Regular Transfer Angra dos Reis x Rio de Janeiro and Airports
Free Cancellation
From €32.6
Check Availability →
Airport Transfers to Ilha Grande
Pre-booked private transfers and shared shuttles for your arrival.
A vehicle-free island two hours from Rio with 102 beaches, bioluminescent bays, no cars, and a Vila do Abraão bar strip that runs Thursday through Sunday until the last generator cuts out.
Ilha Grande is a 193km² island in Angra dos Reis bay on the Costa Verde, 150km south-west of Rio de Janeiro. There are no cars — the island has no roads, only footpaths. The town, Vila do Abraão, is a small cluster of streets running back from the main pier: restaurants, pousadas, dive shops, and a bar strip that activates from Thursday evening and runs through Sunday. The island was a penal colony for 90 years and closed as such in 1994; the prison was demolished and the land reverted to Atlantic Forest. The combination of dense jungle, clear Atlantic waters, and 102 distinct beaches — many accessible only by boat or on foot — gives Ilha Grande a physical environment that operates at a different level from conventional beach destinations.
The social dynamic is hostel-driven. Holaspanha Hostel and Biergarten are the two most cited social anchors in Abraão; both run open bar nights and group boat trips. The bioluminescent bay at Lagoa Azul — when conditions are right (new moon, clear water, warm season) — produces a kayaking experience where each paddle stroke illuminates the water green. Boat tours to the remote beaches (Lopes Mendes, consistently ranked one of Brazil's best beaches, is 3km on foot or 20 minutes by boat) run daily from the Abraão pier. During Carnival week (February), the island fills beyond normal capacity and the generator-powered bar strip runs all night for five consecutive evenings.
Party hostels within reach of 's main celebrations. Ranked by guest rating.
Day-by-day breakdown
Lopes Mendes is a 3km arc of white sand on the ocean-facing east side of the island. Boat from Abraão pier takes 20 minutes; cost around R$30–40 (£5–£7) return. The jungle trail takes 1.5–2 hours each way. The beach has no infrastructure — bring water and food. The water is clear and strong shore break suitable for bodyboarding. Return before 4pm when the last boats fill. Alternatively, walk the Abraão to Freguesia de Santana trail (3 hours) to explore the interior forest.
The main street behind the pier (Rua da Praia) is the social axis. Cerveja Brahma costs R$8–12 (£1.50–£2.20) at most bars. Holaspanha and the bars near the pier fill from 7pm. Caipirinhas run R$15–25 (£2.80–£4.60). Live music (pagode and forró) at various bars on weekend nights from 9pm. On Carnival week, the entire strip is one continuous event until dawn. Most bars close by 1am outside peak season; until 3am–4am in January and Carnival.
Pre-booked private transfers and shared shuttles for your arrival.