The "King Pelé City" - Your Ultimate Guide for International Tourists

Discover Santos: The "King Pelé City" - Your Ultimate Guide for International Tourists

Known affectionately as "Pelé's City," Santos, located on the coast of São Paulo, Brazil, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, beautiful beaches, and natural attractions. As the birthplace of the legendary "King of Football," Pelé, this coastal gem is a must-visit for international travelers.

Just 75 miles (approximately 120 km) from São Paulo, Santos is a seaside treasure that seamlessly weaves together nature, vibrant culture, football heritage, and rich history. With its world-renowned beachfront gardens, deep-rooted coffee legacy, and numerous tributes to the eternal King Pelé, the city promises an unforgettable experience for international tourists.

Below, you'll find a comprehensive guide to the top attractions and essential tips for foreign visitors.

Getting to Santos: Options from Guarulhos Airport (GRU)

Here are the best ways to reach Santos from São Paulo's Guarulhos International Airport (GRU):

• Translitoral Personal Bus: This executive shuttle service offers fixed, daily departures from Guarulhos and Congonhas terminals. The average fare ranges from US$40 to US$55. While advance reservations are recommended, you might be able to purchase tickets directly at the Guarulhos airport departure point. Departure times are: 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM, and 10:30 PM. In Santos, the bus drops passengers off at Posto Glicério, Canal 2, at Francisco Glicério Avenue. This is a comfortable executive bus journey, ideal for travelers with luggage.

• Viação Cometa Direct Bus: For a more budget-friendly option, Viação Cometa offers a direct bus line from Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Santos Bus Station. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs between US$8 and US$11. The main drawback is that the Santos bus station is in the city center, away from most hotels, requiring an additional taxi or Uber to your final destination.

• Uber/Taxi: A direct Uber or taxi ride from Guarulhos Airport to Santos takes approximately 2 hours and costs around US$60 to US$100.

• Private Transfer: Private transfers can often be arranged when booking your hotel, with prices varying between US$90 and US$150. This option is perfect for group travel, offering convenience and comfort.

• Combined Public Transport (Train, Metro, Bus): For the adventurous and budget-conscious traveler, a combination of public transport (train, metro, and bus) is the cheapest option. However, it's also the most tiring and time-consuming, totaling about 3 hours of travel plus waiting times.

Tributes to King Pelé

Santos proudly celebrates its greatest idol with several heartfelt tributes:

• Vila Belmiro Stadium (Urbano Caldeira Stadium): Discover the famous statue at Vila Belmiro, depicting Pelé's iconic goal celebration.

• Iconic Statue at Canal 5: On one of the beachfront squares, you'll find an iconic statue celebrating Pelé's signature "air punch."

• Memorial Necrópole Ecumênica: This is Pelé's eternal resting place, featuring sculptures and memorials that honor the legendary player.

Pelé Museum: A Deep Dive into Football History

The Pelé Museum is a vibrant tribute to the greatest football player in history. This captivating space houses a collection of photos, videos, personal belongings, trophies, and narratives that chronicle Pelé's journey from his childhood to global superstardom. Visitors can explore not only his illustrious sports career but also aspects of his personal life and the profound social impact he had on Brazil and the world.

The museum features interactive exhibits, documentary videos, and dedicated areas that unveil lesser-known stories, making the visit engaging and educational for fans of all ages. It's an unmissable stop for anyone eager to delve into the history of football and Brazilian culture through the eyes of the King.

Opening Hours:

• Days: Tuesday to Sunday

• Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

• Last Entry: Until 5:30 PM

• Closed: Mondays

• Location: Largo Marquês de Monte Alegre, 1 – Valongo, Historic Center, Santos – SP

• Access: Near the VLT (Light Rail Transit) Porto station

Admission Prices:

• Full Price: R$ 10.00

• Half-Price: R$ 5.00 (for students, teachers, seniors, and Santos residents)

• Free: Children up to 5 years old (on lap)

• Tuesdays: Free admission for all visitors

Estimated Uber Cost from Gonzaga to Pelé Museum: An Uber ride from the Gonzaga neighborhood to the Pelé Museum covers approximately 3 to 4 km and takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between R$ 15.00 and R$ 25.00, which may vary depending on the time of day and demand.

