Rio de Janeiro often brings to mind the stunning islands along the Costa Verde coastline, with Ilha Grande standing out as one of its most iconic tourist destinations. This paradise destination is the largest island in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Located in the municipality of Angra dos Reis, it offers stunning beaches, scenic trails, waterfalls, and the perfect setting to recharge our energy.
Visiting Ilha Grande is an unforgettable experience that begins with a scenic boat tour across crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by lush rainforest, untouched islands, and emerald seas, the landscape feels like a tropical dream — perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to unwind.
On Ilha Grande, there are no cars — everything is done either on foot or by boat, giving the island a uniquely serene and magical vibe. Arriving at Vila do Abraão feels like stepping into paradise. The village is framed by swaying palm trees, vibrant gardens, and charming beachfront cafés nestled between rustic paths and tropical architecture. In the photo below, you can see the São Sebastião Parish, located in the heart of Vila do Abraão, offering a peaceful centerpiece to this idyllic coastal haven.
In Portuguese, the word “ilha” means island — and Ilha Grande is a beautiful example of the kind you’ll find along Rio de Janeiro’s Costa Verde. This region is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes covered in native tropical forest and for its stunning beaches tucked between the hills and the sea.
The photo above was taken in Vila do Abraão, near the pier where boat tours depart to some of the island’s most breathtaking spots, such as the Blue Lagoon and many others. On the sign, we can read: ‘I love Ilha Grande.
Most visitors to Ilha Grande choose to stay in Vila do Abraão, the island’s main village and hub for exploring nearby beaches and trails. It’s like having a home on the island — with restaurants, boat tours, and vibrant local life at your doorstep. While it’s possible to stay in more remote beach areas, most options listed on platforms like Booking and Airbnb are concentrated in Vila do Abraão, making it the natural starting point for any trip.
How to Get to Ilha Grande
My usual starting point to visit Ilha Grande has always been the Mangaratiba Ferry Station. While it’s not the fastest option, it’s the most affordable—and it also happens to be the closest departure point for those driving along the BR-101 highway from Rio toward Angra. In 2023, the fare for this crossing was R$20.50 (almost 4 dollars), but it’s important to check current prices.
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In Mangaratiba, near the ferry station, there are parking lots. In 2023, I paid R$20 for the daily rate (almost 4 dollars). Next, you can check out the pier map in downtown Mangaratiba on Google Maps, where ferries depart toward Vila do Abraão.
A fun movie fact: some scenes from Sylvester Stallone’s 2010 action film The Expendables (titled Os Mercenários in Portuguese) were filmed at the pier in downtown Mangaratiba.
In addition to the ferry terminal in Mangaratiba, Ilha Grande can also be reached from the municipality of Angra dos Reis and from Conceição de Jacareí (a district of Mangaratiba). Every time I visited Ilha Grande, I chose to take the CCR ferry from Mangaratiba station, as I was coming from Rio to Mangaratiba. If you’re traveling from São Paulo toward Angra, the two other departure points mentioned above will be much closer.
What to do in Vila do Abraão: Best Beaches, Trails & Boat Tours
Vila do Abraão is the main gateway to Ilha Grande and home to the island’s highest concentration of shops, guesthouses, campsites, hostels, and accommodations. With live music playing at beachfront bars, the village comes alive with a laid-back tropical rhythm that’s perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.
From Vila do Abraão, travelers can hop on boat tours to explore Ilha Grande’s most breathtaking beaches, including hidden gems like the famous Blue Lagoon and Lopes Mendes. The village also serves as the starting point for several scenic hiking trails — whether you’re heading through lush forest to the remote Praia de Dois Rios (Two Rivers Beach), or venturing toward the enchanting Feiticeira Waterfall through the historic ruins of Ilha Grande’s Aqueduct, each route promises immersive nature and unforgettable views.
Just a short distance from Vila do Abraão, you’ll find charming beaches like Praia do Abraãozinho (Abraãozinho Beach). You can get there by taking a taxi boat from the village, or enjoy a scenic one-hour hike along the coast, passing by beautiful spots such as Praia da Júlia and Crena, before reaching the stunning shores of Abraãozinho Beach.
In the photo above, we’re making our way from Vila do Abraão toward Abraãozinho Beach, which will be our next destination. Discover more about this little slice of paradise through stunning photos. Don’t miss adding it to your itinerary, as it’s very close to the village and absolutely perfect for a quick escape.
In the photo, you’ll get a glimpse of the paradise that is Abraãozinho Beach, with emerald-green waters and native vegetation creating a truly cinematic landscape. Discover more about Abraãozinho Beach with tips and more photos in the article below.
📍Best Beaches Near Vila do Abraão (Ilha Grande): Discover Abraãozinho Beach
Stay tuned—we’ll be diving deeper into each of these stunning spots in upcoming articles. Until then, enjoy the sun, catch some waves, and we’ll see you on the next beach! 🌊☀️