Ubatuba — 100 Beaches on the Green Coast

Ubatuba sits about 230km northeast of São Paulo city on the state's Litoral Norte, reached by intercity bus from Tietê Bus Terminal (approximately R$80-100, around 4 hours) or by car via the Rodovia dos Tamoios. The municipality spreads across more than 100 named beaches, ranging from the surf breaks of Praia Vermelha do Norte and Itamambuca to the calmer, family-friendly Praia do Perequê-Açu near the town centre. Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar borders the coastline with Atlantic Forest trails and waterfalls, including Cachoeira da Escada and Cachoeira do Prumirim, both reachable from the main coastal highway. A day trip typically starts with an early bus or drive to arrive by late morning, allowing time to settle at one of the northern beaches such as Itamambuca before the afternoon sea breeze picks up, which surfers favour for wave conditions. Alternatively, visitors heading to the southern beaches near Ubatumirim or Picinguaba can combine a beach morning with an afternoon forest walk to a waterfall. The town centre has seafood restaurants along Rua Guarani and stalls selling grilled fish, pastel, and local fruit near the central market. December through March brings the warmest water and busiest beaches, particularly around New Year and Carnival, while April through September offers quieter sand and better surf conditions with cooler water. Because the beaches are widely dispersed, local buses or taxis are usually needed to move between them once in town.