Port Ilhabela
Nestled in the Costa Verde, Ilhabela boasts over 100 secluded beaches—like the famed Lopes Mendes—and waterfall-strewn trails through lush jungle. The vibrant village of Vila do Abraão, with its colorful pousadas and seaside restaurants, embodies laid-back charm where hikers and kayakers reign.
Once home to the Tupinambá, the island’s flavour was forever changed in 1502, when explorer Amerigo Vespucci first charted its sheltered bays. Centuries of Portuguese settlement, pirate lore, and a 19th-century whaling industry have woven a rich cultural tapestry that blends tradition with today’s eco-friendly tourism.
History
Long before Europeans arrived, the Tupinambá people thrived on Ilhabela’s fertile land and abundant marine life. In 1502, Amerigo Vespucci anchored here, marking its first European encounter. Over the 18th and 19th centuries, Portuguese settlers and whalers established communities, while hidden coves served as pirate hideouts, leaving a legacy of legends.
The town of Nossa Senhora D’Ajuda was founded in 1805, anchoring local society in fishing and whaling. In 1977, the creation of Ilhabela State Park protected 85% of the island’s rainforest and waterfalls. Today, sustainable tourism flourishes, inviting visitors to explore both its historic roots and pristine natural wonders.
With air transport to the port
