Island Rating: Ilha Grande

Date of visit: February 2015

Beaches & scenery: 5/5
Attractions & sights: 2/5
Nightlife: 2/5
Safety: 4/5
Low budget factor: 2/5
Total: 👍👍👍/5

The island in a nutshell:

Great tropical getaway from busy Rio or São Paulo (as the island is in the middle of these two cities). Ilha Grande is not an action packed island, but contains some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Where to stay:

Villa Abraão, as almost all the hotels of Ilha Grande are in this small town. Staying near the port is the best choice, because this is also the area with the most restaurants.

The Good:

Ilha Grande is probably the most beautiful island I have ever been to. The golden beaches are gorgeous (especially world-famous Lopes Mendes, which is a half an hour boat trip away), the ocean crystal-clear and the island has rain forest too.

It’s an idyllic and peaceful place with no crime. Sometimes, you will find some musicians in the evening near the port. Nightlife is a bit limited in Ilha Grande, but there is at least one bar open every night. It can get crowded sometimes.

The Bad & The Ugly:

Take mosquito spray with you. A lot. The little beasts are everywhere. The hotel might not be able to help you when you find more than 100 mosquitoes in your room.

Even though the island is stunning, activities are limited. You can explore the island a bit by booking a tour or just relax at the beach. Don’t come here without a book.

Brazil is not a cheap country and the island is – like many other tourist islands – not the best option for tight budget travelers. There are a few (low quality) hostels though, which can help to save a bit money. Getting there and away is also a bit expensive, and the companies that provide this service are not the best ones.

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