Ilha Grande is a pristine island located just off Brazil’s Costa Verde a couple of hours drive outside of Rio its a ideal destination to include in your
Brazil tour holiday itinerary. Accessed from the mainland by a short ferry ride, the island which is covered in virgin Atlantic forest is also a protected nature reserve. The island has a colourful history, once inhabited by pirates, then a leper colony and later a high security prison. Vila do Abraão is the main town yet it is still fairly sedate with dirt roads and a pretty pink church. No cars are allowed on the island which has helped to retain the low key atmosphere and protect the environment.