SÃO SEBASTIÃO 2000
São Sebastião is an unforgettable city.
Its history, culture, entertainment and sports are fused into the city. São Sebastião is located in the middle of "Serra do Mar" (Sea Hill). Its historic heritage was a witness of Brazil's history.
São Sebastião has beautiful beaches and preserves an enormous zone of MATA ATLÂNTICA (Atlantic Rain Forest).
It is separated from Ilhabela (São Sebastião's Island) by the São Sebastião Channel. This channel makes it possible to practice sailing and brings many regattas to the city around the year. Because of this canal and its winds, São Sebastião was chosen to be the only South America stopover for the international around the world sails competition The Whitbread.
São Sebastião is considered the third natural port of the world, because its deep, canal permits commercial activities and the port is the biggest petroleum pier of South America and is in constant activity. In its South Coast, the beaches have perfect waves to practice surfing. It has trails going through mysterious ways among the forest, birds and waterfalls, where the Guarani Indians live in harmony with nature. São Sebastião is a paradise that must be visited.
Welcome to São Sebastião.
CITY HALL OF SÃO SEBASTIÃO
São Sebastião is located on the North Coast of the State of São Paulo, Brazil, South America. It is bounded on North by Caraguatatuba, Bertioga by South, Salesópolis by East and the Atlantic Ocean by West Coastline.
Weather: Tropical, warm and humid.
Longitude: 45º21'00"W
Latitude: 23º 21"20"S
Population: 41.774 inhabitants at urban area and 210 inhabitants at country area
Political Emancipation's Anniversary : 03/16/1636
Zip Code: 11.600-000
Phone Number: 00-55-12
Distances: São Paulo 209 km (by Tamoios Route)
Rio de Janeiro 450 km (by Rio-Santos Route)
São José dos Campos 110 km (by Tamoios Route)
Caraguatatuba 027 km (by Tamoios Route)
Bertioga 099 km (by Rio-Santos Route)
Santos 144 km (by Rio-Santos Route)
Principal Routes of Access:
Rio-Santos (BR 101/SP 55)
Tamoios (SP 99)
Presidente Dutra (BR 116) + Tamoios + Rio-Santos
Ayrton Senna (Trabalhadores/ SP 70) + Mogi-Bertioga
CITY HALL OF SÃO SEBASTIÃO
Mayor João Augusto Siqueira (Brazilian Socialist Party)
Vice-Mayor José Mauro Torres Paes Leme
City Hall
Address: Rua Sebastião Silvestre Neves, 214
Downtown - São Sebastião
Zip Code 11.600-000
Phone #: 00-55-12-452.2544
Fax #: 00-55-12-452.1397
Office hours: 12:00 p.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Monday to Friday
Zip Code 11.600-000 - Downtown - São Sebastião, SP
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Av. Dr. Altino Arantes, W/O #
Zip Code 11.600-000 - Downtown - São Sebastião, SP
HISTORY
São Sebastião is the oldest city in the North Coast of the state of São Paulo.
On January 20th, São Sebastião's Day, the first Portuguese Colonists arrived on this land and because of this São Sebastião is the patron saint of the town and received its name. However, its political emancipation occurred on March 16th, 1636. The founders and first residents were Diogo de Unhate, Diogo Dias, João de Abreu, Gonçalo Pedroso and Francisco de Escobar Ortiz.
Since the colonial period the community in São Sebastião is in function of its port. The port of São Sebastião went through different periods as base for slaves' market, gold, coffee, agricultural products, tackle to whale hunting, and was a place of pirates confrontations. Some shipwreck still sink in the Canal of São Sebastião or behind Ilhabela, at open sea.
The valorous Historic Heritage can be conferred by a simple walk on the streets of São Sebastião.
São Sebastião counts 100 km of white sand beaches with clear sea water, distributed among its thirty beaches. This town has different beauties that come from the sea, islands, artcrafts, artisan fishing and also from the culture of the Guarani Indians community.
The community assumed the tourist market. Consequently, the local businessmen and public suppliers (electricity/ water/ telephone) work to reach the best results and quality to apply on tourism. One direct consequence of this job is The Whitbread Round the World Race that will take place in São Sebastião in 1998. This regatta is one of the most important nautical race in the world , the yachts are supposed to stay in São Sebastião from February 24th to March 14th, 1998. Day by day the town is improving to attend the tourists better and seeking to keep the characteristic of village with its typical behavior and culture better. Moreover São Sebastião has 402 km² of natural beauty to offer to the tourists.
