São Sebastião

Stay in São Sebastião

The discovery of Sao Sebastiao as a tourist destination takes place after the road liking Santos to Rio de Janeiro (Rio-Santos Highway) was built in the late seventies, making it possible for the city to develop tourism activities. With its many Hotels, Sao Sebastiao is one of the most beautiful and well preserved tourist destinations of the country today.

Historical heritage of São Sebastião

One of the oldest cities of the state of São Paulo, São Sebastião has seven blocks and several buildings which are considered national and world heritage since1969. The Mother Church, the Town Hall, the Prison and the Casa Esperanca are among the most important buildings in the city centre.

The Mother Church was originally built in the 17th Century but the current building dates from the 19th Century and the walls keep characteristics of the Jesuit influence.

The Town Hall and the Prison have characteristics of the architecture of the 17th century, similar to the ones found in the state of Minas Gerais. The Casa Esperança is the noblest historic building in the city, buit in the fashion of the time, it is a national heritage. The stones that adorn the door and window frames came from Portugal and the paintings on the ceiling show wealth that was unusual to other buildings in the region,, as Sao Sebastiao was not as rich as other cities such as Paraty. The place is maintained by privates.

Also on the Rua da Praia Street, beside the Casa Esperança, is located the Tourism, Sports and Culture office. The building dates back to the 20th century and held the first school in the city. Two blocks ahead you will see the Hotel Praia Building, which is under renovation ate the moment.

In the city centre there is the São Gonçalo chapel. Recently renovated , it holds the Museum of Sacred Art. The Dória’s House, built in 1906 close to the Antônio Argino Square, is a living example of the transition between the colonial and modern architecture. It was the home of one of the most traditional families of the region, the Dorias. The Historic and cultural patrimony office is located in a two floor house at the Mother Church square.

Outside the city centre are two important examples of our heritage: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Convent and the Santana Farm. The convent is located in the Francisco tow and is the oldest building in the city, dating from the17th century. The Santana Farm was first built in the18th century, the building that is there nowadays is not the original. It is also worthwhile seeing the artificial stream of water and the mill.

Most of the small churches located in the city date back to the 20th century and are also worthwhile seeing. Some are protected by law and many of them, such as the ones in Barra do Sahy, Maresias, Toque-Toque Pequeno e Grande keep their simple original characteristics.

Attractions in Sao Sebastiao

Historic old Center
Composed of seven blocks that are part of the National Heritage. It conserves colonial architecture dating back from the 60’s

Big houses
In the city centre, old big houses that date from the colonial period and belonged to the wealthiest families. They were built around of the Mother Church three centuries ago and they represent the political and social progress of the city.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Convent
It’s the oldest building of the city. Located by the sea, the Convent and its church compose one of the most beautiful and interesting views in the city.

Santana Farm
The Santana Farm was first built in the18th century, the building that is there nowadays is not the original . It is also worthwhile seeing the artificial stream of water and the mill.

Mother Church
The Mother Church was originally built in the 17th Century but the current building dates from the 19th Century and the walls keep characteristics of the Jesuit influence. It is an important religious and development landmark for the people of the time.

Beaches
There are many beaches you can visit in Sao Sebastiao: Enseada, Cigarras, São Francisco, Olaria, Arrastão, Pontal da Cruz, Deserta, Porto Grande, Centro, Preta, Grande, Pitangueiras, Cabelo Gordo, Baraqueçaba, Guaecá, Brava, Toque-Toque Grande, Toque Toque Pequeno, Calhetas, Santiago, Paúba, Maresias, Brava, Boiçucanga, Camburi, Baleia, Barra do Sahy, Conchas, Juquehy, Barra do Una, Juréia and Boracéia.

Ribeirao do Itu Waterfall waking track
6-hour-walk through the Atlantic rainforest seeing the fauna and flora, crossed by streams. It is possible to bathe in the waterfalls which have clear waters.

Praia Brava walking track
Walking track leading to a desert beach with a nice swell, white and fine sand. From the track you will see the forest and the beach.

Morro do Abrigo/Guaecá walking track Leaving from Morro do Abrigo, it passes by old sites inside the National Park. Many types of wild fruit can be tasted along the way. The final destination is the Guaecá beach.

Limeira’s old road walking track
Leaves from Enseada and goes to the Rio Pardo road. It is great for riding horses, mountain bike.

Surf
The best beaches for surfing are Maresias, Brava, Juréia, Camburi and in open in the Montão de Trigo island.

Canoeing
Canoeing can be done in Barra do Una Beach.

Rapel
It is possible to rappel in the waterfalls in Boicucanga.

Diving
In Barra do Sahy, Ilhas, Alcatrazes, Ilha dos Gatos, Ilha de Toque Toque, Montão de Trigo, Baleia and Paúba.

Islands
São Sebastião has a many desert beaches, clear water, sea animals etc. The most important islands are: Couves Island, Alcatrazes Archipelago, As Ilhas Islands, Ilha do Gato Island, Montão de Trigo and Toque-Toque Islands.

Nightlife
The nightlife is lively, mainly in Maresias beach.

São Sebastião in Paulista coast
The North coast of Sao Paulo is composed of São Sebastião, along with Ilhabela, Caraguatatuba and Ubatuba.. The population of Sao Sebastiao is 73,644, spread along its 401km of mountains, the Atlantic forest and coast. Having more than 30 wonderful beaches, they attract tourists throughout the country. Trading and tourism are very active and the waking tracks and waterfalls are the main attractions for those seeking adventure.