Prainha da Barra and Natural pools
A charm of Barra da Lagoa is Prainha, a small stretch of sand protected by cliffs, one of which separates it from the Canal da Barra da Lagoa. To reach Prainha, you need to cross the pedestrian bridge over the canal and turn left, passing through the alleys of Morro do Torquato. Accessible only on foot, the hill houses a small community, mainly locals, with some shops and accommodations. The views are incredible, Prainha looks like it's been drawn by hand. No wonder it gets crowded in the summer.
Prainha da Barra
Natural pools
Accessed by a short trail from Prainha da Barra, the Natural Pools are one of the main attractions of Barra da Lagoa. A set of rocks at the tip of the shore provides protection to make it a calm area of the sea to enter. But not always! Access is through the shore, the depth varies, sometimes you can stand or not and some tide conditions make the place dangerous. The place is beautiful and worth the walk for the views, but entering the water at this point requires attention and careful observation of the conditions on the day.
A must-see tour is visiting Prainha da Barra da Lagoa, a place accessible only on foot, crossing the Barra canal by the suspension bridge to Morro do Torquato, passing through the resident's alley until you reach the bucolic Prainha, where you'll find the remains of the Sambaqui people who lived along the Santa Catarina coast between 7,000 and 12,000 thousand years ago.
Following the alley, you arrive at the entrance to the trail to the Natural Pools, which is actually a natural corner of the rocky cliffs that provides protection from the open sea, allowing swimming on the most favorable days.
Still, access for swimming is through the rocks and requires attention and some mobility. If in doubt, enjoying the scenery is safer and more advisable.