Vacation apartment in Ubatuba

Ubatuba combines the Atlantic coast and the Mata Atlântica: between numerous beaches, islands, and the wooded Serra do Mar, a coastal and natural setting emerges with different possible focal points. For families, this is especially appealing if you want to spend your holiday days alternating between sea and landscape.

Praia das Toninhas in Ubatuba on the coast of the state of São Paulo
Praia das Toninhas in Ubatuba – Public domain, source at Wikimedia Commons, photo: Blamoo, license information. — Public domain — Public domain

Quick facts about Ubatuba

  • Ubatuba is located on the coast in the northeast of the state of São Paulo, near the border with Rio de Janeiro.
  • The landscape combines the Atlantic coast and the wooded Serra do Mar, or Mata Atlântica.
  • As a source-based point of reference, 72 beaches and 10 islands are mentioned.
  • Ubatuba is also associated with the nickname “Capital do Surf.”

Between beaches, islands, and rainforest

Ubatuba’s special quality does not lie in a single coastal motif, but in the combination of different landscape impressions. The extensive Atlantic coast, many beaches and islands, and the green mountain-and-forest backdrop of the Serra do Mar give the stay several possible focal points. Anyone who wants to combine different beach landscapes with a heavily wooded coastal region will find a broad geographic offering here.

You should understand the reference to 72 beaches and 10 islands as a guideline, not as a current official count. For travel planning, the scale is still helpful: before booking, decide whether you mainly want to discover different coastal impressions or focus your days more strongly on nature and a particular beach area.

Ubatuba with a surf profile

Ubatuba is not only known as a seaside resort, but is also characterized by the nickname “Capital do Surf.” This gives the coastal destination a recognizable surf profile alongside its general beach identity. Although this does not allow any conclusions about individual surf spots, lessons, or conditions, the nickname adds a surf-oriented coastal identity to Ubatuba’s public image.

View of Praia Vermelha do Norte in Ubatuba, surrounded by Atlantic rainforest
Praia Vermelha do Norte: Ubatuba’s coast – source at Wikimedia Commons, photo: Bianca Manuela Lúcio Arcanjo, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Choosing the vacation rental according to your holiday days

Ubatuba is a large municipality with many named coastal destinations. For that reason, the location of your vacation rental should match the experiences you actually plan to have. If different beach days are the focus, check before booking how the accommodation relates to the coastal destinations you want to visit. If the natural setting of the Serra do Mar is more important, that orientation should also influence your location choice.

No specific ranking of the coastal sections can be derived from this. Likewise, there is no reliable information available on travel times, public transport connections, or specific districts. For families with children of different ages, it is therefore sensible to decide first what kinds of days you are planning: do you want to include as many different coastal landscapes as possible, or would you rather set a clear focus for relaxed days by the sea and individual nature days?

Ubatuba as part of São Paulo

Ubatuba belongs to the state of São Paulo, but lies on its coast near the border with Rio de Janeiro. If you want to compare other landscapes and places in the state alongside this coastal region, you will find the broader context on the São Paulo page.

Ubatuba combines the Atlantic coast, islands, forest scenery, and a recognizable surf profile. For your vacation rental, what matters less is a blanket “best” place than the question of which beach and nature days should be central from your base.