Ilhabela is considered one of the most popular destinations on the north coast of São Paulo. Known for its natural beauty, the island attracts tourists looking for parties and nightlife as well as those who want to relax on paradisiacal beaches and explore trails and waterfalls.

Some of the main reasons Ilhabela is so popular include:

1. Dazzling Beaches: Ilhabela has more than 40 beaches, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most famous are Praia do Curral, Praia do Julião, and Praia de Castelhanos.
2. Nightlife and Gastronomy: The town of Ilhabela, which is the centre of the island, offers a vibrant nightlife, with bars, restaurants and clubs. The local cuisine is varied, ranging from typical seafood dishes to more sophisticated options.
3. Events and Parties: The island hosts various events throughout the year, such as the famous Ilhabela Boutique Fashion, Sailing Week, and New Year’s Eve parties that attract visitors from all over Brazil.
4. Nature and Adventure: As well as beaches, Ilhabela is rich in trails, waterfalls and areas of preserved Atlantic forest. It is a popular destination for those who enjoy ecotourism and adventure sports, such as diving, sailing and trekking.

Municipality of Ilhabela

Ilhabela is often chosen as a destination for holidays and long weekends, especially by people from São Paulo and nearby regions.

The Municipality of Ilhabela comprises: São Sebastião Island, Búzios Islands, Vitória Island (inhabited), plus the islets: das Cabras, Serraria (in front of the beach of the same name), Castelhanos, Lagoa, Figueira (in Castelhanos Bay) and das Enchovas (in Enchovas Bay).

Ilhabela is a large mountainous island covered in Atlantic Forest, with more than 40 beaches, some practically deserted, and many waterfalls.

Almost the entire area is protected by a state park. At weekends and in the summer, it receives many tourists attracted by the harmony between the unspoilt natural beauty and the charm of a small town that offers cosy inns and good restaurants.

Its geographical features favour the practice of different sea sports, such as sailing, surfing and windsurfing, and hiking along forest trails. Shipwrecks and islets provide good snorkelling spots.

Getting to know the more secluded beaches on boat trips is another great programme.

In July, the city welcomes Brazilian and foreign sailors for the country’s main nautical competition, the International Sailing Week, in which boats of various classes take part.

Videos – Ilhabela’s tourist attractions

Tourist Attractions in Ilhabela

1. Beaches

On the side of the island facing the mainland, the sea has calm waters and is popular with sailors, windsurfers and kayakers. This is where the small urban area is concentrated, squeezed between beaches and mountains.

Pristine-looking beaches with strong waves or secluded spots in small coves with transparent waters are on the side facing the open sea.

To reach these places you have to take dirt roads, walk long trails or hire a boat.

Baía dos Castelhanos, Saco do Sombrio, Fome and Bonete are some of the most beautiful beaches in Ilhabela.

Centre beaches

1. Perequê Beach

One of the largest on the island, it is the beach where events take place during the season, attracting a high number of visitors, also due to its beauty, which has everything for a postcard-perfect setting: blue sea, clear sands and tall coconut palms lined up along its length; ideal for windsurfing when the south wind blows strongest; boats and schooners leave from here.

At the end of the afternoon, the sunset completes the scenery, making it one of the most beautiful natural spectacles on the island. It has a great infrastructure of kiosks, bars, hotels and restaurants.

2. Itaguaçu Beach

This is the beach where you have the most diverse reasons for being there. Take a dip in the sea, go for a walk, exercise or just relax in the many bars, restaurants and kiosks that can be found there.

It’s the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful sunset, and in the evenings it offers good gastronomic options, from sushi to steak and pasta and pizza.

3. Itaquanduba Beach

A small beach 100 metres long, its name is of Tupinanbá origin, meaning “stone that rolls”, and it is home to the Porto Ilhabela Marina. Protected from the surf, it is ideal for sailing and canoeing.

You can enjoy a stroll along the cycle path accompanied by a beautiful sunset.

