Ilhabela,Brazil -(23º 46' 28" S 45º 21' 20" W) is an archipelago 4 miles off the coast of Sao Paulo state, in Eastern Brazil. The island is 205 km (138 miles) from the city of Sao Paulo and 340 km (210 miles) from the city of Rio de Janeiro. In Portuguese the name means beautiful island, and its official name is Sao Sebastiao Island. A group of islands (Buzios, Cabras, Vitoria and Serraria) make up the municipality of Ilhabela. The islands make up 348 (130 square miles). The island has a population of 23,084 (2004). This grows during the holiday months, where it goes up to 100 thousand.

History

(from ilhabel.org)

Before Portugal colonized Brazil in 1500, the Tupinambas Indians inhabited the island. They called it Ciribai, which means tranquil place. The island was named Sao Sebastiao Island by Americo Vespucio, on January 20th, 1502. During the 16th ceuntury, the Portuguese set up military points on the shore of Sao Sebastiao Island. On September 3rd, 1805, the Governor of the Province of São Paulo, Antônio José da França e Horta, decreted the political-administrative independence of the county. The Island had already 3.000 inhabitants at that time. The new county was named Villa Bella da Princeza, paying homage to the princess of Beira. On November 30th, 1938, during the Getúlio Vargas' Estado Novo, an act altered the name of the county to Formosa. Six years later, on November 30th, 1944, another act ultimately changed the name to Ilhabela.

Interesting facts

The island's highest point is São Sebastião Peak, which is 1,375m high.

The Island has a humid tropical climate and an average temperature of between 22ºC and 28ºC.

The island is know as "The capital of sail boats."

External Links

Official Site of Ilhabela (http://www.ilhabela.com.br)

Ilhabela Town Hall (http://www.prefeituradeilhabela.com.br)