Discover Ilhabela: São Paulo's "Beautiful Island" Paradise!
- Alana Imaizumi
- 20 de jun. de 2025
- 9 min de leitura
Atualizado: 15 de nov. de 2025
What if I tell you there's a place just a few hours from São Paulo literally called "Beautiful Island"? Well, believe it or not, that place is Ilhabela!
In my opinion, Ilhabela is one of the most magical destinations on the São Paulo coast. But it isn't just about its beautiful and unique beaches, but it also boasts an abundance of stunning waterfalls, and incredible hiking trails to be explored.
How to get there?
“Ilha” (as I like to call it) is located about 200 km from São Paulo, making it roughly a 4-hour trip. This includes a picturesque 20-minute ferry ride that connects São Sebastião to Ilhabela. That's right, there's no bridge linking the island to the mainland. While this might seem like an inconvenience for getting there, I actually believe it helps regulate tourism, which is a big plus for preserving the island's nature and, of course, its unique charm.
The best option for both reaching and exploring Ilhabela is to rent a car. However, it's also possible to get there by bus.
Buses depart from Terminal Tietê in São Paulo, heading towards São Sebastião at various times daily (there's no direct bus to Ilhabela itself). Once you arrive at the São Sebastião bus terminal, the ferry entrance is just a few minutes' walk away (there is a lot of signs, super easy to find), and it's free for pedestrians. After crossing the ferry, you'll find plenty of taxis available to take you to your accommodation.
*If you are going by car, use Rentcars.com and if you are buying a bus ticket, use Clickbus.com.br. This way you help us mantain this blog alive. :)
What to do
Go to the beach!
Of course, the first thing I recommend when in Ilhabela is hitting the beach! Ilhabela isn't just a beach destination near São Paulo; many of its beaches are distinctly different from those in São Paulo state, as they face the mainland and usually have calm waters.
The island boasts over 40 beaches, stretching from north to south. I personally prefer the northern beaches, as they tend to be quieter and more serene. Here are my top picks:
Praia do Jabaquara. Hands down, this is my number one beach in the world! Located on the far north of the island, it's the last beach you can reach by car. After about a 30-minute drive from the center, you arrive in paradise! The sea is clear, blue, and crystalline, surrounded by lush vegetation that looks perfectly landscaped. To top it off, in the left corner of the beach, you'll find a waterfall and a small river, allowing you to enjoy both saltwater and freshwater dips and spend the entire day there.
Praia da Armação. Another northern beach, this one has a bit more infrastructure, with kiosks at the beach. But what I love most about this beach is that, on the right side, there's a small trail over the rocks that leads to a tiny church. If you keep going, you'll reach the exclusive Praia do Pinto, a small, almost like a private beach just for you. I often go there and have seen turtles and huge schools of fish passing by.
Praia do Pequeá. I usually don't recommend beaches in the central area because I find them too crowded and not as beautiful. But Praia do Pequeá deserves a mention – not only because it's gorgeous and frequented much more by locals, but also because it's easier to reach. It's about a 10-minute drive from the village, with a pier at the beginning. I've also seen countless turtles here. The downside is that there aren't many kiosks, so I recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks.
The Hidden Gems: Beyond the Paved Roads
Besides the easily accessible beaches, there are two magical beaches on the other side of the island (on the ocean side), meaning access is a bit more challenging. These are Praia de Castelhanos and Praia do Bonete.
Praia de Castelhanos is located within the Ilhabela State Park and can be accessed by 4x4 vehicles, motorcycles, or bicycles. The road is quite challenging, so I recommend hiring a tour to take you there. If you want to venture out on your own, you'll need to arrive very early at the park entrance, as there's a limited number of cars allowed per day. Another option is to take a boat tour, which also stops at a few other secret beaches on the island.
It might sound complicated, but I promise it's worth it: a 1.5 km long beach with clear sands – one of the largest on the island – and an open sea with waves, making it even possible to surf. From a viewpoint, you can see that the bay forms a heart shape. Praia de Castelhanos has excellent restaurants (I recommend Banana da Terra) and is a unique alternative for spending the day, definitely away from the crowds.
Last but not least: Praia do Bonete. The only southern beach mentioned here, accessible only by boat or a roughly 12 km trail. Although smaller, Praia do Bonete is perhaps the most magical and preserved place in Ilhabela, home to a local community that takes care of the area. The beach is a popular spot for surfers, but my suggestion is to come to Ilhabela just to stay here, book a local house or inn, and truly slow down to the "caiçara" pace – as we call the locals.
If you enjoy hiking, then I absolutely recommend the Bonete trail. It takes about 4-5 hours to get there, but the journey is incredibly rewarding: you'll find refreshing dips in the Laje and Areado waterfalls, plus plenty of untouched Atlantic Forest. I'd say, enjoying the journey, you'll reach the beach in about 6 hours. The trail isn't easy, with a lot of ups and downs, but it's well worth it to arrive there, immediately order a refreshing cold coconut water and swim at the beach! :)
To get there, go to Ponta do Sepituba (the southern end of the island, where the road ends) and follow the State Park trail. I recommend at least 1 night in Bonete and returning by boat (just talk to a local who will help you out) – another worthwhile trip!
Villa - Historic Center
The historic center, better known as Vila, is a charming traditional village filled with old houses, shops, and restaurants – it's where all the town's action happens! Here, you can find great places to eat, shop, and enjoy a delicious ice cream – or a cold beer, as every good Brazilian loves. Vila has also a nice pier to watch the sunset right before dinner.
