The Best Beaches Within Reach Of So Paulo Brazil

Those who call the mega-metropolis of São Paulo home could be forgiven for wanting to escape the concrete jungle every once in a while. Thankfully, several hundred miles of blissful tropical coastline stretch across the state, meaning a well-earned beach break is closer than you think (depending on the traffic!). Here are some of the best spots to pull up a towel within reach of the city.

Santos

Despite being home to the biggest seaport in South America, the city of Santos boasts a picturesque four-mile beach that runs adjacent to the longest oceanfront garden on earth. An abundance of high-rise condos and plush hotels lining the foreshore mean there are always plenty of beach-goers lazing around in this popular stretch of sand. It may not be quaint, but at just 50 miles from downtown São Paulo, it’s a convenient place to escape the sweltering heat of the city.

Praia Grande

Guarujá

Just to the east of Santos lies Guarujá, a small coastal city famous for being home to over 20 spectacular stretches of sand. In the center of town lies the ever popular Pitangueiras and Astúrias, two wide and spacious beaches that get seriously packed out on weekends as the masses arrive from the big city. To mingle with the young and the beautiful, there’s no better spot than the more exclusive northern beach known as Pernambuco.

Maresias

Further north up the coast is Maresias, a stunning resort town named after its strong ocean breeze. And with that breeze comes plenty of big waves, meaning the town is a hit with both windsurfers and surfers alike. After a long day enjoying the swell, youthful Paulistano visitors spend a long night dancing away to electro beats in one of Maresias’ many palatial nightclubs.

Ilhabela

Jutting out of the Atlantic just 120 miles (193 km) from São Paulo is the very appropriately named Ilhabella (beautiful island), a paradise isle surrounded by turquoise water that laps onto picture-perfect white sandy beaches. But it’s not all about lounging around on the beach. As Brazil’s biggest island, Ilhabella is packed full of lush hiking trails to explore, many of which lead to hidden waterfalls that are the perfect spot for a secluded swim.

Caraguatatuba

A coastal town with uninterrupted views over Ilhabella, Caragua – as it’s more commonly known – has 17 different beaches each with their own distinctive flair. Wealthy Paulistanos tend to stick to the more developed centro, including the party-crazy clubbing district of Martin de Sá. For a bit of isolation and a more laid-back vibe, head to one of the outlying spots such as Praia Brava.

Ubatuba

Serious surfers should make a beeline for Ubatuba, a popular province with breaks so divine the government officially declared it the epicenter of São Paulo’s surfing scene back in 2007. Furthermore, at least 10 prestigious international events are held here each year, meaning it’s not uncommon to see some big names strutting their stuff. Be sure to venture out of the town proper to discover the most idyllic stretches of sand.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.