4. Engenho D’Água Beach

A quiet beach ideal for water sports, from canoeing to para-sailing. It’s one of the most beautiful views, especially at sunset, which makes you want to go for a nice walk.

There is an old sugar cane mill there, which is a historical heritage of the city, surrounded by coconut trees and parasols, adding something extra to the landscape of this beautiful place.

5. Pequeá Beach

Very popular, suitable for water sports such as canoeing, diving and swimming. It’s worth risking a few throws where the current of the channel is just a few metres from the sand. Night fishing is a meeting point for fishermen.

6. Saco da Capela beach

Sheltered from the currents and winds, countless sailboats and motorboats moored in the calm waters in front of the Pindá Yacht Club make up a lush sea and land scene.

Its infrastructure of bars and hotels on the seafront are part of this unforgettable sight. For those arriving by boat, entering the island via the pier is the best option.

7. Santa Tereza Beach

Also known as the fishermen’s beach, it is the ideal place to buy fresh fish every day, with its market and fishermen’s pier. Santa Tereza is the mooring for the yachts and boats that add nobility and style to the look.

To its right, after the rocks, it provides a good, quiet spot for those who like natural privacy.

8. Praia do Indaiá

Divided into Praia da Vila, Praia do Centro and Prainha; good range of services in the village.

Northern beaches

9. Mercedes Beach

It is accessed from the main avenue. It is 2.5 kilometres to the north of the village and 8.5 kilometres from the ferry. It’s not very well known, as it’s behind the walls of a large hotel.

It’s a small, sandy beach with a calm sea, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, skiing and yachting. The place has a public telephone and a bar. A perfect place to relax.

10. Praia Viana

This easily accessible beach is suitable for snorkelling due to the many burrows that serve as perfect hiding places for lobsters, octopuses, etc.

It is 100 metres long and has coconut palms and trees that shade its shore. The rocks in the corner of the beach can make for an incredible walk, even more so if you are contemplated by the beauty of some of the countless fish that live there.

11. Siriúba Beach

A quiet, little frequented beach, with very calm seas, but which can have its scenery completely changed on windy days by kitesurfers, who take over the beach with their colourful sails creating a beautiful landscape. In the corner of the beach is a small church hidden among the rocks, making it a special place where you can watch a beautiful sunset.

12. Praia do Arrozal

Beautiful and quiet, it remains isolated from tourists, hidden behind holiday homes. It’s worth a visit, especially if you’re looking for a quiet beach without having to sail to the ocean side of the island.

It’s an ideal beach for sunbathing at your leisure, with clear, calm waters, tall coconut palms, shady almond trees and a little stream that flows between rocks naturally aligned in the middle of the beach.

It is only 86 metres long and, as it is almost at sea level, much of its sand is covered at high tide. There are other little beaches following the coastline by about 40 metres. To reach the beach, just take an easy trail of just 130 metres from the northern tip of Siriúba beach.

13. Pedra do Sino or Garapocaia Beach

Calm sea, coconut palms and wide strip of sand; 4 kilometres from the village. According to caiçara stories, the name of the beach is due to the sound emitted by the stones when struck by an iron object, a signal intended to warn against pirate attacks.

14. Ponta da Azeda Beach

The beach  is a small quiet beach.

15. Pinto Beach

Located 6 kilometres north of the village, it can be reached by car up to a private condominium.

From there, access is on foot, about 100 metres from the beach.

The wide strip of clear sand is shaded by coconut palms, flamboyant trees and parasols. With lots of beautiful people, the beach is ideal for water sports and, in the quieter backwaters, swimming.

The old fishing colony has been replaced by a modern holiday home complex. On the beach, stalls sell snacks.

16. Praia da Armação

One of the most popular beaches for monotype sailors because it is home to the BL3 sailing school. As well as the charm of the colourful sails, the beach has a small church where ceremonies are held.

It’s a perfect beach for those who want to see the beauty of sailing and the excitement of the sailors. To the north, PONTA DAS CANAS Lighthouse.

