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Hidden in the far south of Ilhabela, Bonete gained international projection for combining open sea, Atlantic Forest, and caiçara culture, but requires planning from those intending to arrive by trail or by sea, in an experience far from the easy access of more touristy beaches.
In the far south of Ilhabela, on the northern coast of São Paulo, Bonete Beach started to attract attention outside Brazil after appearing in the 78th position of the international ranking Best Beaches in the World.
The recognition, however, comes with an important condition for those planning to visit the destination: access is not via a common road, as arrival depends on a boat or a long trail through the Atlantic Forest.
Released in June 2026, the list placed Bonete among the 100 best beaches in the world and included the destination among the 11 Brazilian representatives selected this year, according to the Municipal Government of Ilhabela.
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Bonete Beach gains international projection
In the international selection, Bonete gained visibility for combining preserved nature, open sea, caiçara community, and restricted access, characteristics that differentiate the beach from more urbanized and busy stretches of the São Paulo coast.
According to the city hall, the ranking was prepared by the platform Beach.com and took into account expert recommendations, visitor reviews, environmental data, water quality, accessibility, and other indicators related to traveler experience.
Among the Brazilian beaches mentioned in the same list are Atins, in Lençóis Maranhenses, Baía do Sancho, in Pernambuco, Copacabana, in Rio de Janeiro, as well as destinations in states like Pará, Rio Grande do Norte, Bahia, Santa Catarina, and Alagoas.
For the São Paulo coast, the highlight had additional weight because Bonete was pointed out by the municipal administration as the only representative of the state in the ranking, expanding Ilhabela’s presence in nature tourism.
How to get to Bonete Beach
Part of Bonete Beach’s appeal lies precisely in the difficulty of access, as cars do not reach the village and the journey requires organization even before the visitor sets out for the trip.
By land, the alternative is a medium to high-level trail, approximately 12 kilometers from Ponta de Sepituba, in the far south of Ilhabela, with an average duration of five hours.
Along the route, the hike crosses areas of the Atlantic Forest and passes by well-known spots such as the Laje, Areado, and Saquinho waterfalls, as well as the Laje Farm, mentioned in the municipality’s tourist itinerary.
Those who prefer to avoid the hike can opt for the boat, used by visitors who make round trips by sea or combine different forms of transportation, although navigation depends on sea conditions.
Due to this more limited access, leaving early, checking the weather forecast, wearing appropriate footwear, bringing water, and calculating travel time are important precautions to enjoy the visit more safely.
Caiçara village maintains its own identity
With about 300 residents, Bonete is considered the largest traditional community in the archipelago and preserves a routine linked to caiçara culture, fishing, simple accommodations, and small services aimed at tourists.
On the unpaved streets, internal movements usually occur on foot or by quad bike, while some areas operate with solar energy and generators, creating a dynamic different from that observed in the more touristy areas of Ilhabela.
Even with the isolation, the beach has the infrastructure to receive visitors, including inns, campsites, hostels, kiosks, restaurants, and family accommodations, allowing for longer stays without turning the place into a mass tourism destination.
The Secretary of Economic Development and Tourism of Ilhabela, Harry Finger, stated that international recognition highlights a destination that “preserves unique natural characteristics” and keeps the caiçara culture alive.
Preserved nature and open sea
In the landscape, the wide sandy strip appears surrounded by broad-canopied trees, rocky formations, and rough seas, especially on the right side of the beach, where larger waves attract surfers.
This combination helps explain the interest of travelers interested in ecotourism, contact with traditional communities, and experiences in preservation areas, without the quick arrival logic common on beaches accessed by road.
Despite international projection, Bonete maintains limitations that are part of the local experience, such as weaker internet connection, lighting dependent on available infrastructure, and a simpler routine than the island’s tourist center.
For some visitors, these characteristics enhance the charm of a remote beach; for others, they represent a logistical challenge that requires a willingness to walk, attention to the weather, and adaptation to the community’s pace.
Bonete stands out because it doesn’t just offer a beautiful landscape: the arrival involves effort, the surroundings preserve traces of caiçara life, and staying depends on a more patient relationship with time and travel.
