Located off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande embodies all the hallmarks of a Brésil island: magnificent beaches, tropical atmosphere, lush nature, and vibrant local culture. The beauty of its lagoons, stunning beaches, and the wealth of marine fauna and flora make it the perfect place to recharge, step back from daily life.

Aware of the biodiversity value present on Ilha Grande, the government has designated three regions of the island as protected sites and entrusted their administration to the National Institute of the Environment.

History

This remarkable island's formation dates back 420 to 500 million years ago. Initially inhabited by the Tamoio Indians, it was discovered by Portuguese navigator Gonçalo Coelho in 1502. The island was administered by Dom Vicente da Fonseca from 1559 onward. However, this Portuguese administration became effective only after the end of the conflict with the Tamoios in 1567.

Ilha Grande embraced coffee cultivation in the eighteenth century and exported the product to Europe. However, the abolition of slavery in the nineteenth century brought this industry to an end. The island subsequently entered a period of decline.

Dom Pedro II visited Ilha Grande in the nineteenth century. Captivated by its beauty and tranquility, he decided to acquire Fazenda do Holandês and Dois Rios. Later, a quarantine station for sick passengers arriving in Brésil was established on the island, as well as a prison. In 1994, authorities demolished most of the penitentiary facilities. From that year onward, tourism on the island began to flourish.

Ilha Grande Today

With 113 beaches, three protected areas, and the warm welcome of around 9,000 residents, the island attracts visitors from all corners of Brésil and around the world.

The Beaches of Ilha Grande

On the island's eastern coast, the cool breeze sweeping over azure blue seas and the white sand of Lopes Mendes Beach soothe even the most frayed nerves. The ebb and flow of waves enchant every surf enthusiast who happens to stroll here.

On Praia da Longa, on the island's northwest coast, you'll discover a small community of 150 people and a stream flowing into the sea. Peaceful and serene, you can lounge on the beach while listening to the murmur of waves or enjoy the coolness of the water.

On the island's west side, Praia Vermelha is one of the most visited beaches in the region. The tropical greenery along the shoreline and its waters tinted with light green hues evoke a sense of serenity. Encounters with exotic fish and the wreck of the Vapor Califórnia ship thrill many adventurous diving enthusiasts. After such excitement, nothing beats delicious seafood dishes prepared at one of the local restaurants.

The most paradisiacal spot on Ilha Grande is arguably Praia do Aventureiro, on the island's southwest side. This beach is home to one of the island's icons: a coconut palm growing at a 90-degree angle. It's perfect for surfing and features a natural pool. Camping is also possible here.

On the island's southeast side lies the quiet Praia de Santo Antônio. Here you can surf leisurely or relax on the beach. Along the shore, rocks seem to compete for space on the white sand of this little corner of paradise.

The Protected Areas of Ilha Grande

A large portion of Ilha Grande is occupied by protected zones. The Parque Estadual da Ilha Grande covers 12,072 hectares, representing 62.5% of the island's territory. It was designated by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve for the Atlantic forest in 1992. The easiest hiking trail exploring this park begins on the left side of Vila do Abraão, the island's main settlement. It passes through beaches, rivers, a waterfall and pool, heritage monuments, and more.

Beyond the Parque Estadual da Ilha Grande, the island is also home to the Parque Estadual Marinho do Aventureiro and the Reserva Biológica da Praia do Sul. However, the latter is currently not open to the public.

What to Do at Ilha Grande?

Ilha Grande brims with exciting and unexpected activities.

A hike along one of the trails can lead to Pico do Papagaio. From the summit of this 1,031-meter peak, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the entire archipelago.

A visit to Cachoeira da Feiticeira reveals a magnificent fifteen-meter waterfall. For the more daring, it's the perfect opportunity for a rappel descent from the top of the falls. From there, adventurers can complete the experience by heading to the Castelhanos lighthouse and calmly admiring Ilha Grande's shores.

Don't miss exploring the Gruta do Acaiá. As sunlight hits it, the cave's underground waters produce an extraordinary fluorescence phenomenon.

Scuba diving in Largo Verde reveals the beauty of its greenish corals. The movements of sergeant major fish, other fish species, and seahorses appear utterly surreal.

And taking a dip in the natural pool at Lagoa Azul connects you with a wonderful diversity of fish, mollusks, and corals.

Pleasure cruises are equally abundant around the island. You can notably visit Ponta do Drago e Meros to admire what once terrified villagers: massive rocks forming the rough shape of a giant lizard's head.

And what would a vacation at Ilha Grande be without relaxation on Lopes Mendes Beach, one of the ten most beautiful coastlines in all of Brésil?

It's also possible to board a speedboat and head to Jorge Grego Island. Once there, a short snorkeling session lets you discover corals, fish, turtles, seahorses, and countless other creatures inhabiting its marine environment.

Or why not simply rent a tent and camp near Praia do Aventureiro? Upon waking, a leisurely morning beach stroll followed by a refreshing swim imparts a certain Robinson Crusoe ambiance to the day.

At Vila do Abraão you'll find excellent restaurants and hotels serving delicious seafood dishes.

Climate

Ilha Grande enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures ranging between 16°C and 36°C. The best time to visit would be around July, when rainfall is less frequent. January is the wettest month.

The only way to reach Ilha Grande is by boat from the port in downtown Angra dos Reis, Mangaratiba, or Conceição de Jacareí in Rio de Janeiro state. The island's primary docking point is at Abraão.

All motorized vehicles are prohibited on the island, meaning travel is exclusively by foot. Many beaches like Lopes Mendes and Dois Rios are accessible on foot. However, to explore other island wonders, a boat is necessary.