Maresias Beach
Maresias Beach: A vibrant coastal gem in São Sebastião, famous for its powerful surf, stunning coastline, and excellent beachfront amenities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak summer, best waves & sun
Maresias Beach
Best Time
Peak summer, best waves & sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Maresias Beach: A vibrant coastal gem in São Sebastião, famous for its powerful surf, stunning coastline, and excellent beachfront amenities.
"This hotel truly has it all and deserves a minimum of four stars."
🏄♀️ Book Surf Lessons Early
Popular surf schools fill up fast, especially in summer. Secure your spot to ride the famous Maresias waves!
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
The Brazilian sun is strong! Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for beach days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Maresias Beach
The main stretch of sand
Iconic 5km stretch of white sand, famous for its powerful waves and vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for surfing and sunbathing.
Surf Championships
Various points along the beach
Witness or participate in thrilling surf competitions that draw talent from around the globe. Check local schedules.
Beachfront Resorts & Clubs
Along the coastline
Enjoy top-notch amenities like heated pools, gourmet dining, and direct beach access for ultimate relaxation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waves: Surfing & Beach Life
Beyond the Beach: Infrastructure & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🏄♀️ Book Surf Lessons Early
Popular surf schools fill up fast, especially in summer. Secure your spot to ride the famous Maresias waves!
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
The Brazilian sun is strong! Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for beach days.
🚗 Consider Transportation
Maresias is about 3 hours from São Paulo. Renting a car offers flexibility, but ride-sharing is also an option.
💧 Buy Drinking Water
While hotels offer food, it's recommended to purchase drinking water separately from the hotel.
Tips
from all over the internet
🏄♀️ Book Surf Lessons Early
Popular surf schools fill up fast, especially in summer. Secure your spot to ride the famous Maresias waves!
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
The Brazilian sun is strong! Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for beach days.
🚗 Consider Transportation
Maresias is about 3 hours from São Paulo. Renting a car offers flexibility, but ride-sharing is also an option.
💧 Buy Drinking Water
While hotels offer food, it's recommended to purchase drinking water separately from the hotel.
🏊♀️ Heated Pools are a Plus
If visiting during cooler months, a heated pool is a game-changer for enjoying the water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Maresias Beach is highly praised for its stunning beachfront location, excellent amenities like heated pools and water parks, and exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. Visitors rave about the delicious and varied breakfast offerings. However, some guests noted minor maintenance issues in rooms and mixed opinions on the quality and freshness of restaurant food.
"We stayed at this hotel for three nights in June and had a fantastic experience. Andre, Gustavo, Thiago, and the breakfast team were exceptionally welcoming, helpful, and always in a great mood. Our room was the perfect size for two adults and two kids, and we enjoyed the smart TV. Although we had a minor issue with the Wi-Fi, Andre resolved it immediately.
The hotel's heated pool was a significant advantage, especially since we visited during Brazil's colder season. It allowed us to swim whenever we wanted. The kids loved the water park, which was larger and more fun than we anticipated. The hotel grounds are extensive and offer a variety of activities, including hammocks, a trampoline, pool tables, and ping pong. This hotel truly has it all and deserves a minimum of four stars.
The nearby beach is beautiful, and the town offers a variety of restaurants to suit everyone's taste. Overall, we loved our stay and would definitely return. Thank you for a memorable experience!
One highlight of our stay was the breakfast, which was included and played a significant role in our choice of hotel. The food was delicious, with a generous selection that catered to all tastes. We absolutely loved the breakfast!"
Kareem Minhas
"Great hotel on the beach, really enjoyed my stay here and the staff are so nice. Pool are is great, loads of space. Will definitely be back here again.
Probably needs a little maintenance done, leaking air conditioning and water behind the toilet.
Breakfast was great, plenty on offer but didn’t like the restaurant food. Too many options, food not fresh. This seems to be the way with all the Restaurants in Maresias. Far to many options on the menu. Couldn’t be fresh produce."
Kieran MacHugh
"The location of the hotel is amazing. Right in front of the beach! They have really good food (enough options for vegetarians as well as non-vegetarians), good clean rooms with a tiny fridge. The staff is helpful. The only tricky part is you have to buy drinking water here from the hotel."
Sushant Mahajan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Maresias Beach is approximately 209 km from São Paulo. The most common ways to get there are by car, which takes about 3 hours, or by bus. Several bus companies operate routes from São Paulo's bus terminals to Maresias. +1
Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season. Many hotels and accommodations offer free parking, which is a significant advantage.
