beach and viewpoint · Ilhabela, SP
Praia de Castelhanos e Mirante do Coração
A wild beach on the ocean side of the island, reached by a dirt road passable only by 4x4, by trail or by boat. From the viewpoint above, the cove looks like a heart.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Praia de Castelhanos e Mirante do Coração
Castelhanos is the most famous beach on the ocean side of Ilhabela, the side of the island facing the open sea. It has about 2 km of sand, open sea and Atlantic Forest all around, and it lies inside the Parque Estadual de Ilhabela. Seen from above, the cove is shaped like a heart.
Getting there is part of the trip. There is no pavement: the dirt road that crosses the mountains through the park is passable only by 4x4, and the park limits the number of vehicles per day. You can also arrive on a long forest trail or by boat, going around the island.
A caiçara (traditional coastal) community lives on the beach and runs simple kiosks and restaurants. Nearby are waterfalls such as the Cachoeira do Gato, reached by a short trail, and the Mirante do Coração (viewpoint), where you can see the shape of the cove.
The sea is open, so check conditions before going in. Because access is difficult, this trip is for those who are fine with a dirt road or a hike, and it is not recommended for people with reduced mobility.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Set aside the whole day: the trip there and back on the dirt road takes up a good part of it.
Best time
On sunny days, after a few days without rain, when the dirt road is in better shape and the view from the viewpoint is clearer.
How to get there
It is on the east side of the island, opposite the Vila and the ferry. The Castelhanos road crosses the Parque Estadual de Ilhabela and is passable only by 4x4 vehicles; local agencies run jeep tours. You can also get there by boat or on a trail.
Tip
If you do not have a 4x4, go on an organized jeep tour with a local agency. Bring insect repellent and water for the day.
A look at the place
Praia de Castelhanos e Mirante do Coração in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Praia de Castelhanos e Mirante do Coração
How do you get to Praia de Castelhanos?
By a dirt road that crosses the Parque Estadual de Ilhabela, only in a 4x4 vehicle, by boat or on a long forest trail.
Do I need a 4x4 to get to Castelhanos?
Yes, only 4x4s can use the road. If you do not have one, you can go on a jeep tour with a local agency or by boat.
Why is Castelhanos shaped like a heart?
It is the natural outline of the cove, which you can see from above, from viewpoints such as the Mirante do Coração.
Is there anywhere to eat at Castelhanos?
Yes. The beach's caiçara (traditional coastal) community runs simple kiosks and restaurants.
How long does the trip to Castelhanos take?
The whole day. The drive on the dirt road is slow in both directions.