10 Best Beautiful Islands in Brazil, its is renowned for its stunning and hospitable population, the captivating samba dance, hosting the grandest Carnival celebration globally, and, undoubtedly, the breathtaking Amazon rainforest. However, it may surprise you to learn that Brazil also boasts enchanting islands. If you have ever fantasized about retreating to a paradisiacal tropical destination, then you must explore the remarkable Brazilian islands listed below.
Ilha de Itamaraca
Ilha de Itamaraca, situated off the coast of Pernambuco, is a renowned tourist spot, particularly among the inhabitants of nearby cities like Recife and Olinda. This captivating island offers a plethora of picturesque beaches and significant historical landmarks, such as Fort Orange, constructed by the Dutch in 1631. Moreover, if you have a penchant for watersports, Ilha de Itamaraca provides ample opportunities for indulging in thrilling aquatic activities.
One can opt to discover the mangroves by kayaking, acquire the skill of kitesurfing, indulge in jet skiing or simply relish swimming in the balmy waters enveloping the island. Additionally, the Manatee Preservation Center situated on the island is a well-liked destination for animal enthusiasts and kids.
Ilha do Mel is one of the 10 Best Beautiful Islands in Brazil
Ilha do Mel, which translates to Honey Island, is renowned for its serene beauty. Visitors who have experienced this island will attest to its delightful charm. With its picturesque beaches and lush jungles, Ilha do Mel offers the perfect retreat from the chaos of everyday life.
One unique aspect of this island is the absence of cars, requiring visitors to either walk or rent a bike for transportation. The inhabitants of Ilha do Mel are dedicated to preserving the island’s pristine condition while also catering to eco-conscious tourists.
During your visit to Ilha do Mel, be sure to explore one of its most popular attractions, the enchanting sea cave known as Gruta das Encantadas or Grotto of the Enchanted. This captivating natural wonder is a must-see for all visitors.
Ilhabela
Located on the northern coast of Sao Paulo, Ilhabela is a stunning group of islands that lives up to its name, which means beautiful island. With over 360 waterfalls and gorgeous beaches, visitors to Ilhabela will quickly understand why it’s considered one of Brazil’s most beautiful destinations.
The islands are also home to a variety of wildlife, including wild monkeys and over 300 species of birds, such as toucans, that can be found in the thick tropical jungles. Ilhabela is also known as Brazil’s sailing capital and hosts the largest sailing competition in Latin America, the Rolex International Sailing Week, every year. Additionally, watersports like surfing and snorkeling are popular activities on these islands.
Ilha de Santa Catarina
The island of Ilha de Santa Catarina offers a diverse range of attractions within a compact area. Among these attractions is Florianopolis, the capital of Santa Catarina state, which is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and historic downtown district.
Visitors to the island can also enjoy the stunning beaches, including the popular Joaquina Beach, as well as the picturesque Brazilian pine forests, lakes, and dunes. With two suspension bridges connecting it to the mainland, Ilha de Santa Catarina is a popular destination for tourists from neighboring countries such as Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Ilha de Tinhare
This stunning island is most likely renowned for the village of Morro de Sao Paulo. This quaint village lacks streets or cars, and showcases picturesque palm tree-lined beaches with easily memorable names like First, Second, Third, and Fourth.
Ilha de Tinhare is a traveler’s paradise with Second Beach being the most sought-after destination due to its numerous bars and restaurants. Apart from Second Beach, the island is also home to other settlements like Grapua, Gamboa, and Galeao. If you plan to visit Ilha de Tinhare, you’ll have a plethora of activities to indulge in. The island’s crystal-clear and warm waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. Trekking around the island is also a popular activity among tourists. Additionally, Boipeba, a small neighboring island, is a must-visit for many travelers.
Ilha Grande
Consider visiting Ilha Grande if you’re searching for an island that has remained largely undeveloped. This island is situated approximately 160 km (100 miles) from Rio de Janeiro and has been utilized for some interesting purposes over the years.
It was once a leper colony and served as a prison for more than 90 years, housing some of Brazil’s worst criminals. However, since the prison’s closure in 1994, it has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its stunning beaches and breathtaking rainforests. Ilha Grande is also a nature preserve, providing a habitat for an array of incredible wildlife, such as monkeys, parrots, iguanas, and capybaras.
Fernando de Noronha
To ensure a visit to the stunning archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, consisting of 21 islands and islets in the Atlantic Ocean, it is important to plan ahead. Due to the fragility of the islands, only a limited number of 460 tourists are permitted to visit per day.
However, it is highly recommended to include Fernando de Noronha in your travel itinerary if possible. This is supported by Conde Nast, who named the archipelago as “possibly the most relaxing and most beautiful place” in the world, and the New York Times, who listed it as a must-visit destination in 2014. The crystal clear waters surrounding the islands are home to a variety of marine life, including fish, dolphins, and turtles, making it an ideal location for snorkeling and diving. Additionally, the islands boast numerous deserted beaches, charming coves, and picturesque waterfalls, making it a truly unique and exclusive destination.
Ilha do Cardoso
Yuri Cruvinel Ribeiro / Wikipedia
Ilha do Cardoso, a mountainous island that became a state park in 1962, is situated off the southernmost point of Sao Paulo. The surrounding waters of this island are abundant with various species of whales, seals, and dolphins. If you’re fortunate, you may even have the opportunity to swim alongside wild dolphins.
When it comes to the island itself, Ilha do Cardoso is an ideal retreat, particularly for nature enthusiasts. This picturesque island showcases a rugged coastline, charming waterfalls, natural pools, and lush forests. Similar to its surrounding waters, the island is also brimming with life. Some of the creatures you may encounter here include monkeys, alligators, otters, and parrots.
Ilha do Marajo
Ilha do Marajo is a truly unique island in Brazil, distinguished by its location at the mouth of the Amazon River rather than in the ocean. It is also impressively large, comparable in size to Switzerland, and holds the title of the world’s largest fluvial island.
Visitors to the island can witness the impressive tidal bore waves that can reach up to 4 meters (13 feet) in height, and enjoy the company of thousands of birds, including herons and the striking scarlet ibis. The island’s relaxed pace of life is exemplified by the presence of water buffalo wandering its streets. For those seeking a peaceful and natural vacation, Ilha do Marajo is the perfect destination.
Ilha do Campeche
Ilha do Campeche, situated on the eastern coast of Florianopolis, is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters that are ideal for snorkeling. However, this island is not just any ordinary island. It is home to over 100 ancient petroglyphs, making it a fascinating archaeological site.
To witness these treasures, you can opt for a guided tour. To preserve the island’s natural beauty, the number of visitors allowed per day is restricted, and visitors are only permitted to explore the island for four hours. During the winter months, Ilha do Campeche is closed to visitors.
