Sightseeing in Ilha Grande - what to see. Complete travel guide

Today Ilha Grande is a recognized tourist destination, but a few decades ago it was closed to travelers. There was a large prison, where dangerous criminals were imprisoned. There was the famous writer Grasilyano Ramos, who was convicted of political crimes, among them. The island began to develop actively only after the closure of the prison, so there are quite a bit of historical buildings there. There has being strict control of its territory for long years of colonization; there weren’t houses and religious buildings in there, despite the fact that the picturesque island began to be mastered in the 15th century. Today, main landmarks of the island are its unique natural attractions and scenic beaches. There are many cozy accommodation places for vacationers on Ilha Grande. Tour fans will love strolling through the picturesque towns of the island; they are very tiny and incredibly cute.

The capital town of the island is Abrar. There are at least one hundred homes on its territory. The city hosts the colorful music festivals one after another, so it will be interesting to visit at any time of year. Castelhanos Lighthouse, which is surrounded on all sides by lush thickets of trees, is among the amazing architectural landmarks.

It’s interesting to explore Dois Rios village, which is located on the territory of one of the most picturesque island beaches. Here you can admire a small old church with an interesting interior, as well as residential buildings or walk around incredibly beautiful tropical gardens, which are also among the major attractions of the island. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Climbing Pico do Papagaio is one of the favorite pastimes of Ilha Grande guests; it’s the highest point on the island. Travelers who choose this fascinating tour have to consider that the rise to the mountain takes at least 2 hours. Way to the top passes through the scenic rainforest, so tourists would have a great opportunity to appreciate the rich nature of the island. The mountain has the beautiful panoramic view, fans of touring will love the natural attractions. Despite the fact that the island isn’t rich in historical and architectural landmarks, a number of interesting places to visit is just great.

Besides picturesque tropical islands and miraculously beautiful waterfalls, Ilha Grande attracts numerous guests with its gorgeous sandy beaches. There are more than a hundred of beaches on the island in total. Many of them are wild ones, so these are untouched areas that haven’t lost their original beauty. It is possible to reach some coastal areas only by boat. Such beaches particularly attract travelers who crave for absolute relaxation and intimacy. Dois Rios Beach is an incredibly beautiful place that is much easier to reach from the water rather than sticking to a land-based way. There is a ruined prison settlement nearby, so fans of exciting excursions love this place as well. Strong waves are very usual near this part of the coast, so surfers are one more usual category of visitors of Dois Rios.

Saco do Ceu, which is located nearby, is a lot calmer place. Strong waves are quite rare there, so water is always very clean. Fans of snorkeling, as well as inexperienced divers, love to spend their free time on this beach. Lopes Mendes is a true landmark of the country level. The length of this beach is 3,000 meters. Three rivers cross the territory of this beach. The water in these rivers is very warm, so it is suitable for swimming. Mangrove trees grow close to the coast – they provide an excellent shade in the midst of a hot day. On the beach, there are also several small restaurants and vendors with street food and beverages. Besides that, there is a surfing school nearby.

Abraao Beach is one of the most crowded on the island. It is a clam and flat coastal area with a well-developed infrastructure. As undertow is mostly absent on Abraao, the beach is very popular with vacationers with children. There are several nightclubs nearby, so fun and entertainment do not stop on the beach even after sunset. Abraao has one more important characteristic – it is located not far from the vibrant shopping district.

Cachadaco is a small beach that can be easily called tiny – its width is no more than 15 meters. Nevertheless, it is present in the list of the most beautiful beaches of the island as its territory includes a small river and a beautiful waterfall. Many interesting legends are connected with Cachadaco. Hundreds of years ago, pirates used this area to hide their treasures.