BEACHES
São Sebastião and its beaches. All the beaches have access to SP-55 route, also known Rio-Santos Route.
ENSEADA BEACH - km 116 - 12 km from downtown to the North Coast side. This one is on limit with Caraguatatuba City. Its water sea is rich in clams and shrimps, it is not used for swimming.
CIGARRAS BEACH - km 118 - 10 km from downtown to the North Coast side. It has a small yacht club and many resort residences.
SÃO FRANCISCO DA PRAIA - km 122 - 6 km from downtown to the North Coast side.
It is known as fishermen's colony. The beach is for citizens and tourists that are looking for fresh shrimps and fishes.
OLARIA BEACH - km 123 - 5 km from downtown to the North Coast side. It has just one little access to the beach from the SP-55 route.
ARRASTÃO BEACH - km 125 - 3 km from downtown to the North Coast side.
It is searched for swimming and nautical sports.
PONTAL DA CRUZ BEACH - km 125,5 - 2,5 km from downtown to the North Coast side.
This beach has a legend mark that represents a love story. It has many private marinas.
DESERTA BEACH - km 126,5 - 2 km from downtown to the North Coast side.
It has a special bicycle's path around the seaside, also it is searched for walking and running practitioners.
PORTO GRANDE BEACH - km 127 - 1 km away from downtown to the North Coast side.
It has the "Praça da Vela" (Sail Square), departure of many boats and is a site for regattas. This square is well prepared to provide the boats needs.
DOWNTOWN - km 128 - It is famous for its historical architecture that preserved until our days. There are many entertainments downtown, also good restaurants specialized in fish meat.
PRETA BEACH - km 129 - 1 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
A little beach that has less than 500 meters in length. It is used for swimming and nautical sports.
GRANDE BEACH - km 130 - 2 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
This beach is well prepared to receive big groups or excursion's buses. There are buildings with all infrastructure for them. The buildings are equipped bathrooms, eateries, barbecue places, parking and sports court.
PITANGUEIRAS BEACH - km 131 - 3 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
Because of the difficult access to this beach it became almost private.
CABELO GORDO BEACH - km 131,5 - 3,5 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
It is the site for Cebimar (Marine Biology Center of the University of São Paulo).
BAREQUEÇABA BEACH - km 133 - 5 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
It is good for practicing sports as volleyball, basketball, racquetball and windsurf.
GUAECÁ BEACH - km 135 - 7 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
Is the beach for people in search of learning to surf. Also sports such as paragliding, walking, running and racquetball are practiced there. There is a cave called "Toca do Bicho" that has a legend that involves a gigantic snake that destroyed boats, and the priest Anchieta had driven it out.
BRAVA BEACH - km 137 - 9 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
There is no access by car, just by water or walking.
TOQUE TOQUE GRANDE BEACH - km 141 - 13 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
One of the last primitive fishing centers. On the route in front of the entrance to the beach there is a big waterfall.
CALHETAS BEACH - km 144 - 16 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
There is no public access by car to the beach.
TOQUE TOQUE PEQUENO BEACH - km 147 - 19 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
There is a huge condominium and nowadays a few fishermen.
SANTIAGO BEACH - km 148 - 20 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
Residential beach.
PAÚBA BEACH - km 151 - 23 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
A small beach with a few beach goers.
MARESIAS BEACH - km 154 - 26 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
It was a meeting place of the of the hippies in 70's, and the favorite place of the surfers.
BOIÇUCANGA BEACH - km 163 - 35 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
The first reference about Boiçucanga is found in the books written by the German Hans Staden, he was a trekker that passed by this land on 16th century. This beach received this name from the Indian language, because of its mountain. For the Tupinambás and Tupiniquins Indians BOI means SNAKE, AÇU means BIG, and CANGA means HEAD. In the South Coast Boiçucanga developed more than others. Here, there is a post-office, bank, stores, hotels, restaurants.
CAMBURI BEACH - km 165 - 37 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
It is the richest center of artcraft of São Sebastião. There are many colorful wood sculptures worked in "caxeta wood". Three backwoods: Camburi, Cacau and Piavu, where they had giant trees, exotic plants, and colorful birds.
BALEIA BEACH - km 170 - 42 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
Residential beach with many condominiums.
BARRA DO SAHY BEACH - km 172 - 44 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
It has a little Catholic Church "Nossa Senhora Santana" near to the river and the wood bridge as the principal attraction for tourists.
