One Unique Mountain Resort Town In Brazil Feels Like A Charming European Getaway

When you picture award-winning hotels and Bavarian-style architecture in a beautiful mountain setting, you think of Germany, of course. But Gramado is far from Bavaria — it is not even in Europe. This outrageously charming resort town is on a different continent altogether: Brazil.

Gramado is a large town in Rio Grande do Sul, the country's southernmost state. It is part of the Serra Gaúcha, a mountainous region that is home to people with European heritage and a well-known wine region. It also sits along the Rota Romântica (Romantic Route), a scenic road that connects adorable towns in between gorgeous landscapes.

To begin your road trip, you will need to fly to Porto Alegre. Though the city can be dangerous, you don't need to spend long in Porto Alegre and can embark on your road trip straight from the airport. Porto Alegre-Salgado Filho International Airport (POA) is an easy nonstop flight from both São Paulo (1 hour and 45 minutes) and Rio de Janeiro (2 hours and 10 minutes). São Paulo is one of the magical South American destinations for a warm-weather Christmas vacation, while world-famous Rio is where you'll find endless white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife. After renting a car, you will head north toward the mountains. In less than two hours, you will arrive in Gramado.

Gramado is adorable. The town is filled with half-timbered buildings and colorful hydrangeas, and chocolate shops line Avenida Borges de Medeiros, the main street. You can also find restaurants that serve fondue, as well as French and Italian food. Your stomach will start to rumble with all of the delicious scents wafting from the many European restaurants around town.

While walking through Gramado, stop at the Rótula das Bandeiras (Flag Roundabout), where the state flags of Brazil fly and a replica of Kikito, the trophy awarded at the Gramado Film Festival, stands. The famous film festival has been held every August for more than 50 years. The roundabout is near Lago Joaquina Rita Bier (Joaquina Rita Bier Lake). The manmade lake is known for its walking paths and annual Christmas festival. The Nativitaten Show at Natal Luz (Christmas of Lights) features performances and light shows in the center of the lake. You should also stop at Paróquia São Pedro (Saint Peter's Church). It's hard to miss with a 150-foot-tall tower that can be seen from all over Gramado.

If you're looking to stay in town, Hotel Colline de France is just a short drive from the church. The French-themed accommodation looks like a château and will set you back around $260 per night, but is well-worth the price tag —it was named the #1 hotel in the world on Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Hotels Awards in 2024. You will feel spoiled with its hand-carved furniture, peaceful Bougainvillea Garden, and elegant Bistrot Escoffier for dinner.

After getting to know Gramado, you should see what else is hidden in the Serra Gaúcha. Gramado is rarely mentioned without Canela, its neighbor just 5 miles to the east. Avenida das Hortênsias (Hydrangea Avenue), the road that connects the two towns, has pull-offs will pretty views of the Quilombo Valley. In the center of town, you will find the Stone Cathedral and the Estação Campos de Canella. The Gothic church is the central feature, while the Campos de Canella Station, a revitalized railway station, is now full of restaurants and stores, including more delicious chocolate shops.

You will also want to visit Alpen Park on the outskirts of town. The family-friendly amusement park has an alpine sleigh, a dragon roller coaster, and a zipline. Admission to the park is free, and then you pay per ride or buy an all-inclusive pass once inside. Adventure seekers should then head to the nearby Skyglass Canela (adults about $26), a glass platform suspended over the Ferradura Valley. As you take in the stunning views of the mountains, you'll still find it hard to believe you're not gazing at the Alps in Europe. As if you needed more reasons to visit, here's why tourists are calling Brazil the friendliest city in South America.