":: Ilha Grande ::" Top 5 Page for this destination Ilha Grande by perfectly_zen

Ilha Grande Travel Guide: 135 reviews and 206 photos

Beaches, forests, fauna and history

It´s intriguing how this place, so close to the luxurious, agitated Angra dos Reis, so near the petrol platforms, could stay untouched from the croud and the noise....all that makes this island really special, misterious...
The main reason for the "seclusion" of this island was the presidium, that inhibited tourism for many years...till it was definately closed.
When I went there I wasn´t expecting much...I had heard some good stories about the place, but they didn´t convince me...when you arrive in the city of Angra and take the boat to Ilha Grande, going through the dirty harbour, to mansions and platforms, you don´t feel excited at all. But it takes only an hour and a half to reach another world....a small village, hidden between the mountains, with cristal clear waters.....incredible... =)
It´s also very interesting to learn that while many brazilians know so little about this place, it´s constantly full of foreign tourists, from all parts of the globe........

Praia Brava

Ilha Grande (=Big Island) is the biggest in Angra dos Reis, located very near the city of Angra, aprox. 1h30min on boat. You can also go to Ilha Grande from Rio and it takes the same time...
The island is huuuuge, consists of many hills and mountains and in every little corner there´s an empty beach..small, large, white sand, yellow sand, blue, green waters, with or without ruins, there´s definately a beach for your taste....many of them have access only on foot or on sailing boat, since the border facing the open ocean has restricted access because of the strong tide....
If you like trekking, being close to nature, diving, that place is the perfect one for you.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Great beaches, good spot for diving or just for a swim....
Cons:Don´t forget your insect repelent!! =(
In a nutshell:A must see if you are coming to Rio

Last visit to Ilha Grande: Mar 2005
Intro Updated Aug 5, 2007
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Reviews (26)

Your feet Transportation (2)

This is the cheapest type of transportation around the island =) If you don´t expect to pay a buch of money to spend all... more travel advice

Boat to/around Ilha Grande Transportation (2)

This is the main way to get to Ilha Grande. There are boats arriving and coming from the island all the time. The... more travel advice

Itaguaçu Off The Beaten Path (7)

Itaguaçu is one of the best beaches in Ilha Grande, in my opinion....located 15 minutes from Praia Vermelha on trail,... more travel advice

my attempt to shoot in the dark... - Ilha Grande

Gruta do Acaia Off The Beaten Path (7)

Gruta do Acaia (Acaia´s cave) is different from everything else in the island... The cave itself is the strangiest rock... more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Many options in Abraão!
Things to Do (13)
See All Dois Rios: the "abandoned" city
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Comments (6)

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kikili Jul 26, 2009 at 10:30 AM

Beautiful pic of Praia Brava, makes me want to go back to Brazil just for this. Interesting quote from Krishnamurti. I read his work too.Cheers from Oz
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Jim_Eliason Feb 17, 2007 at 4:12 PM

great photos and tips!
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chancay Jul 19, 2005 at 7:17 AM

ola Ligia! really beautiful impressions here and interesting write up! wonderful beaches!! would like to be there now (instead of sitting in the office) ;-)
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luckyzen Jul 18, 2005 at 12:11 PM

HI Perfecly _zen, Always wanted to go to Rio, but have Asia on my mind first, then perhaps Rio after seeing your picture of this amazing place! Wonderful pictures!
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mtncorg Jul 14, 2005 at 3:20 PM

This looks a lot different than Patagonia. The water looks a lot nicer and maybe you can leave your coat at home! ;-]
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bijo69 Jun 30, 2005 at 4:07 PM

Wow! Perfect beaches ! I'd love to go there one day!