PRETA BEACH - km 175 - 47 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
CONCHAS BEACH - km 175 - 47 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
JUQUEHY BEACH - km 176 - 48 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
This beach has a few citizens, fishermen and artisans.
BARRA DO UNA BEACH - km 184 - 56 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
Its beach has the most important yacht club of the city. The yachts reach the sea by the river.
ENGENHO BEACH - km 186 - 58 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
JURÉIA BEACH - km 187 - 59 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
In state of developing its tourist potentials.
BORACÉIA BEACH - km 190 - 62 km from downtown to the South Coast side.
It has approximately nine kilometers in length and it makes limit with Bertioga City. There is the unique Indian Territory of the "Rio Silveiras" that is owned by the Guarani Indians.
HISTORIC HERITAGE
The historical center of São Sebastião gives us true treasures of the colonist architecture.
In 1969 some blocks were tumbled-down by Condephaat (State's Council of Defense of the Historic Heritage, Artistic, Architectonic and Tourist). However, some of these buildings were destroyed. The São Sebastião city is working with restoration and preservation of these buildings. The most important buildings are: the "Igreja Matriz" (Catholic Church), "Casa de Câmara e Cadeia" (Public Prison), "Casa Esperança".
CATHOLIC CHURCH was built first in the 17th century, it has been destroyed and was rebuilt in the 19th century. This church was made of "taipa" mixture of wood and clay, it has characteristics of Jesuit's influence. The Church is in recuperation and keeping its original characteristics.
PUBLIC PRISON represents 18th century, with a similarity with the colonists buildings of the State of Minas Gerais.
CASA ESPERANÇA is the most noble house in São Sebastião, built in Altino Arantes Avenue (Rua da Praia), one of the most important streets of the city. It was made of stones and whitewash, its mixture was composed by shells, sand, and whale oil. Pieces of stones and paintings on ceilings are registered marks of richness that was common to find in Paraty City, RJ, but was not common in this area.
Next to the "Casa Esperança" there are other important buildings : Culture and Tourism Secretary, was built in beginning of this century and it was used to be a Public School for many.
On the same avenue is the HOTEL PRAIA, a rich building that is neglected by the owners.
CHAPEL OF SÃO GONÇALO is located on Rua Sebastião Silvestre Neves, it was the first chapel of the city. Today the chapel is a Museum of Sacred Art, there are paintings, sculptures and other works that date from 16th to the beginning of this century.
CASA DÓRIA was built in 1906 and shows the transition between the colonist and modern architecture. The house is placed in downtown. It belongs to one of the most important families in São Sebastião.
THE CULTURE HISTORIC HERITAGE DIVISION is set in a house that was built last century, nowadays is being rebuilt. There is information about São Sebastião's history and memory.
CONVENTO NOSSA SENHORA DO AMPARO is the oldest construction of São Sebastião, located outside of downtown. It was built in the 17th century and the convent is still open.
SANTANA'S FARM (Saint Anne) is placed outside of São Sebastião, in Pontal da Cruz Beach. Its principal house was built first time in the 18th century, and as the Catholic Church it was rebuilt after its destruction.
Santana's Farm was one of the biggest sugar cane farms in this area, the farm still preserves marks of the colonist time, and of the presence of African slaves.
In most of the beaches are small chapels that registers the presence of catholic monks in São Sebastião. These chapels have special protection and some of them as Barra do Sahy, Maresias, Toque Toque Grande and Pequeno are preserved by law. All of them keep the simple style of the time they were built.
MATA ATLÂNTICA, COASTAL ZONE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The São Sebastião territory has particular characteristics. One of them is about 100 km of coast that unites "Serra do Mar" - hills composed by cliffs and mountains, with a medium height around 700 meters - making connection between the plateau and the coastal zone, a coastal plain where the existence of a natural port, São Sebastião's Canal, set between the continent and the Island of São Sebastião, also called Ilhabela. This canal has 25 to 40 meters of depth, and it does not keep sediments because it suffers constant water currents.
In some places the hills are very close to the sea; this fact forms a type of natural amphitheater composed by mountains that finish in the sea, beaches and flat areas with the hills behind of them. The cliffs keep a large number of drains that consists of waterfalls and rivers.
