Where to Stay in Ubatuba, Brazil: Best Areas and Accommodation Tips

Looking for a place to stay in paradise-like Ubatuba, Brazil? Located on the northern coast of São Paulo state, this beach destination offers stunning beaches, waterfalls, and islands, along with rich cultural and culinary attractions. Choosing the right area to stay in Ubatuba is important, since the city’s coastline is quite long (with over 100 beaches!) and it’s best to stay close to the spots that interest you most.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the best areas to stay in Ubatuba, along with practical tips to help you find the perfect place to stay, from eco-retreats surrounded by preserved forest to nice spots near the buzz of downtown.

And here’s an important tip: Ubatuba is one of the most sought-after destinations on São Paulo’s northern coast, so don’t leave your accommodation booking to the last minute. Especially if you’re traveling on a national holiday or during the high season (from December to February), book in advance to make sure you find good options with a reasonable price.

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Best things to Do in Ubatuba

Remember how I said there are over 100 beaches? That’s right! Ubatuba has options to please every type of traveler, from wild, secluded beaches to lively, bustling ones. Some of the main ones include Itamambuca Beach, Félix Beach, Prumirim Beach, Fazenda Beach, Lázaro Beach, and Praia Grande.

There are also beautiful islands (ilhas, in Portuguese) perfect for boat trips or snorkeling adventures, such as Couves Island, Prumirim Island, and Anchieta Island.

Not to mention the stunning waterfalls like Tombador and Água Branca. Plus, you’ll find cultural, historical, and gastronomic attractions in Ubatuba’s city center.

What’s the Best Area to Stay in Ubatuba?

As I mentioned earlier, deciding where to stay in Ubatuba is key because the coastline is quite long, and you’ll want to avoid wasting too much time getting around. The city is divided into three main areas: North, Center, and South. Here’s what each one is like:

The North of Ubatuba is the most preserved area, with wilder beaches and lush nature. However, the tourist infrastructure is limited, with fewer shops and restaurants. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for peace, empty beaches, and contact with nature. In my opinion, the beaches in this region are the best ones to stay in Ubatuba, and they’re always my top pick.

The South is the most urbanized area, with more tourist activity. It’s a good option if you like beaches with plenty of amenities, such as beach bars, restaurants, nightlife, and a wide range of accommodation.

The Center of Ubatuba is where you’ll find attractions like the Historical Center and the Tamar Project (a sea turtle conservation initiative). It’s also where the nightlife happens, with lots of bars, restaurants, a craft market, and a square where events are held.

However, the central beaches are not suitable for swimming. The advantage of staying downtown is being within a reasonable distance from both the northern and southern beaches.

Where to Stay in North Ubatuba

The first beach in the northern region, Perequê-Açu, is quite close to downtown and one of the best-equipped beaches in that area. There you’ll find great budget-friendly accommodation options.

Some highly rated picks for different traveler profiles include: a family room at Hotel Dellamares, a beachfront bungalow at Balangan Flats, or a lively party hostel with both shared and private rooms at Green Haven Hostel, which is perfect for meeting new people.

If you’re looking for a beachfront stay, the Itamambuca Eco Resort is a 5-star resort offering a pool, spa, and gym. It’s located right on Itamambuca Beach, which has good infrastructure and shops.

You’ll also find more affordable places in Itamambuca, such as Sintonia Surf Hostel & Bar, with shared rooms and private suites.

Prumirim Beach is another great option if you don’t want to move around too much or have just a few days in Ubatuba. It combines beach, waterfall, and a beautiful nearby island, all in one place.

There you’ll find excellent accommodation options like Refúgio Prumirim, offering family rooms, parking, and continental breakfast. A more budget-friendly choice is Pousada Prumirim Surf Suítes, which has double and quadruple rooms and family studios just 300 meters from the beach.

In the far north of Ubatuba, there are fewer accommodation options and higher prices. In Picinguaba, where boats depart to Couves Island, a good pick is Residence Picinguaba, with suites just a few steps from the sand. Tranquility is the highlight here.

