Ilha Grande: 7 free activities for you to enjoy in Vila do Abraão

Do you want to visit Ilha Grande, one of Rio de Janeiro's most incredible destinations, without spending a lot? Then this post is for you! Here we will show you 7 free tourist activities you can do in Vila do Abraão, the island's main village. These tours will charm you with the island's natural and historical beauty. Curious? Then keep reading and check it out!

Stroll through Vila do Abraão

Vila do Abraão is where most of the island's tourist infrastructure is located. You can walk through the sandy streets, admire the colorful houses, visit the Church of São Sebastião, which is one of the island's main tourist attractions, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the pier and the beach. The village has a special charm and a rich history worth exploring.

Praia Preta (Black Beach)

Praia Preta is just a few meters from the center of Vila do Abraão and is a tranquil and historic beach. It has dark sand, formed by volcanic rocks, and the ruins of an old quarantine hospital and a prison that operated during the Empire. The hospital, called Lazareto, was built in 1871 to receive passengers arriving in Brazil contaminated with diseases such as cholera. Lazareto was deactivated in 1913 and then used as a prison during the Estado Novo. In 1954, the building was demolished by order of Governor Carlos Lacerda. Today, only the ruins of the underground part, some columns, a stone wall, and the cells made in the old bridge remain. The site can be visited for free on the outside and is a testament to the island's history.

Poção (The Pool)

Poção is a small waterfall located about a 20-minute walk from Vila do Abraão, following the trail that leads to Praia Preta. Poção was a place used by slaves to bathe during the time of D. Pedro II when the island was a royal farm. Today, Poção is a very beautiful and refreshing place where you can enjoy the cold water falling from a height of about 3 meters. Poção is also a good place to observe the fauna and flora of the Atlantic Forest that covers the island.

Trail to Praia de Palmas

The trail to Praia de Palmas is one of the easiest and most beautiful trails on the island. It starts in Vila do Abraão and takes about 1 hour to complete. The trail passes through the forest, where you can see various species of plants and animals, and also by some smaller beaches, such as Praia da Julia and Praia Brava. Praia de Palmas is beautiful, with clear and calm waters. It is a perfect beach for swimming, diving, and relaxing.

Trail to Praia do Abraãozinho

The trail to Praia do Abraãozinho is another easy and quick trail you can do from Vila do Abraão. It takes about 20 minutes to complete and follows the main beach's waterfront from the village until it reaches Praia do Abraãozinho. This is a small, but very charming and tranquil beach. It has clear and warm waters, soft sand, and almond tree shade. It's great for resting and enjoying the scenery.

Trail to Cachoeira da Feiticeira (Witch's Waterfall)

The trail to Cachoeira da Feiticeira is one of the most famous and sought-after on the island. It starts in Vila do Abraão and takes about 1 and a half hours to complete. The trail is a bit longer and steeper, but it's worth the effort, as Cachoeira da Feiticeira is one of the most beautiful and refreshing on the island. It is about 15 meters high and forms a natural pool of crystal clear water. Cachoeira da Feiticeira also has a legend that says a witch lived there and seduced the men who passed by the trail.

Walk to Dois Rios

The walk to Dois Rios is a really cool adventure to do on the island. It takes about 2 and a half hours to complete and is long and tiring. But it rewards you with incredible landscapes and a lot of history. The walk passes by the ruins of an aqueduct and an old prison, where some of Brazil's most famous criminals, such as Escadinha and Fernandinho Beira-Mar, were confined. The prison, called Instituto Penal Cândido Mendes, operated from 1903 to 1994 and was the birthplace of the criminal faction Comando Vermelho. In 1994, the prison was deactivated by Governor Leonel Brizola and imploded. The walk ends at Praia de Dois Rios, which is deserted, extensive, and wild, with blue waters and strong waves, ideal for surfing and contemplating nature.

Bonus tip: Picnic breakfast on the beach at sunrise

A unique experience you can have on Ilha Grande is a picnic breakfast on the beach at sunrise. Choose a strategic spot to enjoy the view, bring a sarong or towel to sit on the sand, wear comfortable and light clothes, and bring a hot coffee or tea to accompany the moment. You will be surprised by the colors of the sky and the sea, which change every moment, creating a spectacle of light and shadow. You will feel renewed and energized to enjoy your day on the island.

Ilha Grande is an incredible destination for those seeking contact with nature, paradisiacal beaches, and lots of adventure. And best of all: you don't need to spend a lot to enjoy all of this! In this post, we showed you 7 free tourist activities you can do in Vila do Abraão, the island's main village. These tours will charm you with the island's natural and historical beauty, in addition to providing unforgettable moments.

And if you want even more comfort and convenience on your trip, count on ILHA TOUR! We offer the best accommodation options in Vila do Abraão, close to the beach and shops, with easy access to all these activities. Options include camping, standard suites, apartments with kitchens, and guesthouses with breakfast. Don't waste time and make your reservation with us now! We guarantee that you will be enchanted by Ilha Grande and want to come back again and again!

Did you like this post? Then share it on your social media and help others discover this wonderful destination!