Guía de Brasil
Espírito Santo
Privileged with natural beauty, Espírito Santo is the leading state in export, home to some of the most important ports of Brazil. Its economy is based on agriculture, mineral extraction, industry and services. The local culture is rich and diverse, with its emphasis on crafts – the clay pots produced in the state are essential for the preparation of true moqueca, a typical local dish.
Vitória, the state capital, has been the stage for the Pre-Pan American Rhythmic Gymnastics Games in 2005, and, in 2002, the stage for the World Beach Volleyball Tour – a sport that revealed two great talents in the state: Fábio Luiz, who won the silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, and Alison Cerutti, gold medal at the World Championships and Pan American Games in Guadalajara, both in 2011. Espírito Santo state native Drielly Dalto also won three gold medals in the Men's Artistic Gymnastics events in the Mexican city.
One of Espírito Santo state's main attractions is its ecotourism. The city of Guarapari is famous for its monazitica sand (areias monazíticas) beaches, underwater fishing and diving options. The city of Linhares is famous for the largest lake complex in the region. The Itaúnas and Pedra Azul parks offer numerous opportunities for hiking, with trails going through sand dunes and natural pools. In addition to its beautiful scenery, Espírito Santo preserves great historical and cultural heritage, most notably the Vila Velha – the former capital and oldest city in the state – and São Mateus, with mansions built in the 18th and 19th centuries.