Camburi & Maresias

1) Your New Life in Camburi and Maresias

Picture this: breakfast with Atlantic rainforest on one side, clean surf lines on the other, and São Paulo’s city life only a few hours away when you need it. Camburi and Maresias sit side by side on the north coast of São Sebastião, twin beach villages of white sand, reliable breaks, and rainforest-clad hills that attract digital nomads, retirees, and adventure-seeking families. 

From São Paulo city and its international airports, most residents drive along the Ayrton Senna/Carvalho Pinto and Tamoios highways before joining the scenic Rio–Santos coastal road; the journey of roughly 170–190 km usually takes around three to four hours, which makes this stretch a classic weekend and holiday escape for high-income families from the capital.

Both beaches are consistently highly rated by visitors: Camburi usually appears around 4.8/5 on Google with thousands of reviews, while Maresias holds a similarly strong score with hundreds of ratings. They also benefit from the broader context of São Sebastião, a municipality highlighted in national “Connected Smart Cities” rankings for public security and smart camera monitoring, often cited as one of the safest cities in Brazil in its size group and the safest city on the North Coast. For investors and remote workers, the practical side is just as important: fiber-optic internet providers and regional ISPs offer high-speed coverage in the Camburi/Maresias area, turning video calls, remote work, and streaming into everyday reality rather than a beach-town gamble.

Your daily rhythm here easily blends work and leisure. Mornings start with an ocean swim or surf session, followed by a few focused hours from home, a pousada, or a café with reliable Wi-Fi. Lunch might be at a beachfront restaurant or a chef-led spot tucked into the trees, and late afternoons are made for a walk on the sand in Camburi or a short hike to the lookouts between Maresias and Paúba. Evening can mean boutique pousadas, sunset yoga decks, and dinner in restaurants that would feel at home in São Paulo’s trendiest neighborhoods.

Behind this lifestyle, our English-speaking legal team quietly keeps your investment safe. Even without a walk-in office in every village, we streamline each step, from checking deeds and local regulations to coordinating with banks and notaries, and, where applicable, advising on residency-visa strategies. Video calls, encrypted document portals, and trusted on-site partners keep your Camburi or Maresias real estate deal moving smoothly, wherever in the world you are while you plan your new life on Brazil’s most coveted coastal corridor.


Luxury homes in Camburi and Maresias?
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2) About Camburi and Maresias: A Surfing Haven in Sao Sebastiao

Although they sit only a few minutes apart by car, Camburi and Maresias each have a very distinct personality while sharing the same lush coastal backdrop.

Camburi & Camburizinho

Camburi is actually two beaches in one: Camburi on one side and Camburizinho on the other, separated by a small river and a strip of sand. The bay is framed by green hills and has a mix of long sandy stretches and rockier corners that attract both surfers and families. Travel guides describe Camburi as a place that has kept a rustic, low-rise atmosphere while offering excellent pousadas and high-end restaurants, roughly 2.5–3 hours by car from São Paulo, depending on traffic.

For real estate, Camburi typically offers three main profiles:

  • Beach-adjacent gated communities, with townhouses and larger family homes.
  • Hillside houses, with decks and glass fronts looking straight out over the bay.
  • Boutique condo units, close to the small commercial strip and along the river area.

For its size, Camburi has a surprisingly strong food scene. Manacá, hidden in a tropical garden a short distance from the beach, is frequently cited in Brazilian media as one of the top restaurants on the North Coast, serving sophisticated seafood in a rainforest setting.

Nearby, Taioba Gastronomia delivers creative Brazilian seafood in a rustic-chic house, well reviewed for its use of local ingredients and relaxed atmosphere.

On the main road, Ogan Restaurante offers generous Brazilian dishes with a local touch; diners consistently praise the service and flavors, noting that it can feel more premium in price compared with simpler spots.

This combination of low-rise streets, strong gastronomy and a calmer nightlife compared with Maresias gives Camburi a “quiet luxury” feel that many second-home owners appreciate.

Maresias

Maresias is Camburi’s louder, more famous neighbor. It is one of Brazil’s iconic surf beaches and the hometown of world champion surfer Gabriel Medina, hosting regular national and international contests.

The beach itself stretches for about 5 km of light, fine sand, with lifeguard stations, kiosks and plenty of space for both surfers and bathers.

Just behind the sand runs Avenida Doutor Francisco Loup, a beachfront strip concentrating restaurants, bars, beach clubs and surf shops, which makes day-to-day life very walkable for those who live in front or just behind the avenue.

