Guriri Island, São Mateus

About this place

Guriri is a coastal district of São Mateus in northern Espírito Santo, about 13 kilometres from the centre by paved road; it is in fact an island surrounded by water on all sides, the largest in the state, and the best-known beach on São Mateus's coast of some 43 kilometres. The island was made by people: in 1866 a local landowner had a thin sandstone barrier separating the Mariricu River from the sea blown up, to drain the marshes and create a port for São Mateus, forming a new river mouth; another channel was later opened between the Suruaca lagoon and the river in the twentieth century, and the land became an island. The island is flat, about two metres above sea level, and in summer draws thousands of holidaymakers from the state and especially from Minas Gerais, making it one of the most visited places in Espírito Santo. Kiosks, restaurants and beach facilities line its shore.