"Serra do Mar" is covered by a tropical humid forest the Mata Atlântica that expands on many areas to the coastal plane which is associated with enormous number of endemic species of animals and vegetables. According to scientists this phenomenon has occurred due to the geological history of the region; eras ago the variation of the level of the sea had influenced in the forest space distribution. The Tropical Forest and the Coastal Zone compose sceneries of singular beauty; also they combine fragility and ecology. On recent decades with de development of the commercial port, petroleum pier and the Rio-Santos Road, that was enlarged and concreted, there was a "break" in some traditional population that lived isolated.
Today, São Sebastião has many environmental protection laws. The Serra do Mar is protected by tumble-down and by a creation of the State's Park, also integrating the Reserve of the Mata Atlântica, decreted by Unesco in 1992. The Coastal Zone is a subject of the "National Program of Coastal Management", that manages the usage of the soil through narrow criterions of the Land/Soil Law.
The environmental State agency has controlled some firms that pollute the air and the sea water. São Sebastião has a fiscalization system based on its environmental law, and it works together with the State.
Through "recycling systems" the town is working with the Environmental Education, the city gives incentive to selection of the garbage, as plastics, papers, cans and bottles. São Sebastião was the first city on the North Coast to recycle and collect a selected garbage.
SURF
Some people see São Sebastião as a synonym for the "philosophy-sport" (surf). The number of the boards on car racks increased in Maresias Beach after its secrets were discovered by surfers that came form all parts of the world.
The strongest and tubular waves break in the south of Maresias Beach. Between the beaches Maresias and Boiçucanga, there is Brava Beach. It is of difficult access and you can reach it by motorcycle, by boat or walking. However, it is an excellent beach to go to.
Different options are the waves of the islands as "As Ilhas" and "Montão de Trigo", also of difficult access, only by boat.
Camburi Beach is another place that receives many surfers to enjoy its waves that break in both sides of the beach.
Juquehy Beach is becoming a big revelation because of local surfers.
Paúba Beach has only a few days during the year with waves good for surfing, after this it is a swimming beach.
Guaecá Beach is the alternative for beginners at surf. It has short to medium waves to practice the new sport.
TRAIL
São Sebastião has many natural trails to offer for beginners and expert trekkers, into the Mata Atlântica.
"Ribeirão do Itu Trail" is the most famous trail, it starts on top of the Hill (Rio Pardo - Salesópolis Route) and goes down until Boiçucanga Beach. Generally, the trekkers rent a car with driver to reach the Hill, because there is not sign to indicate the trail. Many "bromélias", "orchids" (flowers), trees, waterfalls, birds, rivers to cross make this trail very special. It takes six hours to go through the trail with stops to swim and to take pictures.
"Brava Beach to Boiçucanga Trail" is a hard trail to do and no less wild than "Ribeirão do Itu". It starts on the Rio-Santos Route, between Maresias and Boiçucanga Beach. Some people used it with motorcycles.
"Brava Beach to Guaecá Trail" is considered an easy trail; leaving from South of Guaecá, the Brava Beach can be reached around a half hour. Conchas Beach is one beach that is in the middle of the way. The Brava Beach is placed between the high coast line.
"Ilha dos Gatos Trail" has two trails. The first goes to the stonemason, and the second one goes to the "Caixa D'Água" (Water Supply).
"Paúba - Maresias Trail" is the easiest trail in São Sebastião. It starts in the southern of Paúba Beach. This trail shows many nice views especially at the sunset.
There are other trails interconnecting the backwoods, some of them are centenaries and were used by Indians.
BIKE
In São Sebastião people have a mania for bicycles. There are two cycle paths all of them are located on the North Coast of the city; one is on Deserta Beach, another is on São Francisco Beach. These paths are there to give the bikers security.
In the Summer Season "The Nightly Bike Ride" takes place. Every year this ride gains more participants, last summer the ride got together more than 3.000 bikers. The "nightly ride" starts in the evening and finishes just on early morning.
The South Coast of São Sebastião is used for professional athletes as triathletes who bicycle the Rio-Santos Route because of its composition of mountains, hills and curves. Some of the Brazilian athletes have improved their performance by using this route. They come for training to compete in the Ironman, in Hawaii, USA. However, for beginners the Rio-Santos Route would be dangerous, the biker must be fit and ride very carefully because in this route there is no lean against the lane.
SAIL
Sailing is the most natural sport of São Sebastião, because of the São Sebastião's Canal, that is formed by Ilhabela (Beautiful Island) and our continent. The canal has constant winds and this fact brings many sail events and regattas to São Sebastião; here champions like Dudu Melchert show off in the international regattas. Even during the Winter Season (June to September), when the weather changes it presents some warm days and good winds.
