Guarujá sits on Santo Amaro Island across the water from São Vicente, close enough to São Paulo that families drive down for the weekend in under an hour. Its economy runs on seasonal tourism and port activity, and its coastline holds many beaches, from the central ones to quieter stretches further out.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the beaches near the centre — Astúrias, Pitangueiras, Enseada and Tombo — carry most of the accommodation, while other beaches sit further along the island. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and how to think about budget, mid-range and splurge stays.
Best areas to stay in Guarujá
1. Enseada
Enseada is one of the beaches near the centre where buildings devoted to the seasonal population are concentrated, and it appears across every price level in the source material, from a hostel to mid-range hotels to large resorts. It suits first-time visitors and families who want the widest choice of places to stay and a long beach to base themselves on.
It is also the most spread-out option: some properties sit at the east corner of the beach, so check how far your area of choice is from the sand and from the shopping and dining you want.
2. Pitangueiras
Pitangueiras is another of the central beaches taken by seasonal buildings, and it has a shopping area just off the beach. It suits visitors who want to be close to shops and restaurants and within easy reach of the water, and it is a reasonable base for a first visit.
It also sits right beside Astúrias, with the rocks that split the two beaches nearby, so you can move between them on foot.
3. Tombo
Tombo is one of the beaches near the centre, and the source material places guesthouse-style accommodation here. It suits travellers who prefer a smaller, quieter base while still being on the central stretch of coast.
Because it is grouped with the central beaches, it connects easily to Pitangueiras, Astúrias and Enseada for days out.
4. Guaiúba
Guaiúba is named among the most famous beaches, and the source material places a small guesthouse here, in front of the beach. It suits visitors who want to relax by the sand with personalised service rather than a large resort setting.
It is one of the beaches outside the immediate centre, so plan on having a car or arranging transport to reach the other beaches and the shopping areas.
5. Vila Jequitimar
Vila Jequitimar appears in the source material as the setting for a large resort property on Avenida Marjory da Silva Prado. It suits travellers looking for a resort-style stay away from the central beachfront bustle.
As with the other outlying areas, expect to depend on a car or taxi to reach the central beaches and the shops around Pitangueiras.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostel-style accommodation and small pousadas, including guesthouses with only a handful of suites, some of them set right in front of the beach.
- Mid-range: small to medium hotels, some on the rocks between beaches or at the corner of a long beach, often with a pool, a restaurant and breakfast included.
- Splurge: large hotels and resort properties, including one with a spa, mostly along the Enseada beachfront and in Vila Jequitimar.
Best area for a first visit
Enseada is the strongest first base because it appears at every price level in the source material, so you can match your budget without leaving the area, and it puts you on one of the central beaches. It also keeps you within reach of Pitangueiras and its shopping area. If you would rather be closer to the shops, Pitangueiras is the alternative.
Frequently asked questions
When is accommodation hardest to book in Guarujá?
Demand is driven by the proximity to São Paulo, and much of the coastal building near the centre is devoted to the seasonal population that arrives mostly in summer. Expect the tightest availability and the least flexible terms in that period.
Do I need a car to stay in Guarujá?
Not if you base yourself on the central beaches, where Astúrias, Pitangueiras, Enseada and Tombo sit close together. For beaches further out, such as Guaiúba, a car or taxi makes the rest of the island much easier to reach.
How do I get to Guarujá from São Paulo?
By road, via the Imigrantes highway, in under an hour. Traffic gets heavy in the evening on holidays, so time your arrival and departure around that.
Are cancellation policies flexible?
Often not. Because of the high demand from São Paulo, accommodation in Guarujá is somewhat overpriced and cancellation policies are frequently restrictive, so read the terms before you commit.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.