Forget the crowds of Copacabana – Carolina Costa leads us to Guaecá, a beach where silence, safety, and stars steal the show.
By Carolina Costa
Just a few kilometres from the town centre of São Sebastião, on the northern coast of São Paulo state, lies a hidden gem: Praia do Guaecá. I first visited Guaecá in 2020 with my family and relatives, and since then, I’ve never stopped going back. It truly is the best place to spend quality time with loved ones.
Guaecá is accessed via a secondary road that winds through a private residential condominium, helping to preserve its peaceful and somewhat secluded atmosphere. This limited access prevents the beach from becoming overcrowded, even during the warmer months. The stretch of sand, though not especially wide, is soft and powdery underfoot—ideal for barefoot walks or laying down a towel to unwind. It encourages a slower pace, as each step gently sinks into the sand, enhancing the calming experience of being fully present by the sea.
The sea at Guaecá is typically calm, with gentle waves that make it perfect for relaxing and safe for families with young children. The water is usually warm, inviting long, peaceful swims or simply floating while gazing at the lush green hills that cradle the shoreline. On the left side of the beach, there’s a stunning view of Ilha Bela, an island that lights up the nights and adds a magical touch to the scenery.
Guaecá is also one of the few places where I feel completely safe. There are no incidents of theft, and you can leave your belongings unattended without worry. It is the only beach where I feel at ease walking alone at night. The sky is breathtaking, full of stars, and at times it even feels as though you can glimpse the Milky Way.
We usually remain within the condominium. Each house has a housekeeper who takes care of the cooking and cleaning. They prepare delicious local meals and desserts and even bring fried prawns to the beach, making the experience even more special.
What makes Guaecá truly unique is its consistent tranquillity throughout the year. Even during Brazil’s official high season—from December to February, the height of summer in the Southern Hemisphere—Guaecá remains serene. As part of a private, gated condominium, access is restricted, and the beach sees little outside traffic. The only times it experiences a slight increase in visitors are during New Year and Carnival, when families come to enjoy the festive atmosphere. For the rest of the year, including summer months, the beach retains its quiet character, offering a peaceful escape in any season.
It is interesting to note that while the United States and Europe often experience their low season during this time—late spring to early autumn in Brazil—Guaecá is also in its own low season. Tourism slows almost entirely, the beach becomes even more deserted, and the atmosphere grows more tranquil. For travellers from the Northern Hemisphere seeking a calm retreat while avoiding their own off-season chill, Guaecá offers a rare window of warm, quiet paradise.
Off-season visitors are treated to a different kind of magic. The light appears softer, the ocean clearer. Mornings begin quietly, often with just a lone jogger or someone stretching by the shore. The beach remains largely undisturbed. Without the crowds, it becomes a sanctuary—not merely a destination, but a state of mind. It is the ideal place to disconnect from the digital noise of daily life and reconnect with nature, your breath, and your inner rhythm.
Unlike some of the more commercialised beaches in the region, Guaecá has no rows of kiosks, no blaring sound systems, and no constant stream of tourists taking selfies. Instead, you’ll find a preserved coastline with minimal infrastructure—just enough to feel comfortable, but never enough to detract from the raw beauty of the surroundings. Each house has its own gazebo already set up on the beach by condominium staff, so there’s no need to bring one. The houses themselves are beautiful—spacious, well-kept, and often surrounded by lush greenery. Many are available for rent on Airbnb, making it easy for travellers to enjoy Guaecá’s calm and comfort without owning a property there.
Nearby São Sebastião offers restaurants, markets, and small inns if you prefer not to stay in the beachfront condominiums. The town is charming, with cobbled streets, colonial architecture, and a welcoming local community. It’s easy to base yourself there and take day trips to Guaecá or explore other beaches in the area such as Juquehy, Maresias, and Camburi, each with its own atmosphere.
Still, Guaecá stands apart. Perhaps because it feels like a place that doesn’t need to impress. It simply exists at its own pace, inviting you to slow down and match it. Whether you’re doing yoga at sunrise, reading under the shade of a hat, or just watching the horizon as the sun sets behind the mountains, you’re likely to leave feeling lighter than when you arrived.
And isn’t that what we’re truly seeking in a proper getaway?
If you happen to be in Brazil during its so-called low season, don’t overlook this moment. While others chase tropical summers or urban adventures, you could be listening to the quiet roar of the ocean at Guaecá—in a time and place that belongs only to those who know where to look.
(Images are all Credit Author)