The sailors have "Praça da Vela" (Sail Square) at Porto Grande Beach, that has the infrastructure for serving boats, sails and windsurfs.
São Sebastião was chosen to be the only South American stopover for The Whitbread Round The World Race because of its nautical vocation. The Whitbread Round The World Race yachts and their teams are supposed to arrive in São Sebastião in February 1998.
WALKING
São Sebastião has many natural paths for people who enjoy walking or running on its beaches. Barequeçaba Beach is one of the favorite beaches for practicing these sports because of its firm and plane sand. Also, in the downtown area besides the cycle path in direction to São Francisco Beach, on the North Coast, there is a path for walking and running.
NAUTICAL SPORTS
São Sebastião has various nautical garages close to downtown area. However, it has few marinas, one of them is the Yacht Club of Barra do Una, on the extreme of the South Coast, it keeps all kinds of boats, and is located on the Una River. This region has many jet skis. The jet skis are found from Arrastão Beach to Guaecá Beach, but the sportist must follow the Marine Legislation and need to be able to ride it.
Nautical sports in São Sebastião have many adepts and because of facilities like garages and marinas the number of boats rise each day.
ENTERTAINMENT
In São Sebastião there are entertainment for all kinds of people. It is found in its beaches, paths, culture and sportive events throughout the year.
HANDICRAFTS
In the handicraft stores of downtown there are colorful fishes and birds made by local artisans. They used to use caxeta wood. This wood is very soft, clear, light and provides many possibilities to work with it. Also, this kind of wood can be worked with all kinds of tools since the home knife to chisel.
TABOA is another natural material used by artisans to make mattresses, hats and rugs.
Some beaches of São Sebastião as Camburi and Juquehy have streets with handicraft stores. On backwoods of Camburi there are many artisans who live and work with different materials and some of them are doing such as music and theater. All of these artists are contributing to build the cultural richness of this town.
FISHING
Fishing was the principal economic activity of São Sebastião. Today it is very reduced by the entrance of big fishing boats. However, in some places we still find artisan fishermen. For example, in São Francisco Beach, at North Coast and in the beaches of Paúba, Toque Toque Grande, Toque Toque Pequeno and Juquehy, at South Coast. The fishing boats came with the progress, but they also brought some damage to the nature.
The beaches that have concentration of fishermen's residences and boats are bucolic and perfect places to spend time just watching the colorful boats or buying fresh fishes.
GUARANI INDIANS
Rio Silveiras' Indian Territory, in São Sebastião, has its principal nucleus in Boracéia Beach. This reserve is on limit between two cities São Sebastião and Bertioga. There are 40 families divided in three nucleus approximately 300 inhabitants. Today there is an elementary school donated by Bertioga City.
Guarani Indians have a behavior of migration; today they are trying to find ways to set up in Boracéia Beach.
The City Hall of São Sebastião, the Funai, the Agriculture Secretary of the State of São Paulo, and ONGs like Guaricanga are working together with members of the Indians tribe to reach the result of their auto subsistence through handmade artcrafts, plantation of flowers and one kind of edible palm tree called "juçara palm" which is in process of extinction. Also, some of them started to cultivate on their own land, others are learning about raise fishes and grow "pupunha", also called an ecological palm tree. The best results are coming from the cultivation of adornment flowers, originated from Mata Atlântica. In the territory there is a nursery where the Indians have made seedling and they harvest the flowers to sale to the local restaurants, hotels and resorts.
The São Sebastião Government has done a job with the Guarani Indians to give them assistance by independence. Also the Government worries about the future of these people and their integration in our community without hurting their integrity and culture.
EVENTS
JANUARY
The events in São Sebastião starts on New Year Day. All the beaches become full of people who want to watch the fireworks festival. The most known is the Arrastão Beach supported by one resident.
At South Coast the pubs and bars compete for doing the best party.
January 1st to 6th it takes place the celebration of the Three Wise Men where a group goes from home to home singing and playing the guitar. They sing in exchange for food and they pray for God bless the houses.
On January 12th it starts the prayers for the patron of saint São Sebastião at the Cathedral downtown. Also the free market begins in the São Sebastião Festival in "Rua da Praia". Here they sell a great variety from pans to clothes. On these days they have a night bingo game whit all kinds of prizes and other different entertainments, very common on popular parties at small cities in Brazil. At Barra do Una Beach there is a Canoe Race to celebrate the patron saint of São Sebastião.
