Best Beaches in Ilhabela: What to Visit and How to Choose
- 17 hours ago
- 5 min read
Ilhabela has a large number of beaches to explore. For most visitors, choosing where to go is less about finding the “best” beach and more about understanding differences in access, water conditions, and facilities. Some beaches are easy to reach but more developed and busy, while others have clearer water and fewer people but require more time and effort to access.
Most beaches are located along the west coast near the main road, while others require a longer drive, a boat trip, or more planning.
This guide covers the main beach types in Ilhabela, including easy-access options, beaches best reached by car, and more remote locations suited to full-day trips.
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Best easy-access beaches in Ilhabela
If you are staying near Vila or Perequê, or travelling without a car, the most practical beaches are those located directly off the main road on the west coast.These are easy to reach by bus, taxi, or a short walk and require minimal planning, although water conditions are generally better at beaches further from the central areas.
Praia do Perequê
Praia do Perequê is one of the main central beaches in Ilhabela and the easiest to access. It is located close to shops, restaurants, and accommodation, making it a convenient option if you are staying nearby.
It is better suited to:
short visits
sunset walks
Praia do Saco da Capela
Praia do Saco da Capela is located within walking distance of Vila and is one of the most convenient beaches to access from the historic centre. It sits in a sheltered area, which results in calmer water compared to more exposed beaches along the coast. While it is not a large beach, its location and decent water conditions make it a practical choice, particularly if you are staying nearby or have limited time.
It is a good option if you want:
a beach close to Vila without needing transport
calmer conditions for swimming
activities such as kayaking and sailing
Praia do Itaguaçu
Praia do Itaguaçu is located between Perequê and Vila and is another convenient option for those staying in central areas. It is quieter than Perequê and has views across the channel to the mainland.
It works well for:
a short stop between activities
a quieter alternative to central beaches
Best beaches in Ilhabela if you have a car
Having a car makes it easier to reach beaches that are less crowded and slightly removed from the main central areas. Distances on the island are not large, but travel times can be longer due to a single coastal road and traffic in peak periods.
Praia do Julião
Praia do Julião is one of the most balanced beaches in Ilhabela, combining relatively easy access with clearer water and a more relaxed setting than the central beaches. Access involves a short walk from the road, and parking is limited, which helps keep numbers lower.
It is a good option if you want:
better water quality than Perequê or Itaguaçu
a smaller beach with a more contained setting
a quieter alternative to Praia do Curral
Praia da Feiticeira
Praia da Feiticeira is a smaller beach set slightly back from the road, accessed via a short trail. It has a more enclosed feel and tends to be quieter than nearby beaches. Facilities are limited to a few kiosks.
It is best suited to:
a half-day visit
a more relaxed environment
combining with nearby stops along the coast
Praia Grande
Praia Grande is one of the larger and more popular beaches on the island and is easy to reach by car. It has a wide stretch of sand and a range of kiosks and basic facilities. It can be busy, particularly on weekends.
It is a practical option if you want:
space to relax
easy access
Praia do Curral
Praia do Curral is one of the more developed beaches in Ilhabela, with a high concentration of beachfront restaurants and bars. It is easy to reach by road (car or public bus) and is well connected to other parts of the island. It tends to be busy, particularly on weekends.
It is a good option if you want:
facilities and food options
a more social beach environment
a full day without needing to move around
Praia do Jabaquara
Praia do Jabaquara is located on the northern end of the island and is accessible by car via a longer coastal drive, including a section of unpaved road towards the end. The road conditions can vary, particularly after rain, so travel times are less predictable.
There are a few basic restaurants, but facilities are limited compared to beaches like Curral. The distance helps keep visitor numbers lower, especially on weekdays.
It is a good option if you want:
a quieter beach with fewer crowds
a more natural setting compared to southern beaches
a destination that feels further removed from the main town
Best remote beaches in Ilhabela (that are worth the effort)
Some of the most best beaches in Ilhabela are not accessible by regular road. Reaching them requires either a 4x4 journey, a boat trip, or a longer hike, but they offer a very different experience compared to the west coast.
Praia de Castelhanos
Praia de Castelhanos is the most well-known remote beach in Ilhabela and is located on the island’s east coast. It sits within a protected area and is surrounded by Atlantic Forest, with a long, open stretch of sand and stronger ocean conditions.
Getting there requires planning:
4x4 vehicle via an unpaved road through the forest
or a boat transfer from the west coast
The journey itself can take 1.5 to 2 hours each way depending on conditions, and longer if it has been raining.
It is best suited to:
a full-day trip
those who want to see a different side of the island
those interested in more remote landscapes
There are basic facilities and small restaurants, but overall it is less developed than beaches on the west coast.
Praia do Bonete (optional, more advanced)
Praia do Bonete is another remote beach, but access is more demanding. It is typically reached by a long hike or by boat.
It is better suited to:
experienced hikers
travellers planning overnight stays
those specifically seeking isolation
Because of the effort required, it is not a practical option for most short trips, but it offers one of the most remote coastal environments on the island.
Beaches to prioritise in Ilhabela if you are short on time
If you only have 2 to 3 days in Ilhabela, it is better to visit a small number of beaches that offer different experiences rather than trying to see as many as possible.
If you have 2 days in Ilhabela:
Focus on:
one easy-access beach
one quieter beach with better water
A good combination is:
Praia do Perequê or Praia do Curral for convenience
Praia do Julião or Praia da Feiticeira for a more relaxed setting
If you have 3 days in Ilhabela:
With an extra day, you can explore further along the coast or spend more time at quieter beaches. If you are planning a remote trip to Castelhanos, it is best to dedicate a full day to it.
Options include:
visiting both Julião and Feiticeira at a slower pace
adding a longer beach day further south
What to avoid
Trying to visit too many beaches in a short time often means spending more time travelling than actually enjoying them!
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