Some are walking distance from downtown!
Ilha Grande, located in Rio de Janeiro state, is an incredibly scenic island. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected nature reserve, it allures visitors seeking a tranquil tropical haven. However, it also holds a captivating interest for dark tourism enthusiasts. Accessible through a boat trip lasting over an hour from the mainland.
Ilha Grande, meaning "Big Island," has a ban on cars and boasts 100 beautiful beaches surrounded by untouched nature. However, access to outsiders was restricted for a significant portion of its recent past.
The island, covering an area of 193 km2 (75 sq mi), was discovered in 1502 by Portuguese explorer Andre Gonçalves.
Located about 150 km (193 mi) away from the state capital of Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande is surrounded by numerous small islands. Initially chosen to house infectious patients, it later became a place for dangerous criminals. Although the Cândido Mendes penal institute was shut down in 1994, its remnants continue to exist.
The island's prison initially held political prisoners in the 1930s, but later transformed into a high-security facility for the country's most dangerous criminals. It gained infamy as a breeding ground for some of the most violent drug gangs in Brazil.
Today, when tourists arrive on the island, they may not realize the dark history it holds. Ferries and fishing schooners transport excited visitors from nearby beach towns along Rio de Janeiro's beautiful Costa Verde, literally "Green Coast."
Tourists arrive at Vila do Abraão after a rough boat journey. The town, home to under 2,000 residents, is the largest on the island.
Prior to providing shelter for leprosy patients and criminals, Ilha Grande was a sanctuary for pirates and smugglers. They used the island as a hub for their activities both at sea and on the mainlands.
Ilha Grande is mainly sought after for its stunning beaches and natural wonders, with many visitors enjoying the popular activity of hiking its challenging trails.
For the more curious, there is a 7 km (4.34 mi) trail route that leads to the former Cândido Mendes prison and the nearly deserted settlement of Dois Rios, where the prison guards once lived.
The striking difference between the building's history and its stunning surroundings has turned this route into a favorite among photographers and history enthusiasts, who appreciate the island's intriguing past.
The journey to reach the remains of the prison is challenging, as it involves traversing a steep and sticky route through a tropical jungle. However, the effort is worthwhile for those curious about Brazil's version of Alcatraz.
The remains of the prison provide a glimpse into a contrasting past, unlike the current tourist-focused Ilha Grande, known for its charming guest houses.
This prison gained notoriety for fostering gang violence. The notorious gang "Comando Vermelho" ("Red Command") was founded there in the late 1970s.
The prison closed in 1994 due to increasing costs, and eventually, people started to recognize the island's tourism potential.
Presently, a substantial portion of the island is under environmental protection orders, imposing development restrictions and enhancing the preserved allure of the location. No towering structures or chain hotels can be found in this picturesque haven!
Visitors to the island get around on foot, by bicycle, or by boat since cars are prohibited. A fleet of 'taxi boats' conveniently shuttles visitors from one stunning beach to another.
The island boasts stunning landscapes, with tall mountains adorned by untouched rainforest. It provides a habitat for endangered animals like maned sloths and brown howler monkeys, although colorful parrots are more commonly observed by visitors.
Ilha Grande is renowned for its tranquility, and currently, encountering a marmoset or howler monkey is far more probable than encountering a seasoned criminal.
Visitors may also encounter some of the numerous dogs residing on the island. Stray dogs comfortably settle on the beaches and often seek friendship with tourists (especially if they have food).
Lopes Mendes is widely regarded as one of Brazil's most breathtaking beaches, standing out in a nation that takes immense pride in its stunning coastal landscapes.
From the central town, a challenging trek amidst lush tropical forest is required to access Lopes Mendes. The persistently hot climate can present difficulties along the way. To alleviate this, numerous travelers opt for hiking just one way and returning by boat.
The white sands and crashing waves make Lopes Mendes a popular destination for surfers. Don't expect to find beachfront cafés and shops here though—visitors have to bring their own supplies.
Ilha Grande is a haven for hikers, with approximately 150 km (93 mi) of trails that link the island's quaint villages and seaside hamlets. Be cautious of lizards and tropical insects on the ground.
Ilha Grande's tourism industry has experienced significant growth in recent years. What started with a few small guest houses has expanded to include more than 100 lodging choices, including campsites and vibrant backpacker hostels.
Known for its stunning turquoise sea, Ilha Grande attracts snorkelers and divers due to its rich marine life. The protected waters harbor various species, such as sea turtles, dolphins, and even penguins.
The island offers numerous boat trips, from lively beach-hopping parties with caipirinhas to relaxing sunset dinner cruises, provided by local operators.
Visitors to Ilha Grande are never lacking chances to cool off, thanks to the famous crystal clear lagoons and crashing waterfalls in the area.
Ilha Grande continues to bear traces of its history, as evidenced by the clearly marked path leading to the prison. This journey provides a captivating glimpse into the island's somber past, contrasting with its current reputation as a haven for enjoyable experiences under the sun.
Sources: (The Guardian) (BBC)
See also: Dark tourism: tragic and terrifying attractions you must see
Ilha Grande, Brazil, is a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, sea, and unspoiled nature. This tropical island, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected nature reserve. It boasts a diverse range of colorful flora and fauna, as well as some of the country's most stunning beaches. However, its history is far from idyllic.
In the past, it served as a 19th-century leper colony, and more recently, it was a high-security prison for Brazil's most dangerous criminals. For many years, the island remained off-limits to the public.
Intrigued? Click through the gallery to uncover the dark secrets of this beautiful Brazilian destination.
This tropical Brazilian island has a haunting history
The beautiful Ilha Grande has been home to leper colonies, prisons, and pirates
TRAVEL Curiosities
Ilha Grande, Brazil, is a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, sea, and unspoiled nature. This tropical island, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected nature reserve. It boasts a diverse range of colorful flora and fauna, as well as some of the country's most stunning beaches. However, its history is far from idyllic.
In the past, it served as a 19th-century leper colony, and more recently, it was a high-security prison for Brazil's most dangerous criminals. For many years, the island remained off-limits to the public.
Intrigued? Click through the gallery to uncover the dark secrets of this beautiful Brazilian destination.