Coastal rainforest of Brazil's Costa Verde with Mt Pico do Papagaio, Ilha Grande, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Getty Images/Imagebroker RF

Ilha Grande & Vila do Abraão

The fabulous island retreat of Ilha Grande owes its pristine condition to its unusual history. For centuries, the island’s unsavory reputation – first as a pirate's lair, then as a leper colony and penitentiary – kept developers at bay. Consequently, beautiful tropical beaches and virgin Atlantic rainforest (now protected as state parkland) abound, and the island still has only a handful of settlements.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Ilha Grande & Vila do Abraão. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Get started

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from Ilha Grande & Vila do Abraão

Filter by interest:

Sunrise from Praia do Canto, Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande. Image by Gregor Clark / Lonely Planet

Beaches

Ilha Grande: tropical island paradise on Brazil’s Costa Verde

Oct 1, 2015 • 5 min read

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Ilha Grande & Vila do Abraão with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.