Last updated on December 19, 2023.

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.

Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, Brazil
Vila do Abraão
Pier in Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, Brazil
Pier
Beach in Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, Brazil
Beach

The other road loops around the back of the village and connects to other smaller roads.

Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, Brazil
Back road
Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, Brazil
Back road

 

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.

Igreja de São Sebastião in Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, Brazil
Church of São Sebastião
Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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