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Brazil🇧🇷 | beachesPraia de Lopes MendesSqueaking quartz sand, forest backdrop, Abraão trail, Atlantic surf | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Praia de Lopes Mendes
👍 Recommendedbeach ranked #9
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

The sand at Praia de Lopes Mendes squeaks underfoot, a fine-grained, quartz-white sound you hear at the water’s edge on the long open stretch. The beach sits on the Atlantic side of Ilha Grande, an island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state in Brazil, and it is the island’s best-known shoreline. No road reaches it. You hike about 2.5 to 3 hours from Vila do Abraão, or take a boat to Praia do Pouso and walk the last 20 to 30 minutes. Waves are strong, so swimming is for confident people, but surfers love it. Snorkeling is poor here. There is no budget food to speak of, only a few kiosks and vendors. A boatman told me, “Go early, the shade leaves after lunch.” He was right, and the empty morning sand ran straight to the green hills.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #9 beach in BrazilWhy visitors keep coming back

Praia de Lopes Mendes is the beach that justifies the whole trip to Ilha Grande, and backpackers stop for a few clear reasons. The first is the sand itself: a nearly 3 km (about 2 mile) curve of pale, fine sand with no buildings behind it, only forest and a few kiosks. The second is the surf on the open Atlantic side, which gives it real waves where the island’s other beaches are mostly calm bays. It has hosted surf competitions, and beginners can book lessons while stronger surfers share the break. The third is the walk. The trail from Abraão over the headland is part of the appeal, passing through Atlantic forest with a chance of monkeys and birds, and ending with a first view of the beach opening up. It works as a single big outing in an island loop, not a place to sleep, since the island’s lodging and nightlife are in the village.

💡 HighlightsKey sights and experiences for travelers

  1. The long white sand: The main sight is a wide, nearly 3 km stretch of quartz sand that squeaks when you walk, backed by forest rather than hotels. Walk to the far end for more space.
  2. Surfing the Atlantic breaks: Open ocean waves make this one of the better surf spots on the island, and the beach has hosted surf competitions. Board rental and lessons are offered near the main access area.
  3. The trail from Abraão: The full path from Abraão takes 2.5 to 3 hours each way, or 20 to 30 minutes from Praia do Pouso by boat, and passes through Atlantic forest. Wear sturdy shoes, since roots and mud are common after rain.
  4. Bodysurfing and wave play: The shore break is strong and steep, fun for confident swimmers who stay near the shallows. Stay close to shore and watch for currents.
  5. Beach kiosks under the
… read more 👉
  1. The long white sand: The main sight is a wide, nearly 3 km stretch of quartz sand that squeaks when you walk, backed by forest rather than hotels. Walk to the far end for more space.
  2. Surfing the Atlantic breaks: Open ocean waves make this one of the better surf spots on the island, and the beach has hosted surf competitions. Board rental and lessons are offered near the main access area.
  3. The trail from Abraão: The full path from Abraão takes 2.5 to 3 hours each way, or 20 to 30 minutes from Praia do Pouso by boat, and passes through Atlantic forest. Wear sturdy shoes, since roots and mud are common after rain.
  4. Bodysurfing and wave play: The shore break is strong and steep, fun for confident swimmers who stay near the shallows. Stay close to shore and watch for currents.
  5. Beach kiosks under the trees: A few simple kiosks sell drinks, grilled snacks and sandwiches near the access path. Bring cash in reais, and carry water to avoid relying on them.
Together these fill a full day, with the round-trip hike taking about half of it.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Praia de Lopes Mendes

Lopes Mendes Private Hiking in Ilha Grande with return by boat

Lopes Mendes Private Hiking in Ilha Grande with return by boat

5.0(7)
From €86
per personViator
Private Hike on the Pirates Route + Lopes Mendes - Ilha Grande - RJ

Private Hike on the Pirates Route + Lopes Mendes - Ilha Grande - RJ

5.0(7) 9h
From €159
per personViator
Ilha Grande - From Abrãao: Lopes Mendes beach tour & trekking

Ilha Grande - From Abrãao: Lopes Mendes beach tour & trekking

3.8(12) 30m
From €32
per personViator
Super Trail Two Rivers, Caxadaço, Santo Antônio and Lopes Mendes

Super Trail Two Rivers, Caxadaço, Santo Antônio and Lopes Mendes

5.0(1) 12h
From €117
per personViator
Schooner Shuttle to Lopes Mendes from Vila do Abraao

