The Big Island (in Portuguese, Ilha Grande) is an island located in the bay of the same name, off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro.
It is part of the municipality of Angra dos Reis.
Vila do Abraão has about 3,000 inhabitants, and is known as the capital of the island.
Its economic activity revolves around tourism and fishing.
It has a rugged outline, with 34 small peninsulas, 7 inlets and 106 beaches.
It has several peaks, the highest altitude is Pico da Pedra d'Agua with 1031 meters above sea level and Pico do Papagaio, with 982 meters above sea level. Areas of extensive vegetation and even very dense jungle, hills, steep slopes, pontoons, plains, rivers and caves predominate.
Ilha Grande was a prison island until 1994, so it is a relatively new tourist destination. The largest tourist structure is in Vila do Abraão, a place where lodgings, restaurants and tour agencies that organize excursions in the surroundings are concentrated.
On the island there are no cars or motorized land transport, only walking, cycling or boating is allowed.
See more information about Ilha Grande
See also information on Angra dos Reis.
