São Paulo is known as a concrete jungle and the financial hub of Brazil. The beaches along the coast of São Paulo state are less well known but just an hour’s drive to the coast from São Paulo lies some of the most stunning beaches. The most striking ones lie on the northern coast of São Paulo. Ubatuba, Ilhabela, Guarujá and São Sebastião has some of the nicest beaches that folks living in São Paulo city can enjoy on a weekend break.
With such a large coastline, there are many beaches to choose from and everyone’s got a favourite.
Ubatuba
Halfway between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Ubatuba is famous for its surfing and pristine beaches surrounded by mountains and untouched tropical forest.
Itamambuca Beach
To the north of Ubatuba, Itamambuca beach is a location for national and international surfing competitions. You’ll sometimes find big waves and a younger crowd practicing their surfing. There’s also a shallower area where bathers can enjoy a view of the Atlantic Forest.
Praia do Cedro (Cedro Beach)
This small secluded beach is accessible only by a trail and surrounded by tropical forest feels like an oasis of tranquillity.
Praia do Félix (Felix Beach)
Felix Beach is a long beach of white sand. To the left is an area with strong waves loved by surfers. To the right, the waters are calmer for those who want to bathe. A really pleasant beach for a stroll or for a sit down at one of the kiosks serving food and drink.
Praia do Prumirim (Prumirim Beach)
A beautiful tranquil beach surrounded by nature. The water is deep near the shore for those who enjoy swimming but less suitable for kids. The waves can be strong and attracts surfers.
Ilhabela
Ilhabela (meaning beautiful island in portuguese) is the largest island along Brazil’s coast and has some of the most beautiful sandy beaches surrounded by wild tropical forest. One thing to note – if heading to Ilhabela – bring inspect repellent.
Praia do Bonete (Bonete Beach)
Access by boat or a 4-hour trail, Bonete is a beautiful secluded beach favoured by surfers and tourists. This remote secluded beach is surrounded by natural foliage.
Praia de Castelhanos (Castelhanos Beach)
On the eastern side of the island is Castelhanos beach accessible by a one hour rough terrain drive or by boat. This remote beach surrounded by untouched forest, white sandy beach and crystal clear water make for a wonderful day trip.
São Sebastião
While some of the beaches further up the coast can be more secluded – frequented by those looking for their own piece of paradise of surfers chasing the perfect waves, the beaches closer to São Paulo have more people and can have more of a party mood.
Maresias
Maresias beach is probably the most famous beach in São Sebastião with 5km of sandy beach surrounded by nature. It is a favourite among surfers. This beach is more built up than some others on this list with a variety of restaurants and shops nearby. Maresias attracts a younger crowd who when the sun goes down, head to the nightclubs nearby.
Praia de Juquehy (Juquehy Beach)
Juquehy beach is one of the most beautiful in the area. The long stretch of sandy beach with its calm waves sees many families come for some rest and relaxation. The area has restaurants, bars and decent accommodation options nearby.
Guarujá
Guarujá is a little over an hour’s drive from São Paulo, it is a popular destination for families from São Paulo looking for a weekend break and can get quite busy.
Praia da Enseada (Enseada Beach)
The Enseada beach is the longest beach in Guarujá with 7km of sandy beach to walk along. This is a great family beach. The wide stretch of beach allows for kiosks serving food and drink. In the evening, there are many good options of places to eat and drink nearby.