22 Nov
2022
How to Get to Ilha Grande:
There is no Airport in Ilha Grande. The nearest International Airport is from Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
Several Airlines fly to Rio from outside of Brazil. Here is a list:
Aerolineas Argentinas / AeroMexico / Air Canada / Air France / Alitalia / American Airlines / Avianca / British Airways / Copa Airlines / Delta Airlines / Emirates / Iberia / KLM / Lan Chile / Lufthansa / TAAG / TACA Peru / TAP / United Airlines.
And Brazilian Companies TAM and Gol.
And Rio has direct connections with most, if not all, of the cities that are reached by International Flights, so even if you are not flying to Rio directly you are very likely just one connection away.
From Rio de Janeiro you can catch a transfer to Ilha Grande. You will need ground and sea transportation, since Ilha Grande is an Island.
Location:
Ilha Grande is located in the Southeast of Brazil in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Ilha Grande is an Island located 3:00 hours away from Rio de Janeiro metropolis and 3:00 hours away from Paraty. The Island is located in the south of Rio de Janeiro State.
What to see:
Ilha Grande is an island ringed by beaches, covered by Atlantic forest and crossed by winding trails. On its southeastern shore, the long, palm-lined stretch of Lopes Mendes Beach is known for its strong surf. It is the largest beach in Ilha Grande, with 3km of very white and fine sand. The color of the water and its different shades are fascinating. Lagoa Azul, in the island’s north, has sheltered, fish-filled waters. Considered the 2nd Wonder of Ilha Grande, a snorkeling trip becomes unmissable in the turquoise and crystal clear waters. On the northeast coast, the village of Abraão has the 19th-century São Sebastião Church.
Climate and Temperature in Ilha Grande:
The temperatures in Ilha Grande are quite the same of Rio de Janeiro. Warm towards the end of spring until the end of summer – that being from November through the end of March. The average maximum temperature in those months are close to 30 Degrees Celsius or 86 Fahrenheit. But it is not unusual, except for the winter months, to get peaks of 40 Celsius or 104 Fahrenheit on some days. It rains more during this warm months, though in these last few years, it hasn’t rain as many times as the records would show.
The coldest months are May through August. But the temperatures are usually around 20 Degrees Celsius or 68 Degrees Fahrenheit, getting slightly warmer in the sunny days in around noon and a little bit chill early in the morning and during the evenings.
Ilha Grande has a lot to offer beyond its beautiful beaches. So coming in winter, might just prove to be some serious savings, as flights and hotels are cheaper.
In the months of April, September and October, the temperatures are mild. Some cool days and some warm days.
Average Minimum and Maximum Temperature Over The Year In Celsius
Average Minimum and Maximum Temperature Over The Year In Fahrenheit
Average Rainy Days
Average Sunshine hours
The best time to go to Ilha Grande:
The best time to go is in late October through January, which is before high season starts through mid-high season.
Carnival or Carnaval falls on a different date every year. You should always check before booking, either to avoid it, because the island and the city of Rio are busy and a little bit more expensive, or because you want to be a part of it.
You just have to pick the date based on what you like doing and how your relationship with temperatures is.
What to try from Ilha Grande's local cuisine:
Ilha Grande is a strong destination for adventure and nature but the gastronomy is not behind. The typical dish of Ilha Grande is the fish with banana, the original caiçara and, as is natural in the coastal regions, the seafood is offered everywhere, with fresh products bought directly from the local fishermen. We can mention as examples the stews, moquecas, risotos, the popular fried fish, the Brazilian fish, etc.
The gastronomy of Ilha Grande, of course also offers traditional cuisine, with beef, poultry, salads, pastas, pizzas, etc.
The gastronomic establishments are classified in bars, snack bars, restaurants per kilo and a la carte, pizzerias, ice cream shops. They are mostly located on the waterfront area and in many of them you can either walk in the sand of the beach under the shade of trees or under an umbrella on a deck overlooking the ocean.
Some beaches that can be visited by hiking or boating, there is no food and no drinks. Others will have hawkers to provide drinks, salads and snacks, just like in beaches of Rio.
Fish (Brazilian style): Cooked fish with tomatoes and onions, with sauce and served with cooked bananas.
General Information:
Local Time is UCT/GMT – 3.
Currency is the same all over Brazil - BRL – R$ - Brazilian Reais. Pronounced as Re-eyes (plural) or Re-owl (singular). No establishment accepts payment in any currency other than BRL.
Tap water is not drinkable. You should only drink bottled water. That is what you’ll be served when you ask for “water” anywhere you go.
