Ilha Grande, Protected island in Angra dos Reis, Brazil
The 193-square-kilometer island features white sand beaches, dense Atlantic Forest, and more than 150 kilometers of marked hiking paths throughout its territory.
From 1940 to 1994, the Cândido Mendes maximum security prison held Brazil's most dangerous criminals before its closure and transformation into a tourist destination.
The traditional fishing communities of Ilha Grande maintain practices passed through generations, including methods of net casting and local seafood preparation.
The main settlement, Vila do Abraão, connects to the mainland through regular ferry services from three ports: Mangaratiba, Conceição de Jacareí, and Angra dos Reis.
The island enforces a complete ban on private vehicles, preserving its natural state and requiring visitors to explore its 106 beaches by foot or boat.
Location: Angra dos Reis
Capital city: Vila do Abraão
Elevation above the sea: 1,031 m
Part of: Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
Address: Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
GPS coordinates: -23.13333,-44.16667
Latest update: June 3, 2025 14:19
Brazil features natural areas and local sites beyond major cities. The landscape spans from waterfalls and caves to coastal regions and mountains. National parks contain sand formations, lagoons, and coral reefs. Cultural places include traditional villages and historical sites.
Praia de Lopes Mendes
5.6 km
Observatório Nuclear
33.8 km
Laboratory Beach
31.6 km
Mother Church of Our Lady of the Conception
20.9 km
Carmo Church (Angra dos Reis)
20.7 km
São Bernardino de Sena Convent
21.1 km
Ilha Grande State Park
6.8 km
Bonfim's Chapel
20.9 km
Praia do Sul Biological Reserve
13.4 km
Anil Beach
20.4 km
Tamoios Ecological Station
36 km
Santa Luzia Church (Angra dos Reis)
20.8 km
Aventureiro Sustainable Development Reserve
15.1 km
Tamoios Environmental Protection Area
14.5 km
Pico do Papagaio
3.9 km
Praia de Provetá
18.8 km
Ayrton Senna Avenue
20.5 km
Casa de Cultura Poeta Brasil dos Reis
20.8 km
Solar Barão de Saí
23 km
Farol dos Castelhanos
8.5 km
City Hall of Angra dos Reis
20.9 km
Prefeitura Municipal de Angra dos Reis
20.9 km
Ruínas de Antigas Edificações no Saco De Cima
25.8 km
Casa à Praça General Osório
20.8 km
Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Guia
23.1 km
Monument to the Magi
20.5 km
Brava Beach
35.1 km
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Lapa da Boa Morte
20.8 kmReviews
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