Fodor's Expert Review Praia da Armação

The long strip of white sand and calm sea attract sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing aficionados. Busy during most of the year, Praia da Armação has an excellent infrastructure, with bars, restaurants, and kiosks serving food and drinks and renting parasols and beach chairs. Bathrooms, baby changing facilities, and parking bays are available. There is a church on-site, which is said to be one of the oldest buildings on the island. The beach was also once the site of a factory for processing blubber and other resources from whales caught in the waters around Ilhabela. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; walking; windsurfing.