The Most Beautiful Islands of Brazil

Brazil is known for its beautiful and friendly people, the Samba, the best carnival in the world and of course the unique Amazon Rainforest. But some of the most beautiful places in Brazil are not on land but in the middle of the ocean. The Brazilian islands are beautiful and home to unique landscapes. So if you have always dreamed of escaping to an exotic, tropical place, you will definitely want to see the following Brazilian islands on your next Brazil vacation.

The Ilha Grande is a true wonder of nature: 74,5 square miles (193 square kilometers) of surface, 80,7 miles (130 kilometers) of coastline, 113 beaches, including some pearls that are among the most beautiful in Brazil. A beach for everyone? Lopes Mendes, a paradise of tranquility overlooking a quiet bay, which can be reached after only a few hours of trekking through the Atlantic Rainforest. The name Ilha Grande means "Big Island". It is located in the federal state of Rio de Janeiro. Once the island was home to a high-security prison, which was closed more than twenty years ago, which is why the island has been able to preserve its wild and untouched character until today.

About 124 miles (200 kilometers) south of Ilha Grande is another famous island of Brazil, Ilhabela in the federal state of São Paulo. Actually, the name Ilhabela, "Beautiful Island", refers to a small archipelago whose largest island is São Sebastião. Here, along 130 kilometers of coastline, tourists will find about 60 beaches of all sizes, from the loneliest and most hidden to the most easily accessible, perfect for families with children. The more famous resorts are located on the side of the island facing the mainland, where the most populous cities are also located. Praia do Curral is probably the hippest place on the island, with luxury resorts and trendy clubs.

The discoverer Amerigo Vespucci, who was the first to describe the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, is said to have said, that paradise is here. Still today, 500 years after Vespucci, visitors to Noronha are enchanted by its beauty. Only 700 visitors per day are allowed to visit the islands to preserve their ecosystem and charm. For this reason, Fernando de Noronha, located about 350 kilometers off the coast of Brazil, is considered one of the most exclusive tourist destinations in Brazil and is part of a nature reserve.
There are incredibly beautiful beaches on the island. There is something for everyone, such as the quiet Baía do Sueste with its shallow and clear water, the exciting Cacimba do Padre, a mecca for surfers thanks to its up to 5 meter high waves, or the wonderful Baía dos Porcos, which is guarded by the rock formation Dois Irmãos. And then there is Praia do Sancho, voted the most beautiful beach in the world by Tripadvisor in 2020!

On Ilha do Mel there are no cars, no paved roads or public lighting since electricity arrived here only shortly before the year 2000. You only come here to enjoy the silence and discover the enchanting beaches. The Ilha do Mel (English "Honey Island") is located in the federal state of Paraná, in the south of Brazil. 95 percent of its area (10,4 square miles; 27 square kilometers) is a nature reserve. The island has the shape of an 8, with the two asymmetrical parts connected by a sandy isthmus, which also forms a long beach. Most of the island is practically wild and there are no roads, while the smaller part is where the houses, tourist facilities and the entire life of Ilha do Mel are concentrated. At its southernmost point is Praia de Encantadas, where the sea is calmer and flows into the enchanting Gruta das Encantadas on the left. It is said, that this cave is the home of mermaids.

Is there an island that is almost as big as Vermont and New Hampshire combined and is surrounded on all sides by freshwater? The answer is yes. The island is the largest river island in the world and is located in the delta of the Amazon in the federal state of Pará in northern Brazil. The Ilha de Marajó is crossed by several rivers, along which there are small beaches with inns offering typical cuisine. If you are looking for the more lively part of the Ilha de Marajó, you must head towards the ocean, to the town of Soure, which gives its name to the surrounding marine reserve. Here you will find large beaches with calmer waters and there is no lack of restaurants and clubs all the way to the shore.

A tiny green paradise with a dream beach and turquoise waters: Ilha do Campeche is a small island only 800 meters long, located in front of the larger Ilha de Santa Catarina, in the federal state of Santa Catarina. Beyond its enchanting appearance, Ilha do Campeche is especially famous for the archaeological sites in its interior, with rock inscriptions that are between 5000 and 3500 years old. There are guided tours along the Trilha Volta Norte to visit the rock inscriptions.
But Ilha do Campeche is not only a destination for history lovers. Its long, light-colored sandy beach also attracts those who want to spend their vacation on the Ilha de Santa Catarina and spend a day away from all the hustle and bustle. The beach is dotted with large round rocks and thus protected from the strong current of the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks to the transparent water it is a perfect place for snorkeling.

The islands of Tinharé and Boipeba are located in the federal state of Bahia, south of Salvador. They are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the east and the Rio dos Patos in the west and separated by the Rio do Inferno. The only way to reach these two islands is by sea or river. On Tinharé and Boipeba there are no cars, but paths for walking or cycling. This is also due to the fact that the area has been declared a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO, also thanks to the Mata Atlântica, the Atlantic Rainforest that alternates with the savannah and lagoons on these islands.
But we are not dealing with uninhabited land. On both islands, there are several lively villages that attract tourists with accommodations and restaurants. These are usually located near the most beautiful and comfortable beaches, such as Praia das Ondinhas de Garapuá, a large bay flanked on both sides by huge natural pools, or Praia de Gamboa, with rock formations and emerald waters. A particularly exciting point is the mouth of the Rio do Inferno, which separates the two islands by a landscape of crystal-clear water, golden sandbanks and palm trees. Those who love off-road cycling will have a lot of fun here. And on the other side of the river, on the island of Boipeba, there is a beautiful beach with a great view. Many also come here because of the coral reef, which is on the Atlantic side of the island and attracts diving enthusiasts from all over the world.

The southernmost point of the Brazilian federal state of São Paulo lies on the Ilha do Cardoso, 90 percent of which is covered by the Atlantic Rainforest and protected as Parque Estadual da Ilha do Cardoso. Only a few hundred people live in this ecological reserve. Although they do not have cars, they can enjoy the unspoiled beaches and the sea every day.
Ilha do Cardoso, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a succession of natural pools, cliffs, dunes and hidden paths leading to beautiful waterfalls. The wide, west-facing beaches are ideal for cycling on the dunes and swimming. Trekking fans will also find numerous hiking trails in the hills and forests of this island. Ilha do Cardoso is indeed a destination yet to be discovered.

As you can see, the largest country in South America has a lot to offer, even true dream islands. On your next trip to Brazil, plan a stop on one of the islands and see for yourself how beautiful they are!

Sources: theculturetrip.com, www.lonelyplanet.com, www.visitbrasil.com