The best things to do in Rio de Janeiro
August 14, 2024
Content
Ilha Grande might just be the most beautiful place we visited during our trip through Brazil. That’s saying a lot, considering how many incredible destinations this vast and diverse country has to offer. Yet there’s something truly special about Ilha Grande. Located along Brazil’s stunning Costa Verde in Rio de Janeiro State, this car-free island offers an authentic escape filled with pristine nature, laid-back island vibes, and breathtaking scenery. Wondering about the best things to do in Ilha Grande? Whether you want to relax on secluded beaches, join an unforgettable boat tour around the island, or explore lush rainforest trails leading to iconic spots like Praia Lopes Mendes and Pico do Papagaio, Ilha Grande has it all. In this ultimate Ilha Grande travel guide, we share our hand-tested local travel tips, the best activities, and hidden gems for your perfect Brazilian holiday!
Why visit Ilha Grande?
Ilha Grande is widely considered one of the most beautiful islands in Brazil. The island is completely car-free and consists largely of a protected nature reserve. Here, you will find over a hundred beaches, tropical jungles, cascading waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails that lead to secluded bays. Thanks to its perfect mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation, Ilha Grande is a must-visit destination on any Brazil itinerary.
Best things to do on Ilha Grande: top attractions and activities
If you are traveling to Ilha Grande during your trip to Brazil, you are likely coming here to enjoy the ultimate island lifestyle. After a busy itinerary exploring the mainland, there is nothing better than unwinding on a tropical beach to the sound of swaying palm trees and the ocean waves.
While relaxing is priority number one, there are a few highlights you absolutely can't miss. The island is bursting with hidden gems, adventurous jungle trails, and idyllic bays. Here are the best things to do and see on Ilha Grande!
1. Take a boat tour around Ilha Grande (Volta Ilha)
One of the absolute highlights of visiting the island is booking an Ilha Grande boat tour. The most popular options are the Volta Ilha (a full speedboat tour around the entire island) and the Meia Volta (a half-island tour). Both boat excursions take you to magically beautiful spots and idyllic bays that are completely inaccessible by land.
During a boat tour, you will visit highlights such as:
Lagoa Azul (the Blue Lagoon): A breathtaking natural lagoon with crystal-clear water. It is an amazing spot for snorkeling among colorful schools of fish.
Paradisiacal beaches: You will dock at iconic shores like Praia do Caxadaço, Praia de Dois Rios, and Praia do Aventureiro (world-famous for its unique, horizontal palm tree).
It is the combination of clear blue water, vibrant snorkeling spots, and deserted beaches that makes a boat trip on Ilha Grande so special. Don't forget to pack your swimwear, as you will stop regularly at spots where you can dive straight into the ocean.
Powered by GetYourGuide
Practical tips for your Ilha Grande boat tour
While there are various group tours available, booking a private boat tour is often the best option. Private boats usually leave early (between 08:00 and 09:00 AM), allowing you to beat the crowds at popular stops and customize your itinerary. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks, as many of these remote beaches do not have any facilities. While you can occasionally buy a snack from a local vendor, you shouldn't count on it.
Want a sneak peek of what an Ilha Grande boat trip looks like? Check out our our reels on Instagram for a major dose of travel inspiration!
2. Hike to the world-famous Praia Lopes Mendes
Praia Lopes Mendes is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Located on the wild eastern coast of the island, this paradise beach is famous for its powder-soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and excellent surf waves. Because the beach is framed by the lush Atlantic Rainforest (Mata Atlântica), it retains a magical, untouched, and wild atmosphere.
Since there are no roads leading to the beach, there are three ways to reach Lopes Mendes Beach from Vila do Abraão:
Option A: The Adventurous Jungle Hike (T02 Trekking Route)
The most adventurous (and rewarding!) way to get there is on foot. The official T02 hiking trail starts in Vila do Abraão and is approximately 7 kilometers long, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. The trail leads you right through the dense jungle, over muddy paths, and past other stunning bays like Praia de Palmas and Praia do Pouso. It is a hot and challenging trek, but the breathtaking view of Praia Lopes Mendes makes it worth every single step.
Option B: The Taxi Boat via Praia do Pouso (Most Popular)
Want to experience the jungle vibe without committing to the full 7-kilometer hike? Take a flexboat (taxi boat) from the pier in Abraão to Praia do Pouso. From this calm bay, it is a relaxed 10 to 15-minute walk along a mostly flat jungle trail over to the other side of the island where Lopes Mendes awaits.
