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An update from Evaneos
Angra dos Reis

Angra dos Reis (Brazil)

Practical information about Angra dos Reis

  • Family
  • Relaxation
  • Beach / Seaside Resort
  • Nature Reserve / Wildlife Observation / Safari
  • Water Sports
  • Waterfall
2 / 5 - 3 reviews
How to get there
150 km by road from Rio de Janeiro
When to go
From September to April
Minimum stay
One week

Reviews of Angra dos Reis

Ariadne M Travel writer
37 travel articles

A coastal favela town south of Rio, Angra dos Reis is the site of the only nuclear power station in Brazil. It is also the departure point for boats to Ilha Grande.

My suggestion:
I went there twice (to catch the boat to Ilha Grande) and I didn't find anything to like about it. Spend as little time there as possible!
Summary:

In the past, I'd heard a lot about Angra being a brilliant, flashy destination (around fifteen years ago). But by the time I first went there, the town had become just one big favela.

I've been there twice in the past six years, mainly to catch the boat to Ilha Grande, and I still haven't found a single positive thing about Angra dos Reis.

I therefore don't advise anyone to go there, except to make the crossing to Ilha Grande of course. There are many wonderful things to see on a trip to Brazil, and this grotesque seaside favela is not one of them.

A rainbow, one of the few things of beauty in Angra do Reis
Travel writer
181 travel articles

A harbour town from where you can visit 365 isles and the famous Ilha Grande. 

My suggestion:
No need to stay overnight there, as the Costa Verde has better and cheaper options elsewhere. 
Summary:

Angra Dos Reis is a main departure point for travelers heading to Ilha Grande. Its port is well known as there are so many options for people traveling to the islands, from cheap ferries to fast, comfortable catamarans. It's also a popular sailing spot. 

Even though the port is colorful, the town itself doesn't have a lot to see, despite its colonial past; it's been blemished by industrialization. The biggest attraction is, therefore, visiting the bay by boat and going to its beaches and isles I was lucky and got talking to some local fishermen who told me about places to see only a few minutes away from the coast. But to be honest, I didn't see anything spectacular during this part of mytrip to Brazil, partly because many of the isles are privately owned and dotted with celebrities' vacation homes. 

Suffice to say that Angra dos Reis, has nothing special in itself and there's no need to hang around, particularly if you're short of time. 

The port at Angra dos Reis
Cathy Trichet Travel writer
45 travel articles

Though Angra dos Reis was once a large port, today it's anessentialplace to visit in order to reach the islands that lie all around it.

My suggestion:
If you have things to buy, take advantage of the chance to do it in Angra as it's really the only town where there is plenty of choice available. Make sure you don't forget to take sunblock, a hat and water with you on your excursions.
Summary:

Angra dos Reis serves, whenvisiting Brazil, as the departure point for visits to the myriad islands around it.  With as many of them as there are days in the year, it's impossible to tour them all.

I visited Juruba Beach, commonly referred to as "Dentist's Beach", on Gipoia. I went diving among fish which inquisitively approached close to take a look at me. If I'd been a hunter, I wouldn't even have shot, they were so confident.

I visited Ilha Grande, where I went for long walks through lush vegetation and by beautiful waterfalls. I visited Macacos and Sito Forte and dropped anchor in the bay at Maguaraquissaba. This remarkable bay is a veritable paradise for those who like the sea and underwater diving. With bathing spots, white sandy beaches and multicolored fish, there's a new spectacle to see here every.

Dentist's Beach