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How to Spend Three Days in Ilhabela, Brazil
Ilhabela is a tropical paradise just a few hours from São Paulo, with stunning beaches, lush waterfalls, and a laid-back island vibe. If you love nature, adventure, and good food, this three days in Ilhabela itinerary will help you make the most of your trip!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring bug repellent! The best option to get on the island is Citroilha, as Ilhabela is known for its borrachudos (black flies), especially in certain areas.
Day 1: Arrival, Perequê, and Historical Center (North Part of the Island)
After taking the ferry from São Sebastião (which is free for pedestrians and takes about 20 minutes), we went straight to our accommodation, dropped off our bags, and got ready to explore.
Lunch at Pimenta de Cheiro Restaurante
Located in the Perequê area, this place is great for vegetarians, offering five different options that are both delicious and filling. A great way to start the trip!
The restaurant is set in front of the water which make’s it great for pictures.
Strolling Along the Promenade & Relaxing on the Beach
After lunch, we walked along the beachfront promenade lined with palm trees, enjoying the sea breeze. The rest of the afternoon was all about lying on the beach, soaking in the island vibes, and just taking it easy.
Exploring the Historical Center
As the sun started to set, we took the public bus to the historical center. The small streets, colonial-style houses, and relaxed atmosphere make it a perfect place for a leisurely walk.
Dinner at Restaurante Cheiro Verde
This spot offers classic Brazilian dishes, full of flavor and affordable.
Day 2: Beaches, Adventure & Waterfalls (South Part of the Island)
Morning at Curral Beach
After a homemade breakfast, we headed to Praia do Curral in the south of the island. The bus ride there is stunning, following the coast and passing by several beautiful beaches. Curral is one of the most popular beaches in Ilhabela, with soft sand, clear waters, and plenty of shade under the trees. We loved the many crabs taking sand out of their lairs.
Lunch: Pastel de Queijo at a Local Market
Instead of eating at the pricey beach restaurants, we grabbed some pastéis de queijo (fried cheese pastries) at a nearby market. Cheap, delicious, and the perfect beach snack.
Hike to Cachoeira do Paquetá
In the afternoon, after the worst heat had passed, we walked to Cachoeira do Paquetá. It’s a 20 min walk from the beach to the beginning of the walking trail, make sure to follow google maps to this point.
Important Tip: At the top of the street and passing the car park, there’s a sign pointing to the trail. Don’t miss it! We met a guy who walked for half an hour up a steep path in the wrong direction because he didn’t see the sign.
The waterfall has three levels:
- First stop – About 10 minutes in, a nice pool to swim in.
- Second stop – Another 15 minutes, bigger pool and stronger waterfall.
- Final stop – Another 15 minutes, the best one! From here, you get an incredible view of the ocean. We even saw a beautiful green snake!
Beware of Borrachudos! (Black flies) At the top, we got attacked by them, even with repellent. Hundreds of bites on our feet! The view is totally worth it, but don’t stay too long up there.
Sunset at Praia das Pedras Miudas
After hiking back down, we took the bus to Praia das Pedras Miudas in front of the Ilha das Cabras to watch the sunset. We bought some beers and water, sat on the sand, and enjoyed the perfect ending to an adventurous day.
Day 3: Praia de Castelhanos
(East part of the Island)
Getting to Praia de Castelhanos is an adventure itself. You have two options:
- By 4×4: A bumpy but exciting ride through the Atlantic Forest.
- By boat: A scenic trip around the island.
- Do both! (One way each)
We took the 4×4 with Sallet Tour, and it was awesome! The driver was super skilled, making the ride fun. It cost 270 BRL for both of us, including pickup from our accommodation at 10 AM and drop-off at 5:30 PM.
What to Expect at Praia de Castelhanos
Have your eyes peeled to see the blue crabs that lives in the mangroves around the beach. They are awesome!
The beach is breathtaking—like something out of Jurassic Park! It has a distinct heart shape when viewed from above. The 4×4 trail is steep, with massive rocks along the way, making the journey even more exciting.
Pro Tip: Bring your own food! The prices here are crazy. We packed homemade sandwiches and enjoyed them with an incredible view.
On the way to the beach, the tour included stops at two waterfalls and the highest viewpoint of the island, where you can see the beach from above.
How to Get Around Ilhabela
Public Buses and my recommendation
You can pay 10 BRL in cash directly to the driver or use a bus card for a huge discount: 2.10 BRL per ride!
Make sure to take the bus that says “direct” if not it will go around the higher neighbourhoods of the Island, although all of the buses end up taking the main road following the sea.
How to Get a Bus Card
- Go to the Fenix Office (very close from the Ferry, so you can do it right when you get to the island) to request your card (free on your first request).
- You need a Brazilian CPF to apply (Check out my guide on how to get a CPF as an immigrant without living in Brasil).
- Load money onto the card with cash or via PIX on WhatsApp.
Other Transport Options
- Car/Scooter Rental: More freedom to explore the island at your own pace.
- Local Ride-Sharing Fast Go Drive: Ilhabela has its own version of Uber, it’s called Fast Go Drive. You can check it out HERE.
Final Thoughts
Ilhabela is a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re lying on the beach, hiking to waterfalls, or bouncing around in a 4×4, this island has something for everyone. Just don’t forget bug repellent—trust me! The best option is Citroilha.
We absolutely loved this island and are so happy we got to experience it.