São Sebastião's Day is the greatest day of this festival, it happens on January 20th. This day is a holiday in the city and it is starts with a show of dance and performance of the CONGADA which is a folklore group originated from Europeans and African traditions, that show a confrontation since the time of Carlos Magno. This group is called "Congada of Saint Benedict" they are composed of residents of São Francisco Beach. During the afternoon takes place the procession of the Catholic Church through historic streets.
FEBRUARY
The Carnival Festival in São Sebastião was elect the best of the North Coast of the State of São Paulo. The celebration lasts five days in downtown and Boiçucanga Beach. On "Rua da Praia" people have music and they can dance all night. In other beaches as Maresias, Juquehy, Camburi, Barra do Una and Boracéia the festival happens each other day. At Boiçucanga Beach they have "fashion parade" called Dorotéia's Shower, organized and composed by people wearing clothes made with paper.
MARCH
On march 16th is celebrated the São Sebastião's political emancipation. During the whole month they celebrate with sports and cultured events.
JUNE
The Brazilian people are Catholic and because of it June is a festive month. The festival starts on June 13th, "Saint Antony's Day", the saint of the lovers, with typical food, fireworks, and a lot of warm drinks; it finishes at "Saint Peter's Day", the saint of the fishermen. On São Francisco Beach the celebration is a marine procession organized by the Fishermen's Colony. For this day the fishermen decorate the boats and go across the Canal to meet other boats from Ilhabela. In the middle of the Canal the Catholic pries blesses the fish-hook and the boats.
JULY
There are various chapels on São Sebastião's Coast in tribute to Santana (Saint Anne). On July 26th, a great party happens in Santana's Farm, at North Coast in Pontal da Cruz Beach also in Toque Toque Pequeno Beach.
During the month is organizes a Poem Contest to celebrate "Nhô Bento", a local poet.
SEPTEMBER
The Independence's Day is on September 7th and is celebrated with a parade on "Rua da Praia". Also it happens a "Pedestrian Race" when runners form 8 to 80 years of age compete doing six kilometers. However, the most important event of September is a "Meeting of Choirs Villa Lobos". The "Choir Sinésio Pinheiro" of São Sebastião invite other choirs to join them to sing in a Catholic Church as the Cathedral and the "Nossa Senhora do Amparo".
DECEMBER
The last month of the year is celebrated with MOSTRARTE, a show of Brazilian art, organized on "Rua da Praia" with music, paintings and artcrafts. The Christmas' Concert marks the end of the Mostrarte. On December 31st, in the Boiçucanga Beach tourists and residents make a joke with the traditional São Silvestre Race, organized in São Paulo, realizing the São Risal Race.
Apart of this event, others are organized in São Sebastião. During the holidays they have musical shows, art expositions etc..
THE ISLANDS
The islands of São Sebastião are very beautiful. The most popular ones are Alcatrazes Archipelago, also called ecological sanctuary. It has a thousand marine birds that annually go there to reproduce also whales and other marine animals. The archipelago is 33 km away from the continent.
Near the continent other islands are set on the South Coast. Their natural characteristics are the vegetation and they are surrounded by stones. The islands of Toque Toque Pequeno and Toque Toque Grande received the same name of the beaches because they are placed in front of them.
"Ilha das Couves", "Ilha dos Gatos", "As Ilhas" and "Montão de Trigo" can be reached through the beaches Boiçucanga, Camburi, Baleia, Sahy, Juquehy and Barra do Una. In "As Ilhas" there is just one family living, but at "Montão de Trigo" there is a fishermen's community. Among these islands only "Montão de Trigo" is considerable farther from São Sebastião's Coast, by boat it takes around half hour to reach it.
The reason to be closer to Barra do Sahy Beach, where is placed one big marina, these islands are frequently visited by tourists that are looking for privacy. These people reach the islands by yachts, boats, jet skis and windsurf, and some of them go there to practice surf.
"Ilha dos Gatos" is involved in a legend around a stonemason built by a North American man who was supposed to be a very close friend of Mr. Rockfeller. He had built the house for Mr. Rockfeller. The stonemason was filled with fine porcelain and a huge library. After the owner's death it started to deteriorate. Today the housekeeper's house at the beach is abandoned; the beach was artificially built with dynamite explosions. The stone mason is just ruins and there are enormous trees that invade the house's rooms. There is a trail in the island for adventures.