17. Pacuíba Beach

A setting for those who want to enjoy nature with a lot of peace and quiet. 50 metres long, its transparent waters give it a special touch. The beach disappears at high tide.

On windy days, the waves take over the beach.

The local access is via a small track. At the end of the beach, small coves are ideal for snorkelling enthusiasts to enjoy the variety of fish, such as garopa, whiting and red snapper, among others.

18. Jabaquara Beach

A beach with calm waters and clear sand, intersected by a waterfall, some caiçara houses, boats and lots of trees. Access is via a 500-metre trail from Pacuíba.

TRILHA DO POÇO, 4 hours, starts ahead of Jabaquara Beach, following the coastline to Saco do Poço, with a waterfall and natural pool.

19. Praia da Fome

Beach at the foot of a hill with crystal-clear, calm waters, good for snorkelling; lots of rocks; access by trail or by sea. The place was one of the main slave trading points.

Eastern beaches

20. Poço Beach

Small, primitive and uninhabited; calm waters; rocks and boulders; good for snorkelling; open sea to the east.

Between Saco do Poço and Saco do Eustáquio, BÚZIOS ISLAND is a snorkeller’s paradise, where you can watch dolphins, turtles and whales passing by, as well as various types of fish and lobsters among the stone burrows.

21. Serraria Beach

This beach is 100 metres long and can be accessed by sea or by a highly difficult trail from Jabaquara beach. It is mainly visited by divers.

In front of the beach is Ilha da Serraria, a favourable spot for sport fishing and diving. Praia da Serraria is considered a natural shelter on days when the sea is rough.

22. Saco de Eustáquio Beach

An obligatory stop for those travelling by boat to the east side of the island, Saco do Eustáquio is one of the most peaceful and crystal-clear spots in the whole of Ilhabela.

Praia do Eustáquio is located to the east of the island. Although it can only be reached by boat, the small beach receives tourists all year round, who come for the nature and clean waters combined with the comfort of the bars serving drinks as well as the famous seafood portions. From the hill you can see Castelhanos Bay.

23. Praia da Caveira

This is a deserted beach, approximately 50 metres long.

Excellent for snorkelling and fishing due to the clarity of its waters. Located on the east side of the island, access is by sea or by footpath from Serraria beach.

The beach became famous due to the wreck of the Spanish ocean liner “Príncipe das Astúrias” in 1916, the subject of several caiçara legends.

24. Guanxumas Beach

Just 15 metres long, it is the smallest beach on the island. It can be reached by sea or via trails from Praia do Eustáquio and Caveira.

It is home to a traditional community with a few families and also has an elementary school.

As it is a sheltered beach, snorkelling equipment is the best option for perfect relaxation. Also suitable for fishing and swimming.

25. Castelhanos Beach

Once used as a refuge for pirates, who found treasures here as precious as the gold they guarded: water and food.

Today, Castelhanos is considered a refuge from the stress and hustle and bustle of big cities, with a view of the immense sea with rough waves, the huge strip of white sand on the beach that covers its 2 km length, the two streams of transparent water, and a huge waterfall nearby. In short, a perfect setting for a perfect day.

Castelhanos Bay: A beautiful area, very popular for snorkelling and surfing. Waterfalls and Atlantic forest vegetation. A 22-kilometre dirt road – perfect for off-road and trekking enthusiasts – crosses the IIhabela State Park and leads to the beautiful beaches of Figueira, Mansa and Vermelha, where the locals make their living from fishing and handicrafts.

26. Mansa Beach

It’s 25 metres long and, as the name implies, the water there is “tame”. Manseness is what you feel after taking a dip in this small stretch of sand surrounded by sea, coconut vegetation and trees that envelop you as if they were embracing you in the cosiness of nature.

Manioc cultivation and fishing are the main activities of the local people. There is a school and a cold room where fish are stored. Suitable for spearfishing.

27. Praia Vermelha

About 5 kilometres of trail from Castelhanos is what you need to do to reach this beautiful beach, which has local fishermen’s houses and ranches, making the landscape something to behold and to feel the peace of the place.

