Angra dos Reis is considered a veritable ecological and cultural paradise as it is a part of the Bay of Ilha Grande, also known as Costa Verde (Green Coast), with a shoreline outlined by bays and dotted by 365 islands. Located only two hours south of Rio de Janeiro, surrounded by mountains, covered by btropical forests, which seem to fall into the emerald coloured sea. The coast line is dotted with hundreds of small islands. A paradise for sunseekers, watersports enthusiasts and nature-lovers.

Angra dos Reis was founded in 1556, when a colonial settlement was build. Like Paraty, Angra was an important outlet for gold and later on coffee. Today, however, the city lives almost exclusively from tourism. Even though the city of Angra itself has little for the tourist to see, it is its atmosphere and the many many islands in the bay that attracts many visitors.

There are some superb luxury resorts at the shores of the warm and Blue Atlantic nearby Angra

The main attraction in the area and one of our personal favorite destinations in Brazil is Ilha Grande.
Ilha Grande once was a pirate colony but nowadays a great (eco-) tourist destination. The island, surrounded by 106 beaches and bearing mountains and even waterfalls, is a perfect place for trekkings through untoutched tropical jungle and along deserted paradisical beaches.

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Iha Grande is an ecological paradise. The Island of Ilha Grande is located south-west of Rio, along the Costa Verde (Green Coast) and boasts 193 square kilometres of mountainous tropical forests and 102 superb beaches. The island has 3 settlements of which Vila do Abraão is the capital and arrival point for visitors from the mainland. Here you'll find several pousadas, bars, restaurants and tourist attractions all situated in a palm-studded beachfront.

As Ilha Grande only opened up to tourism in 1994 (it served as a penal colony before), the islands development has been limited and it retains much of its charm. Crystal clear green waters lap at palm-fringed beaches on the north side of the island, and sweeping white-sand beaches (including Praia Lopes Mendes, which is claimed by many to be Brazils most beautiful beach) and rougher seas characterise the south side.

Regular boatservices from Angra dos Reis and Mangaratiba connect the Island with the mainland. As there are no cars allowed on the Island Ilha Grande the island is a true paradise for naturalists and hikers. Divers will definitively appreciate the clear waters with its abundant Marine wildlife (seaturtles are often seen) and wrecks of sunken ships.