Praia do Cassino
Rio Grande do Sul
Praia do Cassino, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, is renowned as the world's longest uninterrupted sandy sea beach, stretching approximately 212 to 254 kilometers along the South Atlantic coast. Established as a tourist resort in 1890 by the Suburban Mangueira Company, it was developed to attract visitors with luxury hotels and casinos offering games such as Poker and Blackjack. The beach has a rich cultural heritage, historically frequented by European-descended Brazilians, and has evolved over time despite economic impacts from World War II and gambling bans. Today, it remains a popular beach destination attracting around 150,000 visitors annually, offering activities like swimming, surfing, and boat tours to observe the world's largest seal population. Notable landmarks include the West Jetty, which protects the Rio Grande seaport entrance and offers unique sail-powered cart rides into the ocean, the stranded ship Altair from 1976, and the Yemanja statue by artist Erico Gobbi. Praia do Cassino also hosts the Cassino Ultra Race, the largest beach ultramarathon in the world, spanning up to 230 kilometers along the sand. Its vast length and natural beauty, combined with its historical significance and local attractions, make Praia do Cassino a unique coastal destination.
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Consiglio: The best time to visit Praia do Cassino is during the summer months of December and January when tourist activity peaks and the weather is ideal for swimming and surfing. Visitors are advised to plan ahead for accommodations during this season due to increased demand. While entry to the beach is free, some activities like boat tours to see seals or rides on the West Jetty's sail-powered cart may require advance booking or tickets. Discounts may be available for group visits or during off-peak periods. Be sure to check local schedules for events such as the Cassino Ultra Race or the vibrant carnival celebrations. Practical amenities like public transport connections to the beach and nearby facilities enhance visitor convenience.
Fatti interessanti
- •Praia do Cassino is recognized by Guinness World Records (1994) as the longest uninterrupted sandy sea beach in the world, measuring up to 254 kilometers.
- •NASA and the U.S. Army conducted rocket launches from Praia do Cassino during a total solar eclipse in 1966 to study the upper atmosphere.
- •The beach hosts the Cassino Ultra Race, the world's largest beach ultramarathon, with race distances up to 230 kilometers.
- •The stranded ship Altair has been a landmark on the beach since 1976 after being caught in a storm.
- •Praia do Cassino is home to the world's largest population of seals, which tourists often visit by boat.
Storia
Praia do Cassino was officially established as a tourist resort on January 26, 1890, by the Suburban Mangueira Company, led by Antônio Cândido Sequeira, with support from the Rio Grande do Sul state government.
Initially designed to emulate European and Uruguayan seaside resorts, it attracted affluent visitors, especially those of European descent.
The region's economy suffered during World War II due to the persecution of German and Italian communities and the 1948 ban on roulette gambling.
In 1966, NASA selected Praia do Cassino for rocket launches during a total solar eclipse, marking a significant scientific event.
The beach was recognized by Guinness World Records in 1994 as the longest beach in the world, although subsequent editions removed it due to measurement debates.
Despite challenges, the beach has maintained its status as a major tourist destination in southern Brazil.
Guida del luogo
West Jetty (Molhe Oeste)
A massive jetty made of stones extending into the ocean, protecting the entrance to the Rio Grande seaport. Visitors can ride a sail-powered cart along tracks over the ocean to the lighthouse, a 20-minute trip covering 4.3 kilometers, often accompanied by sightings of dolphins and grebes.
Stranded Ship Altair1976
Located 16 kilometers south of the beach center towards Chuí, the ship Altair has remained stranded on the beach since June 1976 after a severe storm, becoming a notable landmark and point of interest for visitors.
Yemanja Statue
A cement sculpture by Rio Grande artist Erico Gobbi, positioned at the entrance of Rio Grande Avenue facing the sea. It represents Yemanja, a goddess of the sea in Afro-Brazilian religions.
