Ilha Grande, Brazil Travel Guide

Discover Ilha Grande, Brazil's untouched island paradise, featuring lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and a wealth of outdoor activities for every traveler.

Home
Travel Guides
Brazil
Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is an island off the coast of Brazil known for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The island is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Its lush rainforests, crystal-clear waters, and white-sand beaches offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The island boasts over 100 beaches, each with its unique charm. Lopes Mendes Beach is particularly famous for its soft sand and excellent surf conditions. For those interested in marine life, snorkeling and diving spots around Blue Lagoon and Green Lagoon reveal vibrant underwater ecosystems teeming with fish and coral. Ilha Grande is also steeped in history. The island was once a pirate hideout and later housed a notorious prison. Today, you can explore its past through guided tours and visits to historic sites like the ruins of the Lazareto, an old quarantine hospital. Hiking enthusiasts will find numerous trails crisscrossing the island. The Pico do Papagaio trail leads to a peak offering panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean. Whether you prefer relaxing on the beach, exploring underwater, or hiking through the jungle, Ilha Grande has something for everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ilha Grande.

Bring cash, as ATMs are scarce on the island.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes for exploring trails.
Visit during the dry season (May to September) for the best weather.
Stay hydrated and use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites.
Respect local wildlife and follow eco-friendly practices.

Explore Ilha Grande: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Ilha Grande

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Saco do Céu

Explore the serene beauty of Saco do Céu, a tropical paradise in Angra dos Reis, Brazil, where relaxation meets adventure amidst stunning natural landscapes.

4.8

Boia de Lopes Mendes

Discover Lopes Mendes Beach, Ilha Grande: a pristine paradise with crystal-clear waters, perfect waves, and untouched natural beauty.

4.7

Ilha grande _ Angra dos Reis

Discover Ilha Grande: Pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and a car-free paradise await off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. An unforgettable Brazilian escape.

4.9

Isla grande

Discover Ilha Grande: Brazil's stunning island paradise with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and a captivating history.

5.0

Best landmarks in Ilha Grande

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Praia Do Caxadaço

Experience the pristine beauty and tranquility of Praia Do Caxadaço, a hidden gem in Ilha Grande State Park, perfect for relaxation and exploration.

4.8

Ilha grande _ Angra dos Reis

Discover Ilha Grande: A car-free paradise with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rich history off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.

4.9

EU S2 ILHA GRANDE

Discover Ilha Grande: Pristine beaches, lush trails, and a rich history await on this breathtaking Brazilian island paradise.

5.0

Ilha Grande State Park

Discover Ilha Grande State Park: Hike through lush rainforests, explore pristine beaches, and immerse yourself in the island's rich history.

4.8

Best restaurants in Ilha Grande

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Bar e Restaurante Lua e Mar

Discover the exquisite flavors of Brazil at Bar e Restaurante Lua e Mar, where fresh seafood meets stunning ocean views in Ilha Grande.

4.5

Las Sorrentinas

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Las Sorrentinas in Vila do Abraão - where every meal is a delightful journey through Italy's rich flavors.

4.7

Lonier Garoupas

Discover exquisite seafood delights at Lonier Garoupas in Vila do Abraão – A must-visit culinary gem in Angra dos Reis.

4.3

Steak 'n Beach

Experience mouthwatering steaks and breathtaking ocean views at Steak 'n Beach in Ilha Grande's stunning Praia do Abraão.

4.4

Best bars in Ilha Grande

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Bar e Restaurante Lua e Mar

Experience the best of Brazilian seafood with stunning ocean views at Bar e Restaurante Lua e Mar, a culinary gem in Ilha Grande.

4.5

Steak 'n Beach

Discover the flavors of Ilha Grande at Steak 'n Beach, where delicious food meets stunning views in a tropical paradise.

4.4

Júlia Surtô

Discover the taste of Brazil at Júlia Surtô, a top gastropub on Praia da Júlia, offering exquisite cuisine and spectacular ocean views.

4.5

Bar e Restaurante Banana da Terra

Experience the flavors of Brazil at Bar e Restaurante Banana da Terra, a charming spot in Vila do Abraão with delicious seafood and stunning coastal views.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Ilha Grande

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Boate Hipnose Club

Unleash the night at Boate Hipnose Club in Angra dos Reis, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere create unforgettable nightlife experiences.

