Brazil's South-East Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Ilha Grande
Long, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters - take a hike or boat ride to see this Island's best attractions
Ilha Grande is a tropical island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, famous for its secluded beaches dispersed between Atlantic Rainforest, and its car-free town. The island’s main village, Vila do Abraão, is the hub for hiking and boat tours, including trails leading to Lopes Mendes Beach, once of the best beaches in Brazil, and Pico do Papagaio, an incredible sunrise viewpoint. Ilha Grande also offers world-class snorkeling and diving spots, such as Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon).
The best beaches in Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande has a large number of beaches, but access varies significantly. Some can be reached on foot from Vila do Abraão, while others require a boat trip or a longer hike. Choosing the right beaches depends on how much time you have and how far you are willing to travel.
Best easy-access beaches (near Abraão)
These beaches are the most practical if you are staying in Vila do Abraão, as they can be reached on foot and require minimal planning.
Praia do Abraão is the main beach in the village and where boats arrive. It is not the best for swimming, but it is convenient for a short visit and easy to combine with restaurants and accommodation nearby.
Praia do Abraãozinho is located around 20 to 30 minutes walking from the village and offers clearer water and a more relaxed setting. It is one of the best options close to town for a half-day beach visit.
Praia da Júlia is a small beach along the coastal path between Abraão and Abraãozinho. It is usually visited as a short stop rather than a main destination, but provides a quieter alternative close to the village.
Best beaches if you are happy to hike
These beaches require more time and effort to reach, but offer a better overall experience compared to those near the main village.
Lopes Mendes is the most well-known beach on the island, with a long stretch of sand and open ocean conditions. It can be reached by boat to Pouso followed by a short walk, or via a longer hike from Vila do Abraão. There are no facilities, so you need to bring everything with you.
Praia de Dois Rios is reached via a longer hike and has a wide, open coastline with fewer visitors. It is often combined with a visit to the old prison ruins and is best treated as a full-day activity.
Best beaches by boat
Some of the most distinctive beaches on Ilha Grande are only accessible by boat and are typically visited as part of a full-day tour.
Praia do Aventureiro is one of the most recognisable beaches on the island, known for its wide stretch of sand and the leaning coconut tree. It is usually included in longer boat tours.
Praia de Parnaioca is more remote and has limited development, with a river flowing into the sea. It tends to be quieter than other stops on similar routes.
Praia de Caxadaço is a smaller beach enclosed by rock formations and is commonly visited as part of a boat circuit around the island. It is best for a short stop rather than a full beach day.
Beaches to prioritise if you are short on time
If you only have a few days on Ilha Grande, it is better to focus on a small number of beaches that offer different experiences rather than trying to visit as many as possible. With two days, a combination of an easy-access beach such as Abraãozinho and a longer trip to Lopes Mendes provides a good balance. With three days, you can add either a boat trip to beaches such as Aventureiro or a longer hike to Dois Rios, depending on your preference.
Top 8 Things to See & Do in Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande is best explored through a combination of beaches, hikes, and boat trips. Most activities start from Vila do Abraão, with access to more remote areas by trail or boat.
Best beaches
Lopes Mendes Beach: Lopes Mendes is one of the most well-known beaches on the island, reached by boat plus a short walk or a 6 kilometre hike from Vila do Abraão. There are no facilities, so you need to bring supplies.
Hiking and viewpoints
Pico do Papagaio: An 11 kilometre return hike, often done for sunrise. The route includes steep sections and usually requires a guide.
Dois Rios and the old prison ruins: A longer 16 kilometre return hike leading to a remote beach and historical site.
Feiticeira Waterfall: A shorter trail from Abraão leading to a waterfall and nearby beach, suitable for a half-day trip.
Boat trips and snorkeling
Lagoa Azul (snorkelling: )Lagoa Azul is a common stop on boat tours, with calm water suitable for snorkelling. Tours often include nearby locations such as Lagoa Verde.
Volta à Ilha boat tour: A full-day tour around the island with stops at beaches such as Aventureiro, Parnaioca, and Caxadaço.
Gruta do Acaiá: A sea cave accessed via a short hike and ladder descent, typically visited on guided tours.
