Angra and Ilha Grande
The coastal route between Rio and São Paulo, a drive of 375 miles (600km) along stunning stretches of coastline where lush Atlantic rainforest tumbles onto golden beaches, is an attraction in its own right. The Costa Verde, or Green Coast, includes Angra dos Reis, its largest city with hundreds of tropical islands in a myriad of inlets, coves and waterways.
Ilha Grande is a verdant island reaches by a short ferry ride. The island is a nature reserve with spectacular flora and fauna, beautiful beaches, waterfalls and mountain-trail walks.
Our preferred accommodation
Casa da Ilha
Beach hotel - Ilha GrandeA small, charming pousada with its own jetty, a short boat ride from the island's largest town, Abraão. Nestled in lush forest and built into the hillside, Casa da Ilha is perched just above the ocean, with lovely views over the bay, a stone's throw from a small and effectively private beach. There is a restaurant which is also open to the public and a 15 minute walk through a narrow forested path takes you to the town where there are plenty of places to eat.
Previously called Sagu Mini Resort.O Sitio Ilha Grande
Beach hotel - Ilha GrandeA secluded small pousada amongst the shade of bamboo and banana trees in the quiet bay of Abraãozinho, a 10 minute boat journey from Vila do Abraão. There are 8 rooms, an indoor and outdoor dining area, lovely outdoor terrace and an indoor communal area with comfy sofas, beautiful coffee table books and a bar. The main house also has an upstairs reading and relaxing area with a TV and a selection of games. Access is usually by boat but it is also possible to walk to Abraão (30-45 minutes) along a rugged forest trail. As it involves crossing 3 beaches it is only possible at low tide and not recommended at night.
Pousada Naturalia
Beach hotel - Ilha GrandeA small, rustic pousada just off the town beach at the edge of Abraão. The pousada is surrounded by lush, tropical gardens built amongst a number of large boulders that have been incorporated into the design. Very simple, the guesthouse has a natural, ‘zen’ feel and features a small communal breakfast area where guests can watch the birds on the feeders.
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