Angra dos Reis Travel Guide

(Last update: Oct 03, 2011 )

There are so many islands as days in the year. Beaches can be reached (it has more than 2000) on rented yachts and it has some of the most impressive diving stop in Brazil. We are talking about the city known as Angra dos Reis, located about 150 km from Rio de Janeiro downtown. In this city, which groups 365 islands, the weather is always warm and quite humid, with an average of 24 ° (minimum temperatures rarely fall below 19 °).

Kings Cove (this is what Angra dos Reis in Portuguese) was founded in 1502 and is currently one of the most popular tourist destinations for visitors to the State of Rio de Janeiro. To get to Angra dos Reis there are two modalities quite accessible: by land or water (the city's airport gets almost exclusively private planes). By land, from Rio de Janeiro, you can take the Presidente Dutra highway (BR-116) and go to Barra Mansa, there you go down a path with tunnels dug into the rock of the site and continue for about 96 km. You can also get to Angra dos Reis on a yacht or a boat rented from surrounding cities.

Tourism in the Islands

With 365 different islands to see, Angra dos Reis is one of the best places for sightseeing and exploration of islands. As you won't have enough time to go to all of them, it is best to pick where to go before you arrive the ones you are most interested to visit.

Ilha Grande is the largest of all. It has more than 100 beaches and an area covering about 190 square km. If you are looking for vegetation and ecological parks this is your place (in fact, it has more than 30% of the area occupied by the Biological Reserve of Praia do Sul). The tourist epicenter of the largest island in Angra dos Reis is Abraão. This island has hills, trails, hills, sandy beaches and forests.

Ilha de Gipoia, is an island with sandy beaches, good surf, and almost deserts inlets and bays. The beach of this island is 1 km wide and is surrounded by lush vegetation. Here we can explore ancient churches and learn about the history of this island in the form of cobra snake (hence its name).

Ilha de Itanhangá is a beautiful haven of nature and beyond walking and water sports, offers canoe trips to explore the tangle of the island. We strongly recommend the view from the top of this island.

Ilhas Botinas is known as the island with clearest and most transparent waters. These two islands that look like twins (the legend says that a pirate ship on the run, passed through a big island, leaving those two halves. It has white sands and waters, about 10 meters deep.

To move from one place to another, you could rent a boat sailor (Casi de Santa Luzia has got a very good price). Those who are always in a saving plan should search for group trips (always cheaper). With some services you can work out a schedule for the sailor to pass up for you later (giving a few hours to visit all interesting places).

Most attractive beaches

Angra dos Reis has almost as many beaches as islands. In some of the most famous islands, however, are those most beautiful. Praia de Lopes Mendes, for example, is one of the most famous beaches of Ilha Grande. It has an area of 3 km with fine and white sand. Be careful with the waves, it can be quite strong (many surfers use to go there). There are barely buildings around, and on the beach there is very few people. To reach that place you have to follow a path of about 8 km from Abraão.

Praia da Figueira has coconut trees and a lot of vegetation. The depth of the water is about 5 meters. Keep in mind that this beach can be reached by car. If we look for green water a good alternative is Praia das Éguas with sand fine and quite dark. Water is only 1 meter deep. Anil's Beach, on the other hand, has an excellent berth for ships leaving and dark sand and very thick. It is located in the most urbanized area of Angra dos Reis.

Outdoor activities

Among the most interesting things to do outdoors in Angra dos Reis are excursions of mountain biking, trekking, rafting, abseiling, campsites and canoeing. Here is also practiced different types of diving (snorking, apnea, standalone, etc.), available on several islands.

Those who only want to go for a walk through different types of terrain will feel comfortable with the trekking. We can choose different tours depending on the season in which we travel. The mountain bike tours are also quite accessible (you only need to know how to ride a bike and be encouraged to experience). There are circuits with extensions of up to 18 miles and bike rental services and protection.

Rafting and abseiling (rope down) is only for those with some experience in these activities. Anyway, there are always supervisors and guidance in charge of trips and outings. If you prefer something quieter we can go camping. Most campsites are concentrated in Ilha Grande (especially in Praia de Palmas, Enseada de Araçatiba and Vila do Abraão).

Night at Angra dos Reis

The best bars and restaurants can be found in this city are in Casi de Santa Luzia. Some of the places worth visiting are Ocean Bar, Video Art and Music Bar, Restaurant Bar da Diva and Costela For those who have little desire to dance forró, pagode or just pop and rock, the best is Armazém de Angra. This disco is open from Thursday to Saturday and has the best DJs in the aone.

Best of Angra dos Reis, also, is its variety. There are so many islands to know that until we know them all, we will be able to visit and keep visiting this city all life long.

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