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Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Sebastiao Cathedral (Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro) from Morro du Curvelo

Ilhabela (Sao Sebastiao), Brazil

The island of Sao Sebastiao was named by Amerigo Vespucci. It is the largest in an archipelago of beach-blessed islands off the coast of Brazil halfway between Rio and Sao Paulo. Like its neighbor Buzios, its main attractions are the sea and sand, and watersports of every stripe. The island does have a nice slice of native Atlantic rain forest habitat, recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere resource. Another option is to explore the colonial buildings in the small town.