Located in the middle of the Serra do mar state park, home to the largest preserved concentration of Atlantic rainforest in Brazil, Ubatuba is a municipality in the state of São Paulo that offers an exorbitant amount of nature, 100 km of beach for all tastes and only 20% of urbanized air, perfect for a breathtaking jungle and sea vacation. A favorite destination for Sao Paulo locals, it is also very popular among travelers for being the Brazilian surfing capital and having some of the best beaches in the country, but not only that! In this article, I give you the 5 reasons why you should discover Ubatuba, a piece of paradise between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro that you shouldn't miss.   Travel tip: Enjoy the Jeep Ride through the Tijuca Forest and have fun in this adventure through the largest urban forest in the world.  
Ubatuba, on the north coast of Sao Paulo, offers an exorbitant amount of nature with more than 100 km of beaches for all tastes / Photo: Tiffany Flour
 

1- For its hundreds of beaches

The municipality of Ubatuba extends along the Atlantic coast from Tabatinga to the border with the state of Rio de Janeiro and the beginning of the Serra da Bocaina National Park. The destination is known for its 102 beaches - one visit is not enough to see them all! This diversity of beaches, spread over 100 km, allows everyone to find their pleasure between surfing beaches, family beaches, deserted beaches, urban beaches, wild beaches, rough beaches, quiet beaches, etc.. There is something for everyone. In the center of Ubatuba, where the urban life is concentrated, the most popular beaches are Praia Grande, Praia do Tenório, Praia do Perequê Açu, Praia do Cedro, Praia Vermelha and Vermelha do Norte. However, the most beautiful and wildest beaches are, of course, outside the center, Itamambuca beach, Fazenda beach, Prumirim beach, Camburi beach and Praia do Felix, among many others to discover!  
Praia do Felix is one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, with its wild aspect and its exorbitant nature / credit: ubatubaguide
 

2- For its incredible waterfalls and glades

As already mentioned, Ubatuba has an incredible natural wealth, forged between the sea and the jungle. This diversity offers fresh water and natural spaces for those who wish to enjoy a greener, cooler and wetter landscape. You can find places like Prumirim, which offers both a beach and a clearing in the same place, but usually the waterfalls are more buried in the jungle. For the best freshwater waterfalls, Cachoeira da Escada near Praia de Camburi, Cachoeira da Renata near Maranduba. A little further from the coast, behind the urban area of downtown Ubatuba, be sure to visit Cachoeira Ipiranguinha and Cachoeira do Pé da Serra, also known as Cachoeira da Macumba.  
The Prumirim waterfall is popular for its natural slide and its proximity to Prumirim beach / Photo: Tiffany Flour
 

3- For its vibrant nightlife

If you like to go out at night, even if it's just for a drink or a delicious seafood dish, there are many interesting places to go! In Ubatuba, the best concentration of bars and restaurants is in the city center, especially between Itaguá and Cruzeiro beach. A perfect nightlife environment to enjoy with family and friends all the options Ubatuba has to offer, among pizzerias, seafood restaurants and beachfront kiosks with live music, as well as the many handicraft and souvenir stores, in addition to the hippie market. Ubatuba's urban center is ideal to end a day at the beach with a drink and a good meal, accompanied by music and a festive atmosphere.   Travel Tip: If you are looking for things to do in São Paulo and you like heights, book this incredible hot air balloon tour and enjoy a truly privileged view.  

4- For its great diversity of activities

Ubatuba also dazzles you with the incredible dynamism of its inhabitants and visitors, around the many activities available. Being the Brazilian capital of surfing, it is of course an ideal place for surfing and the opportunity to take your first lessons for beginners. It is also ideal for cycling, to cross the coast and enjoy different views of the ocean and access much quieter areas. For those who want to experience more thrills, there are water sports available to enjoy the day with paddle boarding, jet-skiing and sailing, for example.    
Ubatuba offers water activities along its coastline with, among others, Paddle, jet-ski and sailing / Photo: Tiffany Flour

5- For its incomparable natural wealth 

It is common to hear that a single visit is not enough to discover Ubatuba and soak up its energy. Ubatuba is not that big, but it is worth knowing and staying in many of its places. For hiking lovers, several trails plunge into the abundant nature of the Atlantic rainforest that take you to different beaches and freshwater waterfalls. The walk of the 7 beaches is a 10 km trail, which can be completed in a full day, and connects Praia da Lagoinha with Praia da Fortaleza, passing through Praia do Oeste, Peres, Bonete, Grande Bonete, Praia do Deserto, Prainha and Praia do Cedro. A perfect itinerary for those who like to walk in the middle of the forest and encounter beautiful landscapes and exceptional panoramas. Ubatuba also has 15 islands where it is possible to find a boat to and from for the day. The best islands to visit are Prumirim Island, Anchieta Island, Ilha Dos Couves, Ilha dos Porcos and Toca Da Velha Island.   Travel Tip: Get to know Fortaleza with our East Coast Tour. It covers the main tourist spots of Jericoacoara and ends at the exclusive Barrinha Beach.  
Several trails immerse you in the abundant nature of the Atlantic Rainforest / Photo: Tiffany Flour
  With all the magical places in the region, you will find many more reasons why you should discover Ubatuba! Here are the main points of inspiration, so you can create and live your own experience in the north coast of Sao Paulo. Between the mountain and the sea, the Atlantic forest and the ocean, a preserved, conserved and respected nature welcomes you to discover some of the most beautiful freshwater waterfalls and surf beaches. With many activities and a nightlife more popular than the coast, Ubatuba is positioned as a must-see destination in Brazil, so what are you waiting for to discover this pearl of São Paulo?
  By: Tiffany, passionate communicator, inveterate marketer, enthusiastic traveler and Daytours4u contributor.