Where the Serra do Mar dives into the Atlantic, a coastline of more than 100 beaches is born, squeezed between the forest and the waves: Ubatuba, on the north coast of São Paulo state, is a beach for every mood — from the surf of Itamambuca to the caiçara calm of Picinguaba — with the bonus of being one of Brazil’s capitals of marine ecotourism.
Getting there
It is about 230 km from São Paulo (the Tamoios or the Oswaldo Cruz, that cinematic mountain road) and about 310 km from Rio on the BR-101, the Rio-Santos that stitches all the beaches together. A car is almost compulsory: the loveliest corners are spread over 100 km of coast.
Beaches for every tribe
- Itamambuca and Félix — temples of surf with wide strips of sand and a powerful sea.
- Praia da Fazenda — 3.5 km of wilderness inside the PE Serra do Mar (Núcleo Picinguaba).
- Picinguaba — a caiçara village of colorful boats and restaurants serving the catch of the day.
- Almada and Ubatumirim — the gentle coves of the far north, almost deserted midweek.
- Lázaro and Domingas Dias — calm water for families in the charming south.
The great outings
Ilha Anchieta — a state park with prison ruins, crystalline beaches and diving — is reached by schooner or speedboat from Saco da Ribeira (full article: Ilha Anchieta). For your feet, the Trilha das Sete Praias links wild coves in one of the most beautiful coastal walks in São Paulo state (how to do it). Round it off with the Projeto Tamar and the Ubatuba Aquarium — sure-fire programs with children — and the Cachoeira do Prumirim for a freshwater swim.
When to go
Summer (Nov-Apr) is a full beach, heat and quick downpours — book everything in advance. April to October is the ecotourists’ secret: empty beaches, clear water for diving, cool trails and low prices. Ubatuba has a reputation for rain (“Ubachuva”) — take it as part of the charm of the evergreen forest.
🥾 Who is it for?
Effort: you set the dial — beaches with parking on the sand, moderate trails and crossings for every level. Children: a family destination par excellence (Lázaro, Tamar, the Aquarium); take care at the open-sea beaches. Older travelers and reduced mobility: many beaches have flat access from the car (Lázaro, Grande, Itaguá with its urbanised seafront); Tamar and the Aquarium are adapted — you can live the whole of Ubatuba in easy mode.
