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Ilhabela, or Beautiful Island, located on Ilha de São Sebastião in the state of São Paulo, truly lives up to its name. Discovered in 1502 by Amerigo Vespucci, the island has a rich history, including its role in fending off foreign naval powers, serving as a refuge for pirates, a smuggling base, and its involvement in black market slavery.
Ilhabela, pronounced “EE-lyah BEH-lah,” translates to “Beautiful Island” in Portuguese. This stunning archipelago, which includes its largest island of the same name, is located in the Atlantic Ocean, just 4 miles off the coast of São Paulo. Famous for its serene beaches, captivating waterfalls, and exceptional diving spots, Ilhabela serves as a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan areas like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.