Option C: Organized Boat Excursions
There are also larger, organized tour boats that drop travelers off close to the trail. This option is highly recommended if you have limited mobility or if you are traveling with young children.
3. Discover the best hiking trails: Lopes Mendes and Pico do Papagaio
Because Ilha Grande is completely car-free, the island is an absolute paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The island features a well-maintained network of 16 official hiking routes (marked from T01 to T16) that connect the various beaches, local fishing villages, and eco-lodges.
Aside from the famous trek to Lopes Mendes, climbing Pico do Papagaio (Parrot’s Peak) is the most legendary hike on the island. Standing at 982 meters, it is the second-highest peak on Ilha Grande.
4. Stroll through cozy Vila do Abraão
Vila do Abraão is the bustling heart of Ilha Grande. The streets here consist entirely of sand and cobblestones. This is the main harbor where you will arrive by ferry, and it is where you'll find the vast majority of pousadas (local guesthouses), restaurants, lively bars, and boutique shops. There is a wonderfully relaxed, bohemian vibe here. It is delightful to wander through the sandy streets, pull up a chair at a local eatery, and try a fresh, refreshing açaí bowl while watching the boats bobbing in the bay.
The small boutiques are also perfect for a bit of shopping. Among other things, you will find authentic Brazilian bikinis and Havaianas flip-flops, essentials for a tropical destination like this. However, keep in mind that prices on Ilha Grande are slightly higher than on the Brazilian mainland, as almost all supplies have to be brought in by boat.
5. Rent a SUP or kayak on Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande is a dream destination for water sports enthusiasts. Thanks to the calm, crystal-clear coastal waters, you can easily rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or a kayak at various spots around the island.
Along the beaches, especially in and around Vila do Abraão, you'll find small rental shacks where you can rent equipment for a few hours. This allows you to explore the coastline at your own pace, discover hidden coves, and see the island from a completely different perspective. Prefer a bit of guidance? There are also organized SUP and kayak tours available, usually running as full or half-day excursions. Joining a tour allows you to paddle alongside a local guide who can show you calm stretches of water and hidden beaches you might otherwise miss.
6. Relax on Palma Beach (Praia da Palma)
What makes Ilha Grande so special is that, especially outside the peak season, you can still find secluded, quiet beaches. One of these hidden treasures is Palma Beach (Praia da Palma).
Praia da Palma is not only a beautiful beach to visit while exploring Ilha Grande, but in our opinion, it’s also one of the best places to stay on the island. We spent a few nights at a charming pousada overlooking the bay, and the views were absolutely incredible. Pousada Toca do Mar is truly a hidden gem on Ilha Grande. One of the things that makes this place so unique is that electricity is provided by generators that only run at night. During the day, there is no power. It might sound a little inconvenient at first, but honestly, isn’t that exactly what island life is all about? Slowing down, disconnecting from the outside world, and fully embracing the relaxed pace of a tropical getaway.
Palma Beach is also home to the wonderful beachfront restaurant Morango das Palmas. Here, you can dine with your feet in the sand while watching a spectacular sunset. The restaurant is an absolute oasis of calm, featuring a lounge, terrace, and beach bar. Be sure to order the fresh catch of the day, the seafood here is incredibly good!
Where to stay on Ilha Grande: the best pousadas
Looking for a hotel or pousada on Ilha Grande? There is great news: you won’t find any massive, impersonal hotel chains on the entire island. Instead, you will sleep in small-scale, charming accommodations run by incredibly friendly locals. This immediately creates an authentic and welcoming experience.
There are several affordable pousadas that are beautifully located with stunning ocean views. If you want complete peace and quiet, look for a more secluded accommodation, just like we did at Pousada Toca do Mar on Palma Beach. Keep in mind that during the low season, there is little to no nightlife in the immediate vicinity of these remote spots.
If you prefer a livelier atmosphere and want to grab a drink at a local bar in the evening, booking an accommodation in Vila do Abraão is definitely your best choice.
Practical tips for your visit to Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande is a tropical island where traveling is slightly different than on the Brazilian mainland. Below, you'll find all the practical information you need for your visit, from transportation and cash matters to the ideal length of stay and the best time to visit.
How to get to Ilha Grande?
Since there are no airports or bridges connecting the island to the mainland, you can only reach Ilha Grande by boat. The central harbor where almost all boats and ferries dock is the main pier in Vila do Abraão.