3.9

Bar do Che Ilha Grande

Experience the vibrant nightlife and delicious cocktails at Bar do Che Ilha Grande, your go-to spot for live music and good vibes in Vila do Abraão.

4.0

Boate CUBANACAN

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Angra dos Reis at Boate CUBANACAN, where the dance floor awaits you every night from 8:30 PM to 4 AM.

4.3

C.P PAZ

C.P PAZ: Unleash your energy at Angra dos Reis' most electrifying disco club, where unforgettable nightlife awaits amidst stunning beach views.

5.0

Best shops in Ilha Grande

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Shopping Alfa

Discover Shopping Alfa in Vila do Abraão, Angra dos Reis – a vibrant shopping destination with a mix of local charm and international flair.

4.1

Amor e Arte Tabacaria e Barbearia

Discover the charm of Ilha Grande at Amor e Arte Tabacaria e Barbearia, where premium tobacco meets classic grooming in a relaxing atmosphere.

5.0

Havaianas Mini Shopping Bouganville Ilha Grande - Angra dos Reis

Discover the vibrant essence of Brazilian beach culture at Havaianas Mini Shopping in Ilha Grande, your one-stop destination for stylish footwear and fashion.

4.6

Cheiro da Ilha - Aromatizadores Artesanais e Macramé

Explore the captivating fragrances and artisanal crafts at Cheiro da Ilha, a hidden gem in Ilha Grande, Brazil.

5.0

Explore Ilha Grande on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Ilha Grande, mapped for you.

Ilha Grande Essentials

Ilha Grande is accessible from Rio de Janeiro and Angra dos Reis. From Rio, you can take a bus to Conceição de Jacareí, Mangaratiba, or Angra dos Reis. From these points, regular ferries and boats are available to Vila do Abraão, the main settlement on the island. The ferry ride takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. It is recommended to check the ferry schedules in advance, especially during the off-peak season.
Ilha Grande is a car-free island, so transportation is mainly limited to walking, boat taxis, and bicycles. Boat taxis can take you to various beaches and remote parts of the island. Hiking is also a popular way to explore, with well-marked trails connecting different parts of the island. Bicycles can be rented in Vila do Abraão for more convenient travel within the vicinity.
The official currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL). While some hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, many smaller establishments, especially in remote areas, prefer cash. ATMs are available in Vila do Abraão, but it is advisable to carry enough cash for your entire stay, as ATM availability can be limited and unreliable.
Ilha Grande is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas and keep an eye on your belongings. Vila do Abraão and the main tourist trails are usually safe, but remote beaches and trails should be visited in groups. Petty theft can occur, so always secure your valuables.
In case of emergency, dial 193 for the fire department or 190 for police assistance. Vila do Abraão has a small medical clinic for minor injuries and health issues, but for serious medical emergencies, you will need to be transported to the mainland. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Pharmacies in Vila do Abraão can provide over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing suitable for tropical weather, and always bring swimwear. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry. Religion: Do show respect at religious sites, though there are few on the island. Public Transport: Do use boat taxis to explore different parts of the island. Don’t litter; always dispose of your waste properly. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bom dia' (Good day) or 'Boa tarde' (Good afternoon). Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and traditional Brazilian dishes. Don’t drink tap water; always opt for bottled or filtered water.
To experience Ilha Grande like a local, wake up early to enjoy the sunrise on the beach, and visit the local markets for fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with the locals who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island. Don’t miss hiking to Lopes Mendes Beach, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. For a unique experience, take a guided night kayak tour to see the bioluminescent plankton.

When is the best time to visit Ilha Grande?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Ilha Grande

