Where to Stay in Ilha Grande, Brazil 🇧🇷: 5 Best Places Travel Guide

Ilha Grande is Brazil’s hidden gem where pristine beaches meet lush Atlantic rainforest, creating an island paradise just a boat ride from Rio de Janeiro. This car-free tropical haven offers crystal-clear waters, legendary Lopes Mendes beach, and authentic fishing villages untouched by time.

Choosing where to stay shapes your entire Ilha Grande experience. In this guide, you’ll discover the 5 best areas for accommodation, from lively Vila do Abraão to secluded family-friendly bays.

Best Hotels in Ilha Grande 🔥

• 💎 Luxury Hotel: Morango das Palmas
• ✨ 5-Star: La Coquille Angra dos Reis
• 🏨 4-Star: Bela Vista Angra dos Reis
• 🛏 3-Star: Pousada Porto Girassol
• 💸 Cheap: Hostel Refúgio
• 🏢 Apartment: Pousada Palmas
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families: Bonito Paraiso Beach House
• 🏩 For Couples: Pousada Casablanca

Quick Guide to the Best Areas 📃

• 👀 For the First Time: Vila do Abraão
• 🏄🏻‍♀️ Best Beaches: Praia de Araçatiba
• 🏞 For Nature: Praia de Palmas
• 👪 For Families: Abraãozinho
• 🔮 For Local Vibe: Praia de Proveta

1. Vila do Abraão – Main Hub for First-Timers and Island Paradise Nightlife

Getting around. I found Vila do Abraão accommodations super convenient since you’re right at the main ferry terminal where CCR Barcas and Flex Boat services dock hourly. The village stretches along Praia do Abraão and extends to the quieter Praia do Canto area, giving you options from busy center to peaceful beachfront within a 10-minute walk. Local motorcycle taxis charge R$10-15 for luggage transport to distant pousadas.

Nightlife scene. The bars along Rua da Praia come alive after 9 PM with live forró and samba performances on weekends. I really enjoyed Bar do Canto for its R$18 caipirinhas and Lua e Mar for late-night dancing until 3 AM. Most places offer happy hour deals between 5-7 PM, and you’ll hear everything from Brazilian pop to reggae echoing through the sandy streets.

Daily essentials. You’ll find two working ATMs near the church square (Banco do Brasil charges R$12 withdrawal fees), three pharmacies including Farmácia Ilha Grande open until 10 PM, and Supermercado Central with imported goods at high prices. The fishermen’s market opens at 5:30 AM with fresh catch priced at R$25-40 per kilo, while tropical fruits cost half the Rio de Janeiro prices.

Beach access. Praia do Canto offers calm swimming with gentle waves and natural shade from almond trees, while the main Abraão beach connects you to regular boat services leaving every 45 minutes during daylight. Water taxis to remote spots need advance booking through operators near the pier, with costs depending on distance and group size.

Where to stay in Vila do Abraão

Expensive hotels

• Pousada Casablanca – This upscale pousada offers comfortable accommodations with modern amenities and easy access to the island’s main attractions.
• Bela Vista Angra dos Reis – A 4-star hotel with elegant rooms and proximity to Ilha Grande’s ferry connections from the coast of Rio de Janeiro.
• Pousada Só Natureza – This nature-focused pousada offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush Atlantic Forest with eco-friendly accommodations.

Medium price range

• Pousada Porto Girassol – This charming 3-star hotel provides comfortable rooms with good value and convenient location for exploring around the island.
• Pousada Albatroz Ilha Grande – Offering excellent balance of comfort and affordability, this pousada features cozy accommodations in Abraão on Ilha Grande.
• Pousada dos Meros – This welcoming pousada provides quality accommodations at reasonable prices with easy access to beautiful beaches.

Budget options

• Hostel Refúgio – This budget-friendly hostel offers basic but clean accommodations perfect for backpackers traveling to Ilha Grande.
• Porto Abraão Pousada – Located near the main village amenities and ferry terminal, this affordable pousada provides simple rooms for a comfortable stay.
• Ilha Grande Mar Abraão – This budget accommodation offers basic rooms ideal for travelers seeking affordable lodging near restaurants and boat tour operators.

