São Sebastião: 6 Things to Do Beyond the Beaches to Escape São Paulo
- Alana Imaizumi
- 17 de set.
- 3 min de leitura
We just got back from a year-long trip around the world, and after all the amazing places we visited, one thing became crystal clear: we love Brazil! And if there's one place that's truly special to us, it's São Sebastião on the North Coast of São Paulo. Here, not only the beaches are stunning, but there's a whole lifestyle and so many places to discover that make this region absolutely wonderful.
We've covered the best beaches for a stay near São Paulo (check it here), but if you're ready for more ideas, here are some tips for experiencing São Sebastião beyond the sand.
Arrive with Presence! The road itself is the first part of the experience. São Sebastião is a long municipality, and you'll travel from beach to beach until you reach your destination. Amid the winding curves of the Rodovia Rio-Santos, you'll be amazed by the blend of lush green forest and stretches that feel like magical portals. Between the ups and downs of the road, you'll catch glimpses of the ocean and the little islands dotting the coast. So, disconnect from your phone, put on some cheerful music, and enjoy the ride. If this view doesn't make you sigh with delight, I don't know what will. :)
For a delicious breakfast, head to Barbarelas Café in Cambury. Located on the main street of Cambury, it's a charming cafe that serves up breads, sandwiches, great coffee, and of course, amazing tapiocas and fresh juices. It's also a perfect spot for an afternoon treat, with a slice of cake and a cup of tea.
Speaking of hunger... To satisfy that post-beach craving in a quick, delicious way, check out Lanchonete Tubarão. It's a small snack bar that serves the best savory pies in the area. My favorite is the broccoli with white cheese, but honestly, they're all fantastic. To go with it, order the açaí juice—it's simply the best I've ever had.
Broccoli with cheese and chicken pie, açaí juice at Tubarão Tired of the beaches? Here are a few suggestions for waterfalls to check out:
Cachoeira do Sertão do Cacau, in Cambury, is a lovely waterfall located about a 20-minute drive from the beach. The trail is easy to access.
Another option is the Ribeirão de Itu Waterfalls in Boiçucanga. There are three waterfalls on the same trail, about a 10-minute drive from the beach.
Lastly, further down in Toque Toque Grande, there's a waterfall right by the side of the road, just at the entrance to the beach. It's worth a quick stop if you happen to be in the area!
Explore some of the trails here. I recommend the Maresias - Paúba Trail, which takes you along a 3,7km beautiful stretch of the coast between the beaches. It takes around 50 minutes to get there, you can enjoy Paúba beach for a while and go back to Maresias.
The other one is the Praia Brava trail. It is a moderate hike that starts from a point in the Maresias mountains and takes about 40-50 minutes to complete (park here and start walking towards the beach). The final destination, Praia Brava, is one of the most remote beaches on the coast and can only be accessed by this trail or by boat.
A few tips: Bring plenty of water and some snacks, as there's nothing to buy there. Also, be sure to take a refreshing dip in the waterfall on the left side of the beach, accessible via a 5-minute trail into the woods. It's totally worth it! :)
Enjoy the sunset in the most special places around. For me, Maresias beach is one of the beaches with the most beautiful sunsets in the region. Because it is a long beach, you can make the most of the late afternoon and, if you wish, take one last dip in the sea before nightfall.
If you prefer a higher view and a less-known spot, I suggest going to the Mirante between Boiçucanga and Camburi — accessible by a quick little trail that guarantees you a wonderful view of both beaches.
Finally, if you want to grab a beer or an açaí, I recommend Mirante Bar, on Baleia beach. It's a small bar that has some snacks and drinks to enjoy with the sunset.
Hope these tips help you have a great time in São Sebastião, and again, if you're not sure where to stay, check out our other post about the best beaches near São Paulo—all of them are in São Sebastião. We also have a few restaurant suggestions there. Enjoy every moment of your journey!
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