Highlight
Lopes Mendes beach
Ilha Grande's star beach: 3 km of fine white sand and clear surf on the ocean side.
Typical duration
300 min
Price
Free; shared boat R$70–100 pp return (≈ €11–15 / $12–17)
From port
6 km / 3.7 mi
Transfer time
60 min
Indoor / Outdoor
outdoor
Queue risk
medium
🕐 Best time to visit
Take a 09:30 or 10:30 boat; return boats from 15:00
Lopes Mendes is the beach people come to Ilha Grande for. It's long, wide and almost wild, with fine white sand that squeaks underfoot and clear, turquoise water. Waves roll in from the open Atlantic, so it's a surf beach: swim near the shore and watch for currents. Almond trees give plenty of shade. Shared boats from Abraão drop you at Praia dos Mangues or Praia do Pouso, from where a 20–25 minute trail crosses the headland. There's no fresh water and only seasonal snack sellers, so bring water.
Getting there from the port
Shared boat to Praia do Pouso (about 35 minutes), then a 20–25 minute trail.