History of Ilha Grande

The entire island is a protected area, with most of its territory included in Ilha Grande State Park, and the rest subject to stringent development restrictions. Small-scale ecotourism, however, is encouraged, and the island, which is roadless and off-limits to cars, features over 150 km of hiking trails connecting the handful of coastal villages and hamlets, where lodging is available, to the many beaches, mountain peaks, waterfalls, and pristine forests.

The largest village on the island is called Vila do Abraão, with 1900 inhabitants. Most of the visitor facilities and the park headquarters are located there. The village can be reached from the mainland by local ferries and fast catamarans.

The island was the scene of a devastating mudslide on January 1, 2010 killing at least 19 people.

The island is experiencing an increasing flow of international eco tourism, with many companies offering sight-seeing trips to the various beaches, trails and waterfalls