Explore Vila do Abraão
Vila do Abraão is the main village and base for most visitors, with accommodation, restaurants, and access to tours and trails.
How long to spend in Ilha Grande
Most travellers should plan to spend at least 3 days in Ilha Grande. This allows enough time to visit a variety of beaches and experience at least one boat trip or hike.
If you have 2 days
With a short stay, focus on:
one full beach day (such as Lopes Mendes)
one boat trip or a short hike from Vila do Abraão
If you have 3 days
Three days allows a more complete experience:
visit multiple beaches at a slower pace
take a snorkelling or boat tour (for example to Lagoa Azul)
include a longer hike if conditions allow
If you have more time
With 4 or more days, you can:
stay in a quieter area outside Abraão
explore more remote beaches or take a multi-day hike
Can you visit Ilha Grande as a day trip?
It is possible to visit Ilha Grande on a day tour from Rio de Janeiro to see a few of the island's top sights in one day. If your schedule allows, staying at least one or two nights provides a much better experience.
For more ideas, check out my itinerary for How to Spend 3 Days in Ilha Grande
Is Ilha Grande worth visiting?
For it's beautiful beaches, Ilha Grande is a top choice, but it depends on how you plan to travel and what you want from the trip. Ilha Grande is best suited to travellers looking for beaches, hiking, and a slower pace. The island has no cars and limited infrastructure outside the main village, which creates a different experience compared to mainland beach destinations.
When Ilha Grande is worth it
Ilha Grande is a good choice if you:
want access to beaches that are less developed
plan to do boat trips or hiking
are staying for at least 3 days
are comfortable with simple logistics and limited transport options
Using Vila do Abraão as a base makes it easier to access trails, tours, and services.
When it may not be worth it
Getting to Ilha Grande requires multiple steps, including a boat transfer, which adds time compared to other destinations near Rio de Janeiro. It may not be the best fit if you:
are short on time
prefer easy convenient transportation
prefer developed beaches with access to services
What makes it different
Ilha Grande is distinct from other destinations you may be considering. While Ilhabela also has forest and beaches, it has roads and easier internal transport, making it simpler to move between areas. Búzios is more developed, with multiple beaches connected by roads, a wide range of restaurants, and a stronger focus on nightlife. Paraty combines beaches with a historic town centre and road access to nearby waterfalls and attractions. In contrast, Ilha Grande is focused solely on beaches - has no cars and less infrastructure, but this allows it to offers a more pristine, quiet, and nature-focused experience.
Where to stay in Ilha Grande
Accommodation on Ilha Grande is spread across small coastal villages, with no roads connecting most areas. Where you stay has a direct impact on how easy it is to get around, access tours, and explore the island. Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Ilha Grande, or check out my personal recommendations below:
Best area to stay in Ilha Grande (for most visitors)
Stay in Vila do Abraão if you want the most practical base. This is where boats arrive from the mainland and where you will find the widest range of accommodation, restaurants, and services. It is the best option if you:
are visiting for a short stay
want easy access to boat tours and hiking trails
prefer having restaurants and shops nearby
Best places to stay in Abraão:
Pousada Tagomago Eco-Lodge (see prices)
Pousada Casablanca (see prices)
Lila Limao - a clean and quite hostel with modern facilities (see prices)
Hostel Refugio - best for backpackers on a budget (see prices)
Best for a quieter stay
Smaller villages such as Praia de Araçatiba, Praia do Bananal, and Praia do Aventureiro offer a more relaxed environment with fewer people and less development. Access is typically by boat. These areas are better suited to:
longer stays
slower travel
spending most of your time in one location
Best places to stay for a quieter stay:
Pousada Três Coqueiros - On Bananal beach, with views over the ocean (see prices)
Bonito Paraiso Ilha Grande - Located on Abraãozinho Beach (see prices)
Best for a secluded or remote experience
Accommodation on more isolated beaches offers a quieter setting with direct access to nature, but requires more planning. This is best if you:
are comfortable organising boat transfers
do not need regular access to shops or services
want a more self-contained stay
Best places to stay for a secluded experience:
Vila Pedra Mar - Located on Praia Vermelha, right in front of the sea (see prices)
Atlantica Jungle Lodge - set in the jungle, 10 minutes walk from Lopes Mendes beach (see prices)
Paraíso Azul Retiro - Located on Praia Pequena da Freguesia de Santana beach (see prices)
Pico da Papagaio, Ilha Grande
Where is Ilha Grande, Brazil
Quick Facts about Ilha Grande
Population of Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande (Abraão) has a population of 5,216 people (IBGE, 2022)
Nickname
People from Ilha Grande do not have a specific nickname, however people from Rio de Janeiro State are called fluminenses.
