On land:
Beaches, of course! The most easily accessible beaches on the west coast, near Vila, are Praia do Curral, Praia Grande and Praia Feiticeira where beach restaurants will keep you well supplied with food and drink, particularly caipirinhas, Brazil’s national drink. Feiticeira, Sorcerer’s Beach, is reputed to hide pirate treasure. The most beautiful and unspoiled beaches are on the east side of the island, but are more difficult to get to. Rough roads, and in some cases, only rough trails lead to them, and some are accessible only by boat.
Praia dos Castelhanos is completely undeveloped and well worth the trip. The bay was once a pirate hideout. Legend has it that this is where British pirate Thomas Cavendish (1555 - 1592), buried a fabulous treasure stolen from São Vicente village on Christmas, 1591.
In town, visit the Igreja da Matriz, built in 1908. On the way from the ferry, you’ll pass Fazenda Engenho D'água, a privately owned colonial plantation. While it is not open to visitors, you can get a glimpse of what Ilhabela looked like in sugar cane and coffee plantation days. Rent a horse to ride the mountain trails or gallop along Castelhano beach. Take a mountain bike to the steep, hilly trails. Go up the western slopes, then descend, stopping at any one of the many waterfalls, like Cachoeira do Gato on the way to tiny Praia do Gato. Rappel down a slope or along the waterfalls. Hike, trek or backpack in the state park to observe the diverse forms of Atlantic rain forest flora and fauna. How many varieties of orchids can you count? On or under the water:
Tours by Boat (Schooners or Yacht) will take you around the island with stops at beaches. Sail, or learn to sail with lessons from many of the sailing schools or yacht clubs. The São Sebastião channel is a perfect racecourse. Swim! Dive. The southern end of the island is known as Brazil’s Bermuda Triangle for the number of shipwrecks. No pirate ships or galleons carrying treasure back to Portugal, but there are many others divers find intriguing. Surf at Castelhanos and Bonete. The latter beach is easily accessible. Divers also enjoy the northern beaches of Fome, Poço, Jabaquara, Pacuíba, Serraria and Portinho, Feiticeira, Prainha, Remanso, Indaiatuba, Enchovas beaches on the southern side of the island.
The Ilhas das Cabras attract divers to view the underwater ecological sanctuary. Windsurfers like Ponta das Canas, Ponta Azeda, Armação, Pinto, Engenho Dágua or Perequê beach, depending on the wind. Fish. Deep sea fishing for marlin, tuna, or albacore is catch, tag and release. On the mainland
Take the time to explore São Sebastião’s colonial buildings, many of which are on the historical register. There are numerous beaches to enjoy both south and north of town. Enseada, Cigarras, Guaecá, Toque-Toque Grande, Toque-Toque Pequeno, Paúba, Maresias, Boissucanga, Camburi, Barra do Sahy and Juquehy are the most popular.
No matter when you visit Ilhabela, enjoy yourself and post a trip report on the forum.
Boa viajem!
