Ilha Grande Brazil is everything you dream a tropical island to be.
Part of me doesn’t want to write about it, because I love that it still feels slightly undiscovered by tourists, but the other part wants to yell from the rooftops about how gorgeous it is.
Naturally, given the title of this blog I’ve gone for option two.
How Long To Stay?
The perfect stay is about 3-4 days. This gives you enough time to check out some trails and soak up the chill island vibes. Of course, if you really wanted you could spend a month (or year!) here and truly get to know it!
When To Go To Ilha Grande?
Brazil has beautiful weather all year round. But we were a tad caught off guard that our experience was cooler than expected. We visited in Sep-Oct and it was around 20 degrees and a mixture of cloud and sun.
This is perfect for hiking, but not quite hot enough for snorkelling and sunbathing.
Check this link for a month by month guide to the weather in Ilha Grande.
What To Do On Ilha Grande
The number one thing to do in Ilha Grande Brazil, is to do nothing. But if you’re anything like me, you’ll like a laid back tropical island that still has interesting ways to spend your time.
So here’s 15 things to do in Ilha Grande Brazil that truly embrace all that it has to offer.
1. Snorkelling
Ilha Grande Brazil is incredibly popular for snorkelling. You can opt to either snorkel on one of the local beaches, that are super easy to walk to. Or, take an organised a trip out on a boat to more picturesque spots. Given the weather during our visit, we didn’t do this. But, if I were to return again I certainly would.
2. Diving tour
Like snorkelling, Ilha Grande has many famous diving spots. If you have your PADI, this is the perfect place to check out a range of different dives on a variety of tours. If you don’t have your PADI yet, I totally recommend getting it in the nearby town of Paraty. Check out my block on that here.
3. Hike from Abraao to Lopes Mendes
My favourite hike on the island, and possibly my favourite day in Brazil. This challenging but manageable hike from the main village of Abraao to Lopes Mendes beach takes about five hours.
Not to be underestimated, especially in the Brazilian summer, but completely worth it. Check out my full blog on how to walk from Abraao to Lopes Mendes here.
4. Walk the Abraao loop
If you’re staying in the town of Abraao where are the majority of the boats arrive at the island, you should be sure to check out this walking trail. The Abraao loop is just over a kilometre, and takes approximately an hour. But offers five or six interesting stops along the way. Full blog on how to walk the Abraao loop here.
5. Hike one of the other 14 trails!
Ilha Grande Brazil is designed for hiking. With no cars on the island, and not even path’s suited for cycling, foot is the best way to get about. There are 16 main trails across the island, connecting each of the beaches and accommodation areas. I wish I’d stayed longer to check even more of them out.
6. Sunbathe on a (nearly private) beach
With so many coves and tiny beaches surrounding the island, a short walk from town brings you to so many (almost) private beaches. As long as you time the weather right, you can treat yourself some sun sea and sand, just a short walk from your pousada.
7. Stay In A Pousada
A stay on Ilha Grande isn’t complete without sleeping in one of their gorgeous local Pousadas. There are no major hotel chains on the island, which means you’re always going to have a local experience. We stayed in this Airbnb, which was brand-new. It was the perfect location for being nearby the town, but away from any noise, hotels or bustle (not that there’s much of that in Ilha Grande anyway!)
8. Check Out An Abandoned Prison
Right on the edge of the town of Abraao, there is an intriguing ruined building to explore. For years it was used to quarantine European immigrants in prison, to prevent the spread of cholera. Whilst it has long since been abandoned and fallen into disrepair, it’s still fun to climb in and out of the windows and imagine what imprisonment on a Brazilian island looked like in the past.
9. Kayaking / SUP
It wouldn’t be an island adventure without some water sports. An absolute must thing to do on Ilha Grande is renting either a kayak or stand up paddle board (or both.) There are various pop-up stands along the beach, if you just want to play about. Or, if you fancy a more organised tour there are plenty of day and half day organised trips around the island.
We sadly didn’t do either on Ilha Grande as it was colder than expected. But we certainly would if we returned in the summer.
10. Retail therapy, Island style
Definitely the last thing I expected to do on Ilha Grande was go shopping. But the cute boutique shops in the town are well worth a wander. Especially if you happen to visit during rainy season. Brazilian bikinis are renowned worldwide, and a tropical island is the perfect place to pick up some locally made goods. At the very least you’re sure to pick up a fun magnet or a keyring to remind you of your visit and support the local business.
Note: The prices are as you would expect on an island, so don’t forget your sunscreen or shampoo, because it will cost you! (Literally!)
11. Chill in a hammock
Is any island visit complete without a hammock? Ilha Grande island is hammocks galore, and I’m here for it. Make a hammock a must have when you’re searching for your accommodation, layback and enjoy.
12. Beers on the beach
Whilst the weather wasn’t quite warm enough for sunbathing, it didn’t stop us from enjoying the beach anyway. Surrounding the Ilha Grande harbour, are bars and restaurants with the sun loungers on the sand. Grab a couple of chairs, order some beers and crack out the card games. I can’t think of a more perfect way to pass a few hours (or days) by.
13. Swim in natural pools
A true hidden gem on the edge of the town of Abraao. The natural pools, and many waterfalls can be found halfway around the Abraao Loop amongst the trees and in complete silence away from the town. On a hot day, bring along a towel to lie on the rocks and soak up the sun Or take a swim in the crystal clear waters.
14. Hitch a water taxi
If hiking isn’t your jam, or if your legs need a break from the previous days adventure, hitch a water taxi to explore some of the further away beaches. And it’s easy enough to do with very little advanced planning, there are plenty of tour companies in the town of Abraao, waiting to sell you tickets for both trips or water taxis to beaches all across the island.
15. Make friends with the locals
Last but not least, you can’t get very far in Ilha Grande Brazil without meeting their friendly four-legged locals. Stray dogs roam every corner of the island, and they’re incredibly friendly. At one point one even joined us on Kirsten’s lap whilst she was sitting reading a book on Julia Beach.
And that’s it! 15 things to do in Ilha Grande Brazil.
Check out this link for $33 off your first Ilha Grande Airbnb stay
