There are 41 beaches is the main island. The ones facing the ocean are clean and less human-affected. All of them can only be reached by foot and/or by boat. The most famous beaches are:
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Dos Castelhanos: One gets to this beach, the main stretch of sand of the Castelhanos Bay, by a 22 km long road that crosses the island from West to East, where you can see tropical birds and small monkeys between the trees of the exhuberant flora of the Mata Atlântica forest.
The beach is about 1 mile long and invites for surfing or canoeing.
The sea has clean waters inviting for a dive to enjoy the marvelous underwater world of the place.
-Do Poço: 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.
-Da Fome: An old farmhouse and some small fishermen's cottages comprise the charming scenery of this small bay, which is framed by the Atlantic forest. Many vessels pass through Fome beach, but just a few stop over. This makes it even better for those who decide to enjoy the calmness of its limpid waters for diving or underwater fishing.
-Jabaquara: 16 kilometers from downtown, this is one of the most beautiful beaches of São Paulo's northern shores.
With bright and fluffy sands cut by two creeks it offers enchantment and tranquility that others beaches can't offer.
The two creeks pouring cristalline waters give this beach a special charm. The access is made by a small road starting from the urban center of the island.
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Perequê: One of the first beaches for who arrives from the ferry and drives to the Village of Ilhabela.
It has several hotels, restaurants and bars. Main commercial center of Ilhabela besides the village center.
Palm trees adorn its whole length spending shadows on its sands.
Very much appreciated by families with children due to its calm waters inviting for a dip in the sea.
-Feiticeira: The ranch "Fazenda São Matias" is located right at this beach. The old locals say that the lady who owned the ranch amassed great fortunes and to hide her treasure used a cave that was a former meeting point for pirates and sailors from merchant and slave ships who stopped there in search of information and supplies.
One day, so goes the legend, when she was old and withering away, and afraid that she may be robbed, with the help of her slaves she hid her treasures in a place called "Tocas", and to guarantee their silence, had them all killed.
Known as "Feiticeira" (The Witch) she finally went mad and was never seen again.
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Do Julião or Prainha: Known also as the "Praia do Remanso" this beach is located in a bay on the South of the island facing the Channel of São Sebastião.
With calm and clear waters it features a diversified marine seascape on its north end, and the Praia Grande Beach to its south. It is only 200 meters long and has right in front of it a small islet, the "Ilhote", with a pictoresque flora.
