Skip to content

Ilha Grande is a small island just off Brazil's Green Coast. It comprises 193 square kilometers of mountainous jungle and beautiful beaches.

The island is a fantastic place for hiking as the state park has been successfully preserved and no motor vehicles are permitted to drive on it.

The amount and variety of wildlife is impressive; there are parrots, exotic hummingbirds, butterflies and monkeys in the thick vegetation. There are several excellent hiking trails that you can do. One of the most popular routes leads you to Lopes Mendes beach, which is really worth the two and a half hour walk. We recommend that you take plenty of water for the trek and some food too, as despite its fame the beach has been left entirely undeveloped and there are no food stalls or cafés.

Sitio do Lobo, Ilha GrandeThe accommodations on Ilha Grande are perfectly in keeping with their natural surroundings and are simple in style. Pousadas are small with narrow corridors, many have uneven wooden steps and many of the streets are made of sand. Whilst this brings a great deal of charm it does mean that the island is not an ideal destination for those in a wheelchair or those with young children in pushchairs.

Speak to someone
who's been there
Audley Travel specialist Tamatha

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Ilha Grande by contacting one of our Brazil specialists

Suggested itinerary featuring Ilha Grande

This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Ilha Grande, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Ilha Grande

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Ilha Grande

    Our expert guides to exploring Ilha Grande

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Ilha Grande, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Ilha Grande at its best.

    • Family vacations in Brazil
      Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

      Family vacations in Brazil

      Family vacations in Brazil

      Why you should consider a family trip to Brazil, and what to do once you’re there. From hotel and resort recommendations to how to see Rio, we explain the best ways to experience Brazil’s key highlights as a family.

      7 min read

      Read this guide
    • Honeymoons in Brazil
      Iguaçu Falls, Brazil

      Honeymoons in Brazil

      Honeymoons in Brazil

      Plan your perfect honeymoon to Brazil. Country specialist, Tom, picks some of the country’s highlights, from exploring the Brazilian Amazon and spotting wildlife in the Pantanal to spending time on Brazil’s beaches and experiencing Iguaçu Falls.

      7 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Ilha Grande

    We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Ilha Grande. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.