Last updated on .
There is one main settlement on the Brazilian island of Ilha Grande, Vila do Abraão. It has a lot of restaurants (some on the beach), stores, a laundromat, and small clinic.
History
The village has a population of about 3,000 and is considered the informal capital of the island. It has been settled since colonial times, but didn’t really become populated until the late 19th century when a leper hospital was built nearby between 1884 and 1887. The hospital also served as an immigration center, screening passengers arriving by ship to Brazil and disinfecting ships. In the 1930s, the leper hospital was converted into a military base, and was demolished in the 1950s. After a nearby prison was closed down in 1993, tourism began to gain momentum.
Roads Through Town
There are two main roads through town. One runs along the beach and has the pier for boats leaving for Angra dos Reis and some tours.
The other road loops around the back of the village and connects to other smaller roads.
Church of São Sebastião
There aren’t any points of interest in Vila do Abraão other than the small Church of São Sebastião (Igreja de São Sebastião). It’s mostly a place to eat, sleep, book boat tours, or get things done.
