During the Brazilian colonial period (1530-1815), the city was home to the most important gold export port in Brazil.

Being located almost at sea level, the city was designed taking into account the flow of the tides. As a result, many of its streets are periodically flooded by the tide.

However, Paraty is much more than just a small historical town. Coasted by mountains covered in the dense green of the Atlantic forest, the city is surrounded by Parks and Ecological Reserves, making the region one of the most preserved in Brazil. There are more than 60 islands and 90 beaches in Paraty, most of them only accessible by boat or trails.