Vila Belmiro Stadium Tour (Urbano Caldeira Stadium)

Take a guided tour of the iconic Vila Belmiro Stadium, offering access to the locker room, stands, pitch, press room, and the legendary Voturuá Tunnel, where Pelé, Neymar, and other football legends once walked. The tour also includes the Memorial of Achievements, showcasing trophies, historic balls, and jerseys. Prices range from US$12 to US$30.

Memorial of Achievements (Trophy Room): Inaugurated on November 17, 2003, this memorial spans approximately 380 m² and houses over 600 trophies, historic uniforms, photos, videos, and dedicated areas honoring idols like Pelé and Neymar. Scheduled visits occur from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with prices around US$5.

Waterfront Gardens: A Guinness World Record

Santos is home to the world's largest beachfront garden! Stretching over 5 km and covering 218,000 m², it's the perfect spot for strolls, photos, and picnics. Enjoy sports like stand-up paddleboarding and surfing, rent bicycles, and savor typical snacks from the charming kiosks.

Santa Tereza/Voturuá Reservoir

Explore the largest underground water reservoir in Latin America. During scheduled cleanings (every 2–3 years), guided 40-minute tours are available. Advance booking through Sabesp is required.

Historic Center Tram Tour

One of the highlights of tourism in Santos, the Historic Center Tram Tour takes you through the charming historic center. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights about the colonial architecture, the coffee cycle, and local personalities. Ticket prices range from US$2 to US$4. Imagine walking the cobblestone streets of colonial Brazil, where many historical soap operas were filmed!

Coffee Museum

Housed in the former Official Coffee Exchange, the Coffee Museum features interactive exhibits detailing the history of the bean that fueled Brazil's economy. Enjoy a gourmet coffee shop on-site. Tickets cost between US$2 and US$5.

Recommended Hotels in Santos

• Parque Balneário Hotel: A classic choice, located directly on the beachfront in Gonzaga.

• Sheraton Santos Hotel: Offers international comfort and amenities.

• Mendes Plaza Hotel: A traditional and well-located option, providing excellent value for money.

Other Must-See Attractions in Santos

• Emissário Submarino: An urban park featuring a skate park, observation deck, and a striking Neptune sculpture.

• Municipal Orchidarium: Discover over 2,000 species of orchids, as well as diverse Brazilian fauna and flora. Admission is around US$2.

• Santos Aquarium: Ideal for families, with tanks showcasing fish, sharks, and penguins. Ticket prices range from US$3 to US$6.

• Schooner Ride and Port of Santos: The Port of Santos is the largest in Latin America. Schooner tours offer a unique perspective of the city, including views of giant ships and stories about trade and immigration.

• Monte Serrat: Take a funicular tram to the top of Monte Serrat for spectacular panoramic views of the city. Explore the old Monte Serrat Casino, now a cultural center.

• Bike Paths and Ecotourism: Santos boasts an extensive network of bike paths connecting the waterfront to the historic center and the port. Explore ecological trails such as the Engenho de São Jorge dos Erasmos (ruins of a 16th-century sugar mill) and the Monte Cabrão trail, perfect for nature and history enthusiasts.

Best Time to Visit Santos

The ideal time to visit Santos is between April and June, or September and November, when the weather is mild, with less rain and fewer tourists. December to February is high season, with more crowded beaches and hot weather.

Why Choose Santos for Your Next International Trip?

Santos is renowned as one of the most well-organized cities on the São Paulo coast and in Brazil. It offers an excellent infrastructure for international tourists, including international standard hotels, bilingual signage, and city tour options with fluent English and Spanish-speaking guides.

Santos is more than just football; it's a vibrant tapestry of sea, history, nature, and culture. It's a complete destination for those looking to explore Brazil with an authentic and unforgettable touch.

Ready to experience the magic of Pelé's City? Plan your trip to Santos today!

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