Holiday in Ilha Grande

Island in Brazil — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇧🇷

Country

Brazil

Type

Island

Best time to travel

May to October (drier, fewer mosquitoes)

Budget/day

60-100€: Pousada, boat tour, restaurants

Getting there from Germany

Flight to Rio (approx. 12h), bus to Angra dos Reis/Mangaratiba (2-3h), ferry (1.5h).

What makes Ilha Grande special as a destination?

Ilha Grande is a car-free tropical island off the coast between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo — a paradise of 106 beaches, dense Atlantic rainforest, and crystal-clear water. The former prison island has no roads, no cars, and hardly any mobile reception — the perfect digital detox destination. Hiking trails connect hidden coves, and the underwater world offers fantastic snorkeling and diving.

Beach
95
Nature
90
Relaxation
90
Romance
90
Adventure
70

What are the top highlights in Ilha Grande?

The top highlights in Ilha Grande include Lopes Mendes, Lagoa Azul, Pico do Papagaio, Abraão Village.

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Lopes Mendes

The 3 km long dream beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Brazil — fine white sand and turquoise water.

2

Lagoa Azul

The Blue Lagoon with crystal-clear water is the perfect snorkeling spot with colorful fish and turtles.

3

Pico do Papagaio

The hike to the 982m high peak offers a 360° view over the entire island and the sea.

4

Abraão Village

The only village on the island with Pousadas, restaurants, and bars directly on the beach — car-free and relaxed.

Hotels in Ilha Grande

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Reise-SIM für Ilha Grande

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

When is the best time to visit Ilha Grande?

The best time to visit Ilha Grande is May to October (drier, fewer mosquitoes). Hot and humid, 28-35°C, heavy rainfall from December to March In winter: Mild, 20-26°C, less rain, pleasant

Recommended travel time

May to October (drier, fewer mosquitoes)

Summer

Hot and humid, 28-35°C, heavy rainfall from December to March

Winter

Mild, 20-26°C, less rain, pleasant

How much does a holiday in Ilha Grande cost?

Budget travellers: 25-40€: Hostel in Abraão, self-catering, hiking/day, mid-range: 60-100€: Pousada, boat tour, restaurants/day, luxury: 180€+: Boutique Pousada, private boat tour, diving/day.

Average costs per person per day

Budget

25-40€: Hostel in Abraão, self-catering, hiking

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

Mid-range

60-100€: Pousada, boat tour, restaurants

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

Luxury

180€+: Boutique Pousada, private boat tour, diving

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

How do I get from Germany to Ilha Grande?

Flight to Rio (approx. 12h), bus to Angra dos Reis/Mangaratiba (2-3h), ferry (1.5h).

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What travel tips are there for Ilha Grande?

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

There are no cars and hardly any mobile reception — perfect for unwinding, but bring cash!

Mosquito repellent is a must — tropical mosquitoes are aggressive, especially in the rainy season.

The island circumnavigation (Trilha T14) takes 5 days and leads to the most remote beaches.

Boat tours to snorkeling spots depart daily from Abraão — best to book the day before.

What should you eat in Ilha Grande?

Typical specialities in Ilha Grande: Moqueca — Fish-coconut milk stew with palm oil, freshly caught off the island., Açaí Bowl — The purple superfruit bowl, here with banana and granola on the beach., Peixe Grelhado — Grilled fresh fish, the standard dish of the island restaurants., Caipirinha — The Brazilian cocktail tastes best with your feet in the sand..

These specialties you must try!

Moqueca — Fish-coconut milk stew with palm oil, freshly caught off the island.
Açaí Bowl — The purple superfruit bowl, here with banana and granola on the beach.
Peixe Grelhado — Grilled fresh fish, the standard dish of the island restaurants.
Caipirinha — The Brazilian cocktail tastes best with your feet in the sand.
Suitable for:BeachIslandNatureCar-freeBrazilDivingHiking

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