3 Best Sights in Ilhabela, Side Trips from São Paulo

The long strip of white sand and calm sea attract sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing aficionados. Busy during most of the year, Praia da Armação has an excellent infrastructure, with bars, restaurants, and kiosks serving food and drinks and renting parasols and beach chairs. Bathrooms, baby changing facilities, and parking bays are available. There is a church on-site, which is said to be one of the oldest buildings on the island, that hosts beachside weddings. The beach was also once the site of a factory for processing blubber and other resources from whales caught in the waters around Ilhabela. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; walking; windsurfing.

Curral is one of the most famous beaches on Ilhabela, and is popular with tourists as well as young people. It has clear and slightly rough waters and also a large green area, which serves as a refuge for those needing a break from sunbathing. The local vendors provide tables and chairs, fresh showers with clean water, bathrooms, and parking. At night people gather at the many restaurants and bars—some with live music—and there are places to camp. The wreck of the ship Aymoré (1921) can be found off the coast of this beach, near Ponta do Ribeirão, where you can also look for a waterfall trail. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; sunset.

It's busy, but some of the best infrastructure in Ilhabela can be found here: the kiosks have tables in the shade; you can rent a chair from most vendors along the long sandy strip; showers are available free of charge; and there's even a chapel. The beach is popular for windsurfing, diving, and surfing. The sandy strip is rather inclined, with a tumble in the central part. The sands are thick and yellowish. On the far left there is a small river that ends in the sea. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; surfing; walking; windsurfing.