Ilhabela
Brazil · São Paulo · 5 m
Description
Ilhabela is a mountainous island off the north coast of São Paulo state, reached by a short ferry from São Sebastião. Most of it lies inside a state park of Atlantic rainforest, and hundreds of waterfalls run down from peaks that rise well above eight hundred metres. The sheltered western shore holds the villages, the yacht moorings and the calm swimming beaches, while the wild Atlantic side around Baía dos Castelhanos is reached only by boat or four wheel drive. More ships have sunk here than anywhere else in Brazil, which makes the island a well known wreck diving base.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 3 to 7 days (optimal 4 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: November – April
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Baía dos Castelhanos
- Ilhabela State Park
- Cachoeira da Toca
- Praia do Curral
- Praia Grande on Ilhabela
- Praia do Julião
- Praia de Castelhanos crossing by 4x4
- Wreck diving off Ilhabela
- Ilha das Cabras
- Vila de Ilhabela historic centre
- Ilhabela Sailing Week (July)
- Boat tour around the island
- Cachoeira dos Três Tombos
- Cachoeira da Água Branca
- Atlantic Forest trails of the state park
- Pico do Baepi
- Farol da Ponta das Canas
- Seafood restaurants of the waterfront
Getting there
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry