Brazil holds the longest coastline in the world, extending for around 8,000 kilometers. With this great extension, tourists can easily find several beaches and islands in Brazil, making this Latin American country one of the world’s most fantasized-about exotic destinations.
Here are seven of the best islands in Brazil, each with its own personality and its own reasons to visit.
1. Ilha Grande Island
One of the most beautiful places on the Atlantic Ocean, Ilha Grande offers several beautiful beaches along its 120 square miles.
Located in the Angra dos Reis District, Rio de Janeiro, the island attracts visitors who love luxury accommodations as well as those who are keen to experience adventure travels.
The main local attractions include Pico do Papagaio (Parrot Peak)- a prominent hill with a panoramic view of the island, Cachoeira da Feiticeira (Witch Waterfall) -a very popular attraction, Farol dos Castelhanos (Castelhanos Lighthouse)-one of the oldest on the Brazilian coast, and Acaiá Cave- where there is amazing fluorescence when the sunlight reaches the water in the underground chamber. Also, be sure to visit Lagoa Verde (Green Lagoon) -a swimming hole with transparent waters and lots of colorful fish, Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon)- a small bay where divers can see several species of fish, crustaceans, and coral reefs, and Lopes Mendes Beach- one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil.
2. Ilhabela Island
Ilhabela is a natural resort for visitors looking for peace and quiet and the opportunity to experience its astonishing nature. It also offers trendy events and excellent infrastructure. The destination has more than 40 breathtaking beaches.
Ilhabela is comprised of approximately 14 islands and islets. It is located about 210 km from the city of São Paulo.
Tourists can get there on a cruise boat or by ferry. Containing beautiful beaches, Ilhabela lives up to its reputation as one of the most popular destinations among Brazilian and foreign tourists.
The island is a small piece of paradise on earth that includes both beaches and mountains. It is surrounded by the Ilhabela State Park, an incredible Atlantic rainforest reserve that attracts hikers and nature lovers. It is also home to ecotourism attractions for families, children, and adventure lovers. The beautiful local waterfalls, deserted beaches, and exciting trails make it an unforgettable destination.
The island offers attractions that will please everyone. Waterfalls and natural pools, forest trails that lead to deserted beaches, lush nature, and diverse wildlife. It is great for bird-watching.
Some of the activities that visitors must do include boat rides to paradise beaches, snorkeling expeditions to observe marine life, such as turtles and several types of local fish, and scuba diving adventures to explore shipwrecks that have been there for centuries.
The charming small town has excellent infrastructure and plenty of events that attract tourists during the whole year, such as the Ilhabela In Jazz Festival and the Shrimp Festival,
3. Fernando de Noronha
Located in the northeastern region of Brazil, Fernando de Noronha is a combination of crystal-clear waters, white sand, lush nature and rich marine life that attracts people from all over the world.
The archipelago comprises 21 islands and islets. It is a place of breathtaking landscapes. Local beaches are divided into two categories: the inner sea beaches (those facing the South American continent), and the outer sea beaches (those facing the open Atlantic Ocean and the African continent).
Some of the most popular beaches in Fernando de Noronha are the Bay of Pigs (Baía dos Porcos), Lion Beach (Praia do Leão), and Sancho Bay (Baía do Sancho), which was twice voted the best beach on the planet by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Also, Fernando de Noronha is considered one of the best locations for diving. Its clear waters provide excellent visibility, making it possible to observe local marine life such as coral reefs, dolphins, turtles, and sharks. Visitors are able to go scuba diving if guided by certified local instructors.
There are a variety of activities on the island for people of all ages. These activities include ecological trails, boat rides to observe dolphins, and visits to the National Marine Park and the Shark Museum.
Another activity that every visitor can find in Fernando de Noronha must do is enjoy the famous local sunset.
4. Ilha do Mel (Honey Island)
With stunning landscapes and amazing beaches, Ilha do Mel is a paradise located in Brazil’s southern region
Ilha do Mel is home to beautiful beaches that can be visited all year round and the best-preserved stretch of Atlantic RainForest in the country.
Vehicles are not allowed on the island, so you will find several sand streets and paths that are perfect for long hikes. The Island also has a good infrastructure that includes inns and restaurants.
You can also explore the local sambaquis (middens), which are shell heaps with archaeological remains.
Ilha do Mel offers beaches for all tastes. Praia da Fortaleza (Fortress Beach) is quiet and calm. Praia das Encantadas (Enchanted Beach), on the other hand, is popular with young people. And Praia Grande (Large Beach), has great waves for surfing.
Only 5,000 visitors can enter the Island at a time, and animals are not allowed.
5. Boipeba
Located in the south of the state of Bahia, Boipeba Island is one of the islands of the Tinharé archipelago. Surrounded by the Atlantic ocean on one side, and the Inferno River estuary on the other, this island is of rare natural beauty, home to a great variety of ecosystems.
UNESCO has listed Boipeba Island as a Biosphere Reserve and as a World Heritage Site.
In fact, the island offers a unique nature. It is the perfect place for travelers who want to spend their vacations looking for peace and quiet, seeking relaxation and rest while being close to nature.
They can enjoy the beaches in the shade of coconut palms, hiking and walking on beach and inland trails, or boating or canoeing to deserted beaches.
With good infrastructure, Boipeba Island also offers bars and restaurants.
6. Marajó
Considered the largest river island in the world, Ilha do Marajó (Marajó Island) is located between the banks of the Amazon rainforest and the Atlantic Ocean.
Ilha de Marajó offers deserted beaches, exquisite river beaches, and lush mangroves. It is home to capybaras, and herds of water buffalo wallowing in the marshes. The buffalo is the symbol of the island and they can be seen all over the place.
To get there, most tourists head to the island’s most developed town, Soure, from Belém city, the capital of the state of Pará.
7. Campeche
Considered The Caribbean of the South of Brazil, Campeche Island is an ecological sanctuary and archeological site.
Located in the Brazilian southern state of Santa Catarina, the island offers a crystal clear shallow sea and bright white sand. It extends below the water’s surface too, where swimmers can snorkel among fish and other marine animals from the Atlantic ocean.
Campeche is listed by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN) for its set of inscriptions carved into the rocks dating back 5,000 years.