Ilha Grande
Address:
Angra Dos Reis, Brazil
NileGuide Expert tip:
Trails through the jungle lead to various points of interest, including the remains of the former prison, which holds a morbid fascination for many visitors.Description:
Far and away the largest of the 365 islands that surround the coastal town of Angra dos Reis, Ilha Grande (the name means Big Island) is the perfect place to come and escape the big city chaos of Rio de Janeiro.Formerly a lepor colony, and subsequently a penal colony for some of Rio's most dangerous criminals, the island's less-than-pleasant history means that the tourist board has only recently begun to exploit Ilha Grande's potential tourist destination, but it is a firm favourite with backpackers and other international visitors.
Ilha Grande has just one main town, Vila do Abraão, with the rest of island mainly dominated by thick tropical jungle dotted with soft sandy beaches. The island is a designated nature reserve and, as such, development has been kept to a minimum, and the pristine white sands of Lopes Mendes beach are well worth the tough trek to get here (or you could just get a boat...).
There are no ATM machines on Ilha Grande, so it is vital to get cash before boarding the ferry or fishing boat from Ilha Grande, as not everywhere accepts cards. There are plenty of guest houses, hostels and camp sites in Vila do Abraão, and bookings are rarely necessary except on busy public holidays. Restaurants are plentiful but nightlife options are limited, making this a spot to kick back and relax rather than to party.
