Itaí combines a focus on water with its own lychee identity and local festival culture. When choosing a destination, it is worth keeping these themes distinct: the Jurumirim Reservoir represents the landscape and opportunities for nautical activities, while the Museu da Memória Histórica and the Festa do Peão offer cultural insight. There are also specific connections to lychee products and the Rota do Vinho of the state of São Paulo. This lets you choose Itaí based on the themes that interest you most for your trip.
Water and the Jurumirim Reservoir
The dammed Rio Paranapanema borders almost half of Itaí’s territory and creates numerous beaches as well as opportunities for entertainment, recreation and water sports. The Jurumirim Reservoir is considered one of Itaí’s most important tourist assets. Its development potential includes nautical and nature-related, gastronomic, rural and contemplative experiences. The natural conditions in the nautical environment are favorable for sports, leisure and recreation; however, there are few ongoing support programs. For planning, it is therefore important to distinguish between a scenic highlight and a specific leisure program. Check current offerings in advance if you have a particular activity in mind.
Lychee and wine connections
Lychee shapes the local identity: Itaí is called “CAPITAL NACIONAL DA LICHIA” (National Lychee Capital) because of its production and export results. A municipal tourism report dated September 19, 2025, identifies Britchis at Fazenda Coatiara in the municipality of Itaí as a producer of lychee cachaça, lychee nuts and freeze-dried lychee, as well as fresh fruit for domestic and international markets. If these products are relevant to your trip planning, check their availability before your visit. Casa Soncini in Itaí offers a different culinary connection: it is part of the Rota do Vinho of the Secretariat of Tourism and Travel of the state of São Paulo. Check the current state guide before making plans. This allows you to consider the lychee focus and the wine route connection as separate themes for your trip.
History and festivals
The Museu da Memória Histórica de Itaí – Prof. Élcio Luiz de Melo was established by Municipal Law No. 1.017 of April 23, 1997. A description from January 2021 places the collection temporarily at the Barracão da Cultura in Parque Mauro Roberto de Moraes, the former auction grounds.
The Festa do Peão celebrates sertanejo culture and the rodeo tradition in Itaí. The 33rd edition in 2024 included the national Cutiano rodeo finals and bull riding. Since the program may vary from year to year, check the dates and offerings for the relevant edition before traveling. The traditional Festa de Santo Antônio is also associated with a specific annual program: the 2024 edition was scheduled to welcome residents and tourists from June 10 to 16, starting at 8 p.m. each day. If you want to plan your trip around a festival, check the dates for your chosen year.
Discover more destinations: Jardinópolis, Icém, Piracicaba, Ubatuba, Ribeirão Pires, Tupã, Cambaquara, Areias.
For the broader travel overview: São Paulo.