The village is also an excellent place to stay, both for its commercial convenience and its central location on the island, providing easy access to both the northern and southern beaches. There are many hotels and accommodations around it.
Waterfalls
I'd say it's pretty hard to get tired of beaches, especially Ilha's. But if you're looking for a break from the saltwater, there are over 250 waterfalls on the island for you to explore. I know, it sounds almost unbelievable, but that's why I called the island magical! Here's a small selection of waterfalls I recommend, though you can certainly discover others on various beaches, along a trail, or even in the backyard of your accommodation
Cachoeira do Paquetá. This is Ilhabela's most famous waterfall, known for its infinity edge pool and ocean views. It's accessed via a trail on the southern part of the island, which features several natural pools.
Cachoeira dos Três Tombos. Also known as Pancada D’Água, this is one of the most accessible waterfalls on the island, with a very short trail. It's located near Praia da Feiticeira, in the south of the island. As the name suggests, it has three cascades that you can enjoy along the trail.
Cachoeira da Laje. I've already mentioned this one in the Bonete Trail section. It's located about 5 km into the trail and features a natural waterslide – yes, you can actually slide down it! If you don't want to do the entire trail to Bonete beach, I still highly recommend an adventure to this first stop.
Eating and Drinking
Ilhabela boasts fantastic restaurants and bars, but here's a selection of my personal favorites:
Pimenta de Cheiro. This is the ultimate spot to arrive famished after a long day at the beach! Here, you'll find traditional Brazilian cuisine served in generous portions. Simply everything on the Pimenta de Cheiro menu is delicious, but if I had to recommend one dish, it would be the Camarão na Moranga (shrimp cooked inside a pumpkin with cheese). Pimenta de Cheiro is located in Perequê, about a 15-minute drive from the Vila. If you're in the center, Restaurante Manjericão is owned by the same people and serves the same great dishes!
Ben’s Bar & Comidaria. This is the best place to catch the sunset on the island! Ben's is on the far south end, but it's well worth the trip. Whether for an end-of-day drink, a late lunch, or a romantic dinner, this spot is perfect, with delicious food.
Bar SP. If you're craving a cold beer and some appetizers, this is the place. Situated in the heart of the Vila, the bar is on the main boardwalk, with outdoor tables and a relaxed atmosphere.
Enfim Ostras. Craving something a bit more exotic? There's a small restaurant dedicated solely to oysters right in the heart of the Vila. It's run by a couple with over a decade of experience sourcing Brazil's finest oysters. A must-stop for oyster lovers!
Ilhabela Republic. This delightful cafe is housed in a lovely old building just at the north end of the Vila. It's a perfect spot for brunch, with delicious toasts and many types of coffee. Plus, they also serve pizzas throughout the day, making it a great stop after a busy day.
Balena Club. If you're looking for a fancier beach experience with great food, Balena is the place. Located on Siriúba beach, in the north, it has a very cool vibe, a pleasant atmosphere, and serves delicious food, along with a wonderful sangria! Despite being a chic spot, it's very democratic, also a good place to go with family and young children (the sea here is very calm).
Pescadora - Cozinha do Mar. Owned by the well-known São Paulo chef, Renata Vanzetto, this is one of the coolest restaurants on the island. Renata is from Ilhabela, bringing a very special interpretation to seafood dishes. A great spot for a date or a special dinner.
Important Tips for Your Ilhabela Trip
High Season Travel
As I mentioned, the flow of cars entering the island is limited by the ferry, which departs every 30 minutes. However, during high season, long queues can form for both entering and leaving the island, sometimes taking hours to cross the sea. To avoid inconvenience, I suggest reserving a ferry time slot on the Detran website, paying the service fee in advance. You'll need to select your intended day and time, so plan accordingly (the ferry works 24h everyday).
Off-season is also great!
Generally, the best time to visit is during the summer. However, as I mentioned before, be prepared for crowds around the island. Despite this, visiting during the off-season, especially in autumn, is still incredibly pleasant. Contrary to what many might think, the coastal weather is milder then, with plenty of sunny days and significantly emptier beaches. It's always a good idea to check the weather forecast beforehand, but it's definitely worth the trip!
Borrachudos (Biting Midges). It's absolutely essential to bring insect repellent to Ilhabela because of the borrachudos – small insects found in rich and preserved natural areas (which, thankfully, means they're a sign of a healthy ecosystem!). They are most active at dawn and dusk, but I recommend applying repellent generously whenever you go to the beach or areas with dense vegetation (in the town center, they're not much of a problem). Their bites are painful and very itchy, so be careful. Besides regular repellents, locals recommend using Citroilha, a special local repellent for these critters. I don't know if it's just for me, but I believe it works better than regular ones.
Activities for Every Taste
Beyond enjoying the beaches and waterfalls, Ilhabela offers a wealth of activities. Diving, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddle are all very popular, in addition to the trekking I've already mentioned. Here are a few more interesting highlights:
Pico do Baepi Trail: Hike to one of the archipelago's highest points, approximately 1,048 meters (3,438 feet) above sea level.
International Sailing Week: Held every July, this event attracts sailors from all over the world.
Whale Watching Season (May to July): Witness the majestic humpback whales as they migrate from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warmer Brazilian coast, including Ilhabela. It's an open-air spectacle you won't want to miss!
I hope these tips are helpful and that you get the chance to visit this wonderful place – without a doubt, one of my favorites on the São Paulo coast.
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