10 Best Islands in Brazil
What are the Most Beautiful Islands to Visit in Brazil?
If you like your beaches long, sandy and surrounded by the finest wildlife nature has to offer, then these best islands in Brazil are the place for you. Or we should say places, plural, because they all have something a little different to offer.
For active types, there are surf schools and snorkelling spots, nature hikes and strolls in shifting sand dunes. Those seeking a slower pace might want to rent an umbrella and sip on a cocktail. There’s even a luxury resort island for folks more accustomed to the finer things in life. Whatever image comes into your mind when you hear ‘beach’, you are sure to find it on one of Brazil’s beautiful islands.
1. Ilha do Marajò
A rural idyll
Categoría: Gastronomía en , Exótico
Roughly the size of Switzerland, Ilha do Marajò can be found in the Amazon River basin just below the equator. The island’s eastern side features an open savannah landscape and more water buffalo than people. Try taking a ranch tour, where you can learn from local farmers about the ecology of this rural area and sample some fresh buffalo milk.
The western side of the island is forested and full of wildlife and is a great area for bird spotting with a range of native birds, such as the scarlet ibis, making a home in the habitat. Afterwards, relax on one of the island’s many peaceful beaches, or take the chance to see the famous tidal bore phenomenon.
Ubicación: State of Pará, Brazil
Ilha do Marajò
2. Ilha Grande
Where nature takes centre stage
Categoría: Familias, De aventura
A little to the west of Rio Grande is the island of Ilha Grande, which is ringed by beautiful beaches and emerald seas. If sitting on the beach leaves you feeling restless, head to Vila do Abraão to try snorkelling amongst the tropical fish, or take a boat tour to appreciate the views of the island’s coasts from a distance.
Once you’ve had your fill of the beach, turn your back on the sea and hike the island’s forested hills. There are dozens of routes to choose from, but nothing beats a fresh, cool shower under a waterfall like Cachoeira da Feiticeira.
Ubicación: Angra dos Reis - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ilha Grande
3. Ilhabela
A lively place that welcomes tourists
Categoría: Parejas, Foto
Found just to the east of the cosmopolitan city of São Paulo, Ilhabela means ‘beautiful island’ in Portuguese, and it certainly lives up to this name. There is an abundance of long, golden beaches along its more developed west coast where you can choose between swimming, kitesurfing or simply sunbathing with a good book under a rental umbrella.
The city of Ilhabela is well-provisioned to welcome tourists, offering accommodation and restaurant options at a range of price points. If you’re staying for more than a day, consider seeing a concert at the Cultural Center of Red Bay.
Ubicación: State of São Paulo, Brazil
Ilhabela
4. Ilha do Mel
A sanctuary for wildlife, and mermaids
Categoría: De aventura, Exótico
Located in the south of the country, Ilha do Mel translates to ‘Honey Island’. You can reach it by boat, but as a large portion of the island is a nature reserve, no cars are allowed. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be exploring the long stretches of white sand beaches and wild forests on foot.
Despite its small size, the island is popular with tourists, and you’ll find plenty of vendors selling food and drinks by the beaches. If you’re walking the coast, see if you can find Enchanted Cave, which was said to be home to mermaids who sang siren songs to lure boats onto the rocks.
Ubicación: Paranaguá, State of Paraná, Brazil
Ilha do Mel
5. Fernando de Noronha
Nature meets luxury
Categoría: De lujo, Gastronomía en
Located over 215 miles (350 km) off the eastern tip of Brazil, Fernando de Noronha is something of a resort paradise. The island and surrounding atolls are actually the rugged tips of mountains poking up from the ocean, topped with lush forests that make for excellent hiking and nature photography. You’ll have a choice of dozens of luxury and spa hotels and can eat in a different restaurant for every meal of your stay.
Be prepared to allocate budget for flights to the island and for the daily fees that go towards maintaining the Marine National Park, which includes all those gorgeous beaches and emerald seas where you can swim beside the dolphins and turtles.
Ubicación: State of Pernambuco, 53990-000, Brazil
Fernando de Noronha
6. Ilha do Campeche
Exclusive, stunning and secluded
Categoría: Historia, De aventura
A tiny island near the city of Florianópolis, Ilha do Campeche is described by some as the Brazilian Caribbean for its brilliant white sands and crystal-clear waters. Bring a cooler of snacks and some cash to rent an umbrella and relax in some of the most stunning surroundings you’re ever likely to encounter.
Only 700 tourists are allowed to visit each day, so make sure you book your spot and reserve tickets with an official boat tour to take you over. You’re not allowed to stay overnight on the island, so make the most of your visit with a hiking tour and your guide will take you to ancient archaeological sites and reveal the history of the area.
Ubicación: State of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Ilha do Campeche
7. Ilha de Itaparica
A little taste of paradise
Categoría: Familias, Historia
Located just across the Bay of All Saints from the city of Salvador, Ilha de Itaparica is a lively island for both daytrips and longer stays. Explore the town of Vera Cruz for a taste of traditional Brazilian life and freshly caught seafood.
The east coast of the island is lined with beaches, so there’s plenty of space to sunbathe and for kids to play. Alternatively, take a long stroll with your beloved until you spot a cocktail bar you like the look of. History fans should head to the northern tip of the island to visit the Fort of Saint Lawrence, built in 1711 to protect the bay.
Ubicación: State of Bahia, Brazil
Ilha de Itaparica
8. Ilha do Cardoso
An unspoilt beauty
Categoría: De aventura, Parejas
Around 90% of Ilha do Cardoso is covered with untouched Atlantic Forest, making it the perfect place for ecotourists and wildlife enthusiasts. You won’t find beach umbrellas and cocktail huts here, just vast stretches of uninterrupted coast and the sound of the ocean lapping the shore.
Fewer than 500 people live on the island, but if you go to the village of Marujá, you’ll find a warm welcome at one of several bed and breakfasts. These make a great basecamp for a day of hiking in the forest and exploring the island’s natural beauty.
Ubicación: Cananéia, State of São Paulo, 11990-000, Brazil
Ilha do Cardoso
9. Ilha São Francisco do Sul
Off the usual tourist track
Categoría: Historia, Familias
Ilha São Francisco do Sul is home to the oldest city in the state of Santa Catarina. It boasts a must-see historic waterfront lined with colourful buildings in Portuguese, Azorean, German and Norwegian styles. From there, head to the east coast of the island to hit the beaches.
If you, or your children, would like to try surfing, check out the Escola de Surf Ubatuba Local on Ubatuba beach. Looking for a more peaceful vibe? Head down to Dunas da Praia Grande to stroll through the dunes. You’ll have the sea on one side of you and a nature reserve on the other, pure bliss.
Ubicación: State of Santa Catarina, 89240-000, Brazil
Ilha São Francisco do Sul
10. Ilha de Tinhare
The perfect place to escape to
Categoría: Familias, Foto
Ilha de Tinhare is what holidays were made for: a car-free paradise with plentiful, palm tree-lined beaches surrounded by turquoise seas. The shallow waters at the north-east of the island are particularly good for snorkelling, and there’s at least one surf school in the area.
The island is popular with folks who enjoy peaceful afternoons under beach umbrellas, casual seaside dining and relaxing at the great outdoors. If you feel the need to stretch your legs, take a short, gentle hike from either Gamboa or Morro do Sao Paulo to Fonte do Ceu and stand under the small waterfall until you feel brand new.
Ubicación: Cairu - State of Bahia, 45420-000, Brazil
Ilha de Tinhare
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