Last updated on December 20, 2023.

Most people pass through São Sebastião on their way to and from Ilhabela. Being only 15 minutes away from Ilhabela by ferry, I decided to check out the town for an hour while waiting for my bus to São Paulo.

 

Waterfront Park

The historic center of São Sebastião is just a five minute walk from the ferry terminal. There is a nice park along the water with great views of Ilhabela and a few cannons perched along a path.

Park in São Sebastião, Brazil
Park
Park in São Sebastião, Brazil
Park

The road along the park, Avenida Dr. Altino Arantes, features a few colonial buildings along with some shops, restaurants, and juice bars.

Av. Dr. Altino Arantes in São Sebastião, Brazil
Avenida Dr. Altino Arantes
Av. Dr. Altino Arantes in São Sebastião, Brazil
Avenida Dr. Altino Arantes

Casa Esperança and the buildings next to it are probably the nicest ones in town.

Casa Esperança in São Sebastião, Brazil
Casa Esperança
Colonial building in São Sebastião, Brazil
Colonial building

 

Matriz Church

Follow the road next to Casa Esperança a bit inland and you will come to the 17th century Matriz Church (Igreja Matriz). The church sits next to a small square, Major João Fernandes Square (Praça Major João Fernandes).

Street next to Casa Esperança in São Sebastião, Brazil
Street next to Casa Esperança
Igreja Matriz in São Sebastião, Brazil
Matriz Church
Praça Major João Fernandes in São Sebastião, Brazil
Major João Fernandes Square

 

São Gonçalo Chapel

Another attraction is the now-defunct São Gonçalo Chapel (Capela São Gonçalo). This chapel was built in the 17th century and is currently used as the Museum of Sacred Art (Museu de Arte Sacra).

Capela São Gonçalo in São Sebastião, Brazil
São Gonçalo Chapel

 

Side Streets

The side streets have a few colorful buildings as well but nothing special.

Side street in São Sebastião, Brazil
Side street

Now you’ve seen São Sebastião!

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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