Monday, July 28, 2008

2. ILHA BELA (BEAUTIFUL ISLAND)

Ilha bela is an archipelago located on the north coast of São Paulo and is an approximately 3 hour drive from the city. It’s one of the most well liked tourist destinations. It has clear and calm waters on the side facing the continent, and it has many beaches- some busy with bars and restaurants, and some deserted, tropical and remote. Water sports are a symbol of the island, which has become a sailor’s spot in the state and is the venue of the largest South American sailing competition every year.


Trails through preserved forest, beautiful waterfalls and excellent diving places, in addition to a sunset without equal, complement the list of attractions. Currently, the city’s economy is dedicated to tourism.


Vila is the main town on the island and has many restaurants, little stores, cafes and bars. São Sebastião is the nearest mainland city; a ferry from here is the only way to reach Ilha bela (it takes about 15 minutes).


Climate (March): The temperature stays between 25ºC - 35ºC. The climate is moderate and March is the dry season.


  • SERVICES

Tourist Information: +55 (12) 3896-6737 / 3896-2440
Bus Station: +55 (12) 3895-8709
Ferry to São Sebastião: +55 0800 7045510
Hospital: +55 (12) 3895-8789
Banks: Banespa, Banco do Brasil, Itaú, Bradesco and CEF.
Taxi : Barra Velha 3896-5037- Vila 3896-1471


  • PLACES TO VISIT

Nossa Senhora da Ajuda and do Bom Sucesso Church
Waterfall of Gato
Waterfall of Laje
Waterfall of Da Toca
Água Branca Waterfall

Castellanos Bay-A seaport, always good for surfing. Sometimes, you can see groups of dolphins swimming near tourists. It is located on the north side of Ilhabela.

Day trips to The Marine Reservation- Isla de las Cabras (Goats Island). In this reservation, the remains of some shipwrecks that took place in the island waters can be observed. Some of the shipwrecks are: Dentre Velásquez (1908), Darth (1884) and Aymoré (1920).

Trilla do Bonete Path-In this location, a traditional community of fishermen resides. Camping is allowed in the zone.


The most popular beaches:

-In the center
The beach of Itaguassu is situated next to an important avenue and a small port with anchored ships.
The beach of Pereque is close to an avenue and a bicycle path decorated with coconut palms.

-To the north:
The beach of Jabaquara is a remote 500 meter beach with calm and crystalline waters.
The beach of Da Forme, 150 meters long, is ideal for day trips. Its access is restricted to ships.
The beach of Do Poco, 50 meters long. It is an old beach, bordered by stones, with small waves. It is recommended for fishing and diving, and its access is restricted to ships.

-To the south:
The beach of Do Curral, with yellow sand.
The beach of Saco Do Sombrio is surrounded by vegetation and hills. Its transparent waters were a shelter for English, French and Dutch pirates of the 16th and 17th centuries.


Maremar for Jeep tours, Buggies, yachts, sailing, kayaks, trekking, beach tours, climbing waterfalls & transfers http://www.maremar.tur.br/portugues/index.html

BL3 Sailing http://www.bl3.com.br/

Ballyhoo for fishing http://www.ballyhoo.com.br/

Colonial Divers for diving http://www.colonialdiver.com.br/


  • PRACTICALITIES

On Ilha Bela most hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards…although there is not an official place for money exchange. It is safer to bring some Brazilian Reais from the airport in São Paulo – exchange some money just after landing. ($1.00 is currently equal to R$1,68 reais)

There are some ATM machines on Ilha Bela for international cash advances but is better not to take any risks because they don’t always work.


IMPORTANT- The mosquitoes, known as “borrachudos”, have been substantially reduced with the urban growth of the city, but they still show up – mainly in locations away from the city, at the end of the day. It is a good idea to take insect repellents, especially in outings to Jabaquara and Castelhanos.

Related links

http://www.ilhabela.com.br/

http://www.ilhabela.sp.gov.br/

http://www.portaldolitoral.com.br/ilhabela/

http://www.costaverdesp.com.br/ilhabela/ilhabela/

http://www.ilhabelabrasil.com.br/index.asp

And see you soon!!!!

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