Vila Velha (Espírito Santo)

Vila Velha, meaning old village, is a city in the metropolitan region of Vitória. It was the original capital of Espiritu Santo State, founded in 1535 by Vasco Fernandes Coutinho. Then due to clashes between colonists, slaves, and Indians, the colonists largely resettled in Vitoria across the bay leading to the transfer of capital status to the latter. Vila Velha today though can boast the highest population in the Vitoria-Vila Velha area, albeit a lot of it is rather unremarkable housing blocks to the tourist.

By plane
Vitória Airport (VIX) - also known as Eurico Salles Airport - in the capital city of Vitória, is the closest airport to Vila Velha. It receives daily flights from most state capitals in the country. Among the main airlines serving the airport are LATAM and Gol. A number of smaller carriers also serve the airport, including Azul, TEAM, and TRIP.

To get to the airport, catch bus line 507 direction Terminal Laranjeiras. From the airport, catch the same bus line 507, but with direction Terminal Ibes.

Get around
Most urban buses pass by Terminal Vila Velha in the city center, including quite a few that cross to Vitória.

Beaches
Vila Velha is a good place to be if you like beaches:

Stay safe
Vila Velha had a bout of rather ugly uprising when the police went on strike in the area in 2017, with carjackings and homicides making people fearful for their lives. It has tamed down since then, but be conscientious of your safety here as in other Brazilian cities.

Stay healthy
As elsewhere in Brazil, some beaches in Vila Velha are not suitable for bathing, and conditions can change from day to day. On the day of your visit, check the city's latest weekly bathing report result (in Portuguese, resultado de balneabilidade).

Connect
The telephone area code for Vila Velha is 27 (as well as in central and northern parts of Espírito Santo).

Go next

 * Vitória - The capital of the state of Espírito Santo, famous for its bay, beaches and nightlife. (just across the beautiful Terceira Ponte - Third Bridge)
 * Guarapari - A popular beach resort town. Famous for its lively ambiance, with many clubs and beach parties, especially during the summer months.
 * Domingos Martins - To get a taste of a town colonized by German immigrants, and the famous Pedra Azul (Blue Rock).
 * Santa Teresa - To get a taste of a town colonized by Italian immigrants.
 * Itaúnas - Famous for its dunes and forró, a Northeastern Brazilian dance.
 * Rio de Janeiro - World-known city famous for its breathtaking landscape and annual carnival.