Schooner Shuttle to Lopes Mendes from Vila do Abraao

5.0(1)
From €24
per personViator
Private Tour to Cinematic Spots of Ilha Grande

Private Tour to Cinematic Spots of Ilha Grande

0.0(0) 7h
From €126
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • Summer (December to March): Hot and humid, with highs of 29 to 33°C (84 to 91°F) and afternoon downpours. Daylight stretches longest, the Atlantic is warmest, and the trail and boats fill, especially around New Year and Carnival, when prices climb sharply.
  • Autumn (April to June): Highs of 25 to 28°C (77 to 82°F), fewer people, and rain tapering off. Lodging drops noticeably, and the sand feels almost private on weekdays.
  • Winter (July to September): The driest stretch, with highs of 22 to 26°C (72 to 79°F) and cool nights. Water is chilly and swells rise, which suits the surfers who come here. July school holidays bring a short bump in visitors.
  • Spring (October to November): Warming up to 26 to 29°C (79 to 84°F) before the summer rush, with moderate prices.
Arrive on a weekday morning, since weekend … read more 👉
  • Summer (December to March): Hot and humid, with highs of 29 to 33°C (84 to 91°F) and afternoon downpours. Daylight stretches longest, the Atlantic is warmest, and the trail and boats fill, especially around New Year and Carnival, when prices climb sharply.
  • Autumn (April to June): Highs of 25 to 28°C (77 to 82°F), fewer people, and rain tapering off. Lodging drops noticeably, and the sand feels almost private on weekdays.
  • Winter (July to September): The driest stretch, with highs of 22 to 26°C (72 to 79°F) and cool nights. Water is chilly and swells rise, which suits the surfers who come here. July school holidays bring a short bump in visitors.
  • Spring (October to November): Warming up to 26 to 29°C (79 to 84°F) before the summer rush, with moderate prices.
Arrive on a weekday morning, since weekend boats from Vila do Abraão unload crowds by late morning.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: highly recommended for travelingAUGAugust: highly recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Vila do Abraão is the place to sleep, because it is the only real village on Ilha Grande and Praia de Lopes Mendes has no lodging of its own. Expect dorm beds at roughly US$15 to 30 and simple private rooms from US$40 to 80, with prices at the high end around New Year and Carnival.

The streets behind the main pier hold most of the hostels, and they are the social heart of the island. Communal kitchens, rooftop terraces, and shared breakfast tables make it easy to find people to split a boat or hike with. The waterfront stretch toward Praia Preta has quieter guesthouses with a calmer evening feel, … read more 👉
Vila do Abraão is the place to sleep, because it is the only real village on Ilha Grande and Praia de Lopes Mendes has no lodging of its own. Expect dorm beds at roughly US$15 to 30 and simple private rooms from US$40 to 80, with prices at the high end around New Year and Carnival.

The streets behind the main pier hold most of the hostels, and they are the social heart of the island. Communal kitchens, rooftop terraces, and shared breakfast tables make it easy to find people to split a boat or hike with. The waterfront stretch toward Praia Preta has quieter guesthouses with a calmer evening feel, yet you are still only a ten minute walk from the bars and the pier.

Staying here gives you flexibility. You can take the roughly 2.5 hour trail over the headland to the beach, or a water taxi of about 20 to 30 minutes, then return for dinner. Book ahead from December to February, when the village fills fast.
Best hostels in Brazil


Best quality hotels in Brazil

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Praia de Lopes Mendes is a well-loved, low-key beach, and most visitors have an easy day. It faces open ocean, so waves are strong, with a shore break and occasional rips, especially in winter swells. Surfers and bodyboarders gather at the left side. Swimmers do best near the calmer, sheltered edge, and wading in to chest depth is plenty when the surf is up. There are no lifeguard towers, so judge the water before you commit.

Shade is scarce and the tropical sun is fierce, so bring a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and plenty of water. There are almost no shops on the sand. Afternoon storms roll in during summer. Keep your valuables with you or leave them at your lodging, as the trail is long and quiet in places.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Most travelers reach Praia de Lopes Mendes from Vila do Abraão on Ilha Grande, after taking a ferry from Angra dos Reis (about 80 to 90 minutes, US$13 to 20) or Mangaratiba (about 80 minutes to 3 hours depending on the boat). From the village, walk the trail for roughly 2.5 hours one way or take a water taxi for about 20 to 30 minutes, costing around US$10 to 20 each way.
Praia de Lopes Mendes is better known for surfing and bodyboarding than for snorkeling, thanks to open ocean swell that peaks in winter. Swimming is pleasant when the sea is calm, but waves and shore break can be strong, and the water is clear without reef life to see. Gentler snorkeling is found on sheltered spots such as Lagoa Azul, a short boat ride away.
Praia de Lopes Mendes is free to enter, with no ticket for the sand itself. You may pay the Angra dos Reis sustainable tourism fee (TTS) of about US$9 for trips that include Ilha Grande, plus boat fares if you skip the hike. The trail is free, and bringing your own water and snacks saves money since there are almost no vendors.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Brazilian beaches near Praia de Lopes Mendes

Explore more nearby:

  • Ipanema—Arpoador applause, Posto 9, Dois Irmãos, Hippie Fair| 96 km away
  • Copacabana—Wave-pattern promenade, footvolley nets, Posto 6, Forte de Copacabana| 99 km away
  • Praia da Lagoinha—Sheltered bay, rocky-end snorkeling, forest trails, grilled fish| 116 km away

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We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on visiting Praia de Lopes Mendes

Praia de Lopes Mendes has a far end of the beach that most first-timers never reach, because they stop where the trail lands. I would walk the extra stretch past the kiosks, where the crowd thins and the forest edge gives shade. Bring your own water and snacks.

✈️ When did I visit Brazil?
Call it good timing or luck, but I was able to celebrate Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro in February 2022, after a round trip in the north and east coast.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Brazil, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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