Closest airport
The closest airports are located in:
Rio de Janeiro (4 hours drive)
São Paulo (4 hours drive)
Main bus terminal
The closest bus terminal is located in Agra dos Reis
Main ports
Vila do Abraão
Boats serve several of the island's other beaches, directly on the beach
Read my free 3 day travel itinerary for Ilha Grande!
How to get to Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande can be easily reached by bus and ferry from Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo or anywhere in between. First, take a bus to one of the three ports below, then take a boat to Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande's main port. Ferry tickets can be purchased at the port and do not need to be booked in advance.
Where to take a boat from to get to Ilha Grande
There are three main ports that connect Ilha Grande to the mainland by speedboat and ferry:
Conceição de Jacareí - This is the closest to port to Ilha Grande. It therefore offers the fastest trip and the most frequent boat departures, giving you more time at the beach. Trips take just 15-20 minutes and run from 8am-6pm daily. The return trips run from 8am-5.30pm daily. The trip costs R$75 each way.
Mangaratiba - This is the ferry port closest to Rio de Janeiro. Trips take around 1.5 hours and cost R$20.50 each way. The boat departs at 8am daily, plus 10pm on Fridays, and returns at 5.30pm daily. The large ferries allow you to transport your bike for free.
Angra dos Reis - This is the port closest to São Paulo. Trips on the large ferry take around 1 hour 20 minutes and cost R$20.50 each way. The ferry departs at 3.30pm Monday-Friday or 1.30pm on weekends and holidays, and returns at 10am daily. Again, you can transport a bike for free.
Alternatively, speedboats are available and take as little as 30 minutes and run between 7.30am and 6.30pm daily. The speedboat is more expensive costing between R$75-100 each way.
If you are short on time, it is also possible to take boat tours directly from Angra dos Reis, to see some of Ilha Grande's most beautiful sites.
How to get to Ilha Grande from Rio de Janeiro
From Novo Rio bus terminal, take a bus to any of the ferry terminals:
For the most convenient trip, head to Conceição de Jacareí and take the speedboat. Costa Verde runs busses hourly from the Novo Rio bus terminal.
Tip: Conceição de Jacareí is on the way to Angra dos Reis. If you want to book the trip in advance, you cannot book a ticket to Conceição de Jacareí online without a CPF. However, tickets to Angra dos Reis are the same price. You can book a ticket to Angra dos Reis online to secure a seat on your preferred bus, then ask to get off at Conceição de Jacareí.
Alternatively, if you prefer to take a ferry, you can depart from Mangaratiba. This is the closest port to Rio de Janeiro, but you will need to take the 5am Costa Verde bus to arrive in time for the ferry's 8am departure (get tickets).
There are also convenient private and shared transfer services available.
How to get to Ilha Grande from Sao Paulo
From Sao Paulo's Tiete bus terminal, take a bus to Angra dos Reis (8-8.5 hours) (tickets & timetable).
Busses run frequently, but it is best to take an earlier bus to make sure you make the last boat at 6pm. It is also possible to take an overnight bus, so you don't lose a day on travel.
How to get to Ilha Grande from Paraty
It is easy to travel between Ilha Grande and Paraty, two popular tourist destinations. You have two options: The first is to take a bus and then a ferry, or the second is to purchase a full transfer which includes both the bus and ferry ticket.
If you prefer to take the journey independently, first, take the bus from Terminal Rodoviário de Paraty (map) to Angra dos Reis (1.5 hours) (tickets). The Costa Verde bus is cheapest, and leaves 3 times a day. From Angra dos Reis, take any ferry or speedboat to Ilha Grande.
