Best Beaches of Ilha Grande: Top 10 Must-See with Tips on How to Get There
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
In this Guide
2. Lopes Mendes |
3. Aventureiro Beach |
5. Sack of Heaven |
6. Two Rivers |
7. Parnaioca |
10. Book your tours
Over 100 Beaches on a Single Island
Ilha Grande boasts over 100 beaches spread along a 193 km coastline. From turquoise natural aquariums to deserted beaches with 3 km of white sand, passing through hidden coves and crystal-clear lagoons. The challenge isn't finding beautiful beaches—it's choosing which ones to visit. This guide will help you create the perfect itinerary.
Lopes Mendes Beach — The Most Beautiful in Brazil
Elected by TripAdvisor as the 3rd most beautiful beach in Brazil and cited by CNN Travel in worldwide lists. It has 3 km of fine, firm white sand, greenish sea with perfect waves for surfing, and zero commercial infrastructure. No kiosks or vendors — pure wild nature. Access by boat to Praia do Pouso + a 20-minute trail, or via the T10 trail from Abraão (3 hours). Visible on the Super Sul tour.
Aventureiro Beach — The Postcard
Home to the famous reclining coconut tree, the postcard image of Ilha Grande. Authentic Caiçara village with a limit of 560 visitors per day. Natural pool formed among the rocks at high tide. Access exclusively by boat (Around the Island tour) or long trail via Provetá.
Blue Lagoon — The Best Snorkeling on the Coast
A natural aquarium of turquoise waters formed between two islets. Hundreds of sergeant fish and sea turtles. The most photographed scenery on Ilha Grande. Visible on the Meia Volta tour and the Gruta do Acaiá tour.
Green Lagoon — Corals and Starfish
Shallow, greenish waters with rare corals, starfish, and turtles. Ideal for families with children due to its shallow depth. First stop on the Half-Circle tour.
Saco do Céu — Where the Stars Reflect in the Sea
A sheltered cove where sailboats stay overnight and the stars reflect on the calm sea at night (hence the name). Floating restaurants, Praia do Amor (Love Beach), and cinematic scenery. A classic stop on the Meia Volta tour.
Two Rivers, Parnaioca, Palmas, Abraãozinho and Praia Preta
Two Rivers: two rivers flowing into the sea, prison ruins, Prison Museum (Super South tour). Parnaioca: considered by many to be the most beautiful beach on the island, almost deserted, legendary sunset (Around the Island tour). Palmas: 800m of calm waters, cozy guesthouses, ideal for families. Abraãozinho: a 15-minute walk from Abraão, perfect for a quick swim. Praia Preta: dark monazite sand, Lazaretto ruins, accessible on foot from the center.
How to Visit the Beaches: The Right Tours
Ilha Grande has no cars — getting around is by boat or trail. To explore the best beaches, you need the right boat tours: the Half-Circle tour covers Lagoa Azul, Lagoa Verde, and Saco do Céu. The Island Tour covers Aventureiro, Parnaioca, and Caxadaço. The Super South tour covers Jorge Grego, Dois Rios, Caxadaço, and Lopes Mendes. The Paradise Islands tour covers Cataguases, Botinas, and Praia do Dentista. And with a private speedboat, you can combine all the itineraries to your liking.
👉 Check out our boat tours and discover the best beaches!
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