Illhabela, Brazil

Ilhabela is an archipelago and city situated off the coast of São Paulo state, in Brazil. It is a beach city, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. About 85% of the island is within Ilhabela State Park.

Ilhabela offers lots of water, wind and beaches of all kinds. These ingredients make the Island a center of many aquatic activities. Sailing and diving are particularly popular here.

In Ilhabela's downtown area you can observe the historic architecture of the jail (the Coucilmen Chamber today), the church, and the old City Hall Building, which is now the Culture Hall. There is a mix of sophisticated stores and local handcraft markets. Coffee shops, ice cream stores and homemade candy stores can be visited during a walk to the village pier.

Things to see and do

* Watersports
* Handicraft markets
* Downtown area
* Mid Street
* Village pier

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Real (R$) (BRL)
Language - Portuguese
Population - 27,000 approx
Land Area - 348,300 km²
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style
Time - GMT minus three hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 55

Port Location - The port is located at Barra Velha.

Transport Links - Flights are available to Rio de Janeiro and or São Paulo. From São Paulo, it's approximately three hours by car to São Sebastião. From there, there's a 15-20 minute ferry ride to Barra Velha on the island, with bus connections to the hamlet of Vila Ilhabela, also called the Centro.

Ilhabela is vastly popular with sailors, so there are marinas and guest berths available.

There is a helicopter pad in the east coast, where you might also arrange a tour of the island.