It is home to a community that preserves old customs and lives mainly from fishing. This beach is ideal for snorkelling, fishing and a delicious swim in these clean, crystal-clear waters that make the trip unforgettable, along with the scenery that surrounds it.

28. Praia da Fiqueira

Hidden behind the Galhetas islands, on the opposite side of the bay that leads to Saco do Sombrio, Figueira beach is a little hidden paradise in Ilhabela.

With around 300 metres of fine white sand, its calm, green and transparent waters frame a colonial farmhouse on the far left, with a charming thatched kiosk and a fisherman’s cottage.

29. Saco do Sombrio

Fascinating place, although without a beach; snorkelling. Hills and native forests surround the transparent waters, protected from the winds. A former refuge for French, English and Dutch pirates, the most famous being THOMAS CAVENDISH who, after sacking the city of Santos in 1592, was hanged by his sailors.

Further down towards the south are PONTA DA PIRAÇUNUNGA and PONTA DA PIRABURA; at the southern end, PONTA DO BOI and a lighthouse.

Southern Beaches

30. Indaiaúba Beach

It appears like a divine gift hidden in the middle of the forest. The unbelievable-looking blue sea in contrast to the white sand is the perfect setting for those who believe that life deserves to be lived. A live postcard, and best of all, you’re part of it.

Several shipwrecks have been recorded in the region of Ponta da Sepituba and Ponta do Boi. The beach has several spots suitable for line fishing.

31. Enchovas Beach

Strip of sand protected by stone walls; access by sea or footpath (45 min walk from Bonete). Monazite sand.

32. Bonete Beach

White sand and clear sea; shore with parasol trees; strong winds; huge waves, good for surfing, at Canto Bravo.

The RlBEIRÃO DO BONETE flows to the left of the beach. A fishing village, the largest caiçara community on the island, where it is possible to stay. Access by sea or via TRILHA DO BONETE, 13 km from Ponta de Sepituba, with several waterfalls.

33. Veloso Beach

Tranquil waters good for snorkelling; close to the Ponta Figueira Lighthouse, monazite sand. The PICO DE SAO SEBASTIÃO TRAIL leads to the highest point in the archipelago (1,379m); difficult access means that a guide is essential.

34. Praia do Curral

Certainly the most popular and sought-after beach on the island. It attracts thousands of fans all year round. Sea, beach and nature combined with the refinement of the bars serving everything from snacks to international cuisine is the secret to this success.

At dusk, an unforgettable sunset takes over your eyes.

An extra attraction is the little chapel at the top of Pedra do Curral. Brazilian cargo ship AYMORÉ (1920) wrecked near Praia do Curral.

35. Praia Grande

To talk about Praia Grande is to talk about diversity. You can choose between a walk on the sand, a cold beer in one of the many bars, a banana boat or disco ski ride, a visit to the little church, or simply a delightful swim in the sea.

The bars, campsite, Pousada and snack bar offer showers for swimming in the sand and the beach also has a campsite, football pitch and basketball court.

36. Praia do Julião or Prainha

Hidden between the Grande and Feiticeira beaches; transparent, calm waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling; accessed by footpath from the main avenue or along the coast from the Grande or Feiticeira beaches.

37. Praia da Feiticeira

The colours of the kitesurfing sails contrast with the façade of the old sugar cane mill of Fazenda São Mathias. It’s worth finding your way to this beach. When you arrive, a small stream bathes your feet.

The beach is surrounded by coconut trees and parasols that complete the mystical, paradisiacal look.

Two waterfalls flow between the beach and the southern coastline. FAZENDA SAO MATIAS, friend of the mill. TRILHA PANCADA D’ AGUA, about 20′ easy walk, although steep, and signposted; starts on the hill behind Praia da Feiticeira and leads to CACHOEIRA PANCADA D’ AGUA, known as Cachoeira dos TRES TOMBOS.

