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Only 310 km from Niterói, Praia do Farol de São Thomé Brings Together 19th Century History, Preserved Biodiversity, and a Seaside Still Far from Tourist Massification
The information was originally disclosed in a report signed by Vitor Bruno and reinforced by historical records from the Brazilian Navy, as well as environmental data from official agencies of the state of Rio de Janeiro. About 310 km from Niterói, on the northern coast of Fluminense, Praia do Farol de São Thomé holds a scenery that contrasts with the pattern of the most famous beaches in the state. Instead of overcrowded shores and intense urbanization, visitors find open sea, constant wind, coarse sand, and a landscape marked by a 45-meter red lighthouse, built directly on the sand.
Right from the start, it is striking that this historical monument is not merely a postcard. It is the central point of a locality that has grown around it and that, even today, preserves a wild side increasingly rare on the coastline of Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, the location hosts natural phenomena such as the release of sea turtle hatchlings, which occurs every year at sunset, between September and March.
The Historic Lighthouse Built by a Company Linked to the Eiffel Tower
In the heart of an area belonging to the Brazilian Navy, the Farol de São Thomé was built in 1877 by the French company Barbier & Fenestre and officially inaugurated on July 29, 1882. The choice of date was not random: it coincided with the 36th anniversary of Princess Isabel, a historical detail that reinforces the symbolic relevance of the work during the Brazilian imperial period.
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The connection with France goes beyond mere manufacturing. Years later, the same company would participate in the construction of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Thus, for decades, a narrative circulated that Gustave Eiffel had designed the lighthouse in Campos dos Goytacazes. However, local historians clarify that there are no documents proving this direct authorship, although the business link is real and well-documented.
What is not up for debate is the rarity of the structure. The lighthouse is considered the first Mitchell-type lighthouse installed in Brazil, a spiral tower model developed by an Irish engineer in the 19th century. With 216 steps, the construction used special corrosion-resistant iron, which explains its preservation after more than 140 years of salt spray and constant winds. The entire technical and documentary history of the monument remains available in the official records of the Navy.
A Beach Different from Others on the Coast of Rio de Janeiro
Unlike the beaches of the Lagos Region or popular destinations like Búzios, Praia do Farol de São Thomé stands out precisely for its absence of massification. It is the only beach in the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, with about 28 km of open sea and approximately 3 km of urbanized shoreline.
In addition, the presence of casuarinas, which shade much of the sand strip, contributes to a cooler and more natural environment. The prevailing northeast wind is constant throughout the year and influences both the climate and the dynamics of the sea, creating an ideal setting for those seeking direct contact with nature.
Over the decades, the village has grown around the lighthouse and now features restaurants, inns, local commerce, and a dedicated events calendar, regularly updated on the official portal of the city hall of Campos dos Goytacazes. Still, the location maintains a peaceful atmosphere, far from excessive noise and predatory tourism.
What to Do Besides Enjoying the Open Sea
A visit to Farol de São Thomé goes far beyond a simple beach weekend. One of its main attractions is the Parque Estadual da Lagoa do Açu (PELAG), a conservation unit created in 2012, with 8,251 hectares of protected areas that include restinga, mangroves, and coastal lagoons.
The park has its headquarters on the main avenue of Farol and offers two guided trails: the T trail, with 2.5 km and light difficulty, and the Pitanga trail, with 2.6 km and moderate level. According to data from the State Institute of the Environment (INEA), over 500 bird species have already been recorded in the area, making it a reference point for wildlife observation.
Another highlight is the release of turtle hatchlings, carried out by the Projeto Tamar between September and March. At the peak of the season, especially from January to March, hundreds of loggerhead turtle hatchlings traverse the sand daily toward the sea, creating one of the most striking natural spectacles on the Fluminense coast.
Additionally, events such as the Farol Snack Festival, held over two weekends in September, enliven the shore. The 13th edition, in 2025, gathered thousands of visitors with typical dishes, live music, and cultural programming.
Climate, Best Time, and How to Get There from Niterói
The climate on the northern Fluminense coast is influenced by constant northeast winds, which alleviate the thermal sensation even during the hottest periods. However, recent summers have been rainier than the historical average. In February 2026, for example, the rainfall volume in Campos dos Goytacazes reached 130% of the normal average for the month, according to data from INMET and Climatempo.
For those wishing to combine beach and turtle releases, the end of the year and the beginning of summer are the most suitable periods. Meanwhile, winter, with temperatures between 16°C and 26°C, clearer skies, and low rainfall, is ideal for hiking and birdwatching at PELAG.
From Niterói, the car trip covers about 310 km via BR-101, heading toward the Northern Fluminense. The center of Campos dos Goytacazes is approximately 3h15 away, followed by another 50 km via RJ-196, totaling about 4 hours to get to the Farol. By bus, Viação 1001 operates a direct line between Niterói and Farol, with an average duration of 5h40.
With information from: Cidade de Niterói
Concordo plenamente com o Raul Bernardo!
Que manchete fantasiosa, na verdade mentirosa mesmo! A praia não foi projetada pela empresa da Torre Eiffel “coisíssima” nenhuma e sequer o tal farol tem qualquer comprovação nesse sentido!
É lamentável esse recurso desonesto para registrar visualização.
Farol de São Tomé é um local medíocre no sentido de não ser nada fora do comum, exceto pros que lá vivem ou guardam memórias afetivas. O mar não é bom pro banho. Existe um declive acentuado na maior parte da orla, ondas relativamente altas. O mar não tem nada de excepcional, assim como a cidade. Tirando a simpatia dos locais e os eventos de verão, você pode gastar seu tempo melhor em outros locais. Não há nada de excepcional como a matéria faz parecer. Um desserviço tanto a população local quanto aos que vêm visitar. Não tem o menor sentido continuar vinculando o farol a Gustave Eiffel… sendo que já foi comprovado que é um modelo genérico Belga da época. Talvez a IA que gerou o texto esteja meio viciada… vamos melhorar isso. Farol de São Tomé é um lugar comum, uma praia comum, nem mais, nem menos, bada de excepcional!