Ilhabela is an archipelago and city just off the Brazilian coastal state of São Paulo on the Atlantic Ocean. This quaint seaside destination is a Brazillian gem, offering breathtaking beaches with diving spots and hiking trails to the island’s high points. If all you need for a holiday are scenes of untouched nature and long relaxing days on golden sands, Ilhabela is the perfect pick.
As soon as you can, head out to Ilhabela’s beaches. Praia Grande and Feiticeira are favourites of tourists and locals alike, while Praia do Julião tucked between them features plenty of rock pools, making it a good spot for snorkelling. For something more secluded, check out Praia do Jabaquara and take in the views of sapphire-blue water, golden sands and lush green rainforests.
There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained in Ilhabela. Make sure you visit the 18th-century Church of Our Lady of Help, an iconic blue and white religious monument in the city. You can also take a hike through Ilhabela State Park, a nature reserve filled lush forests, mountains and waterfalls. The scenic point of Baepi Peak offers sweeping views of the island and ocean below.
Tonight
From £12 per night
This weekend
From £28 per night
Next weekend
From £28 per night
Most popular time to visit | October–December |
Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
Local currency | R$ 10 = £1.47 |
Language | |
Average weekend price | £54 per night |
Average weekday price | £61 per night |
Typical stay | 3 nights |
Beautiful island with options to do loads.
19 March 2024
Beautiful island with options to do loads. The natural beaches like Praia da fome and Castelhanos are beautiful. We went for a small break but wish we have been there longer! We have stayed in Vila Kebaya an amazing hotel super central but with a rainforest vibe very relaxing, comfortable and great staff. One tip only - use repellent!
Ilhabela is beautiful island with many great places to visit.
14 March 2024
Ilhabela is beautiful island with many great places to visit. Nice beaches and trails to the forest and waterfalls. Beach Praia de Castelhanos. Armacao. But borrachudos was the down side, they are very annoying. We all have many bites all over the body despite citroilha repelente.
Very nice island, the further you go from the center the...
26 June 2023
Very nice island, the further you go from the center the nicer. I stayed close to the boat because I had no car, but there are buses that can take you a bit further so I would recommend staying further away from the center. I didn't find many options to go to secluded beaches, only organized trip by travel agencies and not all were available probably because it was not summer season.
I came for the spectacular nature in this place and was not...
18 June 2022
I came for the spectacular nature in this place and was not disappointed. The beaches and the rainforest are out of this world. The towns are lovely and real, and the bus service is a great way to get around: reliable and an adventure in itself.
Paradise.
26 February 2020
Paradise. 40+ beaches, 300+ waterfalls, amazing rainforest, watersports, snorkeling/diving... Eating out can be a bit pricey though (think fancy Sao Paulo restaurant price range). Also come ready to feast the local 'borrachudo' mosquito population. As soon as you get there buy Citronella bug repellant (made by the locals) and apply it generously.
Ilhabela is a Wonderful, relaxing place with many delicious...
25 January 2020
Ilhabela is a Wonderful, relaxing place with many delicious restaurants for any meal, and packed with things to do and sights to see! This was our 2nd trip in a row there, and we just love the whole place!
Barra Velha, Ilhabela
From £24 per night
Centro Historico, Ilhabela
From £96 per night
Barra Velha, Ilhabela
From £21 per night
Ilhabela, Brazil
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Cambaquara, Ilhabela
From £21 per night
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