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IMAVI favorite places in Angra dos Reis

These are the ten places in Angra dos Reis and on Ilha Grande we would send a friend to. Clear-water beaches, a waterfall, a car-free village and two historic gems on the mainland. Each comes with a practical tip, the best time to go and the mood of the look.

This is not a ranking. It is our heart map, made of the places that come to mind when someone walks into the store and asks: if you had a free day, where would you go? Pick one, go slowly and let it surprise you.

1. 01
   Beach · Ilha Grande

   Lopes Mendes beach

   Three kilometers of white sand so fine it squeaks under your feet. The sea is open, strong and every shade of blue. Arriving through the forest makes that first swim unforgettable.

   Tip

   Skip the umbrella: almond trees shade the length of the beach.

   When to go

   Morning, on sunny days from May to September

   Wear

   Activewear on top, bikini underneath: our Swim and Sweat.

   View on Google Maps

2. 02
   Natural pool · Ilha Grande

   Blue Lagoon (Lagoa Azul)

   A natural pool between small islands, no sand, where you can see the bottom clearly and fish swim all around you. The bluest water in the bay on a sunny day.

   Tip

   Bring a snorkel mask and take nothing from the sea; it is a protected area.

   When to go

   Late morning, with the sun high

   Wear

   A bikini with sturdy straps that stays put when you dive.

   View on Google Maps

3. 03
   Snorkeling · Ilha Grande Bay

   Botinas islets

   Two palm-topped islets that look like a pair of boots from above. Clear green water, 3 to 10 meters deep, is among the best for seeing fish up close.

   Tip

   Boats usually anchor in open water: bring a mask and leave your phone on board.

   When to go

   Calm-sea days, late morning

   Wear

   A high-cut bodysuit, from deck to water without changing.

   View on Google Maps

4. 04
   Beach · Gipóia Island

   Dentista beach

   Pale sand, blue water and boats anchored like a window display. The most famous beach in Angra, and it earns the fame on a weekday.

   Tip

   It gets very crowded on weekends; go Monday to Friday if you can.

   When to go

   Weekdays, early afternoon

   Wear

   Hot pants and a bikini top, made for photos in the shallows.

   View on Google Maps

5. 05
   Waterfall · Ilha Grande

   Feiticeira waterfall

   About 15 meters of falling water in the Atlantic Forest, with a swimming pool and a natural rock slide. Cold water after the hike feels like a gift.

   Tip

   Walk in from Abraão, or take a boat to Feiticeira beach and hike up from there.

   When to go

   Morning, after a few days without heavy rain

   Wear

   Leggings and a strappy top, with a bikini underneath for the pool.

   View on Google Maps

6. 06
   Village · Ilha Grande

   Vila do Abraão

   Sandy streets, no cars and the São Sebastião church facing the sea. Just outside the village, the Lazareto ruins and the arches of the old aqueduct tell the island's story.

   Tip

   The Lazareto ruins and the aqueduct are a short, flat walk from the waterfront.

   When to go

   Late afternoon, when the tour boats come back

   Wear

   A classic bodysuit with shorts, polished enough for the evening.

   View on Google Maps

7. 07
   History · Ilha Grande

   Dois Rios beach and Ecomuseum

   A long, almost empty beach with a river meeting the sea at each end. In the village, the Prison Museum keeps the memory of the island's former penitentiary.

   Tip

   The Ecomuseum opens Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm; confirm before you go.

   When to go

   Leave before 8 am, from May to August

   Wear

   Light flare pants and a crop top for the dirt-road walk.

   View on Google Maps

8. 08
   Sunset · Ilha Grande

   Saco do Céu

   A cove so sheltered the sea looks like a lake. On moonless nights the stars reflect on the water, which is where the name, Sky Cove, comes from.

   Tip

   The easiest way in is by boat or water taxi from Abraão.

   When to go

   Sunset and early evening, away from the full moon

   Wear

   The Carmel bodysuit with a light cover-up for still water at dusk.

   View on Google Maps

9. 09
   History · Downtown Angra

   Senhor do Bonfim Chapel

   A tiny 1780 chapel on an islet facing Bonfim beach, with a columned porch and a Rococo altar. A listed national heritage site, it is Angra before the speedboats.

   Tip

   Admire it from Bonfim beach; access is easier at low tide, but watch for boats in the channel.

   When to go

   Late afternoon, with golden light on the facade

   Wear

   A classic bikini with bias-cut shorts, beach to stroll.

   View on Google Maps

10. 10
    History · Downtown Angra

    Carmo Convent and Church

    The Carmelites arrived in Angra around 1593, and today's complex, two churches with a bell tower between them, dates from the 18th century. A pocket of calm and old tiles in the middle of town.

    Tip

    It sits next to Praça General Osório; pair it with a walk around the historic center.

    When to go

    Morning, before the heat

    Wear

    Flare pants and a cropped tank, easy and elegant in town.

    View on Google Maps

Updated September 21, 2026

IMAVI is not a travel agency and does not sell or run tours. This content is for information only. Book tours only with companies and guides registered with Cadastur, Brazil's official Ministry of Tourism registry. Schedules, prices and sea conditions change, so always confirm with the operator on the day.