Things to do in Ilha Grande
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Praia Lopes Mendes
Outdoor adventure options on Ilha Grande just don't quit. The tourist office gives out a free map showing 16 different signposted trails leading through the lush forest to several of the island's 102 beaches. When visiting some beaches, it's possible to hike one way and take a boat the other. The most popular hike is the three-hour, 6.1km (each way) trek from Abraão to Praia Lopes Mendes. This seemingly endless beach with good surfing waves (shortboard/longboard rental onsite R$25/40 per day) is considered by some the most beautiful in Brazil.
Before hitting the trail, let people at your pousada know where you're going and when you'll be back, stock up on water and bug r…
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Circuito do Abraão
The Circuito do Abraão is a short jaunt 1.7km return hike that leads past two small beaches to the claustrophobic moss-covered stone ruins of Ilha Grande's other former prison, Lazareto, shut down in 1954. This easy hike affords some pretty views of Pico do Papagaio and takes you past an old aqueduct adjoined by a large swimming hole called Poção, perfect for a picnic and a dip. Along the way you can hear all sorts of birds and jungle creatures, and you may run into local kids jumping into the water on their way home from school.
Before hitting the trail, let people at your pousada know where you're going and when you'll be back, stock up on water and bug repellent and…
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Colônia Penal Cândido Mendes
Dois Rios served as the site of the Colônia Penal Cândido Mendes, Ilha Grande's last functioning prison, used to hold political prisoners during the military regime that took power in 1964, and finally destroyed (literally blown up!) by order of the state government in 1994.
Before hitting the trail, let people at your pousada know where you're going and when you'll be back, stock up on water and bug repellent and bring a flashlight, as darkness comes swiftly under the jungle canopy. Guides are advisable for exploring beyond the most heavily traveled routes - poorly marked trails and poisonous snakes can make things challenging.
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Praia de Parnaioca
Praia de Parnaioca also ranks up there among the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, accessible via an 8km (each way) trail that passes through Dois Rios, a picturesque beach where two separate rivers flow into the open Atlantic.
Before hitting the trail, let people at your pousada know where you're going and when you'll be back, stock up on water and bug repellent and bring a flashlight, as darkness comes swiftly under the jungle canopy. Guides are advisable for exploring beyond the most heavily traveled routes - poorly marked trails and poisonous snakes can make things challenging.
reviewed
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Sudoeste SW Turismo
The best-established Sudoeste SW Turismo offers services that include private boat tours, bike rentals (R$10/40 per hour/day), kayak rentals (R$10/30 per hour/six hours), surfboard rentals (R$40 per day), treks with bilingual guides (R$40 to R$50), round-the-island boat tours (R$60 to R$150), and daily schooner excursions to prime beaches and snorkeling spots, including Lopes Mendes (R$15), Saco do Céu (R$25 to R$30) and the twin lagoons Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde (R$35 to R$40).
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Phoenix Turismo
The best-established Phoenix Turismo offers services that include private boat tours, bike rentals (R$10/40 per hour/day), kayak rentals (R$10/30 per hour/six hours), surfboard rentals (R$40 per day), treks with bilingual guides (R$40 to R$50), round-the-island boat tours (R$60 to R$150), and daily schooner excursions to prime beaches and snorkeling spots, including Lopes Mendes (R$15), Saco do Céu (R$25 to R$30) and the twin lagoons Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde (R$35 to R$40).
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Toscanelli
Set on a shady terrace with stone walls and sea views, this Italian-themed restaurant east of Abraão offers delectable items including seafood risotto, salmon in a ginger-orange crust and pêra caipirinha (a pear stewed in cachaça, served with lemon-mint ice cream).
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Sorveteria Boca Gelata
With three dozen flavors of self-serve ice cream, this is a great place to ward off the midday heat or enjoy a late night dessert. Be bold and try some of the less conventional offerings - fig with cognac and walnuts is surprisingly tasty, as are corn and plum flavors.
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Dom Mário
Long-time local chef Mário cooks up seafood specialties like filé de peixe ao molho de maracujá (fish fillet with passion fruit sauce) and scrumptious desserts, including his trademark caramelized bananas.
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Hamelote
Hamelote caters to the breakfast needs of nearby campers, but also serves an affordable and varied menu - soups, salads, sandwiches, seafood and vegetarian offerings - late into the evening.
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Biergarten
The self-serve buffet at this informal eatery includes everything from brown rice and soy protein to sushi and other seafood, with more vegetables than you’ll see at most places around town.
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Corsário Negro
This friendly indoor-outdoor restaurant serves tasty plates of fresh seafood, including paella and the gargantuan tesouro de tortuga (mixed seafood platter for two).
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Elite Dive Center
There is excellent diving around the Ilha Grande island. Elite Dive Center has a wide range of courses and offers two-tank dives in some fantastic spots.
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Lua e Mar
Candlelit tables on the sand make a tranquil place to watch the crashing waves and scurrying crabs while you enjoy tasty seafood dishes for two.
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Associação de Barqueiros
The Associação de Barqueiros operates small tourist boats. Check schedules at its information booth near Abraão’s ferry dock.
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Pizza na Praça
Always bustling, this simple eatery with outdoor seating on the main church square serves pizza and pasta into the wee hours.
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Elite Dive Center
Elite Dive Center offers courses and two-tank dives with English-speaking guides in some fantastic spots.
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Queijos e Tal
Hikers can stock up here on cheese, salami and other sandwich fixings before hitting the trail.
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O Pescador
The cozily furnished, romantically lit Pescador is one of the island’s best choices for a fancy beachfront dinner. They make a mean caipirinha, a delicious casquinha de siri (stuffed crab) appetizer and main dishes such as peixe ao molho mediterrâneo (fish with a sauce of tomatoes, capers, olives and basil).
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