Ilha Grande

The island is really filled with beauty. The mountains rise right form the shore out of the sparkling blue sea. The grandeur is breathtaking. The town most people come into is all tightly pressed against the strip of beach there. It is very quaint and welcoming.

By moving to your left as you hit the beach we found several great pousadas to choose from. The places were all clean and very well cared for. Later we saw that a bunch of them were tucked all over in the town but we really preferred the beach front as that was 90% of the reason for our visit. By going almost to the end we were perfectly set up for our romantic get away. The price was reasonable and the accommodations excellent. I did not see a hotel or pousada of any size on the whole island so you need to expect the intimacy of sole proprietor.

We found several great restaurants all with in the few blocks of the pier we came in on. Had we stayed more then a few days we would have been forced to return to the same place as selection for a fine dinner was not large. They did make up for it in that they had excellent food and service. I always like it when they want my service. Breakfast was at the pousada we stayed at. Since this is part of the price you are paying it makes perfect sense to eat there. The selection overall was very Brazilian in style with little differentiation. This is not a trip for the gourmet but for the soul.

The best part is just getting up each day and hopping around the paths looking for that perfect strip of beach or that perfect hilltop from which to get a view. The beaches are very protected and kid friendly. The surf is not fierce. Lots of streams run down the hillsides creating some fun waterfalls and babbling brooks. I was a little amazed at the lack of wild life. Being from the states I always expect more mammals then we encounter in Brazil. The birds were everywhere and added a nice din to the morning. The rainforest was very lush and seemed devoid of mosquitoes. Always a nice thing. I have some friends going the area in September and UI made sure they put Ilha Grande on there do not miss list.

Rio De Janeiro / Paraty / Angra / Copacabana / Buzios / Coba Frio / Ilha Grande