City ofSão Sebastião

São Sebastião

Sao Sebastiao is the oldest town in the northern coast of Sao Paulo. There are almost 30 beaches spread out in the 100 km of coastline, with several options of lodging and leisure. By car, the trip from Sao Sebastiao to Sao Paulo is around 198 km.

History

Before the Europeans arrived, the region was occupied by Tupinamba and Tupiniquim native Brazilians. The Boiçucanga Mountains were a natural boarder between the tribes. In 1502, Amerigo Vespucci laid eyes on the Boiçucanga Mountains and the surrounding landscapes, and since it was Saint Sebastian’s Day, January 20th, the place was named after the saint.

Established in 1636, Vila de Sao Sebastiao was met with great riches between 1720 and 1780 as a shipping point for the precious metals sent from Minas Gerais to Portugal. The local dock was well sought-after by ships – including pirate ones – due to the great natural depth of its waters. Sugar cane, coffee, and tobacco cultivation also thrived in the area during that time.

Nowadays, the treasures of Sao Sebastiao are beaches, islands and coves framed by the luxurious vegetation of the Atlantic Forest. It’s the trendiest part of São Paulo’s coastline due to its good lodging infrastructure, strong commerce and diverse gastronomy.

During the high season and prolonged holidays, beaches like Maresias, Juquehy (or Juquei), Barra do Sahy, Camburi and Boiçucanga turn into a meeting point for the state’s youth.

The activity menu is long. Historical tourism, surfing, diving, hiking, boat rides, canoeing, and bathing in waterfalls. The nights in Sao Sebastiao are usually very lively and clubs are restless until dawn. But despite this liveliness, if you’re looking for a quiet activity, you can walk through the calm and well-preserved historical center, filled with churches, chapels and buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Near Sao Sebastiao isIlhabela, the largest sea island in Brazil, also known as the Sailing Capital.