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Ilha Grande. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloOlá
  [oh-LAH]
- GoodbyeTchau
  [chow]
- YesSim
  [seem]
- NoNão
  [nah-oh]
- Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-VOHR/dee NAH-dah]
- Thank youObrigado(a)
  [oh-bree-GAH-doh(-ah)]
- Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-SEN-sah/dehs-KOOL-peh]
- How are you?Como vai você?
  [KOH-moh vah-ee voh-SEH]
- Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [beng. ee voh-SEH]
- Do you speak English?Você fala inglês?
  [voh-SEH FAH-lah een-GLEHSH]
- I don't understandEu não entendo
  [eh-oo now en-TEHN-doh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o cardápio, por favor
  [goh-stah-REE-ah jee vayr oo kahr-DAH-pyoh, pohr fah-VOHR]
- I don't eat meatEu não como carne
  [eh-oo now KOH-soo KAHR-neh]
- Cheers!Saúde!
  [saw-OO-deh]
- I would like to pay, pleaseEu gostaria de pagar, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-REE-ah jee pah-GAHR, pohr fah-VOHR]
- Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-ZHOO-dah]
- Go away!Vá embora!
  [vah ehm-BOH-rah]
- Call the Police!Chame a Polícia!
  [SHAH-mee ah poh-LEE-see-ah]
- Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [SHAH-mee oom MEH-jee-koh]
- I'm lostEstou perdido
  [ehs-TOH pehr-DEE-doh]
- I'm illEstou doente
  [ehs-TOH doh-EN-chee]
- I'd like to buy...Eu gostaria de comprar...
  [eh-oo goh-stah-REE-ah jee kohm-PRAR...]
- I'm just lookingEstou só olhando
  [ehs-TOH soh oh-LYAHN-doh]
- How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [KWAHN-too KOOS-tah]
- That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [EE-soh eh MOO-ee-too KAH-roh]
- Can you lower the price?Você pode baixar o preço?
  [voh-SEH POH-deh BAHY-shahr oo PREH-soh]
- What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh OH-rahz saw-oo]
- It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh OO-mah OH-rah]
- Half past (10)Meio-dia
  [MAY-oo-DEE-ah]
- MorningManhã
  [mahn-YAHN]
- AfternoonTarde
  [TAHR-deh]
- EveningNoite
  [NOY-chee]
- YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-TEHM]
- TodayHoje
  [OH-zhee]
- TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mahn-YAHN]
- 1Um
  [oom]
- 2Dois
  [doh-eez]
- 3Três
  [trehsh]
- 4Quatro
  [KWAH-troh]
- 5Cinco
  [SEEN-koh]
- 6Seis
  [saysh]
- 7Sete
  [SEH-teh]
- 8Oito
  [OY-toh]
- 9Nove
  [NOH-veh]
- 10Dez
  [dehz]
- Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [OHN-dee FEE-kah oo/ah]
- What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kahl eh oo ehn-DREH-soh]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Você pode me mostrar (no mapa)?
  [voh-SEH POH-deh meh moh-SHTRAR (noo MAH-pah)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (ônibus)?
  [KWAHN-doo eh oo PROH-ksih-moo (OH-nee-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ...)
  [oom bee-LEH-teh (PAH-rah ...)]

History of Ilha Grande

Before European contact, Ilha Grande was inhabited by the Tamoio people, part of the larger Tupinambá nation. These indigenous people thrived on fishing, hunting, and small-scale agriculture. Their deep connection with nature left a lasting influence on the island's culture and traditions.
Ilha Grande was first officially discovered by the Portuguese navigator André Gonçalves in 1502. The island soon became a point of interest for its strategic location and natural resources. The Portuguese began to exploit the island for its timber, sugar cane, and other valuable resources.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Ilha Grande became notorious as a haven for pirates and privateers. These outlaws used the island's hidden coves and dense forests to launch attacks on passing ships and coastal settlements. The island's geography made it an ideal base for their operations.
In the early 20th century, the Brazilian government established the Candido Mendes prison on Ilha Grande. This maximum-security facility housed some of Brazil's most dangerous criminals and political prisoners. The prison, operational until 1994, significantly impacted the island's development and isolation.
In 1971, a significant portion of Ilha Grande was designated as a state park, leading to increased efforts in environmental preservation. The island's lush Atlantic Forest, pristine beaches, and unique biodiversity became a focal point for conservationists and eco-tourism.
Following the closure of the Candido Mendes prison and the establishment of the state park, Ilha Grande experienced a tourism boom. Its natural beauty and relative isolation attracted visitors from around the world. The local economy shifted towards tourism, with numerous eco-lodges, hiking trails, and water sports activities developing to cater to tourists.
Ilha Grande hosts several cultural festivals that celebrate its diverse history and vibrant culture. One of the most prominent is the Festa de São Sebastião, honoring the island's patron saint. These festivals feature traditional music, dance, and culinary delights, reflecting the island's rich cultural heritage.