Visit Ilhabela by ferry
São Sebastião Port 6 hrs
Take a short ferry ride to the beautiful island of Ilhabela for more beaches and trails.
Where to stay
Hotels in São Sebastião
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At a glance
Climate
Tropical
Languages
Portuguese
Local currency
BRL
(BRL)
Local time
(GMT-3)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Maresias
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
10% service charge often included
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
80 · Very good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Moqueca Capixaba
Pão de Queijo
Brigadeiro
Açaí na Tigela
When to visit São Sebastião
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: January, December
Busiest: Dec-Feb
-
Jan90
Hot, humid, rainy
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Feb85
Hot, humid, carnival
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Mar75
Warm, less crowded
-
Apr70
Pleasant, mild
-
May65
Cooler, quieter
-
Jun70
Mild, drier, pleasant
-
Jul80
Mild, popular, dry
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Aug70
Cooler, drier
-
Sept75
Warming, spring blooms
-
Oct80
Warm, increasing rain
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Nov85
Hot, humid, rainy
-
Dec90
Hot, humid, peak
Things to do in São Sebastião
6 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 6 of 6 places ·
Best in the morning
3 places
Hike Trilha do Ribeirão de Itu
Boiçucanga 4 hrs
Trek through the Atlantic Forest to discover refreshing waterfalls and natural pools.
Surf lessons at Paúba Beach
Paúba 2 hrs
Catch waves and learn to surf on the beautiful and less crowded Paúba Beach.
Best in the afternoon
1 place
Stroll through Centro Histórico
Centro 2 hrs
Wander through the charming colonial streets of São Sebastião's historic center.
Best in the evening
1 place
Enjoy fresh seafood
Various beaches 2 hrs
Savor delicious, freshly caught seafood at a beachfront restaurant.
Any time of day
1 place
Explore Maresias Beach
Maresias 3 hrs
Enjoy the famous surf break and lively atmosphere of Maresias.
Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near São Sebastião
Straight-line distance from the centre of São Sebastião.
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