38. Praia do Portinho

The beauty of the fishermen’s cottages on the beach, the wooden canoes, the chapel of Santo Antônio, the little square, the kiosk, the bars serving snacks, the coastline of Praia da Feiticeira on one side and the rocky shore on the other, make Portinho a cosy place that is very popular at weekends and during the season.

Access from the sea is dangerous due to the number of rocks that hide under the clean, clear waters of this beach.

39. Pedra Miúda Beach

This is a small beach in front of ILHA DAS CABRAS. This beach is home to the Underwater Ecological Sanctuary, which is protected by law from underwater hunting and fishing.

Here you can find the most varied species of ornamental fish and other marine inhabitants, such as the starfish and, if you’re lucky, a seahorse.

The sea, with its clear waters, covers the small stones at the bottom, which is where the beach gets its name. It has a good infrastructure with bars and restaurants.

2. Waterfalls

1. Escada Waterfall (located on the Castelhanos Road)

The water flows past the rocks and vegetation of the forest, creating a ballet of water with a relaxing movement. There is a rest area near the wells. The trail is signposted.

You can drive to the Ilhabela State Park, where there is a car park, a hot tub and a place to drink water. Don’t forget your insect repellent, camera and trainers.

2. Lage Waterfall (typical Atlantic Forest vegetation, you can find various animals)

The course of the river forms several falls, toboggans and beautiful natural pools. This is the Lage waterfall. A 40-minute walk along the Bonete trail is the path to adventure.

It’s worth walking down the waterfall to the sea, where at low tide you can see the wreckage of a shipwreck. Level of difficulty of the trail: low to medium. It is advisable to wear trainers and be accompanied by a guide. It is advisable to take a snack because of the distance of the trail.

3. Toca Waterfall (located inside Fazenda da Toca)

Natural showers, historic trails, ecotourism and camping. Pirate ruins, natural toboggans, rock surfing. Toca is all this and much more. One of Ilhabela’s most traditional tourist attractions.

Its toboggans, formed by the flow of water, take you down into the natural pools, guaranteeing plenty of adrenaline and excitement. You can also try the traditional brandy at the toca’s alembic still.

4. Cachoeira do Gato (recognised worldwide for its exuberance and huge volume of water all year round)

In the midst of the Atlantic forest, there is the unforgettable image of a clearing cut out by a 70 metre waterfall and a refreshing natural pool. The path is of medium difficulty and takes around 45 minutes.

Absolutely unmissable due to its exuberant nature, the Gato waterfall is the most visited in Ilhabela.

The paradisiacal setting is ideal for those who like a bit of adventure: the waterfall can only be reached via a trail located on the left-hand side of Castelhanos Beach. A guide is advisable.

5. Veloso Waterfall (accessed via private property)

From Veloso beach, along a 40-minute trail, you will arrive at a place of rare beauty, a waterfall of approximately 70 metres, with its pools of clear, refreshing water.

The treat is on the way back along the trail, where from some points you can see an unforgettable view of the canal. It is advisable to wear insect repellent, a good pair of trainers and a camera.

Nature will pose for you. And you’re sure to take some of the most beautiful pictures of your life.

6. Três Tombos Waterfall (in each part of the route there are marvellous spots with waterfalls)

Located near Praia da Feiticeira, three waterfalls form part of this beautiful natural setting. The largest of them plunges from a rocky wall 20 metres high.

In its crystal-clear natural pools, you can take a dip and enjoy the natural showers formed by the waters. The trail is of low difficulty.

3. Adventure Sports

The climatic conditions, the terrain and environmental preservation make ilhabela the Capital of Adventure Sports

Kitesurfing on the most beautiful beaches, abseiling down beautiful waterfalls, with descents ranging from 50 to 80 metres of emotion and adrenaline; several trails to discover many waterfalls, rich flora of the exuberant Atlantic forest. Horse riding along trails in the Atlantic Forest, past waterfalls and beautiful landscapes, with selected animals that are trained and well cared for. All the infrastructure and safety with experienced guides.

