An island the size of a town, with 106 beaches, peaks of untouched rainforest — and zero cars. Ilha Grande, off Angra dos Reis in the state of Rio de Janeiro, went from feared prison island to the greatest ecotourism treasure on the Rio coast: everything here happens on foot or by boat, at whatever pace your legs (and the tide) allow.
Getting there
Three gateways on the mainland: Conceição de Jacareí (the fastest — flex boats — fast open launches — in 20–30 minutes, frequent departures), Angra dos Reis (ferries and speedboats, roughly 1h–1h30) and Mangaratiba (car ferry). From the city of Rio it is about 2h30 by car or bus to the piers. Every route ends at Vila do Abraão, the island’s main village, with guesthouses, restaurants and the constant coming and going of tour boats.
What to do
- Lopes Mendes — repeatedly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world; boat plus a 30-minute walk (our dedicated article: Lopes Mendes).
- Boat trips — Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde (natural aquariums), the wild southern beaches and the full loop around the island.
- Pico do Papagaio — 982 meters and the most spectacular sunrise on this coast; guided night hike (how it works).
- Aventureiro — the rustic beach village on the ocean side, home to the most famous leaning palm tree in Brazil.
- Trails T1–T16 — the network that stitches the whole island together for anyone willing to walk.
How many days — and when to go
The honest minimum is 3–4 days; five or more to add Aventureiro and the longer trails — we have put together a full four-day itinerary. From April to September the weather is drier and the sea calmer; in summer expect heat, quick downpours and crowds (book everything in advance). One caveat: rough seas cancel boat trips in any season — leave slack in your plans.
Practical tips
- Wheeled suitcases suffer on the sand streets of Abraão — a backpack wins.
- Bring cash: not everyone takes cards and the village ATM is unreliable.
- Water, sunscreen and light hiking shoes on the trails — the sun and the climbs are deceptive.
- Respect trail signage and the limits of the protected areas — almost the entire island is a protected conservation area.
🥾 Who is it for?
Effort: you choose — from contemplative boat trips to climbs high into the hills. Children: an excellent destination; calm beaches near Abraão and boat rides they will love (life jacket always). Older travelers and people with reduced mobility: the flat village and the boat trips make the island very workable; the trails need a case-by-case assessment — and the sand streets demand patience with a wheelchair. With no cars, getting around is mainly on foot and by boat; travelers with reduced mobility should weigh the condition of the sand streets and the boarding arrangements of each trip.
