Praia Lopes Mendes

Top choice in Ilha Grande & Vila do Abraão


Facing the Atlantic, this seemingly endless beach with good surfing waves (shortboard/longboard rentals available on-site) is considered by some the most beautiful in Brazil. It's accessible by Ilha Grande's most popular walking trail, a three-hour, 6.1km trek that starts at the eastern end of Abraão's town beach, crosses the hills to Praia de Palmas, then follows the coast to Praia do Pouso. Alternatively, take a boat from Abraão to Pouso. From Pouso, it's a 15-minute walk to Lopes Mendes.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ilha Grande & Vila do Abraão attractions

1. Assembléia de Deus

2.97 MILES

This church makes a convenient landmark when navigating Abraão's backstreets.

2. Igreja de São Sebastião

3.22 MILES

Just in from the boat docks and picturesquely framed by the parrot-shaped form of Pico do Papagaio, Abraão's village church is an Ilha Grande icon, right…

3. Dois Rios

3.68 MILES

From Abraão, a signposted 6km dirt road leads to this picturesque beach where two separate rivers flow into the open Atlantic. Dois Rios served as the…

4. Museu do Cárcere

3.95 MILES

Dois Rios served as the site of the Colônia Penal Cândido Mendes, Ilha Grande’s last functioning prison, which held political prisoners during the…

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