If you’re looking for an immersion in nature, I recommend Banana Bamboo Ecolodge. It offers eco-friendly chalets in Sertão de Ubatumirim, a region with very little infrastructure but surrounded by beautiful beaches and waterfalls. I find this area amazing for its close connection to the flora and fauna of the Atlantic Forest.

Where to Stay in South Ubatuba

Praia Grande is one of the best beaches to stay in Ubatuba if you’re looking for great infrastructure and good value for money.

There, you’ll find plenty of vacation rental apartments, such as Home Resort Palmeiras, and this Apartamento Duplex, both well-equipped and located close to the beach. There are also hostels like Aura Hostel, offering shared rooms just 350 meters from the beach.

Maranduba Beach is another popular area among travelers and has plenty of accommodation options.

You’ll find vacation homes such as Casa Aconchegante, just 200 meters from the beach; apartments with pools like Apto Novo com Piscina em Ubatuba; cozy chalets like Chalés Pajuçara; and guesthouses such as Eco-Encanto Pousada.

With calm waters and great infrastructure, Lázaro Beach also offers excellent beachfront stays, such as Tons de Mar Apart Hotel, featuring brand-new accommodations with kitchens and private bathrooms; and Hotel Solar das Águas Cantantes, which has a swimming pool, bar, and game room.

Lagoinha Beach marks the starting point of the famous Trilha das 7 Praias (Seven Beaches Trail) and can be a great area to stay if you’re planning to hike the trail.

In Lagoinha, you’ll find guesthouses like Pousada Castello Montemare and Aldeia da Lagoinha, both praised for their peaceful atmosphere and friendly service.

Another unique option is Hostel 7 Praias, where you can stay in a Kombi Home parked right by the sea!

Where to Stay in Central Ubatuba

Downtown Ubatuba is located in the Itaguá neighborhood. It’s a strategic place to stay, close to shops and within reasonable distance of several great beaches. The area has accommodation options for every taste and budget.

If you’re looking for a comfortable hotel with well-equipped rooms, Hotel Parque Atlântico is a great choice. It offers family rooms, breakfast, and a convenient location close to the main beach.

Another good option is renting an apartment, such as Apartamento Itaguá. This new, well-equipped space is just a few steps from Itaguá Beach and near shopping areas, restaurants, and bars.

Close to Praia do Cruzeiro, only 300 meters away, Pousada da Tina is a charming guesthouse with double and family rooms, a garden, free parking, and a breakfast highly rated by guests.

For budget travelers or solo adventurers, there are also great hostel options in central Ubatuba.

Charming Casa Alma Zen – Hostel Boutique & Bistrô, located 450 meters from Praia do Cruzeiro, is considered exceptional by guests. It offers shared rooms, a restaurant, bar, free bikes, and shared kitchen and lounge areas.

Still not sure about where to stay in Ubatuba? Click here to check out all the available accommodation options and compare prices for your travel dates. You can book online, often with free cancellation.

How to Stay in Ubatuba for Free

How about staying in Ubatuba without paying for accommodation? That’s possible through a Worldpackers volunteer experience. This is a platform that allows you to exchange a few hours of work per week for free accommodation and other perks such as meals and local activities. I’ve traveled like this many times and it’s one of my favorite ways to immerse myself in local culture, make friends and develop new skills.

There are dozens of volunteer opportunities in Ubatuba, available in different types of accommodation and in ecological projects. You can browse the listings for free, check descriptions, and read reviews from other travelers. If you like one of them (or several!), apply and wait for the host’s response.

To apply for positions and contact hosts you need to pay an annual membership fee that helps keep the platform running, but it’s great value for money considering how much you’ll save on accommodation and the amazing experiences you’re likely to have. And ff you click here or use the code JANELASABERTAS at checkout, you’ll get a $10 discount.

Want to learn more? Check out our complete guide on work exchange or volunteering while traveling.

Article by Rafaela Beatriz, contributor at Janelas Abertas

Photo credits: Unsplash and Pixabay – Creative Commons and Rafaela Beatriz.

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