Ilhabela
Ilhabela, or Beautiful Island, is located on Ilha de São Sebastião. Amerigo Vespucci discovered it in 1502. Around 85 percent of the island’s 350,000 square miles is located within the boundaries of the Ilhabela State Park. Tourism is important for this island, as further development is not acceptable. Located about 210 miles south of Rio de Janeiro and 138 miles north of São Paulo, Ilhabela is accessible to visitors by car and ferry.
Ilhabela offers around 35 kilometers of beaches, an Atlantic rain forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, over 400 waterfalls and more. Further, it gives tourists an opportunity to explore underwater wrecks. Tourists can also take advantage of the sailing opportunities. Ilhabela’s annual Sailing Week is a great experience. Besides sailing, the island offers opportunities to enjoy many different kinds of aquatic sports. Ilhabela is definitely paradise for the outdoor lover. Recreational and water activities are very popular here.
The island’s highest location is the top of Pico São Sebastião. It is located on the northern coast of Ilhabela at an altitude of 4521 feet (1378 meters) on the northern coast. From this spot, you can look over the treetops to the water and catch a glimpse of local wildlife. At the southern end of the island, you can visit the Ilhas das Cabras, which is part of the Santuário Ecológico de Ilhabela. It is dedicated to the preservation of marine wildlife.
The archipelago also contains other islands, which you can see. These are Vitória, Búzios, Serraria and Cabras. In total, the archipelago is about 130 square miles. It has about 84 miles of coastline.
The average temperature of Ilhabela is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. With wonderful climate year-round, it is no wonder why the island is a favorite tourist destination for travelers to Brazil. The weekends are always crowded with visitors, especially during high season. During the off season, you will find less of a crowd, but people still visit the beaches and natural surroundings. Diving is also a great activity for visitors. The ideal diving months go from spring to summer, during the months of October to March. Ilhabela is a popular destination for sailors during the Sailing Week in July. International sailors flood the area and participate in racing competitions and good times. With the region between São Sebastião and Rio de Janeiro being a popular sailors’ destination, there are numerous sailing-related facilities along the coast.
The most populated region of Ilhabela is its west coast. It is full of restaurants, hotels, and tourists. If you want to avoid the crowds, try the east coast. You will find very natural and isolated white sandy beaches there. It might be a good idea for honeymooners who want to visit Brazil. However, keep in mind that lodging is rather expensive on the island. Therefore many people choose to stay in São Sebastião and take the ferry to the island. Once in Ilhabela, you need to taste the prawns. They are known to be divine and sweet!