Gramado Vacation

Gramado the 3rd most sought after Brazilian touristic destination by Brazilians - a small European city in the tropical land of Brazil

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Geographically speaking, Gramado is a small town in the mountains of Southern Brazil. There are several other small towns in that region, but Gramado has found its place in Brazil’s most sought after tourist destination list. Even people who are lucky enough to live in Rio on Copacabana beach, want to go to Gramado. Why? Well, it isn’t so much about one specific historic attraction; it is more about experiencing Gramado as a whole.

There is always something happening in Gramado. All seasons. All months. No exception. The same is true about any other big city in the world, I know. But hey, we’re talking about a place with 18,000 inhabitants. Of course its population doubles during the peak travel season in winter, when Gramado offers a rather drastic climate change from the rest of Brazil. Being in the southern-most part of the country, high in the mountains, Gramado offers freezing temperatures, accompanied by the best hot chocolate I’ve had in my life (it is better than any chocolat chaud from Paris), fondues served by the fire place, occasional light snowfalls here and there - which attracts thousands of tourists every winter), and beauty, a ton of beauty everywhere. Gramado’s architecture is pristine - inspired by the many German and Italian descendants who immigrated to the region centuries ago, all new buildings have been constructed following the same pattern. Walking down the streets of Gramado is like being in Switzerland, some say. Gramado’s nature is privileged - the caynons, waterfalls, araucaria trees (only present in the southern region of Brazil) offer the tourist a unique sight. It is true that the trees surrounding the Black Lake - one of Gramado’s prettiest sights - were imported from the Black Forest of Germany. But hey, that suits a lot of the population, which in a way, was also “imported” a couple centuries ago!

I grew up in a town near Gramado, and I do not remember ever being disappointed during any of the many many trips I took to this beautiful place. Every year, during Christmas, Gramado holds a light festival, with shows, concerts, and the most beautiful Christmas decoration any city could ever put together. Moreover, be it day or night, seeing Gramado during Christmas is a treat. In the evening, of course, the lights come on, and the spectacle is breath-taking. Every year there is something different, something prettier, and something even more unique. The best part, in my opinion, is that the decorations are in place by the end of November, and remain on until January 2, so there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to enjoy them. Even though it is Summer in Brazil during Christmas, the temperatures in Gramado are still cooler than in the rest of the country (and by cooler I mean high 70’s and low 80’s).

During Winter, Gramado is the hottest (figuratively hot, of course) spot in the country. Everyone wants to go to Gramado in July. The city is pulsing with live music, festivals, great food, and the Festival de Cinema de Gramado, which is South America’s biggest Movie Festival / Awards Cermony, by the way. The awards given out are called “kikitos”, a statue of a smiling sun created by Elizabeth Rosenfeld. The cinema festival has been a yearly event since 1973. For the young and wild, Ibiza club opens its doors every winter season in Gramado, offering a 1st class clubbing experience in the heart of Brazil’s most desired winter destination. Arts and crafts are also part of Gramado’s many markets and colonial homemade goods, like fresh brick oven bread, hand-crafted jams, cookies, and premium chocolates.

Oh, don’t even get me started with Gramado’s chocolate. There are at least four different factories of traditionally hand-crafted chocolates in town. They all have their boutique shops in downtown Gramado, for everyone to stop by and enjoy. The hot chocolate, as I said, is the best I’ve ever had. Every time I visit Brazil, I make sure I stop by this beautiful town at least during one day. I go to my favorite spots, eat my favorite treats, and enjoy, even if for only a few hours, the always magical atmosphere of Gramado. Whenever I have more time, I also visit the wine country - a number of towns near Gramado that offer a truly Italian experience. But that’s a story for another article.