Ilhabela

Where to stay

Budget hostels cluster in Vila Velha, the historic center near the ferry terminal and the main square, where you are walking distance from the cheapest food stalls and the bus stops. A few cheaper options sit further north along the main coastal road toward Praia do Armação, which is quieter but means relying on the local buses or a taxi to get back to the center after dark.

Getting around

• The ferry from São Sebastião is free for pedestrians and cyclists, but queues can stretch over an hour during peak weekends. Arrive early in the morning or late at night to avoid the longest waits, and remember that vehicle tickets are a separate, modest fee.
• Ilhabela is famous for its sand flies (mosquito-pé), which are particularly aggressive at dusk and dawn. Bring strong repellent and cover up, as bites can be intense and last for days, especially around the beaches and forest trails.
• The island's main road runs along the west coast, connecting most beaches and towns. Local buses run frequently along this route and are a fraction of the cost of a taxi, making it easy to hop between Praia do Sul, Praia do Norte, and the village without a car.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest and easiest to book from May to September, when the weather is cooler and drier, ideal for hiking. Prices spike and beds fill up during the Brazilian summer holidays (December to March) and on long weekends, when the island can swell with up to 100,000 visitors.