Roger Pento. Date of travel: Jan 2004
Just 2 hours south of Rio lies Ilha Grande (Big Island), a gem in Brazilian waters that makes for one of the most romantic hideaways. We took the ferry from Angra dos Reis that arrives in Abraao Cove which is the tourism 'hub' of the island with an assortment of relaxed guesthouses and restaurants. The island is hilly and can be exlpored by walking along numerous windy trails or by chartering a boat. There are so many stunningly beautiful beaches to choose from that we had a hard time trying decide what to miss out on - we'll certainly have to go back! The prettiest beach on the island and indeed the whole Brazilian coast is Lopes Mendes, but there were so many coves, inlets and private sandy beaches that is was impossible to decide which place was my favourite part of the island.