Praia Grande, Ilhabela

Praia Grande is one of the longest and most exposed beaches on Ilhabela's Atlantic-facing coast, on the São Paulo litoral norte. The sand is fine and light-toned, backed by dense Atlantic Forest hillside, and the water runs from clear turquoise on calm mornings to a churned greenish tone once the afternoon swell picks up. The beach stretches roughly two kilometers in a broad open crescent, fully exposed to south-southeast swell and wind, which makes it the island's principal surf and bodyboard spot rather than a sheltered family cove. Along the central and northern stretch, kiosks serve grilled fish, caipirinhas, and coconut water, and several surf schools run lessons and board rental from fixed stands near the main access road. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented by the day from the kiosk operators, and informal lifeguard coverage is concentrated near the busiest kiosks in high season rather than posted along the full length. Parking is available in unpaved lots and along the roadside near the main entrances, filling up on summer weekends and during swell events that draw surfers from São Sebastião and São Paulo city. Reaching Praia Grande requires the car ferry from São Sebastião to Ilhabela's Perequê terminal, followed by a coastal drive of about twenty minutes; there is no direct bus service to the beach itself, so a rental car, taxi, or app ride is the practical option once on the island.