Where to Stay in Ilha Grande, Brazil: Best Areas, Hotels, and Travel Tips

Wondering where to stay in Ilha Grande, a paradise destination in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil? I’ve been there a few times and absolutely love it. I’ve stayed in and explored different parts of the island, and in this article I’ll share the best areas to stay in Ilha Grande and where to stay in each one, with options ranging from luxury houses to budget-friendly guesthouses.

At the end of this post, I’ll also share a special tip on how to stay in Ilha Grande for free.

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Where is Ilha Grande and how to get there?

Ilha Grande is located on the southern coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro and belongs to the municipality of Angra dos Reis. It’s about 160 km (100 miles) from Rio de Janeiro city and around 370 km (230 miles) from São Paulo. From both capitals, there are buses to Angra dos Reis.

The only way to reach the island itself is by boat, departing from Angra dos Reis, Conceição de Jacareí, or Mangaratiba. Boats from Angra go to the villages of Araçatiba, Provetá, and Vila do Abraão, which are different parts of the island where you can stay, while boats from Conceição de Jacareí and Mangaratiba only go to Vila do Abraão. That’s why knowing exactly where to stay in Ilha Grande before your trip is key to planning your transportation.

Where to stay in Ilha Grande: best areas

Before diving into the best places to stay in Ilha Grande, here’s something important to know: the island is big, there are no cars, and no roads. With over 100 beaches spread along 200 km of coastline, the only ways to get around are on foot or by boat.

If possible, I recommend staying in at least two different areas to get a broader feel for the island. But even if you stay in just one place, you can explore many beaches by booking boat tours or hiking along scenic trails.

Here are the top areas for your stay in Ilha Grande:

Vila do Abraão

Vila do Abraão is the largest and busiest part of the island. This is where you’ll find most of the bars, restaurants, and shops, and it’s the starting point for many hiking trails and boat trips. Being the island’s main village, there’s a wide variety of accommodation in Abraão, from simple inns to high-end hotels.

For those who want to stay close to the village center, Pousada Horizonte dos Borbas offers great value for money. It’s located 250 meters from Abraão Beach and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. Another well-located option is Pousada Casablanca, just 70 meters from the beach and the village center. It’s set in a charming, well-preserved old house with a lovely garden.

If you prefer a place with more contact with nature, Pousada Albatroz is ideal. Nestled in the mountains, it’s decorated in a rustic style. Aquario Pousada Hostel is also a great choice, located on the right end of Abraão Beach, on the way to Júlia Beach. It has its own pier and hammocks scattered around the garden – pure bliss.

For a more upscale stay in Ilha Grande, Pousada Naturalia is a solid choice. Located on the right end of Abraão Beach, all rooms have a balcony with a hammock and views of the sea or mountains. Another similar option is Pousada Aquarela do Mar, located right next to Naturalia and with the same style.

And for those looking for budget-friendly accommodation in Ilha Grande, Pousada Cachoeira is a guesthouse set in the forest, about 800 meters from the center of Vila do Abraão. It even has a small waterfall within the property. Guests have access to a fully equipped kitchen to prepare their own meals, which helps save money.

Pousada Costa Verde also offers great value for money. It’s 400 meters from Abraão Beach, and some rooms include a small kitchen.

Enseada de Araçatiba

Enseada de Araçatiba is a small fishing village, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. There aren’t many shops or restaurants here, so it’s important to choose a good place to stay. To make things easier for guests, most inns in Araçatiba have their own bar and restaurant.

Espaço Villa Ará is a great beachfront option, featuring a terrace and a pool with ocean views. Pousada Saracura is 400 meters from Araçatiba Beach, surrounded by nature and with a deck full of hammocks overlooking the sea. Pousada Mar de Araçatiba offers a similar experience, with beautiful views and a restaurant that serves seafood all day long, plus a delicious breakfast.

In addition to inns, it’s common for locals in Araçatiba to rent out their own homes or suites, such as Suítes da Nena. This is a simple, family-run place right on the beach, with tasty homemade meals prepared by the host herself. Similarly, Suítes da Carla e Carol also has a terrace with sea views.

Praia Vermelha

Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) is a small fishing community with just over 100 residents. It’s very close to Araçatiba and the nearest spot to visit the Acaiá Cave, which is about a 50-minute walk away. It’s one of the best places to stay in Ilha Grande if you plan on diving, as there are several shipwrecks in this area.

Accommodation options in Praia Vermelha are limited, but the few that exist are highly rated on booking websites, most with scores above 9.

Vila Pedra Mar, for example, has an impressive 9.9 rating on Booking.com. This guesthouse features a barbecue area, an outdoor terrace, and even offers a complimentary three-course dinner.

Casarão da Praia is a beachfront house with two bedrooms that can accommodate up to six people. Beautifully and elegantly decorated, it has a ground-floor veranda with sea views. The owners provide private transport to the property and serve breakfast.

