You’re planning your first trip to Ilhabela and need the lowdown on where to base yourself. This guide gives you everything you need before you book. Inside, you’ll find the best areas, must-do activities, local eats, insider tips, and a tagged map. Feel the ocean breeze, lush forest vibes, and laid-back island charm. Stick around for a practical bonus at the end.
Best Hotels in Ilhabela🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: DPNY Beach Hotel & SPA Ilhabela
- ✨ 5-Star: Wyndham Ilhabela Casa Di Sirena
- 🏨 4-Star: Ilha Deck Hotel
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Hotel Ilhasol
- 💸 Cheap: Vilarejo - Centro Histórico Ilhabela
- 🏢 Apartament: Zaya Beach House em Ilhabela
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Abayomi Hotel
- 🏩 For Couples: TW Guaimbê Exclusive Suítes
Quick Guide to the Best Areas 📃
| Best for | Area | Vibe/Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-timers | Historic Town Experience Hotels | Central hub |
| Beach & nightlife | Lively Shore & Nightlife Hotels | Lively shore |
| Families | Family Calm Beach Hotels | Calm bay |
| Adventure seekers | Adventure & Wilderness Hotels | Wild coast |
| Quiet retreat | Peaceful Cove & Forest Hotels | Secluded cove |
1. Vila – Best Place to Stay in Ilhabela for First-Timers
Vila is Ilhabela’s main town, with shops, restaurants, and ferry access. It feels buzzy but not overwhelming, and many visitors love its easy pace. Many arrive from São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, using São Sebastião as the main gateway to get to Ilhabela. A travel guide will point you to highlights like Praia Grande or the lush Ilhabela State Park, making this one of Brazil’s most charming coastal escapes.
Why Stay in Vila
- Easy walk to markets and bars
- Ferry terminal next to town
- Good public bus links
On-the-ground feel & access
You’ll reach beaches like Itaquanduba in 10 minutes by bus or 5 by car. The main square is a 2-minute stroll from most hotels. Parking can fill up on weekends, so arrive early. Sidewalks light up after dusk and feel safe. Many visitors spend a few days in Ilhabela exploring different parts of the island, from the beautiful beach at Praia do Julião to hidden spots with a natural pool perfect for a snorkel break.
The beaches of Ilhabela feel like a Brazilian paradise, and the best time to visit Ilhabela depends on whether you want lively weekends or quieter weekdays—most agree summer is the best time to visit.
Best Hotels in Vila
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Jequitimar Guarujá — Luxury beachfront resort with pools, spa, and stunning sea views.
- Hotel Itapemar — Comfortable 4-star with direct beach access and excellent service.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Kalango Boutique Ilhabela — Charming boutique hotel with cozy rooms near the beach and local restaurants.
- Alebahli Suites — Elegant suites with modern decor, close to Ilhabela’s main attractions.
💶 Smart Budget
- Pousada Villa da Prainha — Comfortable inn close to the beach with garden views, outdoor pool, and friendly staff.
2. Perequê – Top Area to Stay for Beach & Nightlife
Perequê blends a sandy bay and evening energy. It has casual beach bars and weekend DJ sets—stay here if you like to mingle. This beautiful island spot sits on the lively side of the island, right along the central coast of Ilhabela. From here you can take a quick boat to Das Cabras or relax at a nearby praia de choice among the main beaches.
Many travelers start their Ilhabela trip here before taking 4 hours or more to explore the island’s wilder corners on the opposite side of the island. It’s one of the best bases on the island of Ilhabela.
Getting around & daily ease
Local boats to nearby beaches leave from the pier in 5 minutes on foot. It’s 15 minutes by bus to Vila, and the Ilhabela ferry makes it easy to get around Ilhabela from the mainland. After dark, the beach road has streetlights, and taxis run until midnight. Many travelers use this area as a convenient place to stay, with plenty of accommodation in Ilhabela nearby.
An Ilhabela travel guide will point you toward the biggest beaches of Ilhabela and highlights like Praia de Castelhanos, along with other things to do in Ilhabela as you explore the island.
Why Stay in Perequê
- Beachfront bars and cafés
- Regular ferry shuttle drop-off
- Active evening scene
Best Hotels in Perequê
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Guest House Guarujá — Cozy and affordable guesthouse near the beach and city center.
- TW Guaimbê Exclusive Suítes — Elegant suites with modern amenities near local attractions.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Hotel Vila Kebaya — Comfortable hotel featuring tropical gardens and a pool, ideal for relaxation.
- Abayomi Hotel — Peaceful hotel surrounded by nature, with spacious rooms and friendly service.
💶 Smart Budget
- Feiticeira Guesthouse — Charming guesthouse with cozy rooms, near beaches and local dining options.
3. Praia do Curral – Perfect Spot to Stay for Families
Curral Bay feels protected and shallow, perfect for kids. Families tend to bring picnic lunches and spend lazy afternoons here. It’s a classic sandy beach in Ilhabela, often included on lists of the best beaches in Brazil. While many visitors spend 3 days in Ilhabela exploring both lively bays and more secluded beaches, Curral remains a favorite for its family-friendly vibe.
For first-timers, guides with everything you need to know highlight it as one of the most reliable spots among the many beaches in Ilhabela.
