The boat quay
To the beaches.
TMbux — CC BY-SA 3.0 · TMbux — CC BY-SA 3.0 · João Geraldo Ferreira — CC BY-SA 3.0
Abraão is the largest village on Ilha Grande, the mountainous island clad in Atlantic forest south of Rio de Janeiro, and its unofficial capital, home to a few thousand people. Its name most likely comes from the old Portuguese word abra, a small bay. There are virtually no cars anywhere on the island, most of which is protected by the Ilha Grande State Park. For nearly a century the island was closed to visitors: a quarantine station for immigrants arriving by ship was built here between 1884 and 1887, later becoming a military base and prison, and at Dois Rios on the far side stood a maximum-security prison that closed in 1994, after which tourism flourished. Ferries reach Abraão from Angra dos Reis and other mainland towns, and boats and footpaths set out from it to the island's beaches. It has guesthouses and simple restaurants on sandy lanes, and makes a good base for several nights.
To the beaches.
In Atlantic forest.
Without cars.
North coast of Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis
By ferry from Angra dos Reis or nearby mainland towns to Vila do Abraão; there are virtually no cars on the island.