Camping do Senandes

With so much sand around, it's clear that watersports are on the cards: head to Cassino (10 minutes' drive) for surfing, snorkelling and sailing opportunities. Fancy setting sail in search of local wildlife? Seals dwell on the rocks that line these shores – stick around in town to arrange seal-spotting tours in nearby waters. In search of less salty splashes? Campark waterpark (25 minutes) is the place for you.   The nearby town of Rio Grande (20 minutes) is your best bet if you want to find out more about the local area: its oceanographic museum covers the flora and fauna you're likely to encounter hereabouts. The colourful, colonial-era Alfândega building is also worth swinging by. For more historic sights, head to Pelotas (50 minutes), whose cathedral and museums are bound to teach guests a thing or two about the way things used to be around these parts.  Looking to reconnect to the natural world? Taim Ecological Space (50 minutes) is an untouched wildlife haven that's home to a range of critters (including particularly cute and cuddly capybaras).