2. Praia de Araçatiba – Crystal Waters and Snorkeling Paradise

Village charm. Araçatiba feels like going back in time with its colorful fishing boats pulled up on the sand and locals mending nets under coconut palms. This peaceful spot needs a 40-minute boat ride from Abraão (R$35-45 per person) or a tough 3-hour jungle hike through the island’s interior. The village has only 150 permanent residents, creating a cozy atmosphere for meeting locals.

Underwater paradise. The sheltered bay here offers some of Ilha Grande’s clearest snorkeling with visibility reaching 8-12 meters on calm days. I spent hours exploring the rocky areas where parrotfish and angelfish swim just meters from shore. Local fishermen rent snorkel gear for R$20 per day and happily show you the best underwater spots, including a small coral garden near the pier’s left side.

Simple amenities. Two small grocery stores stock basic supplies at high prices (expect to pay R$8 for a bottle of water), while Restaurante da Tia Maria serves fresh grilled fish for R$40-55. The village generates electricity from 6 PM to midnight only, so bring portable chargers and embrace the digital detox atmosphere. A single public phone booth connects you to the outside world for R$2 per minute.

Nature activities. The surrounding Atlantic Forest is full of howler monkeys whose calls echo through the valley at dawn and dusk. I followed a 2-kilometer trail to a hidden waterfall where the water stays cool year-round at 18°C, perfect for refreshing swims after underwater adventures. Local guide João offers bird-watching walks for R$60, spotting toucans and rare tanagers in the trees above village backyards.

Where to stay in Praia de Araçatiba

Expensive hotels

• Mar da Lua – This upscale beachfront pousada offers stunning ocean views and accommodations with easy access to snorkeling spots for the best stay experience.
• La Coquille Angra dos Reis – An elegant boutique hotel featuring sophisticated rooms with premium amenities in this tranquil fishing village setting.
• Pousada da Ponte – Spacious suite accommodations with modern facilities and beautiful views, offering upscale comfort for guests exploring crystal-clear waters.

Medium price range

• Canto da Saracura – A charming mid-range pousada that perfectly balances comfort and affordability, featuring cozy rooms with authentic Brazilian coastal charm.
• Encanto do Pai – This family-friendly pousada offers accommodations with good value, ideally located for enjoying the village’s peaceful atmosphere.
• Pousada Sobre a Rocha Ilha Grande – Perched on rocks with scenic views, this pousada provides rooms at reasonable prices with direct access to snorkeling paradise.

3. Praia de Palmas – Gateway to Lopes Mendes Beach

Smart location. Palmas works as the perfect base for reaching Brazil’s most famous beach, Lopes Mendes, via a beautiful 20-minute forest walk through dense Mata Atlântica. I loved avoiding the crowded boat shuttles from Abraão while enjoying this simple fishing community of just 80 residents. The village sits tucked behind a crescent bay with golden sand and gentle surf perfect for boogie boarding.

Trail connections. From Palmas, I found multiple hiking options including the 45-minute trek to Pouso beach and a challenging 2-hour climb to Pico da Pedra d’Água viewpoint. The Lopes Mendes trail starts right from the village center, clearly marked with blue painted arrows on trees. Early morning starts (before 8 AM) mean you’ll have the world-famous beach almost to yourself at first.

Off-grid living. The village runs one tiny market charging high prices for basic items, so stock up in Abraão before arriving. Seu Benedito’s beachfront bar serves cold Skol beer for R$8 and grilled sardines for R$30, with plastic tables right in the sand. Solar panel electricity gives limited evening power, creating a truly unplugged experience.

Wildlife encounters. The surrounding forest hosts amazing biodiversity with capuchin monkeys regularly raiding fruit trees near accommodations. I witnessed glowing plankton lighting up the bay during moonless nights, creating magical swimming conditions. Local fisherman Carlos showed me tide pools filled with colorful crabs and sea anemones, best explored during low tide around 6 AM when marine life is most active.

