ILHA GRANDE
Ilha Grande, the largest island in the bay of Angra dos Reis, includes over one hundred beaches and is a large attraction in Costa Verde. With over 187 square kilometers of beauty, including beaches, waterfalls and mountains, it is only a one-hour boatride from Angra dos Reis or Mangaratiba. The existence of a maximum security prison, shut down in 1994, contributed to the isolation of the island for many decades. Aside from that, Ilha Grande maintains its fishing village atmosphere mainly due to access only by boat and the transformation of the region into a State Park and Biological Reserve. The crystal clear waters are home to rich marine life, and the hiking trails are in the middle of an Atlantic forest leading to creeks, rivers and waterfalls. The charming center of the island, Village of Abraham, guarantees a rustic atmosphere with informal bars and restaurants. Leaving from the Village of Abraham, the open paths of the forest lead to unexplored beaches and coves. The south side of the island has an open sea with rough waters, unlike the north side whose beaches are calmer. In March of 2014, Lopes Mendes Beach (South part of the Island) was elected the third best Beach in Brasil.
