Ilha Comprida combines 74 kilometres of beach with a diverse protected landscape and clearly identified cultural sites. Two distinct perspectives can help with planning your trip: nature and landscape, as well as history, handicrafts and cultural activities. If you’re looking for hotels in Ilha Comprida, these themes can help you decide in advance what kind of discoveries you want to shape your trip.

Landscape and birdlife

The APA Ilha Comprida includes restinga forests, dunes, beaches and mangroves. This combination of several habitats is a defining natural feature of the destination; Ilha Comprida also has 74 kilometres of beaches. These two facts show different aspects of the landscape: the length of the beaches highlights the coastline, while the APA encompasses several ecosystems.

Birdlife is also part of the protected landscape: the APA serves as a resting and stopover area for more than 30 migratory bird species. This is a specific nature-related feature for anyone who wants to consider habitats and wildlife alongside beaches when planning a trip.

Nature and trails

Parque Linear do Rio Candapuí has cycling paths, trails and raised boardwalks through the forest. A range of trail types is therefore a key feature of the recreational area. If you’re comparing excursions by their specific features, this offers a different point of reference from a longer cycling route.

The Circuito Lagamar São Paulo de Cicloturismo passes through Ilha Comprida and covers approximately 180 kilometres. The two cycling-related features answer different questions: Parque Linear is about the types of trails available there, while the Circuito is a regional cycling route with an approximate distance. This makes it possible to distinguish a local recreational area from a route through the region without treating them as the same kind of excursion.

Baía dos Golfinhos lies on the border between Ilha Comprida and Cananeia and is a natural spot for dolphin watching. Sightings depend on the tides and local conditions. If you include this natural feature in your plans, expect viewing opportunities to vary.

Culture, history and handicrafts

Complexo Turístico da Orla do Mar Pequeno includes a Sala de Memória and the Museu do Mar. The former Porto da Balsa is part of the municipality’s historic heritage. You can visit Capela Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Vila Nova; Cemitério Caiçara, also called Cemitério dos Índios, is another cultural site open to visitors there.

Discover handicrafts at Loja de Artesanato Identitário in Complexo da Orla do Mar Pequeno, where organic jewellery, baskets, paddles, wall decorations and other items are displayed and sold. Espaço Cultural Plínio Marcos hosts exhibitions, cinema, events, workshops and courses; its programme may change. Alongside historic sites, handicrafts and changing cultural offerings are therefore distinct options to explore.

One edition of Café Caiçara in Pedrinhas on October 18 featured Bolo de Roda, corn, cinnamon and fubá cakes, savoury pies and homemade breads. If you’d like to include the café in your travel plans, check the date separately.

Discover more destinations: Ubatuba, Capão Bonito, Barra Do Una, São Caetano Do Sul, Ilhabela, Itanhaém, Birigui, Itirapina

For the main travel overview: São Paulo.