Island · Brazil · South America
A car-free Atlantic forest island of beaches and trails, reached by boat
Photo: Pedro Slinger / Pexels
Ilha Grande is a mountainous, mostly forested island off Rio de Janeiro state, reached by boat from Angra dos Reis or Conceição de Jacareí. Most hostels are in the village of Abraão.
You’ll complete your booking with Hostelworld. We may earn a commission from qualifying bookings.
Best for: Hostels, restaurants and boat connections
The island's main village sits on a bay where ferries and boats arrive. Its streets are lined with hostels, guesthouses, bakeries and restaurants, and most trail and boat operators have offices here. Evenings are low-key, with a few bars and live music. It is the practical base for most travellers, with beaches a short walk or boat ride away.
Best for: Quieter stays within walking distance of Abraão
Just beyond the centre, the beach and surrounding streets are calmer and easier to enjoy at night. It is a short walk to the ferry pier and restaurants, but away from the busiest strip. Hostels here suit travellers who prefer a quieter setting but still want access to boat trips and trail starting points.
Best for: Day trips and short walks
Beaches such as Lopes Mendes, Abraãozinho and Praia Vermelha can be reached by trail or boat from Abraão. Most are best treated as day trips, because accommodation is limited and facilities vary. Check boat times and trail conditions with local operators, as weather can change quickly.
Live rooms and prices
See live dorm beds, private rooms, prices and cancellation terms for your dates on Hostelworld.
You’ll complete your booking with Hostelworld. We may earn a commission from qualifying bookings. You’ll choose your dates and guests there.
Ilha Grande lies off the Costa Verde, between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and is largely covered in Atlantic forest. There are no cars on the island, so travel is on foot or by boat, and most visitors arrive at Vila do Abraão, the main village. The coast is a patchwork of small beaches and bays, and the interior has trails that link villages, viewpoints and waterfalls.
Abraão is where most hostels, restaurants and boat operators are found. From there, day trips go to nearby beaches by water taxi or trail, and the best-known walks include routes to Lopes Mendes and up Pico do Papagaio. The island is part of a protected landscape, and parts of it are within the Ilha Grande State Park, so check the rules for trails and camping before you go.
The island is small but remote, which shapes everyday life. Boat schedules depend on weather, there is limited infrastructure away from the village, and cash and supplies are worth organising before you arrive. Many hostels are small and informal, with hammocks, shared kitchens and a quiet evening scene. Travellers often come for a few nights and stay longer, using Abraão as a base for walking and swimming.
Ilha Grande is reached by boat. Most travellers take a ferry or boat from Conceição de Jacareí in Mangaratiba or from Angra dos Reis, with the crossing typically taking around one to one and a half hours, depending on the route and vessel. Buses run to Mangaratiba and Angra dos Reis from Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Paraty, and Costa Verde Transportes lists daily Rio de Janeiro to Angra dos Reis and Paraty routes. Boat schedules change with the season and weather, so confirm times and return tickets before you travel.
The island has a tropical climate. December to March is hot and humid, with the most rain and storms, and it is the busiest period. April to June and September to November are often milder and quieter, though rain is possible at any time. July and August are typically drier and cooler, with clearer views for walking, though the sea is cooler too. Check forecasts before day trips, as weather affects boat schedules.
Take a bus to Mangaratiba (for Conceição de Jacareí) or Angra dos Reis, then board a ferry or boat to Vila do Abraão. The crossing typically takes around one to one and a half hours. Boat schedules change with the season and weather, so check times and return tickets in advance, especially for the last departure of the day.
Most hostels are in Vila do Abraão, the main village, where ferries arrive and trails begin. It has restaurants, shops and boat operators within a short walk. If you prefer quiet, look for places on the edge of the village. Away from Abraão, accommodation is limited and usually needs advance planning.
There are no cars on the island, so travel is on foot or by boat. Cash availability can be limited, and card payment may not be accepted everywhere, so bring cash before you travel. Check with your hostel about payment options, and do not rely on being able to withdraw money at short notice on the island.
Two to three nights is a common stay, which is enough for a boat trip, a beach day and one longer walk such as Lopes Mendes. Travellers who want to hike more of the island or relax often stay longer. Bad weather can disrupt plans, so a spare day is useful if you have a tight schedule.
Much of the island is covered by conservation areas, including the Ilha Grande State Park, which protects Atlantic forest and coastline. This means rules can apply to trails, camping and waste, and some areas may need permits or guides. Check with local operators and the official park authority for current requirements before heading out.
Reviewed by the HostelConnect editorial team on 8 November 2026. Check entry rules, transport and conditions with official sources before you travel.
