5 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
A three hour walk from Vila do Abraão
When to go
Australian summer. Please note: December is a rainy month
Minimum stay
One day
Lopes Mendes (Brazil)
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flickr cc Anderson Mancini
Practical information about Lopes Mendes
Reviews of Lopes Mendes
A heavenly beach with white sand and warm, turquoise water, Lopes Mendes has to be earnedby three hours of trekking throughthe forest. Bathing in those waters after such effort is a very special reward.
My suggestion:
You can also get there by boat, but the fun is to earn the beach and so to walk 'until you drop' through the forest and to come upon the beach beside a little track. The ultimate reward!
Summary:
Rio cannot be missed on any travels in Brazil, then go down to Angra dos Reis by bus (but don't stay there, whatever you do) and cross by boat to Ilha Grande. Adventurers and nature lovers, this is the experience you've been looking for.
A magnificent remote island with no electricity and the most famous (and beautiful) beach on Ilha Grande - Lopes Mendes. It often rains on Ilha Grande, particularly in December (every time I went there, I went in December), but don't be put off by the rain. Lopes Mendes is worth the trip, whether it's raining or not. The water is still warm and turquoise, and it's fun jumping over the little breakers. The rain gives the beach a melancholy look. When the sun shines, you'll never want to leave it.
©
flickr cc Anderson Mancini
The most well-known beach on Ilha Grande regularly appears on the list of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. More than 2.4 kilometres of white sand greet visitors after their 3-hour walk.
My suggestion:
There is a reward for your effort: despite the difficulty of the path (especially the first section), the beach is worth the 3-hour walk from Abraão. If you decide to go there by boat, take note of the times for returning.
Summary:
No bar, no restaurants, no inn, no deck chair: the main attraction of Lopes Mendes is that it is completely natural and protected.
The beach's reputation makes it one of the places that is most visited by tourists coming to the island. By venturing out to the tip, where the mountain literally juts into the ocean, I was able to find a bit more peace and quiet and appreciate the landscape and the completely clear water.
During the rainy season, don't hesitate to brave the showers. With the tourists gone, Lopes Mendes looks even more heavenly.
It was with a pang that I left this little corner of paradise at the end of the day.
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Adeline Haverland
148 travellers' photos
