Things to do in Ilhabela
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Beaches
Of the sheltered beaches on the north side of the island, Praia Jabaquara is recommended; it's accessed by a 5km-long walking trail. On the east side, where the surf is stronger, try beautiful Praia dos Castelhanos (good for camping and surfing), which is backed by the steeply rising jungle. From the town of Borrifos you can take a four-hour walk to Praia Bonete, a windy surf beach lying on the southern side of the island that you will share with a local community of fishermen.
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Cars & Ferry
For those bringing a car to the island, avoid huge lines at the ferry by booking in advance. The ferry arrives from the mainland in Perequê. About 4km north along the straight lies the historic town of Vila Ilhabela. Good roads run along the western coast of the island; however, the south and east coasts are reachable only by boat or foot except for a rough road accessible by 4WD that reaches Praia dos Castelhanos on the west coast.
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Maremar Aventura Turismo
Maremar Aventura Turismo in Barra Velha near the ferry organizes all kinds of outdoor activities, including schooner trips around the island (from R$45 per person), diving to offshore wrecks (full day including equipment from R$240), and horseback riding (three hours from R$70).
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Casa Verde
From the same owner as Cheiro Verde and offering a generous prato feito (plate of the day) with grilled meat or fish, plus rice, beans and salad, Casa Verde adds free parking, air-conditioning and a discreetly colorful interior, adding up to the best deal on the Paulista coast.
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Vila Ilhabela
Vila Ilhabela, on the northwestern part of the island, has quite a few well-preserved colonial buildings, including the slave-built Igreja NS da Ajuda (founded 1532); the Fazenda Engenho d'Agua in Itaquanduba (founded 1582); and Fazenda Santa Carmen at Feiticeira beach.
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Tróia
A sea-facing terrace, a misting system that keeps diners cool even on hot days and creative takes on Mediterranean cuisine (shrimp with sauce of orange and vanilla beans) make this the island’s top-rated restaurant as well as the focal point of island society.
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Cheiro Verde
The best place in Vila for a generous prato feito (plate of the day) with grilled meat or fish, plus rice, beans and salad, this simply but clean and airy place attracts tourists and locals alike. The fresh juices are excellent and good value.
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Hippie Chic Beach Bar
With quietly thumping lounge music, hip-tropical decor and table service on the sand, the island’s fanciest bar attracts rich Paulistas eager to show off this season’s designer gear. Beers run around R$10 and cocktails start at R$20.
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O Borrachudo
In a colonial building right on Vila’s waterfront, this relaxed café proudly serves excellent burgers of all kinds (including salmon, ostrich and tofu), as well as other gourmet sandwiches.
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Cachoeira das Tocas
Two kilometers inland from Perequê beach (near the ferry terminal), Cachoeira das Tocas has various small waterfalls with accompanying deep pools and water slides.
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A Redonda
Renowned for its wood-oven pizza, this rustic-chic restaurant occupies a fuchsia-colored cottage and pleasant garden. There is a pricey but good crafts store attached.
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Max Paladar
Under a vast thatched roof, this pleasant open-air restaurant offers a good-value buffet with fresh veggies and salads, plus hot meat and pasta dishes.
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Deck
About 1km north of the ferry lies this popular seafood restaurant that also makes good pizzas. It sometimes closes at 21:00 in the low season.
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Lanchonetes
In Vila Ilhabela there are a few good, cheap lanchonetes: two in the pedestrian mall, and a couple on Rua da Padroeira.
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Ilha da Princesa Supermarket
For self-catering, hit the Ilha da Princesa supermarket, located near the ferry in Barra Velha.
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