RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Famous for water sports, ‘Ilhabela‘ (beautiful island) is the largest maritime island in Brazil and is located in the municipality of São Sebastião, 198 km from the city of São Paulo.
In fact, the island earned its name due to the natural charm of the region: mountains covered by the Atlantic Forest still present in this area of the Brazilian coast, meet an incredibly blue sea with plenty of marine life.
Another point that has made the island so popular among São Paulo citizens is the privileged geography of the coast. Surprisingly, peninsulas and rocky coasts form more than 40 beaches divided into 130 km of coastline, each with its unique beauty and features.
But if you think that Ilhabela is made up only of beautiful beaches, you are quite mistaken. Another attraction, much sought after by visitors, is the waterfalls that the island boasts. There are 40 waterfalls surrounded by mountains with native vegetation, accessible by trails that provide great hiking moments and the observation of local nature.
Gastronomy and leisure
The excellent hotel and gastronomic infrastructure is yet another strong point for the island’s tourists. The destination offers great accommodation options for all preferences and budgets. Charming inns, luxury hotels, hostels and campsites welcome approximately 500,000 visitors per year.
If you love shopping and giving souvenirs to loved ones, be sure to check out the countless handicraft shops in the village’s historical center. The meeting point for all tourists after enjoying the beautiful beaches of the island.
In addition, there are events throughout the year that help the island host more tourists, particularly gastronomy, where renowned chefs take part and bring the flavors of their seasonings to locals and visitors. Among such events, the Gastronomic Festival stands out, which takes place every year, in the month of August.
Another major event is the Rolex Ilhabela Sailing Week, an ocean sailing championship that has been organized by the Ilhabela Yacht Club for over 40 years.
Thus, there is no lack of leisure options in Ilhabela, the favorable environment for ecotourism gathers trail, horseback riding, rappel, bike and water sports fans such as surfing, fishing, and diving.
Tips: what to do in Ilhabela
Bonete Beach
Regarded by the respected British newspaper ‘The Guardian’ as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in Brazil, this beach with clear sands and rough sea is inhabited by the largest traditional ‘caiçara’ community in the municipality. Undoubtedly, its shore is flanked by sun-drenched trees, in the sea, the waves formed by the south wind are the joy of surfers.
However, to reach the beach one must take a walk that lasts from three to six hours. Another way to get there is by sea, sailing in traditional ‘caiçara’ canoes or cruise boats, around the Sepituba Point, in the far south of the island.
Castelhanos Beach
Castelhanos Beach is accessible by a 22 km road, which cuts across the island from west to east. The beach is approximately 1.500 meters long, where surfing or canoeing is possible. Most certainly, the sea is an invitation for divers to enjoy the wonderful marine world on site.
Figueira Beach
The beach is only 300 meters long and pleases people who seek a place with more privacy and tranquility. The attraction is located inside the Castelhanos State Park and is virtually concealed behind the Galhetas Island. The site does not provide a restaurant structure, so if you decide to spend a day at the beach you should take your own food.
Pereque Beach
Pereque Beach is one of the most visited beaches in Ilhabela due to its easy access. The extensive strip of sand surrounded by a line of coconut trees provides a good structure of bars, restaurants and parking lots. Therefore, this is without a doubt one of the favorite spots for visitors who practice surf and other water sports such as stand up paddle, kayak and windsurf. In short, it is from Pereque Beach that the boats sail off to the most distant beaches in the island.
Saco da Capela Beach
One of lhabela’s postcards, Saco da Capela Beach houses a large concentration of anchored sailboats and speedboats and is located right across from the village. In addition, the area offers great options of kiosks and restaurants along the whole sand strip, a great option for tourists without a car as it is very close to hotels, restaurants and other leisure areas in the island.
Gato Waterfall
At 40 meters high, the Gato Waterfall is the star of the trail that bears its name. The trail is four kilometers long and takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes to be fully covered. Visitors begin the trail at the edge of the Castelhanos Beach, which is located on the edge of the island facing the open sea. After that, visitors cross a wooden hanging bridge over a wide river. Finally, from this point, visitors hike through an area of closed forest up to the spot.
Cabras Island
It is undeniable that Cabras Island is the ideal spot for those who wish to take the diving “Baptism”. Agencies offer the experience and take visitors to the small islet famous for its concentration of several animals, such as turtles, rays, morays, starfish, sea horses and colorful fish.
Laje Waterfall
One of the best known in the region, Laje Waterfall is located in the south of the island. About an hour’s walk from Ponta da Sepituba parking lot, along the same trail that leads to Bonete, one reaches the spot. A large swimming pool and natural stone toboggans make the tourists happy.
Pico de São Sebastião Trail
The trail starts at the southern point of Ilhabela and leads visitors to the highest point in the archipelago. Then, those who choose to face the difficult access trail have the opportunity to enjoy a privileged view of Ilhabela from a lookout point 1379 meters high.
Other places to visit in Ilhabela
Veloso Beach
Viana Beach
Ponta das Canas
Portinho Beach
Armação Beach
Serraria Islet
Santa Tereza Beach
Jabaquara Beach
Laje Waterfall
Três Tombos Waterfall
Nossa Senhora D’ajuda Church
How to reach Ilhabela
By plane
The closest airport to Ilhabela is located in São José dos Campos. Azul Airlines operates most flights to the city. The Guarulhos Airport is the second best option, because buses depart directly from the Terminal to Ilhabela.
By car
There is more than one option to drive to Ilhabela, some of which include taking Via Dutra, Ayrton Senna Highway or Carvalho Pinto Highway to São José dos Campos, Tamoios Highway (SP 99) to Caraguatatuba. Head to São Sebastião by the Rio-Santos Highway (BR 101).
In addition, taking the Mogi-Bertioga Highway (SP 98), continuing on to Rio-Santos and crossing the beaches of São Sebastião until reaching the city center. After that the ferryboat will take you across the stretch that separates Ilhabela from the continent.
By bus
Commercial buses do not come into Ilhabela. However, the Litorânea Transport company covers the stretch departing from the city of São Paulo. Those departing from the capital of the State of Rio de Janeiro can use the ‘Viação Útil’ services.
Best time to visit Ilhabela
The flow of visitors during the summer and extended holidays in Ilhabela, São Paulo, increases greatly and generates more traffic, crowded beaches and queues to take the ferry. Occasionally, during the month of May, the island becomes the stage for the celebration of the ‘caiçara’ culture. During the event, the village streets will celebrate in honor of São Benedito.
International Sailing Week takes place in July and includes an average of 1.500 sailing boats that perform a kind of maritime procession around the island. Above all, alongside the parade there are also shows, children’s recreation areas, film screenings and exhibitions.
In fact, the best time to visit this destination is during spring and summer. During these months the temperature is around 30 C°, perfect for sports and outdoor walks.
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