Real estate in Maresias usually falls into:

  • Beachfront homes and condominiums that open almost directly onto the sand.
  • Condo complexes just behind the avenue, very popular for seasonal rentals and holiday lets.
  • Hillside properties with panoramic views over the entire bay, especially attractive to luxury buyers

Because of its surf culture and nightlife, Maresias attracts a younger, livelier crowd, with clubs and beach bars that stay busy well into the night in summer. Even so, there are family-friendly pockets and quieter side streets, so it is possible to choose between “party energy” and “residential calm” depending on which part of the neighborhood you buy into.

Shared advantages for foreign buyers

Camburi and Maresias sit between Atlantic Rainforest ridges and the South Atlantic, with easy access to other beaches such as Baleia and Juquehy, and by coastal road to the Ilhabela ferry terminal in São Sebastião in roughly 45–60 minutes by car plus ferry, depending on traffic and queues.

As part of São Sebastião, they benefit from a municipality that has been highlighted in Brazilian “smart city” and public-security rankings, with investments in monitoring cameras and integrated control centers — an important point for buyers who may leave a property closed for part of the year.

Other practical insights that matter to foreign residents:

  • Residential character: Low-rise villas, boutique condos and stylish surf lodges create a relaxed yet upscale community, ideal for long stays and extended holidays.
  • Green spaces: Trails in nearby protected areas of the Serra do Mar/Atlantic Forest, including hikes like the Mirantes trail between Maresias and Paúba, start just a few minutes inland and offer waterfalls, bird-watching and sweeping coastal views
    Connectivity: Intercity buses connect the region to São Paulo, and most residents use cars or ride-share apps for door-to-door trips. Driving time from São Paulo or Guarulhos Airport to Camburi/Maresias typically runs around 2.5–3 hours in normal traffic.
  • Quality of life: Clean air, ocean views, and widely available fiber-optic internet from major providers and regional ISPs in São Sebastião’s coastal neighborhoods make remote work and streaming a daily reality rather than a beach-town gamble.

For investors, that mix of limited beachfront land, strong lifestyle appeal and year-round demand from São Paulo’s upper-middle class helps sustain interest in both Camburi and Maresias as premium second-home markets on one of Brazil’s most coveted coastal corridors.


Buy property in Camburi and Maresias?
We can help.

[email protected]
(214) 432-8100
+55-21-2018-1225

#1 Contact us or
#2 Schedule a consultation now.

3) Tips for Foreign Citizens Living in Camburi and Maresias

Camburi and Maresias offer that sweet spot everyone is chasing: a calm, residential beach life with fast access to São Sebastião’s services, restaurants and historic center just up the coast. For foreign buyers and remote workers, this stretch of the North Coast of São Paulo is where quiet streets, Atlantic rainforest hills and world-class surf meet solid infrastructure and high-speed internet.

When you partner with our English-speaking legal team and trusted realtors, every step of your Camburi and Maresias real estate journey becomes simpler – from the first viewing to signing at the notary.

Here are seven practical tips to help you actually live well here (not just own a postcard):

  1. Explore More than the Beach: Wander the quieter back streets and short forest paths around Camburi and Maresias. You’ll quickly discover where rivers meet the sea, which areas stay quieter at night and which corners have the best everyday sunset views – crucial intel before choosing your home.
  2. Learn Simple Portuguese: A handful of phrases like bom dia, por favor and obrigado/obrigada turns bureaucratic errands and supermarket runs into smoother, friendlier experiences. It also builds instant trust with building staff, shop owners and neighbors.
  3. Test the Coastal Bus Line Before You Buy: Regional buses run along the Rio–Santos road linking São Sebastião, Boiçucanga, Camburi and Maresias. Try at least one daytime ride: it’s an inexpensive way to feel real commuting times and decide whether you’ll rely on a car, ride-share apps, or both.
  4. Plug into Local Life: Look for beach-cleanup days, neighborhood WhatsApp groups and small events hosted by pousadas, yoga studios or surf schools. Showing up regularly helps you build a network fast, practice Portuguese and understand how the community cares for the coastline.
  5. Map Your “Everyday” Eateries: Don’t stop at the famous fine-dining spots. Along Estrada do Camburi and Avenida Dr. Francisco Loup you’ll find simple restaurants, açaí shops and cafés that will quietly become your breakfast, lunch and coffee routine. Visit at different times of day to see where you actually feel at home.
  6. Make the Ocean Part of Your Routine: Think of the sea as your open-air gym. Surf lessons, stand-up paddle, long walks and ocean swims can easily anchor a daily routine that supports both health and productivity; especially if you’re working remotely from your new beach house.
  7. Respect Local Seasonality: From December to Carnival and on long holiday weekends, demand for short-term rentals and services rises sharply, and the villages get much busier. If you plan to secure a long-term rental or negotiate a better rate, it’s usually smarter to close deals before the start of the high season.

