While a cemetery might not be a natural sightseeing choice, the Memorial Necropole Ecumenica is in the center of the city and also makes the pages of the Guinness World Records as the tallest burial place in the world. The high-rise cemetery, built in 1984, reaches 10 stories and resembles an unassuming office block. Coffins are placed in an upright position. Santos also boasts the world’s longest garden, stretching more than 5 miles at the Chico Mendes Botanical Gardens along the city beach. The gardens nourish rare Brasil trees, orchids and exotic wildlife such as peacocks and spider monkeys.
Financially, Santos was built on the coffee trade and at one point the city was the world’s trading center for the commodity. Built in 1922, the Coffee Exchange that once oversaw the export of Brazil’s finest beans is now a museum in the dock area. A stained glass canopy reminiscent of something out of a religious shrine overlooks the elegant trading floor. Visitors can enjoy free tastings and even pick up some bags of coffee on sale.
No visit to the city would be complete without dropping in at the home of Santos F.C., the soccer club where the legendary Pele spent most of his career. Visit the Urbano Caldeira Stadium in the Vila Belmiro area on match days to sample authentic Samba football in its authentic atmosphere. For the best view of the city, take the funicular to the top of Monte Serrat or challenge yourself to climb its 460-step staircase. At the summit of Monte Serrat is a 17th-century Portuguese chapel said to have miraculous powers. Those who have made the journey have left walking sticks and soccer jerseys.
Stretching 5 miles from Jose del Nino to The Punta, and backed by the Chico Mendes Botanical Gardens, the beach at Santos attracts surfers, sunbathers and beach soccer players. Although the beach appears to be one long stretch of sand, it is divided into seven sections, each named after the neighborhoods created by the city canal system. Boqueirao is the most popular beach, while Punta is recommended for windsurfing and jet-skiing. Inspired beachgoers might also want to visit the Sea Museum in Ponta da Praia to see Brazil’s largest seashell collection. The nearby aquarium is the second most popular attraction in Sao Paulo state.
