If you’re searching for a peaceful escape filled with pristine beaches, lush forests, and adventure just a few hours from Rio, Ilha Grande is the perfect retreat.
This tropical paradise offers far more than just sunbathing. You can snorkel in crystal-clear waters, hike through jungle trails, and unwind at cozy beachside restaurants as the sun sets.
With a rich history—once serving as a leper colony and high-security prison (closed in 1994)—Ilha Grande is full of intriguing stories waiting to be explored.
Vila do Abraão: The Heart of Ilha Grande
The island’s main village, Vila do Abraão, is charmingly small and car-free, giving it a laid-back vibe. To reach Ilha Grande’s many stunning beaches, you’ll need to rely on boat taxis, which adds to the adventure.
Although compact, Abraão has plenty to keep you entertained for three to four days. Some visitors fall in love and stay longer—totally understandable, since I’ve visited four times myself!
At night, the village lights up with bustling restaurants and street vendors selling tasty treats like cakes and sweets. However, if you’re after wild nightlife, head back to Rio. For a more lively atmosphere,, Che Lagarto and Aquario host weekend parties that give you a taste of fun without going overboard.
How to Get to Ilha Grande
There are three main ports where you can catch a boat to Ilha Grande: Angra dos Reis, Mangaratiba, and Conceição de Jacareí.
Conceição de Jacareí is the best option, offering a quick 15-minute boat ride to the island. The other ports can be more time-consuming since their bus and ferry schedules don’t always align well.
While public transport from Rio is possible, the Rodoviária (Rio’s Central Bus Station) can be unreliable. I once had my passport stolen there, so I suggest skipping that option.
Instead, a private transfer is the most recommended way to reach Ilha Grande. Private vans pick you up from your accommodation and drop you directly at the port, with the boat fare included. Though it’s pricier than public transport, it saves you hours of stress and confusion.
Here are a few options for private transfers:
- Greentoadbus: R$35–R$70
- Transfer Ilha Grande: R$95
What To Do In Ilha Grande
Lopes Mendes Beach
Without a doubt, my favorite spot on Ilha Grande is Lopes Mendes Beach, often listed among Brazil’s most beautiful beaches. This place is close to my heart—it’s where I conquered my fear of water! With its crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sand, it’s the ideal place to soak up the sun, swim, or even try surfing.
Note: While Lopes Mendes is breathtaking, it has no restaurants—just a few snack vendors. Be sure to pack enough water (at least 1.5 liters), snacks, and sun protection.
Getting to Lopes Mendes isn’t straightforward, but that’s part of what makes it so special. The beach is one of the most secluded on Ilha Grande because boats can’t reach it directly. To enjoy its stunning turquoise waters and soft white sand, you’ll need to combine a boat ride with a short hike—or, for the more adventurous, a longer trek through the forest.
Here’s how to get to Lopez Mendes:
Boat to Praia do Pouso and Hike to Lopes Mendes:
To reach Lopes Mendes, you first need to take a boat taxi from Vila do Abraão to Praia do Pouso, a small beach with a simple restaurant and a couple of houses. From there, you’ll continue on foot to Lopes Mendes.
You have two boat options:
Speedboat: For those in a hurry, the speedboat costs about R$25 and gets you to Praia do Pouso in just 20 minutes.
Regular (slower) boat: This takes about 45 minutes and costs around R$15. It’s a slower, more relaxing ride, ideal if you want to enjoy the views along the way.
After arriving at Praia do Pouso, the adventure continues with a 20–30 minute hike through the forest. The trail is mostly shaded, winding through dense Atlantic forest, and is well-marked, though it does have some uphill sections. It’s a relatively easy hike, even for beginners, as long as you take it slow and enjoy the lush surroundings.
As you near the end of the trail, the trees will open up to reveal the wide, tranquil beauty of Lopes Mendes Beach. The beach stretches far into the distance, and even with a small crowd near the entrance, it feels peaceful and uncrowded compared to Rio’s busy shores. For more seclusion, simply walk further down the beach until you find your perfect spot.
Important Tips:
- There are no restaurants at Lopes Mendes, so pack enough food, water (at least 1.5 liters per person), and sun protection.
- Remember that you cannot stay overnight at Lopes Mendes, so be sure to catch the last boat back to Vila do Abraão (usually around 5 p.m.).
- Feeling adventurous? You can rent a surfboard from one of the local vendors to enjoy some gentle waves.
Hike the Entire Trail
For those who prefer a more challenging adventure, you can skip the boat entirely and hike the full trail from Vila do Abraão to Lopes Mendes. The trek takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way, covering approximately 6 kilometers through dense forest, offering beautiful views along the way. The trail is steep in some sections, so it’s a bit more demanding, but if you’re up for the challenge, this is a great way to experience the island’s natural beauty.
Most visitors choose to hike there and take a boat back, saving both time and energy.
A Boat Day Trip
A boat tour around Ilha Grande is a must. Most tours include stops at Blue Lagoon or Green Lagoon, known for their stunningly clear waters—perfect for snorkeling. Some tours also include visits to historic ruins, like abandoned prisons and the island’s old church. These tours typically include lunch as well, making for a relaxing and scenic day.
Hiking
While I personally haven’t done much hiking on Ilha Grande (Lopes Mendes tends to steal all my attention), the island is famous for its scenic trails. If you’re up for an adventure, one of the most popular hikes is the Bico do Papagaio (Parrot’s Beak) trail. This challenging trek takes around 3 hours each way, but the payoff is worth it—stunning panoramic views of the island and surrounding waters.
Though I haven’t done the Bico do Papagaio hike myself, I’ve heard it’s a favorite among more adventurous travelers. Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and good hiking shoes if you plan to tackle this one.
For me, the real magic of Ilha Grande lies in its beaches, but the island’s trails are perfect for those looking to explore its lush landscapes and discover hidden viewpoints.
Where to Stay in Ilha Grande
Though Ilha Grande translates to “Big Island,” its main hub, Vila do Abraão, is small. Wherever you stay, you’ll never be more than a 20-minute walk from the beach.
Remember: Vila do Abraão is car-free. If you’re traveling with a suitcase, you might need to carry it over the sandy paths or arrange for someone to help you for a fee.
Here are my top hostel recommendations:
Che Lagarto:
Easily one of the best on the island. A beachfront hostel with a lively atmosphere and beautiful views. It books up fast, so plan ahead!
Aquario:
Aquario Hostel is located right next to Che Lagarto and is known for its lively weekend parties. While it’s not a party hostel where loud music keeps you up all night, it’s a great spot if you enjoy a bit of weekend fun.
The hostel features charming wooden rooms and has a fantastic staff that adds to its welcoming atmosphere. If you’re looking for a balance between relaxation and a social vibe, Aquario is a solid choice.
Hi Holandes:
For a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, HI Holandes is an excellent choice. It’s a 15-minute walk from the pier, and the lush garden setting is perfect for unwinding.
The hostel caters to a diverse range of travelers, from families to solo adventurers and couples, thanks to its variety of accommodation options.
While the staff is helpful and the breakfast delicious, the shared bathrooms could be cleaner.
Final Tips:
Ilha Grande is all about disconnecting from the hustle and soaking in nature’s beauty. Whether you’re lounging on Lopes Mendes or diving into the island’s history, this paradise will keep you coming back for more—just like it has for me.