In short, life in Camburi and Maresias blends residential calm with quick access to São Sebastião’s wider coastline, restaurants and nightlife. With the right English-speaking support on your side, the transition from “beach visitor” to “beach homeowner” becomes not only safer – but a lot more enjoyable.

English-speaking lawyer in Camburi and Maresias?
We can help.

[email protected]
(214) 432-8100
+55-21-2018-1225

#1 Contact us for a free quote, or
#2 Schedule a consultation now.

4) Our English-Speaking Real Estate Acquisition Legal Support Services in Camburi and Maresias

Camburi’s laid-back streets and Maresias’ surf scene make the area a prime target for foreign investors. Whether you’re eyeing a peaceful retreat or luxury homes in Camburi and Maresias, our bilingual team protects every step.

Oliveira Lawyers guides you from property selection to contract signing, ensuring every purchase is secure and compliant.

Our advisory includes:

  1. Property Shortlist Assistance (When Requested): We find properties that align with your criteria.
  2. Preliminary Due Diligence: Verify deeds, check sellers, confirm no liens.
  3. Purchase Agreement Review: Negotiate PSA terms in your favour.
  4. Earnest Money Guidance: Secure, compliant deposit transfers.
  5. Document Legalization: Authenticate Brazilian and foreign paperwork.
  6. Advanced Legal Checks: Obtain clearance certificates as required.
  7. Closing Funds Advisory: Guide compliant remittance of final funds.
  8. Closing Coordination: Liaise with sellers, notaries, brokers.
  9. Currency Exchange Oversight: Coordinate timely fund release.
  10. Final Document Review and Supervision: Oversee signing accuracy.
  11. Title Registration: File deed at the Registro do Imovel.
  12. Proof of Ownership Delivery: Deliver the registered deed.
  13. Investor Visa Application: File your real-estate investment visa.
  14. Non-Resident Bank Account Opening: Set up an account for expenses or rental income.

Oliveira Lawyers’ Live Streams on YouTube
Tune in Wednesdays and Sundays:
https://www.youtube.com/@oliveiralawyers/streams
Step-by-step buying guides:
https://www.youtube.com/@oliveiralawyers/playlists

Real-estate attorney for Camburi and Maresias deals?
We can help.

[email protected]
(214) 432-8100
+55-21-2018-1225

#1 Contact us for a free quote, or
#2 Schedule a consultation now.

5) Our English-Speaking Realtor Referral Program for Camburi and Maresias

When you start looking for an English-speaking realtor in Camburi or Maresias, the challenge is not finding someone: it’s finding the right team who truly understands Brazilian property law, coastal zoning rules, and the expectations of international buyers.

Over the years, Oliveira Lawyers has built a trusted network of vetted, licensed real estate agents along São Sebastião’s North Coast. These professionals are familiar with foreign clients, luxury contracts, and high-end “second home” neighborhoods. We can introduce you to realtors who operate not only in Camburi and Maresias, but also in nearby premium enclaves such as:

  • Juquehy – Boutique villas and calm waters ideal for families.
  • Baleia – Exclusive gated estates with broad beachfront lots.
  • Barra do Sahy – Charming village vibe and rising luxury demand.
  • Boiçucanga – Retail hub with new high-rise vacation condos.
  • Ilhabela – Island paradise accessed by ferry, with marina homes.

To be matched with an English-speaking realtor who fits your profile, email [email protected] with:

  1. City and neighborhood – For example, “Camburi beachfront,” “Maresias hillside,” or “Juquehy family villa zone.”
  2. Budget range – Your approximate purchase budget in BRL or USD.
  3. Timeline – Whether you are exploring, visiting soon, or ready to buy in the next 3–6 months.

We will then introduce you to one or more vetted professionals so you can compare approaches, fees, and local expertise before deciding whom to work with.

