beach · São Sebastião, SP
Praia de Maresias
One of the most famous beaches on the São Paulo coast, with strong waves that have produced surf champions and nightlife known across the state. The wide strip of sand stretches for kilometers.
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 Maresias
Maresias is the most famous beach in São Sebastião, on the São Paulo North Coast. It is on the South Coast of the municipality, along the Rio-Santos highway, and has a long strip of light, soft sand, with the forest of the Serra do Mar right behind it.
Its fame comes from the waves. The sea is usually strong and the waves consistent, which has made Maresias one of the top surf spots in Brazil. This is where world champion surfer Gabriel Medina grew up. The right end, known as Canto do Moreira, is the surfers' favorite spot.
If you do not surf, you can walk on the sand, play volleyball or frescobol (beach paddleball) and watch the moves. For swimming, the left end tends to be calmer. Along the rest of the beach the sea is rough, with currents: go in only near the lifeguard stations and follow the flags.
The neighborhood has plenty of facilities, with pousadas (guesthouses), restaurants, kiosks and bars. At night, Maresias is known for its lively scene, with nightclubs that draw a young crowd, especially in summer and on holidays.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A full day at the beach; many people stay for the weekend.
Best time
In summer, if you want sun and a lively scene; from April to June and in spring, if you prefer a quieter beach. Waves tend to be bigger with the cold fronts of fall and winter, a good time to watch the surfing.
How to get there
Maresias is on the South Coast of São Sebastião, about 27 km from downtown, on the Rio-Santos highway (BR-101/SP-55). From São Paulo, go down the mountains via the Mogi-Bertioga or the Tamoios highway and continue along the Rio-Santos. There are buses from São Paulo and from downtown São Sebastião.
Tip
On holidays and summer weekends, traffic on the Rio-Santos is heavy and parking near the sand is hard to find: arrive early. If you go with children, choose the left end for swimming.
A look at the place
Praia de Maresias 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 Maresias
Is Maresias good for swimming?
Along much of the beach the sea is strong, with waves and currents. The left end is usually calmer. Go in near the lifeguards and follow the flags.
Where is the best place to surf in Maresias?
The right end, known as Canto do Moreira, is the surfers' favorite spot. Waves tend to get bigger with cold fronts.
How long does it take to get from São Paulo to Maresias?
It depends a lot on traffic on the mountain road and the Rio-Santos. Maresias is in São Sebastião, about 27 km from downtown, with access via the Rio-Santos.
Does Maresias have nightlife?
Yes. It is one of the best-known beaches on the São Paulo coast for nightlife, with bars and nightclubs, especially in summer and on holidays.
Is Gabriel Medina from Maresias?
Yes. The world surfing champion grew up and learned to surf in Maresias.