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Travel News & Books: Where once holidaymakers came in their droves, now only vultures roam the beaches of Atafona – a former Brazilian resort that is soon to be washed into the sea. Once a vibrant destination filled with sun-seekers and families enjoying the warm sands and azure waves, Atafona has faced the relentless forces of nature that have slowly eroded its coastline. As tides rise and storms become more frequent, the picturesque homes and businesses that once flourished here have succumbed to the encroaching ocean, leaving behind a haunting landscape. The laughter and joy that once resonated in this cherished spot have given way to an eerie silence, save for the occasional call of seabirds soaring overhead. The lifeblood of the community has dwindled, transforming what was once a thriving holiday haven into a ghost town, where the only signs of life are the scavenging vultures that circle overhead, searching for remnants of what once was.
The Science of the Disappearance
The tragedy of Atafona isn’t just a matter of rising sea levels; it’s a perfect storm of geographical and man-made factors. The Paraíba do Sul River, which reaches the sea at Atafona, has seen its volume significantly depleted due to upstream mining and agriculture. With less freshwater pressure pushing out, the Atlantic Ocean has been able to push inward with greater force.
A Community in Flux
Since the 1960s, it is estimated that over 500 buildings—including hotels, luxury villas, and entire streets—have been swallowed by the waves. The “vultures” mentioned are not just poetic imagery; they are the primary inhabitants of the skeletal remains of collapsed structures.
Key Points of Interest
• The 6-Meter Rule: In some years, the sea has been known to reclaim up to 6 meters (nearly 20 feet) of land.
• The Ghost Block: There are specific areas where only the foundations of former social clubs and mansions remain visible during low tide, looking like ancient ruins rather than a 20th-century resort.
• Social Impact: While wealthier vacationers fled decades ago, a resilient community of artisanal fishermen remains, living in the shadow of the encroaching water and adapting to a landscape that changes every single morning.
Read mor here:
Euronews: This is how Brazil’s biggest tourist hotspot got swallowed by the sea
National Geographic: A rising sea is eating away this Brazilian town
Warm regards,
Lassi Pensikkala
Destination expert & travel writer
Updated 2026 · © Lassi Pensikkala
This guide is part of my 125 USA, Europe, Latin America and Scandinavia Travel Guides, curated from decades of travel experience. Read and download the guides for free here
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