biggest port in Brazil.

The City of Itajai preserves much of its mercantile history and structures. Palaces, churches, mansions, and monuments decorate many streets and squares around the city.

The Port of Itajai (Portuguese) plays an important role in the globalization of the economy, and it attracts companies and goods from the international market. Containing over 15 thousand square meters for storage of general cargo and 38 thousand square meters for containerized cargo, the Port of Itajai is equipped with the latest cargo-handling and security technologies. It was the first port in Latin America to establish an Internet presence.

The Port of Itajai was traditionally devoted to general cargoes, with 732 thousand tons of cargo passing through the port in 1990. In 2004, over 5.7 million tons of cargo moved through the port. Almost 80% of the cargo was exports, reflecting the agricultural productivity of the region. Exports went to Europe, North America, and the Middle and Far East. Today, the main exported goods include wood, frozen meat and chickens, ceramics, wrapping paper, machines and accessories, tobacco, vehicles, textiles, and sugar.

The Port of Itajai has become the third largest container port in Brazil, growing from 26 thousand TEUs in 1990 to over 564 thousand TEUs in 2004. Over 90% of the cargo passing through the port was in containers that year. The Tourist Pier was opened in 2001, and the Container Terminal was opened in 2002. Current expansion efforts were planned to be completed by 2008.

The Port of Itajai is one of Brazil’s busiest. Its operations are a model for other Brazilian ports, particularly in the handling of containerized and frozen/chilled cargoes. It has more container refers than any other Latin American Port.

The Port of Itajai has one of the most modern tourist facilities in the state of Santa Catarina. In the 2008 season, it welcomed 24 ships carrying over 35 thousand visitors.

The City of Itajai (Portuguese) is home to many beautiful beaches where visitors can sun, swim, and enjoy the good life. It is surrounded by peaceful rural settings with natural landscapes and a rich heritage from Portuguese and German immigrants. Each year, the city holds a festival of fishing and seafood called the Marejada that attracts visitors from around the world. It is also the center for the Nautical Club Marcillio Dias, an association supporting competitive soccer and rowing.

Itajai’s beaches are famous for their rustic beauty. Surfers and bathers enjoy clean waters and white sands complemented by many restaurants and bars. With its active waves and exciting nightlife, Praia Brava is a popular spot for surfers and young people. Praia de Atalaia is one of the most dependable surfing beaches in Brazil. Praia de Cabecudas offers tranquil scenery, beautiful mansions, and yachting competitions. Praia de Jeremias is a gentle, clean beach ideal for thoughtful sojourns. Praia dos Amores is a virgin natural area where visitors will enjoy the 160-meter platform for a bit of free-flight. The nearby lagoon offers delicious fish for sportsmen.

The Port of Itajai offers a variety of fine restaurants, exciting bars, and cozy coffee houses. Visitors who enjoy seafood and fruit will find Avenue Side River a gastronomical paradise.

Its location on the River Itajai makes the Port of Itajai an ideal spot for aquatic recreation. You can fish in the city’s nautical park or charter a boat for a deep sea fishing adventure. Surfers flock to its beaches, and seekers of peace are drawn to its rural landscapes.