1. Sport fishing

Sport fish that can be caught around Ilhabela

This is perhaps the most common fish caught in Ilhabela with artificial lures. They can reach over 15kg, although the average is between 1 and 7kg. They usually hunt for small fish close to the coasts where the sea hits hard, but they can also be found in parcels, in open water and along beaches and sometimes even in bays.

The largest specimens tend to live in deeper areas, usually on a parcel. They are very aggressive and provide a spectacular fight. The most common way to catch them is by casting artificial lures, but fly fishing also works, as do other techniques. They are abundant all year round.

2. Bike

It’s extreme to take on a trail in the middle of the forest!

Getting to know ilhabela by bike is a great option. A cycle path linking the ferry to the village is practically finished, a flat circuit of over 10 kilometres passing through beautiful coconut groves on the shore. Another more radical possibility is to take on a trail in the middle of the forest or a down hill for the more radical.

3. Kayaking

Calm waters make the São Sebastião canal an ideal place for kayaking.

As well as being one of the most beautiful coastlines in Brazil, the São Sebastião canal is ideal for a peaceful kayak trip through its protected waters. Exercise your body and relax your mind with a delicious paddle. And get to know Ilhabela’s coastline from another point of view.

4. Diving

The Brazilian Bermuda Triangle

Dozens of shipwrecks dot the coasts of the Ilhabela archipelago.

The explanation for so many shipwrecks would be that the vessels had their navigational instruments altered by an inexplicable and mysterious magnetic field, which caused them to deviate many miles from their routes and collide head-on with the submerged rocks and slabs of the coastline.

Whether it’s an exaggeration or not, Ilhabela’s south coast is considered a paradise for wreck diving. Dozens of vessels, including tugboats, cargo ships, old sailing ships, steamers and passenger ships, as well as serving as homes for the inhabitants of the seabed, delight modern divers.

Among the vessels that have sunk around the island of São Sebastião, we can highlight the Brazilian freighters “Aymoré” (1920), “Therezina” (1919) and “Atilio” (1905), the British “Whator” (1909), and the Spanish “Principe das Asturias” (1916), a luxury liner that sank on a Carnival Tuesday, with an official death toll of 477.

There is speculation, however, that hundreds of refugees from the First World War who were in the liner’s hold also died.

5. Motocross

Discover the charms of Ilhabela

Freedom to make your own route, from the north to the south of Ilhabela, discover many beaches, trails and waterfalls quickly, conveniently and economically.

6. Off Road

Jeep trip to Castelhanos

The Castelhanos beach road, in the Ilhabela archipelago, attracts many off-road enthusiasts.

In high season, around 300 vehicles a day travel along the trail that gives access to the beautiful and mysterious beach. Driven by 4×4 vehicles, the adventurers who live with their feet (and heads) in the mud, seek out the road because of the local weather conditions, with periodic rain and high humidity levels.

Castelhanos is 22 kilometres long, rising from sea level to more than 800 metres above sea level, with great challenges for jeepers. The route takes one and a half hours to reach the beach, with several stretches that deserve attention.

To facilitate rescue in the event of accidents or vehicle breakdowns, the jeepers have given names to the most dangerous spots – Imbiruçú, Canas, Morro do Sabão, Volta Grande and Mãe D’água.

These places are very slippery, steep and have huge rocks. Even so, trees fall and ravines collapse frequently, adding to the thrill of the walk.

For these and other reasons, it is essential to have a suitable car before venturing out on the trail. The Castelhanos trail crosses several rivers and waterfalls and, at various times, those who are not used to the sport think that the vehicle will not be able to pass due to the mud on the road.

7. Horse riding

Horse riding on Brazil’s most beautiful islet

The perfect way to enjoy nature as a whole is on horseback, trotting along trails and dirt tracks. With daily departures, the guided ride to the Água Branca waterfall takes 2 hours round trip.

