Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a 193 square-kilometer island in Angra dos Reis featuring white sand beaches, dense Atlantic Forest, and over 150 kilometers of marked hiking trails. The terrain combines tropical vegetation with an extensive network of paths winding through its interior.

The island housed a maximum security prison from 1940 to 1994 that held Brazil's most dangerous inmates. After closure, the site transformed into a tourist destination over time.

The fishing communities living here maintain traditional practices in net casting and local seafood preparation that have been handed down through families. These methods shape daily life along the coast and reflect how residents connect with the sea.

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. Planning your arrival in advance helps ensure you catch the right departure and arrive ready to explore.

Private vehicles are completely banned on the island, preserving its natural state and requiring visitors to reach its 106 beaches by foot or boat. This restriction keeps it a rare place where traffic does not dominate the landscape.

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: December 17, 2025 09:15