Casadateca is a simpler option but still well-reviewed, with a 9.4 rating. It has three bedrooms and accommodates up to eight people.

Ponta da Barca offers rooms with sea or mountain views, and its highlight is the delicious food served at the on-site restaurant. Pousada Frezza also has its own restaurant, as well as a gym, a garden, and diving equipment rentals.

Finally, Pousada Lagamar is a small paradise. Located in front of a lagoon, it’s surrounded by lush greenery and features a charming garden. Some rooms have sea views and balconies with hammocks.

Enseada de Palmas

Enseada de Palmas is close to Vila do Abraão and is one of the least populated areas of Ilha Grande, with around 70 residents. The few accommodation options in Palmas are very simple, and most people choose to camp when staying in this region.

Still, for those who enjoy peace and quiet, it’s worth checking out Pousada Toca do Mar, located just a few meters from the beach in Morango das Palmas, right on the seafront, and Pousada Palmas, which are also beachfront accommodations offering amenities like a garden, terrace, bar, and restaurant.

Praia do Aventureiro

Praia do Aventureiro is home to the famous leaning palm tree, one of Ilha Grande’s most iconic postcards. It got its name because when the sea is rough, getting there can be quite an adventure. Due to the waves, it’s a popular spot for surfers.

The village here has few residents and only a handful of places to stay. A good choice is Chalés da Jack, which features one-bedroom houses equipped with a kitchenette.

Good guesthouses in other Ilha Grande beaches

On Praia do Pouso, one highlight is Atlantica Jungle Lodge, with a 9.8 rating on Booking. This charming place is decorated in a rustic style and offers panoramic views of the island. It’s located a 10-minute walk from Lopes Mendes Beach, considered one of the best beaches in Ilha Grande.

In Praia de Provetá, a small community on the island, you can also find places to stay. Suítes Ipê Amarelo are just 100 meters from the sea and have a minibar, TV, and a lovely balcony for enjoying breakfast.

The Best Things to Do in Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande offers plenty of beaches, hiking trails, and boat tours for every taste. If you prefer land-based activities, don’t miss the hike from Abraão to Abraãozinho Beach, passing by several other beaches along the way. It’s an easy walk that doesn’t require much physical preparation.

Another great hike is from Abraão to Lopes Mendes Beach. It takes around 40 minutes to an hour, has plenty of shade, and is considered an easy-level hike.

From Abraão, you can also walk to the beautiful Dois Rios Beach, although this is a longer trek. The path follows an old island road, with no technical difficulties.

If you prefer activities without physical effort, the best boat tours are the Full Island Tour, Half Island Tour, Paradise Islands, Super South, and Blue Lagoon. Another nice option is to take a water taxi to Feiticeira Beach and then hike to Feiticeira Waterfall.

How Many Days to Spend in Ilha Grande

If you really want to get a feel for Ilha Grande, I’d say the minimum is three full days. That way you can go on a hike, take a boat trip to explore hidden beaches, and still have a whole day just to do nothing but soak up the sun by the sea. If you’re lucky enough to have more time, spend five to seven days here. You definitely won’t regret it.

Best Time to Visit Ilha Grande

The sweetest spot to visit is between April and September, when the weather is cooler, the skies are clearer, and there’s not much rain. Summer (December to March) can be fun too, but expect higher temperatures, more rain, and bigger crowds thanks to school holidays. It’s lively, but if you prefer a more relaxed vibe, stick to the April–September window.

Free Accommodation in Ilha Grande, Brazil

Did you know it’s possible to stay in Ilha Grande for free? Through the Worldpackers platform, you can exchange work for accommodation there and in many other destinations in Brazil and around the world.

Here’s how it works: you help the host with a few hours of work per week and receive lodging in return, plus other benefits such as meals and tours, depending on the vacancy.

There are some pretty cool volunteer opportunities in Ilha Grande. You can work as a kitchen helper in a hostel, help with marketing, play instruments to entertain guests at a beachfront inn, and more. Click here to see all the positions currently available.

Besides saving money on accommodation, this kind of experience is perfect for solo travelers who want to make friends, and it’s a great way to truly get to know the destination beyond the tourist attractions.

Anyone can browse Worldpackers listings for free. If you want to apply for a position and get access to platform support, there is an annual fee of USD 49. With the code JANELASABERTAS, you get USD 10 off — just click here. Once you sign up, you can travel and volunteer as many times as you want for one year, across Brazil and more than 140 other countries.

For more details, check out our complete guide to work exchange.

Did you enjoy these tips? Do you have any questions about where to stay in Ilha Grande? Leave them in the comments and I’ll be happy to reply. Have a great trip!

Article written by Bárbara Nicoli, contributor to Janelas Abertas blog. Photos by Bárbara Nicoli and Luísa Ferreira (Janelas Abertas).

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