São Sebastião

São Sebastião is a coastal municipality in São Paulo state that stretches along a narrow plain between mountains and the Atlantic, covering dozens of beaches. The territory divides into a historic old town with narrow streets and colonial buildings and modern beach neighborhoods that spread along many kilometers of coastline.

The settlement was founded in 1636 and grew into a key port for shipping gold from the interior during the 17th century. Later it lost its trade importance and became a rural community before tourism brought new economic momentum from the mid-20th century onward.

The name honors Saint Sebastian, patron against epidemics, who became central to early community life here. Visitors today experience this heritage in the old town streets, where whitewashed churches and colorful facades stand alongside squares where religious festivals take place several times a year.

Intercity buses connect the municipality with São Paulo in three to five hours, depending on the chosen route and road conditions. Travelers should favor weekdays outside holiday periods, as long weekends and summer months bring heavy traffic along the access roads.

The Alcatrazes Islands remained under military control for decades and served as an exercise zone before conversion into a protected area during the 1980s. Today they remain largely closed to the public, with only limited scientific visits allowed to protect seabirds and marine life living there.

Location: São Paulo

Inception: March 16, 1636

Elevation above the sea: 6 m

Shares border with: Caraguatatuba, Bertioga, Salesópolis

Website: http://saosebastiao.sp.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -23.80400,-45.40510

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:30