To make the crossing, you first need to travel overland to the Costa Verde region. Depending on your starting point (such as Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo), you will choose one of the following three port towns to board your boat:
1. Conceição de Jacareí (the fastest route from Rio de Janeiro)
If you are traveling to Ilha Grande from the city of Rio de Janeiro, Conceição de Jacareí is by far your best and most popular option.
The crossing: Fast flexboats (speedboats) depart from here continuously. You will step onto the pier of Abraão in just 15 to 20 minutes.
Travel time: From Rio de Janeiro, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by bus or shared transfer to reach this port.
2. Mangaratiba (geographically closest to Rio)
While Mangaratiba is geographically closest to Rio de Janeiro, it has a much less flexible boat schedule.
The crossing: The large, official government ferry (CCR Barcas) departs from here. It is very budget-friendly, but it usually only sails once a day and takes a lengthy 1.5 to 2 hours.
For whom: Travelers on a tight budget whose schedules align perfectly with the ferry’s departure time.
3. Angra dos Reis (best route from São Paulo or Paraty)
Are you coming from the south, for example after visiting the colonial town of Paraty or traveling from the metropolis of São Paulo? Then Angra dos Reis is the most logical port.
The crossing: From Angra dos Reis, you can choose between the larger, slower ferry or the faster flexboats to Vila do Abraão.
Our experience: We stayed in Angra dos Reis for a few days before visiting Ilha Grande. Since our accommodation (Pousada Toca do Mar) on Palma Beach has its own private dock, we booked a private water taxi that took us directly from the mainland to the pousada. This saved us an extra transfer in Abraão!
How many days do you need for Ilha Grande?
The ideal length of stay for Ilha Grande is 3 to 4 days. Within this timeframe, you will have plenty of time to see the absolute highlights, go on a full-day boat tour, tackle an adventurous jungle hike, and soak up the relaxed, car-free island atmosphere. Of course, if you have the time, you could easily spend a week here without ever getting bored!
What is the best travel time for Ilha Grande?
The best time to visit Ilha Grande is from September through May. The island has a tropical climate, meaning a quick rain shower can happen at any time, but the seasons differ significantly when it comes to crowds:
Shoulder season (September-October and March-May): Our absolute favorite time. It is wonderfully warm, lush green, and peaceful. Ideal for hiking and enjoying empty beaches.
Peak season (November - early March): The hottest period of the year, with temperatures often rising above 30°C. Tropical rain showers are common late in the afternoon.
Low season (June-August): The Brazilian winter. With temperatures ranging from 20°C to 24°C, it is a bit cooler, but it is also the driest period. Perfect for active hikers.
Tip: bring enough cash!
Make sure to bring plenty of cash to Ilha Grande. While there is an ATM on the island, it is notoriously unreliable and can frequently run out of cash or be out of order. Additionally, many small restaurants, beach bars, and local shops do not accept card payments yet. It is highly recommended to withdraw local currency (Brazilian Reais) on the mainland before you board the boat. Ilha Grande is a very safe destination, so carrying cash with you is generally not a problem.
More travel tips for an adventure trip to Brazil
Want to combine Ilha Grande with other incredible destinations in Rio de Janeiro State? These tips will help you complete your ultimate round trip through Brazil:
Discover the highlights of Rio de Janeiro: from trendy neighborhoods and tropical beaches to iconic landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.
Follow our itinerary through the state of Rio de Janeiro (2-3 weeks): this surprising itinerary is a fine blend of nature, culture and beaches, including stops in Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande and Paraty.
The most beautiful sights in Paraty: a beautiful colonial town with colorful streets, live music and a relaxed atmosphere by the sea.
The best tips for the island of Florianópolis in Brazil: looking for another tropical island in Brazil? Florianópolis is a surprising island with relaxed vibes!
An unforgettable journey in Brazil
Want to travel through Brazil, but not sure where to start? We get it, Brazil is a vast and diverse country, and planning the perfect trip can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in. We are here to help you discover the most beautiful destinations that match your travel style. Prefer to leave the planning entirely to us? No problem! We’ll create a fully customized itinerary so all you have to do is enjoy your dream trip to Brazil. Request your personal travel proposal now.
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
The 7 Best Beaches in Aruba: Our Favorite Beaches & Hidden Gems
August 13, 2026
7 Best Things to Do in Tirana, Albania
July 22, 2026
More Brazil? Be inspired!
Brazil
September 16, 2025