Top Spots for Foreign Citizens in Camburi and Maresias

  • Estrada do Camburi & Alameda Patriarca Antônio José Marques (Camburi): Main local arteries with surf shops, cafés, small markets and services that support day-to-day life steps from the beach. 
  • Avenida Doutor Francisco Loup (Maresias): The beachfront strip where you’ll find many of Maresias’ bars, restaurants, beach clubs and surf stores — perfect for an evening stroll or a casual dinner after a day in the water.
  • Praia Camburi & Camburizinho Point: Twin beaches separated by a small river and a sand strip, with calm corners and natural tide pools that are popular with families and stand-up paddlers.
  • Central Maresias Beach (Praia de Maresias – centro): One of Brazil’s classic surf breaks, often hosting national and international competitions and attracting surfers from all over the world.
  • Beco da Mulher Maravilha (Maresias): A colorful alley known for its street art, casual bars and craft-beer spots, frequently highlighted in local media as one of the “cool corners” of Maresias.
  • Sirena Maresias Surroundings: Historic nightclub area associated with big-name DJs and late-night parties, anchoring Maresias’ reputation as one of the main nightlife hubs on the North Coast (programming may vary each season).
  • Rio Camburi Area:  River section near the beach where visitors often rent stand-up paddle boards or kayaks and follow easy trails along the riverbank, enjoying calm waters and Atlantic Rainforest scenery.
  • Mirante Maresias (Viewpoint Trail Maresias–Paúba): Short but steep hike leading to a panoramic lookout over the entire Maresias bay and neighboring beaches — a favorite spot for sunrise and sunset photos

Real-Estate Regulation Authority

In the State of São Paulo, real estate brokers (“corretores de imóveis”) must be registered with CRECI-SP – Conselho Regional de Corretores de Imóveis do Estado de São Paulo (2ª Região). For the North Coast area that includes Camburi, Maresias and surrounding beaches, the relevant branch is:

    Disclaimer: Our referral service is an initial connection. Always verify credentials. We assume no liability for referred professionals.

    English-speaking realtor in Camburi and Maresias?
    We can help.

    [email protected]
    (214) 432-8100
    +55-21-2018-1225

    #1 Contact us for a free quote, or
    #2 Schedule a consultation now.

    6) A Curated Line-up of Everyday Spots in Camburi

    Finding Camburi real estate, choosing apartments in Camburi, and simply living in Camburi all revolve around the same laid-back surf culture: dawn patrol, açai breaks, and barefoot dinners.  

    If you’re buying or renting real estate in this stretch of the North Coast, these are the places that quietly become your “third spaces”: where you grab fresh bread before a viewing, send a quick contract from a coworking deck, or celebrate closing day over a long seafood dinner.

    This curated list covers everyday spots in Camburi, Maresias and their closest neighbors:

    a. Best Bakeries (Padarias)

    Rising at first light to check the swell demands fresh bread and, good coffee. Rituals that are sacred on surfing mornings. Check out these padarias (local bakeries) to start your day:

    b. Best Everyday Restaurants (Kilo-Style)

    After morning site visits, buyers pile plates high at these peso-by-weight buffets. Expect hearty salads, local fish, and rice-and-beans classics that keep living in Camburi healthy, quick, and budget-friendly.

    c. Best Language Schools

    Even in a surf town, paperwork talks in Portuguese.Boost your Portuguese or take on a new language.

    In addition to Wizard, you can also find many private Portuguese tutors. You can search on platforms such as:

    d. Best Gyms

    Between paddling out, walking on the sand and hiking the trails, Camburi is already an open-air gym. Even so, having a structured strength-training routine really helps you keep up both your work and your surf.

    e. Best Markets (Supermercado)

    Stock the fridge of your new apartment in Camburi with organic fruit, chilled craft beer, and everything between at these reliable grocers.

    f. Largest Mall

    You won’t find a huge, enclosed “city mall” in Camburi itself, but residents of Camburi & Maresias rely on two open-air centers for one-stop errands and rainy-day browsing.

    In Maresias, Shopping Boulevard Maresias acts as a compact beachfront mall, with surf shops, casual fashion, small services and places to eat along.

    Together, these two centers cover most “big mall” needs—groceries, basic shopping, ATMs and kid-friendly entertainment—while keeping you within a short drive of the beach.

    g. Best Cafés

    Between morning surf checks and late-afternoon sunsets, you’ll probably want a few spots where you can open your laptop, sip a good coffee and still feel the beach mood around you. If you like the idea of answering emails with sand still on your feet, Camburi and Maresias make it easy. Around the main streets you’ll find small cafés that double as “mini offices”: a good espresso, light snacks, a couple of plugs and a calm-enough vibe to open the laptop for an hour or two.

    h. Best Sport Areas (Surf, Volleyball, etc.)