Where to stay in Praia de Palmas

• Morango das Palmas – This highly-rated beachfront pousada offers excellent sea views with luxury accommodations and easy access to the Lopes Mendes beach trail.
• Pousada Palmas – Featuring stunning sea views and spacious suites right on the beachfront, this accommodation offers upscale comfort for guests exploring this gateway location.
• Pousada Toca do Mar – Located directly on Palmas Beach with family-friendly amenities, this beachfront pousada provides accommodations just steps from the sand and close to trails.

4. Abraãozinho – Family-Friendly Bay with Calm Waters

Protected paradise. This tiny bay offers Ilha Grande’s calmest swimming conditions with virtually no waves thanks to its horseshoe shape and protective rock formations. I watched young children play safely in knee-deep water while their parents chilled under natural shade from native trees. The 15-minute coastal walk from Vila do Abraão follows a well-kept path with stunning ocean views and minimal uphill sections.

Community vibe. Abraãozinho attracts Brazilian families from Rio and São Paulo who come back every year, creating a friendly atmosphere. I noticed local children teaching visitors Portuguese while playing beach soccer, and evening barbecues shared between different accommodation guests. The shallow, consistently warm water (averaging 26°C) makes it perfect for non-swimmers and elderly visitors wanting gentle ocean access.

Intimate services. One small pousada restaurant serves home-cooked meals for R$25-35, specializing in fresh fish caught that morning by the owner’s brother. No shops exist in the bay itself, but vendors sometimes arrive by boat selling ice cream (R$10) and cold drinks (R$8). The nearest ATM means going back to Vila do Abraão, so bring enough cash for your entire stay.

Peaceful activities. The protected waters offer great stand-up paddleboarding conditions for beginners, with rental boards available for R$40 per day. I spent quiet mornings watching fishing boats return with their catch while sipping coffee on wooden decks extending over the water. Evening stargazing is incredible due to minimal light pollution, with the Southern Cross clearly visible from beach hammocks.

Where to stay in Abraãozinho

Expensive hotels

• Bonito Paraiso Beach House – This beachfront property offers stunning ocean views and direct access to calm waters, featuring kayaks and snorkeling equipment.
• Asalem – Offers a tranquil escape surrounded by Atlantic Forest with cozy rooms, delicious local cuisine and stunning sea views in a peaceful setting.
• O Sítio Ilha Grande – This charming eco-friendly pousada offers rustic accommodations surrounded by lush Atlantic Forest with easy access to hiking trails and peaceful natural surroundings.

Medium price range

• Pedro Rei Casa e Pousada – A charming family-run pousada offering accommodations with garden views and easy access to the protected bay, ideal for planning a trip to Ilha Grande.
• Jungle Lodge – An eco-friendly lodge nestled in lush tropical surroundings where you can enjoy the island experience, perfect for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat.
• Praia da Crena – A budget-friendly option offering basic but comfortable accommodations with family atmosphere and easy access to shallow, calm waters.

5. Praia de Proveta – Where to stay in Ilha Grande for Authentic Village Experience

Traditional community. Proveta keeps its identity as a working fishing village where three generations of families continue old maritime traditions. I witnessed daily routines unchanged for decades: nets mended at dawn, boats painted in bright blues and greens, and fish sold straight from wooden crates on the beach. The 45-minute boat ride from Abraão (R$50-60) passes dramatic cliffs and hidden coves you can’t reach by land.

Cultural immersion. Local families invite visitors to join evening domino games under the single streetlight while children chase hermit crabs along the waterline. I learned traditional fishing techniques from 70-year-old Seu Roberto, who showed me how to read wind patterns and spot fish by their jumping behavior. Sunday afternoons feature impromptu samba circles with acoustic guitars and homemade cachaça flowing freely among locals and guests.

