Things To Do
in São Sebastião
São Sebastião is a coastal municipality located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It is known for its beautiful beaches, with popular spots such as Juqueí, Maresias, and Camburi attracting visitors from all over. The town also has a charming historic center with colorful colonial buildings and a relaxed atmosphere.
São Sebastião is a great destination for those seeking sun, sand, and a taste of Brazilian coastal culture.
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Obrigado" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Desculpe" - Sorry
- "Tudo bem?" - Are you okay?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Camburi Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful ocean. Grab a light breakfast at a local beachside café.
After lunch, engage in water sports like surfing or stand-up paddleboarding. Take a relaxing stroll along the beach, enjoying the scenic views.
Wind down your day with a seafood dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants. Enjoy a sunset walk along the sand as the day comes to a close.
Hike the trail to Praia da Baleia, where you'll encounter stunning landscapes and lush vegetation. Bring some snacks for a picnic along the way.
Explore the nearby waterfalls and natural pools for a refreshing swim. Capture photos of the picturesque surroundings and wildlife.
Return to your accommodation and freshen up. Enjoy dinner at a local churrascaria, experiencing traditional Brazilian barbecue.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches with clear waters and stunning scenery
- Rich culture and history with vibrant local festivals
- Great outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and snorkeling
- Pleasant tropical climate year-round
- Lively nightlife and excellent dining options
- High tourist traffic during peak seasons can lead to crowded areas
- Cost of living can be high in tourist hotspots
- Limited public transportation options outside of certain areas
- Potential for extreme weather events, such as heavy rain during certain months
- Infrastructure may be lacking in some parts of the city
Best Activities in São Sebastião
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful and diverse beaches of São Sebastião, including Praia Barra do Sahy, Praia de Maresias, and Praia de Juquehy.
Enjoy world-class surfing conditions at beaches like Praia de Maresias and Praia de Juquehy.
Discover the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes of São Sebastião through various hiking and nature trails, such as the Trilha dos Índios and Trilha da Praia de Castelhanos.
Experience the calm waters and beautiful coastlines of São Sebastião through stand-up paddleboarding, available at various beaches and rental shops.
Explore the underwater world of São Sebastião by snorkeling or diving in locations like Ilha das Couves and Ilha Montão de Trigo.
Tours
Uncover the best of São Sebastião with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in São Sebastião
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a stunning panoramic view of São Sebastião and the surrounding areas, as well as a great spot for photography.
A beautiful waterfall with scenic surroundings, providing great photo opportunities for nature lovers.
Boasts a picturesque beach with crystal-clear waters and unique rock formations, making it an excellent location for capturing stunning coastal shots.
Food in São Sebastião
São Sebastião Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A flavorful fish stew made with coconut milk, onions, tomatoes, and coriander, generally served with rice. Recommended to try at Restaurante Nova Iorqui.
Must-Try!
A popular Brazilian snack consisting of thin pastry filled with various savory ingredients such as cheese, meats, and shrimp. Look for it at Feira de Artezanato e Gastronomia.
Fried fish balls, a beloved local street food often found at Praia de Maresias.
Unique Experiences
Get to know São Sebastião better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market offering a variety of local crafts and enticing street food, including traditional snacks such as pastel, acarajé, and tapioca.
A picturesque beachfront spot with numerous food stalls serving fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and refreshing drinks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In São Sebastião, it's common for people to greet each other with a kiss on the cheek, especially among friends and family. This form of greeting is a sign of respect and friendliness.
It's important to be mindful of personal space in São Sebastião. People generally appreciate maintaining a respectful distance when interacting, especially during initial meetings or conversations.
Participating in local cultural events and activities, such as dance performances, music festivals, and traditional celebrations, is a great way to show respect for the local customs and traditions in São Sebastião.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of São Sebastião with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in São Sebastião
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in São Sebastião, Brazil, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a service charge may be included in the bill, so it's advisable to check before leaving an additional tip. It's customary to round up the fare for taxi drivers and to tip hotel staff for exceptional service.
Cash is widely used in São Sebastião, especially for small purchases and in local markets. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in most establishments, but it's recommended to carry some cash for places that may not accept cards. ATMs are readily available for withdrawing Brazilian Reais.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into São Sebastião.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time for beach activities and water sports. Expect hot and humid weather with occasional rain showers.
Mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Good for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Cooler temperatures, but still pleasant for outdoor activities. Whale watching is a popular attraction during this time.
Wildflowers in bloom and comfortable weather. Ideal for nature walks and birdwatching.
São Sebastião at Night
Hiking in São Sebastião
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular beach area that serves as a starting point for several hiking trails leading to stunning viewpoints and natural reserves.
Offering various trails through lush vegetation and rocky terrains, this island is perfect for adventurous hikers.
A large conservation area with numerous hiking trails that provide scenic views of the Atlantic Forest and coastal regions.
This beach area offers access to trails that lead to stunning coastal vistas and rich biodiversity.
A scenic trail connecting Juquehy beach to surrounding natural landscapes, ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into São Sebastião through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach São Sebastião by plane.
The main international airport serving São Paulo, located approximately 165 km from São Sebastião.
A domestic airport that also handles some international flights, located around 150 km from São Sebastião.
The primary airport serving Rio de Janeiro, situated about 320 km from São Sebastião.
An international airport located in Campinas, approximately 200 km from São Sebastião.
An international airport serving the capital city of Brazil, located about 900 km from São Sebastião.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in São Sebastião, comprising individuals of European descent.
Includes individuals of mixed racial backgrounds, often a combination of European, African, and Indigenous ancestry.
Represents individuals of African descent, contributing significantly to the cultural fabric of the region.
A smaller demographic group, primarily consisting of individuals of Japanese and other Asian heritages.
Represents the original inhabitants of the region, though this group is relatively small in São Sebastião.
The Soul of São Sebastião
Discover the essence of São Sebastião through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is immensely popular in São Sebastião, with numerous local clubs and a passionate fanbase.
Given its coastal location, beach soccer is a favorite pastime among locals and is played on the sandy shores.
São Sebastião boasts great surf spots, attracting surfing enthusiasts from all over Brazil and abroad.
Both indoor and beach volleyball are widely played, with many courts available for recreation and competition.
Basketball is also popular, with local tournaments and community engagement in schools and clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting São Sebastião.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in São Sebastião offer a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including plant-based variations of traditional Brazilian cuisine. Notable options include vegetarian feijoada and acarajé made with alternative fillings.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find gluten-free options at various restaurants, particularly those offering seafood and grilled meat dishes, as well as at specialized cafés and bakeries.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of São Sebastião with these cultural adventures.
