Located in southern Brazil between the states of Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina has much to offer travelers with its stunning beaches and numerous activities to be enjoyed by holidaymakers lucky enough to make it to the region.

Less than an hour's flight from Sao Paolo, This small Brazilian state, with a little more than 6 million residents, unites within its diversity of scenery and people that marvels visitors. From white sand beaches, tropical forests and snowy mountains to Azorean fishermen, Italian farmers, and German industrialists, this is a land of beautiful, sharp and fascinating contrasts.

The states economy also has its share of contrasts as a strong agriculture, based on small farms, shares space with an active industrial park, the fourth largest in Brazil. Large companies and thousands of small businesses are spread across the state, linked to consumer centers and ports by an efficient highway grid. These roads also boost tourism, a natural vocation of this small state, now the nation's third largest tourist center.

There are 500 km of beaches, lined by mountains, lagoons, rivers and the enthusiastic Atlantic Coastal Forest. From the quiet Babitonga Bay, on the Paraná border, to the long stretch of open sea at Ararangua, the curtain rises on fascinating scenery of pristine waters, white sands and natural beauty. The Beto Carreiro World theme park, in the municipality of Balneario de Penha, is the largest tourist attraction of the region, together with the fantastic beaches and the historic heritage of Sao Francisco do Sul.

Although it occupies little more than 1% of the Brazilian territory, Santa Catarina excels on the national scene, and not only for its cultural, ethnic and geographic diversity, but also for its privileged location in relation to the countries of Mercosur, represent an huge potential for the affirmation of the state as one of the principal tourist destinations in the country. A breathtaking coast line, established tourist attractions such as Florianopolis, Balneario Camboriú and Blumenau, gorgeous mountains, and a complete circuit of festivals entice the tourists. With these attractions the state receives some 4 million tourists per year, a number that is constantly growing.

Eco-tourism, the fastest growing tourist sector worldwide, offers the best potential for Santa Catarina and attracts a growing contingent of nature sports lovers, for mountain climbing to hiking, mountain biking to rafting with canoeing, paragliding and scuba diving facilities all nearby, while in the winter, pine trees covered in snow high up in the mountains and then the well preserved Atlantic Coastal Forest attract nature lovers. This trend can turn the region into a new world center of eco-tourism, a vocation that seems to have been especially planned for this land, that has the name of a saint and which is blessed by nature.

Labels: Environment-friendly, Santa-Catarina

Ponta dos Ganchos, A Romantic hideaway on the south coast of Brazil is an exclusive luxury beach resort that offers relaxation, tranquility and recently it has been named on a list of the world's sexiest beaches by America's Conde Nast Traveller magazine.

Located on a private peninsula near Florianopolis in the southern Santa Catarina state, Ponta dos Ganchos is one of the country's most exclusive beach resorts. Ponta Dos Ganchos can be reached via a fifty-five minute flight from Sao Paolo, an hour and thirty minute flight from Rio de Janeiro or a two hour flight from Buenos Aires. In order to maintain an atmosphere of complete tranquility, minimum age requirement at Ponta dos Ganchos is 18 years old. Ponta dos Ganchos is a haven for beach lovers who appreciate laid-back elegance, romance and seclusion.

Visitors who stay in any of the accommodations in the resort have access to a host of activities which suit every level of interest including fitness centers, tennis courts, dry saunas, Jacuzzis with sea views; personal spa areas with massage tatamis, wine cellars heated indoor pool, billiards and hiking trails. Water enthusiasts can sail around or Kayak the peninsula or take advantage of an off property excursion such as diving or deep-sea fishing.

According to Easier.com, Nicolas Peluffo, general director of Ponta Dos Ganchos said that Ponta Dos Ganchos is going through an amazing year. He added that he is "delighted" at the success as the resort won at the Conde Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence in January 2009.

In related news, Luxury Travel Adviser magazine June issue reported that Ponta dos Ganchos resort gives visitors "one more reason to visit Brazil's southern coast".

Labels: Resorts, Santa-Catarina

The news of booming business could be of interest to overseas investors considering making an investment into Brazilian property markets and those in Santa Catarina in particular, according to reports.

The sales of industry in the state have gone up by more than ten per cent in the last 12 months, which gives the hint of the booming economy of the state. The federation of industrial operators in the state has revealed that the scale of the use of pre-installed manufacturing equipments gone up by 83.3 per cent during the year prior to the end of June. According to Agencia CNI reports, in other South American countries businesses have seen some of their costs increase as a result of the global economic turmoil; but that doesn't seem to affect Brazil as demand for Brazilian property continues to grow.

Santa Catarina economy continues to flourish with its tourist trade growing at an incredible rate. The region's reputation for eco-tourism and a high standard of living makes this sunshine state as a 'must visit' destination. As a result of Santa Catarina's rising popularity, insightful investors are making in-roads into Santa Catarina's property market in areas such as Joinville and the capital city, Florianopolis.

This comes after the news that the Brazilian Association of Real Estate and Savings Institutions' claims that the market has recorded positive growth every year since 2001.

Labels: Economy, Market-Trends, Santa-Catarina

Santa Catarina is a sunshine state in the south of Brazil located between the states of Parana and Rio Grande do Sul and its economy continues to burgeon with its tourist trade growing at a remarkable rate.

Santa Catarina, with it eco-friendly environment and secure and peaceful atmosphere, is said to be an appealing option because it allows people to enjoy a different lifestyle without compromising on their standard of living. Santa Catarina is becoming a driving force in the Brazilian economy, now challenges Sao Paulo and Rio for GDP per capita.

Foreign investors and tourists are drawn to Santa Catarina because it offers excellent weather, natural environment, and high-quality housing and good public services. The economic expansion during this year would be largely fuelled by its increasing popularity as a holiday destination. This may persuade those who are thinking of buying property for sale in Santa Catarina.

Properties in Sao Paulo have become more expensive. The economic downturns in sao Paulo has made investors turn to Santa Catarina and it has become its natural successor. Two bed, two bath condo apartments in Joinville, built by British developers and only few minutes drive to the city centre, are priced for as little as £33,500.

While Sao Paulo isn't exactly being overlooked, government has to rehabilitate the system to make it favourable for property investors. It's no wonder that investors and tourists are moving into the state of Santa Catarina as it offers beautiful countryside, ecological tourism, adventure sports, and eclectic historic monuments.

Labels: Santa-Catarina, Sao Paulo