Maresias is relatively walkable, especially if you're staying near the beach. For exploring further afield or for convenience, taxis and ride-sharing apps are available.
While São Paulo is the primary hub, some regional bus services might connect to Maresias. It's best to check with local bus companies for specific routes.
Yes, buses are a viable option from São Paulo. However, for maximum convenience and exploring the wider Litoral Norte region, a car is often preferred.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Maresias Beach is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee. You can enjoy the sand and sea freely.
While the beach itself is free, some beachfront clubs or resorts might offer day-use passes for their facilities like pools and loungers.
Opening hours vary by establishment. Beach clubs like Maresias Beach Club often have extended hours, especially during summer and holidays. It's best to check their specific schedules.
Yes, booking accommodation in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons (December-March and holidays) to secure your preferred stay. 
Entry to resorts is typically for guests. Some resorts offer day passes, but these need to be booked and paid for separately.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Maresias is renowned for surfing, with many schools offering lessons. You can also enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and simply relaxing.
Yes, many resorts have dedicated children's pools and water parks, making it a great destination for families.
The water can be quite dynamic with strong waves, making it ideal for surfing. It's generally clean and refreshing.
Maresias can get very crowded during peak summer months (December to March) and holidays. Outside of these times, it's generally more peaceful.
Maresias has a lively and energetic atmosphere, especially during the day with surfers and beachgoers. Evenings can be vibrant with restaurants and bars.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Maresias offers a wide range of dining, from casual beachside kiosks to upscale restaurants. You can find seafood, Brazilian cuisine, and international options.
Many hotels and pousadas in Maresias include breakfast in their rates, often featuring a generous selection of local and international items.
Yes, many restaurants are becoming more accommodating to dietary needs, offering vegetarian and sometimes vegan dishes. It's always good to ask.
Absolutely! Many beachfront establishments serve food and drinks directly to your spot on the sand or by the pool.
Reviews are mixed; some find the restaurant food excellent with many options, while others suggest it can be overwhelming with a lack of freshness due to extensive menus.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire beach offers stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset. Look for vantage points from the cliffs or higher floors of beachfront properties.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local ordinances before flying a drone to capture aerial shots of the coastline.
Maresias is perfect for landscape photography, capturing the dramatic waves, beach life, and vibrant sunsets. It's also great for action shots of surfers.
While the beach itself can be dark, the beachfront bars and restaurants offer opportunities for atmospheric night photography.
Capture the surfers in action, the colorful beach umbrellas, and the unique architecture of the beachfront clubs and residences.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When choosing accommodation, look for places with heated pools, as this extends the swimming opportunities even during cooler weather.
🏄♂️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Beyond surfing, the dynamic nature of the waves offers exciting opportunities for bodyboarding and other wave-riding activities. The beach's length also means you can often find different breaks to suit your skill level and preference.
🏖️ Relaxation Seekers
+1 Enjoy the sound of the waves, soak up the sun, and take advantage of amenities like heated pools and comfortable loungers. For a truly tranquil experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April-June or September-November) when the crowds are thinner, and the atmosphere is more serene.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Surfing Culture of Maresias
The surf culture here is deeply ingrained, with a vibrant community that lives and breathes the ocean. Even if you're not a surfer, watching the skilled athletes navigate the breaks is a captivating spectacle. The energy on the beach is palpable, fueled by the rhythm of the waves and the shared passion for the sport.
Beyond the competitive aspect, Maresias offers a relaxed beach vibe where surfing is a lifestyle. The presence of surf shops, schools, and cafes catering to surfers contributes to this unique atmosphere. It's a place where you can easily spend your days catching waves, improving your skills, or simply soaking in the surf-centric ambiance.
Accommodation and Amenities
+1Beyond just lodging, Maresias accommodations often feature extensive amenities designed for comfort and entertainment. This includes multiple swimming pools, some of which are heated for year-round enjoyment, water parks for families, tennis courts, saunas, and well-equipped fitness centers.
For those seeking an elevated experience, beachfront clubs provide a complete package with gourmet dining, premium drink selections, and attentive service, often with options for day passes. This focus on comprehensive facilities ensures that visitors can enjoy a relaxing and activity-filled stay without needing to venture far from their chosen haven.
Exploring the Local Scene
While some reviews suggest an overwhelming number of dining options with potential freshness concerns, many visitors praise the quality and variety, especially for breakfast, which is often included and highly rated.
Beyond dining, the town provides essential services and a pleasant atmosphere for exploration. Walking along the main street or the beach allows you to soak in the local vibe, discover local crafts, and enjoy the general energy of this popular coastal destination.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit