Countryside Rental Near São Paulo: Tips for Choosing the Best

Just 60 km from São Paulo, Sítio Girassol offers 2.6 hectares of preserved nature with a private pool, BBQ areas, sports court, and 3 bedrooms for up to 6 guests — with dynamic pricing and discounts for extended stays. According to the São Paulo State Tourism Bureau, demand for rural vacation rentals in the São Paulo interior grew 42% between 2022 and 2025. São Roque, where Sítio Girassol is located, ranks among the top 5 most sought-after rural tourism destinations in the state.
1. Location and Access
The ideal location for a countryside rental near São Paulo is between 40 km and 100 km from the capital, allowing a maximum 1.5-hour drive. According to research by the Brazilian Rural Tourism Association (ABRATURR), 78% of São Paulo tourists prefer destinations less than 2 hours away by car. Regions like São Roque (60 km), Ibiúna (72 km), Mairinque (68 km), and Atibaia (65 km) are the most popular. São Roque stands out for access via the Castello Branco and Raposo Tavares highways, both tolled and well-maintained. Always verify whether the access road to the property is paved — properties with dirt road access can be problematic on rainy days.
2. Pool
According to Airbnb Brazil data, rural properties with private pools receive 3.2 times more bookings than those without. A pool makes all the difference for families with children, especially during São Paulo summers when temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F). Check if the pool is exclusive (not shared with other guests), if it has a deck area with sun loungers, and if there are clear usage rules. At Sítio Girassol, the pool is 100% private, surrounded by nature, with a deck, sun loungers, and an outdoor kitchen alongside — perfect for full days outdoors.
3. BBQ
A BBQ area is essential for the countryside experience. According to IBGE surveys, barbecue is the preferred culinary activity for 67% of Brazilians on leisure trips. Check if the property has a covered BBQ area (crucial for rainy days, which account for about 40% of summer days in São Roque, per INMET weather data) and if utensils like grates, skewers, and cutting boards are included. At Sítio Girassol, there are two BBQ areas: one on the covered veranda of the main house and another in the outdoor kitchen next to the pool, both fully equipped with utensils.
4. Bedrooms and Capacity
Check the actual number of beds, not just advertised bedrooms. A family of 6 needs at least 3 bedrooms with comfortable beds for everyone. According to Airbnb data, 45% of complaints at rural properties relate to actual capacity being lower than advertised. Sítio Girassol offers 3 bedrooms: master suite with king bed, second bedroom with double bed and large window, and third bedroom with bunk bed plus additional single mattresses — totaling real capacity for 6 guests in comfort, spread across a 280 m² (3,014 sq ft) house.
5. Pet-Friendly?
According to the Brazilian Pet Products Industry Association (Abinpet), 54% of Brazilian households have at least one pet. However, only about 20% of countryside rentals in the São Paulo interior accept pets. If you travel with your animal, filter for pet-friendly properties from the start. Sítio Girassol is pet-friendly and offers 2.6 hectares of fully fenced area for your pet to roam and play safely outdoors.
6. Reviews and Trust
Read recent Airbnb reviews before booking. BrightLocal research shows that 87% of consumers read online reviews before making purchase decisions. Pay special attention to comments about: property cleanliness, host communication, whether photos match reality, and whether infrastructure works (Wi-Fi, hot shower, appliances). Properties with over 4.5 stars and at least 10 reviews tend to be reliable.
Our Recommendation: Sítio Girassol
Sítio Girassol in São Roque meets every criterion for an ideal countryside rental near São Paulo: private pool with deck and sun loungers, two equipped BBQ areas (covered + outdoor), 3 bedrooms with 4 beds (king suite, double, bunk), pet-friendly, high-speed Wi-Fi, tennis and volleyball court, stone fireplace, board games, and 2.6 hectares of preserved nature. The property is 60 km from São Paulo with paved access via Castello Branco or Raposo Tavares highways, and offers check-in from 12 PM to 8 PM.
Dynamic pricing with discounts for weekly and monthly stays. All prices include access to every property amenity. Book on Airbnb.