The Brazilian coastline is blessed with many wonderful islands, some of them world-famous like Fernando de Noronha and Ilha Grande.
Here is a list of the top 10 Brazilian Islands and the reasons that make them so special. If you are an island-lover, you can't miss this!
TOP 10 Brazilian Islands:
10 - Boipeba's Island (Ilha de Boipeba) - BA
Scuba diving is a great option here. The historical tour is a must and you will see the most important cultural and historical spots of the island.
9 - Itaparica's Island (Ilha de Itaparica) - BA:
The Ilha de Itaparica (Itaparica's Island) is located on the "Baia de Todos os Santos"(All Saints Bay) in the state of Bahia. It's the biggest island in the bay, yet is the perfect place if peace and quiet are what you are looking for.
With over 40km of beaches, you will be able to spend days just visiting them and deciding which is your favorite. And of course that if you want more than just beaches, the island is full of historical places to see like churches and forts, some over 400 years ago. Some other options of entertainment are also available like skydiving and scuba diving, and since the whole island is surrounded with a magnificent reef, scuba diving is something you can't miss while you are there.
8 - Marajo's Island (Ilha de Marajo) - PA
This paradise is surrounded by fresh and salt water, on one side you have the Amazon River, and on the other the sea.
This is a huge island with tons of stuff to do. You should visit the Marajo's Museum, feed and ride the buffaloes, go to the dozen towns in the island and a lot more. The island is also famous for the "pororoca" which is a tidal bore with huge waves that travel kilometers through the river, it's a wonderful thing to see.
7 - Honey Island (Ilha do Mel) - PR
Located in Paranagua's this rustic island has the best beaches in the state of Parana. This is a perfect place to relax, watch the scenery and practice sports. No vehicles are allowed in the island, not even with animal traction, Also no drugstores or ATM machines. But don't worry, you are not going to sleep in the middle of the jungle and go to the bathroom in the woods, everything you need you will find in the island, like stores, health center, police, internet... You will just seize the day better without the noise of the cars. One of the coolest things to do in the island, is to rent a bike and just ride around, seeing the many sites it has to offer, specially the view from the top of 19th century lighthouse.
6 - Santa Catarina's Island (Florianópolis) - SC
This is actually the capital of the state of Santa Catarina. Half of the city of Florianopolis is on the island. This is easily one of the best cities in Brazil, it is the dream destination of not only tourists, but Brazilians too. There you will find everything a huge city has, since its the most important in the state, but also the great island vibe, amazing beaches, and this is important, some of the best looking people in the world. Some of the best known Brazilian faces in the world come from these parts. Because it is such a big place, there's stuff to do no matter what kind of things you like, you can go to desert beaches, or visit the places that are packing with young people looking for dates and meeting new people. The night life is awesome too. This maybe the best spot for travellers who want great beaches, but also great nightlife.
5 - Ilhabela - SP
Ilha Bela is one of the biggest islands in Brazil and one of the most visited, maybe because it's near the two main cities in Brazil. It's located 210 miles south of Rio de Janeiro and 138 miles north of São Paulo. Ilhabela is Portuguese for Beautiful Island, and that's what it is. A paradise for people who like to be outdoors. The island is ideal for aquatic sports lovers. There are 35 km of beaches, a coastal Atlantic rain forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, mountain peaks to climb and over 400 cool waterfalls cascading into the ocean. Add to that legends of pirate's treasures, underwater wrecks to explore, great sailing, enough to make Ilhabela's annual Sailing Week a must.
4 - Abrolhos - BA
Abrolhos is located south of Bahia and it shelters Brazil's richest coral fauna. Five volcanic islands and a group of coral reef comprise the archipelago that has one of the largest fish gathering in the globe, both in quantity and variety. You can find in Abrolhos all kinds of fish from the South Atlantic.
The whole archipelago is protected by IBAMA (The institution that takes care of natural resources in Brazil), all this to keep this paradise alive.
This is also an excellent place for diving, one of the best in Brazil, with good visibility, shipwrecks and corals.
3 - Morro de São Paulo - BA
Morro de São Paulo is a village in the Tinharé island, but due to the famous village, the island is more known as Morro de São Paulo. With beautiful beaches, coral reefs and surf activity, this island is certainly a very good option for people that are spending some time in Salvador, it's about 20 minutes away by plane, and 2 hours by boat. This place is for people that want to relax and practice all kinds of water sports. If you're into diving, there are dive operators in the islands. They offer boat trips to the best sites, you can choose free dives or use tanks, you can also rent all the equipment needed.
2 - Big Island (Ilha Grande) - RJ
Just a few hours away from Rio de Janeiro, this paradisaical island is a Brazilian wonder. with over 80 beaches, it would take days just to trek around the whole island. And actually, some agencies offer this options to tourists, but it's a hard trek with no infrastructure at all for most of the trip.
But that's exactly whats fun about this island, even though you have great hotels, restaurants and everything you need at the island villages, most of the island is just untouched nature. That means you get some of the best beaches in the world, with untamed nature all around you.
It's paradise for trekkers, as after hours walking you always get to beautiful places that make all that effort worthy.
With rivers, beaches, waterfalls and cosy villages, this island is for sure one of the best destinations in Brazil, maybe in the world.
1 - Fernando de Noronha - PE
For sure the most famous island in Brazil, Fernando de Noronha is the most desirable destination by Brazilians. With crystal clear waters, beautiful landscapes and great infrastructure, this island is the perfect place for people looking for the ultimate beach experience. You will be amazed by every inch of this island.
Diving and snorkeling is this place is a breath taking experience and you can't miss it. There are also beaches for surfing, Fernando de Noronha's hosts Surf championships from time to time.
Author: Rodrigo Bossan
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