By the end of the 18th century, the village had grown to more than 3,000 residents. This made Vila Bela da Princesa – the name for Ilhabela during most of the 19th century – a potential target for pirates and privateers. In defense, cannons were installed along the waterfront. There was an equivalent battery on the other side of São Sebastião Channel. Watch for the rusted cannons near the main pier as you return from your walking tour of Vila.