Sense of place & connections
The bay is a 3-minute walk from most lodges. Small markets and restaurants line the road, making it one of the easier places to stay in Ilhabela. A scenic trail to Água Branca Waterfall, set deep in the jungle of the Ilhabela State, starts 10 minutes away on foot and eventually leads toward the tallest waterfall of Ilhabela.
This island of Brazil called Ilhabela is known for its relaxed lifestyle on Ilhabela, where a visit to Ilhabela often includes exploring one of the biggest beaches on the southern side of Ilhabela. Many a travel blog highlights this quiet corner as a must-stop for nature lovers.
Why Stay in Praia do Curral
- Shallow waters for kids
- Local eateries nearby
- Peaceful, low traffic
Best Hotels in Praia do Curral
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Casa Di Sirena — Upscale suites with sea views and private balconies.
- Feiticeira Praia — Boutique hotel close to the beach with a peaceful atmosphere.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Pousada Mariola — Cozy guesthouse with welcoming atmosphere and close to beach access.
- Barra do Piuva Porto Hotel — Boutique beachfront hotel with panoramic ocean views, modern rooms, outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center.
💶 Smart Budget
- Pousada do Capitão Plaza Inn — Simple yet comfortable lodging with easy access to local attractions.
4. Castelhanos – Best Base in Ilhabela for Adventure Seekers
Castelhanos has rugged beaches and off-road trails. Stay here if you want hiking and raw scenery. Many who are planning a trip to Ilhabela set aside extra time in Ilhabela to reach this remote spot in the southern part of Ilhabela, accessible by jeep from the beach town of São Sebastião. It’s one of the most untouched and truly beautiful in Ilhabela.
Day-to-night feel & transport
4WD tours drop you at the bay in about 1 hour from Vila. Local boats also arrive in 45 minutes. After dark, there’s no street lighting, so plan meals and drinks before sunset. This beach remains relatively unknown outside of Brazil, yet it offers one of the most authentic experiences in Ilhabela. Tucked along the coast of São Paulo and surrounded by jungle trails and small fishing villages surrounding Ilhabela, it’s a rewarding escape for nature lovers.
Why Stay in Castelhanos
- Direct trail access
- Wild, expansive shoreline
- Few crowds
Best Hotels in Castelhanos
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Tahaa Pousada Boutique — Beachfront bungalows offering relaxed island vibes with modern comfort.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Pousada Manga Rosa — Quaint guesthouse set in lush surroundings, known for excellent hospitality.
💶 Smart Budget
- Santomar Guest House — Affordable guesthouse with basic amenities, located near the beach.
5. Barra Velha – Great Place to Stay for a Quiet Retreat
Barra Velha feels tucked away, with just a handful of pousadas. It attracts couples seeking calm mornings and slow afternoons. On this magical island of Brazil, the gentle slope of the beach makes swimming easy, and you’ll find quiet places close to the beach for a peaceful stay.
A walk along the middle of the beach brings you to small cafés and fishing boats, while travelers arriving from São José dos Campos often choose this area for its slower rhythm.
Vibe & practicality
It’s a 7-minute drive from the main highway. A local van runs twice daily to Vila in 20 minutes, offering a simple way to get around. Forest sounds take over after sunset, and the road is safe but unlit. For many, Ilhabela is a perfect weekend escape, and natural highlights like the waterfall of Ilhabela with its 50-meter height are what makes Ilhabela a great choice for nature lovers.
Why Stay in Barra Velha
- Tranquil cove setting
- Limited development
- Easy highway access
Best Hotels in Barra Velha
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Barra do Piuva Porto Hotel — Boutique beachfront hotel with panoramic ocean views, modern rooms, outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center. Perfect for a relaxing island getaway.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Bella Ilha Pousada — Modern hotel offering comfortable rooms and easy access to the town center.
💶 Smart Budget
- Suite 1201 Ilhaflat Frente ao Mar — Sea-facing apartment with modern interiors, balcony, and full kitchen.
FAQ About Staying in Ilhabela
Is Ilhabela safe by area?
Most spots feel very safe, especially Vila and Praia do Curral. Trails and remote beaches need more caution after dark, but overall Ilhabela is a great destination for both families and solo travelers seeking a mix of beach and jungle experiences.
What’s the best season to visit Ilhabela?
April to July offers fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and comfortable weather for hiking and exploring the island’s waterfalls. If you enjoy lively local culture, February is ideal, as it hosts vibrant festivals and the sea is warmer for swimming and water sports.
How do I get around?
Public buses connect major areas like Vila, Perequê, and Praia do Julião every 20 minutes, making short trips convenient. Taxis and rental cars cover routes that buses don’t reach, while many beaches and trails, especially in the southern part of the island, require a 4WD vehicle.
Is there nightlife noise?
Vila and Perequê are the liveliest spots, with bars, live music, and occasional DJ sets lasting until midnight. Praia do Curral and Barra Velha offer a quieter experience, with most venues closing by 10 pm, making them ideal for families or those seeking calm evenings.
What budget do I need per day?
A typical day on Ilhabela costs around R$300–R$600 per person for lodging, meals, and transport, depending on your choice of accommodation and dining. You can save by eating at local kiosks, enjoying casual snacks on the beach, and relying on buses instead of taxis.