4. Trails

1. Água Branca Trail

Level of Difficulty – Low

At 2,145 metres long, this is the most signposted trail on the island, with resting points for outdoor picnics and identification of the various tree species. Delicious waterfalls and natural pools refresh the walk. It starts at the State Park guardhouse on the Castelhanos road.

2. Boi and Friagem Waterfall Trail

Level of Difficulty – High

Located north of Viana beach in Ilhabela, a trail forks leading to the Couro do Boi and Friagem waterfalls.

These are a 3-hour walk away, but require an experienced guide to reach.

3. Veloso Waterfall Trail

Level of Difficulty – Medium

Located in the south of Ilhabela, the walk takes visitors to interact with the Atlantic forest, and its main attraction is the waterfall, approximately fifty metres high, with a pool of around seventy square metres and an average depth of one metre seventy.
Duration: approximately forty minutes.

4. Mansa and Vermelha Beach Trail

Level of Difficulty – Low

From Castelhanos in Ilhabela you can reach these three beaches via a trail that leaves from the south side of the bay. It takes 30 minutes to reach the first beach, where it’s worth a short stop.

After another 45 minutes, you reach Praia Vermelha through the forest. It’s another two hours to Figueira beach. All of these beaches have unique charms, are natural habitats for the fauna and flora of the Atlantic Forest and for people who make their living from fishing and handicrafts.

5. Serraria, Guanxumas and Eustáquio trails

Level of Difficulty – Medium

Serrariana Ilhabela is made up of a small, simple traditional community. From there, you walk 1 hour to Praia da Caveira, an uninhabited but beautiful beach.

From there, you walk 40 minutes to Guanxumas beach, also populated by a traditional community, and finally another 20 minutes to Saco do Eustáquio beach, which is well-structured with bars and restaurants, busy and great for snorkelling.

6. Bananal Trail

Level of Difficulty – Medium

Located in the centre of the island, this trail draws a lot of attention due to the fact that it passes through an old banana grove where the presence of animals and huge native trees is common. As a reward, you can take a dip in the waterfall.
Duration: approximately one and a half hours.

7. Bonete Trail and Lage Waterfall

Level of Difficulty – Medium

This endeavour requires good physical fitness and, if possible, an overnight stay at Bonete Beach (accommodation is available).

Starting at Ponta da Sepituba, where there is a car park, the 13 km trail is very hilly and crosses three waterfalls that are great rest stops. The journey takes three to four hours.

8. Pico de São Sebastião Trail

Level of Difficulty – High

This takes visitors to Ilhabela’s highest point, Pico de São Sebastião, reaching 1,379 metres. You need to be in good physical condition to do this hike, and as a reward you can fully interact with the exuberance of the Atlantic forest in its dominant stage.
Duration: approximately eight hours.

9. Baepi Peak Trail

Level of Difficulty – Medium

Climbing Pico do Baepi in Ilhabela (1,025 metres above sea level) is a challenging 4-hour steep walk through the forest. Authorisation from the park administration is required, as is the accompaniment of guides.

Climbing should be avoided on rainy days. On a clear, cloudless day, the view from the peak reaches the Ilhabela mountain range, the channel and a good part of the Serra do Mar.

10. Poço Trail

Level of Difficulty: High

It’s at the end of the road to the north of Ilhabela. After Jabaquara beach, follow a 4-hour trail close to the coast to Poço beach, where a waterfall plunges into the sands, forming a freshwater pool.

11. Três Tombos Trail

Level of Difficulty – Low

Located in the south of Ilhabela, Feiticeira, this trail offers three attractions: a natural pool, a toboggan run and a drop of around thirty metres, great for relaxing. Used for abseiling.

Duration: forty minutes.

12. Trails for all tastes…

Discover many beaches and waterfalls that can only be reached via trails through closed forest rich in exotic species of fauna and flora such as heliconia, bromeliads, toucans… Experienced guides take you on Ilhabela’s trails safely and enjoyably through the Ilhabela State Park.

Ilhabela tour and travel guide