    Camburi’s twin-peaked beach invites surfers, yogis, and trail runners to stay active long after documents are signed.

    i. Best Night Life

    Celebrate closing day the best way posible, with DJs, nice environment and maybe some new friends.

    j. Best Newsstands

    One spot for you to complement digital news apps rather than replacing them.

    k. Best Bookstores

    Printed books are a bit of a niche luxury in Camburi and Maresias. There’s only one spot in the area that really presents itself as a “livraria” (bookstore) by name; beyond that, you’ll mostly find small book corners inside markets, cafés and hotel lounges, plus the option of ordering online or using a Kindle. Below is the main dedicated bookstore reference, keeping in mind that serious readers usually mix it with digital reading and occasional trips to larger bookstores in São Sebastião or São Paulo.

    l. Best Laundromats

    Keeping beach towels, gym clothes, and linens clean is part of real life in Camburi and Maresias. These laundromats give foreign homeowners and long-stay guests an easy, affordable way to wash and dry everything.

    m. Best Pizzerias

    You won’t have trouble finding good pizza in Camburi and Maresias. From simple neighborhood spots to more refined pizzerias with long-fermentation dough and wine lists, there are plenty of options for casual dinners, delivery nights and post-surf cravings. The places below are just a small selection, there are many more local pizzerias to discover as you settle in.

    Oliveira Lawyers’ Live Streams on YouTube
    Join our live sessions every Wednesday and Sunday for insights on real-estate, immigration and legal matters related to Brazil:
    https://www.youtube.com/@oliveiralawyers/streams
    For more legal advice and insights, visit our YouTube playlist:
    https://www.youtube.com/@oliveiralawyers/playlists

    7) About Our Immigration Services for Sao Sebastiao

    At Oliveira Lawyers, we provide tailored immigration services for foreign nationals seeking residence in Sao Sebastiao. From business moves to family reunification, we guide you through Brazil’s complex visa landscape.

    Our English-speaking lawyer in Sao Sebastiao partners with local realtors when visas hinge on luxury homes in the area.

    We frequently assist:

    • Real-Estate Investors – Buying property to qualify for the real-estate investment visa.
    • Spouses of Brazilian Nationals – Foreign partners applying for permanent residency.
    • Retirees or Digital Nomads – Clients choosing Sao Paulo coast for its connectivity and natural beauty.

    Federal Police in Sao Paulo

    Regional Superintendency of the Federal Police in Sao Paulo | Photo by: Marcelo Sonohara
    Regional Superintendency of the Federal Police in Sao Paulo | Photo by: Marcelo Sonohara

    Address: Rua Hugo D Antola 95, Lapa de Baixo – Sao Paulo/SP – CEP 05038-090 (≈ 20 min from Avenida Paulista)
    Phone: +55 11 3538-5000
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.gov.br/pf/pt-br
    Hours: Mon–Fri | 08:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00 (by appointment)

    Policia Federal step — coordinated by us.
    Every visa or residency card is finalized in person at the Policia Federal (PF). We secure the appointment, pre-review every document, and brief you thoroughly for the interview. When required and permitted, a bilingual legal assistant can accompany you to ensure clear communication.

    • Appointment slots disappear in minutes. We watch the Policia Federal schedule the moment new times drop and lock one in for you before they’re gone.
    • Incomplete paperwork = weeks of delay. Show up missing a single apostille and you’re forced to reschedule—something PF lets you do only twice every 30 days. We pre-check every document so that never happens.
    • Expect a Portuguese-only counter. Federal Police interviews run almost exclusively in Portuguese; frontline clerks aren’t required to speak English and seldom do. You might luck into an officer with some English or Spanish, but PF offers zero language guarantees, and even its own managers admit the language gap is “certainly an impediment.”
    • Plan for Portuguese from start to finish: we handle sworn translations of every document and, when regulations permit, deploy a bilingual legal assistant to interpret live so nothing mission-critical gets lost in bureaucratic translation.

    Oliveira Lawyers’ Immigration Live Streams
    Join live Q&A sessions each Wednesday and Sunday: https://www.youtube.com/@oliveiralawyers/streams
    Browse our video library for detailed guides: https://www.youtube.com/@oliveiralawyers/playlists

    Disclaimer: The information above is general reference, not personalised legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney.

    Immigration lawyer for Sao Paulo residency?
    We can help.

    [email protected]
    (214) 432-8100
    +55-21-2018-1225

    #1 Contact us for a free quote, or
    #2 Schedule a consultation now.

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