Ilhabela is an archipelago off the northern coast of São Paulo state, about 210 km from the capital. The main island is the largest in Brazil's Atlantic coast and draws visitors with its beaches, waterfalls, and steady winds that have made it the sailing capital of the state.
The island was first charted by Américo Vespúcio in 1502 and settled as "Villa Bella" in 1532. Today it is reached by a regular ferry from São Sebastião, running every 30 minutes. The crossing takes about 15 minutes and is free for pedestrians.
The calm western coast has the main town and most of the infrastructure, while the wild eastern side — accessible only by boat or trail — has deserted beaches backed by dense Atlantic Forest. Over 80 percent of the island is protected as a state park, and the interior is laced with trails leading to waterfalls like Cachoeira do Gato and Cachoeira da Toca.
Ilhabela is busiest in summer (December to March), when São Paulo residents descend for the holidays and the annual sailing week in July draws competitors from across Brazil.