Discovering Ilha Grande - one of the hidden gems of Rio de Janeiro

When people think about Rio de Janeiro, what comes to their mind is usually Copacabana beach, the Christ statue, sunshine, football, girls in bikinis and etc. Of course Rio has all that and much more to offer, but what foreigners usually don't know, is that cariocas (people from Rio) also have a few gems near by the wonderful city where they go on holidays or to spend the weekend, specially during summer, and Ilha Grande is one of them.

Ilha Grande is located a few hours away from Rio. First you have to drive for about 1:30/2h until Mangaratiba and then take a boat for another 1 hour. You will then arrive at the Island's harbor, which is located in Abraão (their village). You will find there some hotels, restaurants, a church, small shops for basic needs/clothes, palm trees everywhere and tourist shops selling their boat trips.

What can you do there?

• Trails: If you like trails, Ilha Grande is the perfect place for you! The island has a lot of different tracks for trails, that end up in different beaches. One of the most famous one is the trail to "praia do presidio", where there used to be a jail. Nowadays, the jail is abandoned, but you can still visit the building and the beach near by, which is protected, so it is usually very quiet and clean. I can even go as far as saying that this beach is almost deserted because usually boats are unable to stop there due to the waves and the only way to get there is walking. No cars are allowed to drive through the trails... oh and it is like 8KM to get there from Abraão (half of it going up a hill) so not that many people go there.

(picture from ilhagrande.com.br)

This is only one of the many trails you can do there. If you like nature and you are an active person, visiting Ilha Grande should be in your bucketlist!

• Boat trips: Like in any other island, there are of course the famous boats carrying dozens of tourists that go around the island in 1 day, stopping in different beaches. However, it doesn't make them any less fun! They usually offer the option to visit "half of the island" and the "full island" package and it is a very convenient way to enjoy more of the island. They usually stop at the islands blue lagoon so you can swim and feed the fish. The blue lagooon (Lagoa azul) is one of the most famous spots in Ilha Grande.

(photo from ilhagrande.com.br)

• Luau: Luau is how people in Brazil call bonfire type of parties. They can be a simple bonfire with friends and a guitar or a big beach party in the evening. But Ilha Grande is the perfect place for a luau with friends! It is very quiet and safe as well there, so you can be staying with your group sitting by the beach in the evening having a good time without worrying about your surroundings. Just a few drinks and the starts! You might even be joined by other tourists that want to have a fun night and make friends.

Therefore, this Island is not only a gem because of its breathtaking natural features. It also has a relaxed and quite special atmosphere that only adds to the experience. Even though it is becoming more and more popular with tourists, main village is still small and simple (when compared to the bigger cities and resorts in other parts of the coast of Rio) and you can still find nearly deserted places to step away from the noise and digital pollution that is everywhere nowadays.

Have you ever been to Ilha Grande? What are your thoughts on the island? Would you like to visit it one day? Let me know! :)