There are also convenient transfer services available. This option is a little more expensive, but guarantees your transfer connection.
Top tours in Ilha Grande
How to get around Ilha Grande
There are no cars on Ilha Grande, however the island's main town, Abraão, is small and easy to walk around. To to get between the town and Ilha Grande's many beaches, you can choose to hike or take a taxi boat.
The fares for taxi boats vary depending on the length of the trip and the number of other people in the boat. Boats will often wait until they are full to depart, unless you pay the fare for the full boat.
The main way to get around: Hiking
Ilha Grande is a hiker's paradise, with numerous well-established trails around and across the island. One of the most popular hikes include the hike to Lopes Mendes beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Another must-do hike is to Pico do Papagaio, usually taken early in the morning in order to watch the sunrise from the peak.
There are trail maps available for most of the island's hiking trails.
Boat taxis and tours
Boat transport is the main way to reach beaches and villages that are not accessible on foot. This is the most common way to visit more remote beaches and areas on the opposite side of the island. From Vila do Abraão, you can:
take shared boat tours to multiple beaches
hire a private boat taxi to specific locations
Getting between different areas
If you are staying outside Abraão, movement is more limited. It is important to plan transfers in advance and confirm theavailability of return times
most transfers are by boat
schedules are less frequent
costs are higher than local transport in mainland destinations
How to get to Lopes Mendes beach by Taxi Boat
To get to Lopes Mendes beach, take a taxi boat to the nearby beach Praia do Pouso. From here, you will need to walk a short 1km (0.6 miles) trail. The trail takes around 20 minutes each way. Boats are not allowed to stop directly on Lopes Mendes as it is a protected area.
Want more tips? See my guide for How to Spend 3 Days in Ilha Grande
Things to know before you go to Ilha Grande
Is there an ATM in Ilha Grande?
There are no ATMs on Ilha Grande. Although some shops and restaurants do accept credit card, many still do not. If you plan to use taxi boats, or buy drinks and snacks on the beach from local vendors, you will need to pay in cash. Make sure you bring enough cash to cover your whole stay on the island.
What to bring to Ilha Grande
The island has a tropical climate, so make sure to bring insect repellent, reef safe sunscreen, a hat, and appropriate clothing for both rain and shine. If hiking, it is also recommended to bring a rain jacket and sturdy covered shoes as the trails can become muddy and slippery after rain.
Check my packing check-list for Brazil for more ideas.
Is Ilha Grande safe for tourists?
Ilha Grande is considered a safe destination for visitors. The atmosphere is relaxed, and it is a very different experience compared to larger Brazilian cities. As with any trip, it is still sensible to follow a few simple precautions, but these are more about peace of mind than real risk.
A few tips to stay safe in Ilha Grande
Keep an eye on your belongings at the beach, or ask someone to watch them if you go for a swim
Don't walk around with large amounts of cash, carry only the cash you need for the day or a credit card
At night, stick to the main streets or paths where other visitors and locals are walking
Ask your pousada or host if you are unsure about the best routes or areas to explore
Travel insurance for Ilha Grande
Travel insurance is not just a nice-to-have, it is an important safety-net that can prevent a stressful incident from turning into an expensive disaster. The reality is that unexpected events can happen on any trip. Even something as simple as missing a connecting flight can lead to unexpected accommodation and transport costs. If you become unwell, medical bills in another country can quickly become expensive. Without insurance, you have to handle all of this on your own in an unfamiliar environment, possibly in a language you do not speak.
I have personally relied on travel insurance multiple times, including when I had belongings stolen in Europe, fell sick while travelling in Asia, and had flights cancelled. In each case, the support I received meant I could focus on solving the problem instead of worrying about costs.
For a small daily cost, you can be covered for a wide range of scenarios, from theft to delayed flights and medical emergencies. Having one phone number to call and a company that deals with the problem for you is worth far more than the price of the policy. I personally use Safety Wing, and I recommend them to friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. You can get a quote here.
Resources for planning your trip to Ilha Grande
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