Destination
Ilha Grande from Paraty: Is the Side Trip Worth It?
Lopes Mendes, one of Brazil's most beautiful beaches, sits across the same bay. How to combine Ilha Grande with your Paraty trip.
Ilha Grande shares the same bay as Paraty and holds one of the country's most celebrated beaches: Lopes Mendes, a strip of bright white sand and open sea, reachable only by trail or boat. Many travelers wonder whether they can see the island from Paraty — and the answer depends on how much time you have.
The real distance
Despite sharing the bay, Paraty and Vila do Abraão (the island's main village) have no short direct crossing — most ferries and schooners leave from Angra dos Reis or Conceição de Jacareí, about 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Paraty. So a same-day round trip is possible, but tiring.
Day trip or overnight?
If you only have a day, you're better off enjoying Paraty's own bay tours, which deliver equally beautiful beaches and islands without the transfer. But if Lopes Mendes is on your list, stay at least one night in Vila do Abraão — that way you hit the trail early and the beach nearly empty.
What to see on the island
- Lopes Mendes — the icon beach, reached by a forest trail or boat + walk.
- Vila do Abraão — the car-free village, base for tours and a low-key nightlife.
- Lagoa Azul (the island's) — a snorkeling natural pool on local schooner tours.
- Trails through preserved Atlantic forest, part of a state park.