Home-style dining. Dona Maria cooks fresh catch in her backyard kitchen, serving R$30 plates of grilled fish with beans, rice, and farofa on her family’s terrace overlooking the bay. No formal restaurants exist, but several households offer meals by arrangement, featuring recipes passed down through generations. Local specialties include moqueca de peixe (R$40) and fresh oysters harvested from nearby mangroves (R$25 per dozen).

Pristine environment. The village sits surrounded by untouched Atlantic Forest where I spotted rare birds including the red-breasted toucan and seven-colored tanager. A hidden waterfall accessible via 30-minute jungle walk offers refreshing swimming in natural pools surrounded by giant ferns and orchids. Local guide Zé knows secret trails to quiet beaches where sea turtles nest during summer months, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters for patient observers.

Where to stay in Praia de Proveta

• Suite Baia dos Corais – This beachfront accommodation offers simple, comfortable rooms with stunning bay views and direct access to traditional fishing village atmosphere.
• Recanto Provetá 1 ILHA GRANDE – A cozy family-run guesthouse providing authentic local hospitality with basic amenities.
• Recanto Provetá 2 ILHA GRANDE – This small beachfront property offers budget-friendly rooms perfect for travelers who choose to stay in this authentic fishing village setting.

FAQ about visiting Ilha Grande, Brazil

When is the best time to visit Ilha Grande?

The best time to visit this beautiful island is during Brazil’s dry season from April to October when there’s less rain and temperatures are comfortable. However, avoid December-March when rough seas can cancel boat services and leave you stranded, making this island paradise temporarily inaccessible.

How to get to Ilha Grande from Rio?

You can get to Ilha Grande by taking a bus or car to Conceição de Jacareí or Mangaratiba, then catching a boat to Ilha Grande. The journey from Rio de Janeiro typically takes 2-3 hours total, making this island off the coast pretty easy to reach for travelers.

What are the best places to visit in Ilha Grande?

Lopes Mendes beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, while Lagoa Azul offers amazing snorkeling opportunities. You should also check out Vila do Abraão for restaurants and nightlife, plus take hiking trails to discover hidden waterfalls around the island.

Where is the best place to stay?

Vila do Abraão works as the best spot for first-time visitors since it’s the main hub with restaurants, bars, and tour operators. Most travelers like to stay in this area because it offers easy access to boat tours and serves as the starting point for exploring other areas of the island.

What are the best things to do on Ilha Grande?

Take a boat tour around the island to visit multiple beaches, hike the trail to get to Lopes Mendes beach, and enjoy snorkeling at Lagoa Azul. You can also explore the island on foot using various hiking trails, try local food in Ilha Grande, or simply relax on one of the many beautiful beaches.

Are there cars on Ilha Grande?

No cars on Ilha Grande are allowed, making it a completely walking and boat-only destination. Getting around Ilha Grande means walking on trails or taking water taxis, which adds to the island’s peaceful atmosphere and environmental protection.

How expensive are things on the island?

Prices tend to be higher than mainland Brazil travel costs because of transportation logistics, with meals ranging from R$30-60 and boat transfers costing R$15-50. Bring plenty of cash since most areas outside Vila do Abraão have no ATMs, and many places don’t accept cards.

What makes Ilha Grande special paradise?

Ilha Grande is known for its pristine Atlantic rainforest, crystal-clear waters, and protected marine life that creates a true island paradise. The combination of hiking trails, world-class beaches, and the car-free environment makes it one of the top places to visit in Brazil.

Do I need advance booking accommodation?

Yes, especially during peak season and holidays when hotels on Ilha Grande fill up quickly. I recommend booking your stay well in advance, particularly if you want specific accommodation in Vila do Abraão or other popular areas.

What should I bring for adventure in Ilha?

Bring sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of sunscreen, bug spray, and cash since ATMs are limited. You’ll also want a waterproof bag for boat trips, portable chargers for areas with limited electricity like Araçatiba and Palmas, and enough supplies since some items can be more expensive on the island.