beach · Angra dos Reis, RJ
Praia de Lopes Mendes
A strip of firm white sand almost three kilometers long on Ilha Grande, with no buildings or kiosks, reached by a forest trail or by boat to Pouso. It's considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil and has good surfing waves.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Praia de Lopes Mendes
Praia de Lopes Mendes is on the side of Ilha Grande facing the open sea, in Angra dos Reis (Rio de Janeiro). It's the island's most famous beach and often appears on lists of the most beautiful in Brazil. There are no houses or buildings on the sand: only forest all around.
It has almost 3 km of very fine white sand that squeaks underfoot. The sea is open, colder and with steady waves, which is why Lopes Mendes is surfers' favorite beach on Ilha Grande. The water is clear, in shades from green to blue.
Most people arrive by boat at Praia do Pouso and continue along a short, easy forest trail. If you like walking, you can do the whole route on foot from Vila do Abraão, much longer and with climbs.
Facilities are minimal and there's little shade. In summer and on weekends, vendors and board rentals show up. The right end usually has rougher water; the left is calmer for swimming.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day is enough to walk along the sand, swim and get back in time for the boat; set aside the whole day if you're hiking from Abraão.
Best time
Sunny days, preferably on a weekday morning, when the beach is emptiest. In high season, take one of the first boats to enjoy it before the groups arrive.
How to get there
It's on the side of Ilha Grande facing the open sea. From Vila do Abraão, boats and speedboats go to Praia do Pouso; from there, a trail of about 1 km, 20 to 30 minutes, leads to the beach. On foot from Abraão, via trails T10 and T11, it's about 3 hours.
Tip
Bring water, snacks and sunscreen, because there are no permanent facilities on the beach. Before you go, check the time of the last boat back to Abraão.
A look at the place
Praia de Lopes Mendes in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Praia de Lopes Mendes
How do I get to Praia de Lopes Mendes?
By boat from Vila do Abraão to Praia do Pouso and, from there, on an easy 20- to 30-minute trail. You can also walk from Abraão, in about 3 hours.
Can I walk there from Vila do Abraão?
Yes, via trails T10 and T11. The route takes about 3 hours, has climbs and requires some fitness.
Does Lopes Mendes have a restaurant or kiosk?
There are no permanent facilities on the beach. In summer and on weekends vendors show up; bring water and snacks.
Is the sea at Lopes Mendes good for swimming?
It's open sea, colder and with waves. You can swim with care; the left end is usually calmer.
Is there an entrance fee for Lopes Mendes?
No, the beach is free. You only pay for the boat to Praia do Pouso, if you don't walk.