If you’re a beach lover, the beaches in São Paulo definitely deserve a spot on your travel list! It’s time to turn those plans into reality and give the São Paulo coastline a chance to amaze you.
After all, some of the best beaches in Brazil are found right here. If you’re not from the state, it might sound surprising to explore São Paulo’s beach destinations — but trust us, you won’t regret it!
With over 600 kilometers of coastline filled with beaches and natural reserves, it’s the perfect place to relax with friends, family, or even on your own.
Interested in discovering the best beaches in São Paulo? Then you’re in the right place! Check out the article our team has prepared for you. Happy reading!
5. Ilha das Couves Beach, Ubatuba
Ilha das Couves is among the most beautiful beaches in São Paulo and is one of the top attractions for those visiting Ubatuba. With calm, crystal-clear waters that range from green to blue, Ilha das Couves is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a little slice of paradise along the São Paulo coast.
Despite its name, which literally means “Collard Greens Island” in Portuguese, the origin of Ilha das Couves has nothing to do with leafy vegetables. The name likely comes from a former landowner or a family name, possibly of Portuguese origin. Over time, the name stuck and became one of Ubatuba’s most popular beach destinations.
Visitors to Ilha das Couves can choose between two distinct beaches—both stunning in their own way. No matter which one you pick, we’re sure you’ll make the most of your visit!
The first beach is where most tour boats arrive. Known as Praia Menor (also called Praia de Fora or Praia do Japonês), this beach features emerald-colored waters and a large natural pool ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
The second beach, called Praia Maior (also known as Prainha das Couves or Praia de Dentro), has beautiful green-blue waters. This is the island’s main beach, with a wider stretch of sand and more visitors. To reach it, you’ll need to take a short 5-minute trail.
How to get to Ilha das Couves
Ilha das Couves is part of the Ubatuba coastline and is only accessible by sea. The trip to the island is made via speedboats or small boats departing from Picinguaba Beach and other nearby beaches in Ubatuba.
There are only three scheduled visits per day (at 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m.), and each slot allows a maximum of 177 visitors. The ride from Picinguaba Beach takes about 15 minutes.
The average cost of a round-trip boat ride is around R$80. Keep in mind that parking at Picinguaba Beach can cost more than R$30, depending on how busy it is.
Check out our complete guide to Ubatuba!
4. Praia Branca (White Beach), Guarujá
A hidden paradise in Guarujá! Without a doubt, Praia Branca is one of the must-visit beaches on the São Paulo coast. With white sand, crystal-clear waters, and wide open spaces, it’s the perfect beach for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful day in nature, away from the crowds.
This beach is only accessible by boat or by a trail through the trees, so it’s important to plan ahead and bring snacks and drinks if you’re planning to spend the day there — there’s no infrastructure on-site.
During high season, the beach can get a bit crowded and, unfortunately, dirty. To fully enjoy it, try visiting on a weekday. It’s a great day trip option for those staying in Bertioga.
How to get to Praia Branca
Praia Branca is located on the border with Bertioga, making it easily accessible by car or bus. Viação Litorânea operates the São Paulo (Tietê) – Bertioga route, and tickets cost around R$40.
There are two ways to cross to Praia Branca: by trail or by boat. The trail is easy, mostly paved, and takes about 30 minutes. The boat ride costs around R$10 per person and takes just 10 minutes.
To avoid long waits at the ferry crossing, it’s recommended to park your car in Bertioga before boarding.
3. Maresias Beach, São Sebastião
It is impossible to make a list of the best beaches in São Paulo without including Maresias Beach. Fun, stylish, and beautiful, Maresias goes beyond just the ocean. The most famous misconception is that some people believe Maresias is actually a city.
In fact, Maresias is one of the beaches near São Sebastião, the place that attracts the most tourists visiting the São Paulo coastline for the first time.
Maresias has over 5 km of sand. A delight for beach lovers and a paradise for those looking to relax on the São Paulo coastline.
Maresias Beach is also interesting for divers, who find ideal conditions for the sport at Canto do Moreira (the right side of the beach).
It’s no surprise that this is the hometown of the talented world champion Gabriel Medina. Those who can’t dive won’t have any trouble enjoying the beach, with calm waters for swimming, especially on the left side.
Maresias is the ideal beach for those seeking luxury combined with excellent service and a lot of excitement. Maresias’ nightlife is one of the best in São Paulo, which means people stay on the beach all day long.
How to get to Maresias Beach
Maresias Beach is 27 km from the center of São Sebastião. Access to the beach is via the BR-101 (Rio-Santos Highway), which cuts through the sand and separates the shops and inns from the sand. There is parking along the main road, as well as on the nearby streets.
2. Massaguaçu Beach, Caraguatatuba
If you’re looking for an urban beach, but one that still has a calm and tranquil environment, Massaguaçu is the perfect location among the beaches in São Paulo.
The beach is steep, so it is very dangerous for those who don’t know how to swim or for families with children. The sand strip tends to get crowded on summer weekends, so it’s best to visit this beach outside of the high season.
Since the beach is a bit lively, it is popular among surfers, but just be sure to follow the warning signs and exercise caution.
How to get to Massaguaçu Beach?
Located near the center of Caraguatatuba, the beach is easily accessible, both by car and by bus, as the bus stop is close by.
The coastal road runs from São Paulo (Tietê) to Caraguatatuba. The trip takes about 2.5 hours and costs around R$ 60.
1. Jabaquara Beach, Ilhabela
Jabaquara Beach, in Ilhabela, is one of the most beautiful beaches in São Paulo. Surrounded by green mountains and a beautiful blue sea, Jabaquara is a great choice for those who want a more natural view but don’t want to give up good services by the seaside.
The 500-meter-wide sand strip at Jabaquara Beach is quite spacious, and the beach is not very crowded (except on major holidays). The beach has excellent restaurant service, offering amenities like accommodations, chairs, bathrooms, freshwater showers, and some of the best dishes on the menu. It’s a great option for spending the day!
We must mention one very important fact: Jabaquara Beach is one of the favorite spots for the “borrachudos” (small biting insects) of Ilhabela, the infamous mosquitoes that drive visitors crazy. Therefore, if you’re heading to the beach, you should be well-prepared and bring insect repellent!
How to get to Jabaquara Beach
Jabaquara Beach is located to the north of Ilhabela, behind Pacuíba Beach and 20 km from the ferry terminal. It is accessible by boat, sailboat, or car, via a dirt road that leads to the beach.
For parking, you can either stop along the dirt road or drive down to the restaurants, where there are parking spots along the beach. There are no buses to Jabaquara Beach.
So, did you enjoy learning about the best beaches in São Paulo?
