 Angra dos Reis |
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Angra dos Reis is a complex comprised of 365 islands and two thousand beaches filled with natural beauty, legends and social happenings. It is located on the Fluminense Green Coast, between the States of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, just off the Rio-Santos Highway (BR-101).
The best way to explore this part of the Fluminense Green Coast and to take advantage of its crystal clear waters, and view the mansions the rich and famous have built on private islands is by boat.
Ilha Grande stands out among all of the islands. Considered an adventurers’ paradise, with trails, waterfalls and deserted beaches, it played an important role in Brazil’s historical-cultural scenario for having housed a prison for almost 60 years.
In the past, Angra dos Reis was one of the most important ports of the Fluminense coast. Ships loaded with goods docked there coming from the other side of the world. Slave ships also arrived there carrying hundreds of slaves to supply forced labour to the coffee plantations in the region.
It is the largest of all the islands of Angra dos Reis. It has fascinating landscapes, 86 beaches with different features, backwaters, rivers, lagoons, waterfalls, plains, mountains and peaks spread out over 193 sq km. The Atlantic Forest and the sea are very close to each other and the paradisiacal sites are abundant.
Many beaches are accessible only by trail or boat.
The Ilha Grande bay has one of the largest concentrations of shipwrecks in the world, and is an excellent option for diving enthusiasts. Standing out in these scenarios are locations such as Lage do Guriri (Ponta de Castelhanos), Jorge Grego 
Island, Meros and Naufragios Island. On the ocean bed one finds a great variety of fish, corals and caves with sizes varying between 10 and 20 m tall.
Ilha Grande is a sensational location for trekking, trails and walks. There are many options, from hills, mountains, brooks, rocks, slopes and beaches, most of which located within the Atlantic Forest. The island has some urban centres such as Abraão Village, where one can find restaurants, inns and commerce. It is 1 hr 30 min by boat from Angra dos Reis.
In Angra dos Reis, the climate is hot and humid, without a dry season. The mean annual temperature of the region is 24ºC, with maximum temperatures varying from 27ºC to 30ºC, and minimum from 18ºC to 21ºC.
New Year’s Sea Procession
Decorated boats leave Flechas beach, in the Gipóia island on January 1st, every year.
State: Rio de Janeiro:
Region: Southeast
Population: 119,247 inhabitants
DDD: (24)
Rio de Janeiro: 168km
São Paulo: 411km
Barra Mansa: 89km
Parati: 99km
Ubatuba: 170km
| Accommodation / Restaurants |
The majority of lodging options are on the Contorno road. They range from
luxurious hotels to small cosy inns at attractive prices.
There are excellent
restaurants that serve from fish and seafood, to dishes from the international
cuisine.
By Road: departing from Rio de Janeiro take BR-101 for 133 km of paved road. There is also the Caminho do Ouro, from Cunha to Parati, for 4x4 vehicles only. The fastest option is to take the Presidente Dutra highway (BR-116) to Barra Mansa (State of Rio de Janeiro), and from there, drive down the mountain range for about 96 km to Angra dos Reis, along a paved road with tunnels built through the rocky surface.
By Plane: the Angra dos Reis airport mainly caters for small private aircraft.
By Sea: the most beautiful of the accesses into Angra dos Reis is by sea. Although there are no regular services, those who come in on yachts or other craft find many docking options at the marina harbours and yacht clubs in the town. For those who love boating, there is a shopping mall with a parking lot for 500 launches.
Tourist Information:
The Centro de Informações Turísticas (Tour Information Center) provides information on: boat tours, sea diving training course, ecological walks, Indian reserve, traditional festivities, histories and legends.
+55 (24) 3367-7855 / 3367-7826
cit@angra.rj.gov.br
Town Hall: +55 (24) 3377-8311/ 3377-8388/ 3377-1500/ 3377-8461
Coach Station: +55 (24) 3365-2041
Boat to Ilha Grande: +55 (21) 2533-6661
Hospital: +55 (24) 3365-0131
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Boat Rides
The take off point for sea outings is the town of Angra dos Reis itself, on the mainland. There are private islands with luxurious mansions, and others opened for visitation. On these, there are fine sand beaches with clear, calm waters, perfect for diving.
Contorno Road
A tour on the mainland leading to several beaches, from the most popular, such as Praia Grande, to the calmest, such as Retiro Beach. The highlight is Tanguá Beach, and historical buildings, such as Ermida do Bonfim – erected in 1780 – and the Naval College.
Gipóia Island
The name comes from the jibóia python, as its shape resembles that of a snake. The very popular Jurubaíba and Flechas beaches are located there. There are also good options for surfers, such as Grande and Feras beaches. Piedade beach is perfect for families, and Amaral beach, due to the absence of facilities, is always more deserted.
East Side
Coqueiro beach is empty and it contains the remains of an abandoned railway. Maciel beach has a good infrastructure and is quite busy. On the East Side there are shipwrecks, which have become attractions for divers.
Islands
Angra has 365 islands. Some of them have won special recognition over time, such as Porcos Island; Botinas Islands, which are post card images of the region; Itanhangá Island, which has options of trails, climbing, canoeing and diving; and Ilha Grande, the most famous of all.
Waterfalls
Along the Serra do Mar, there are many waterfalls and river rapids among which are Bracuhy, Ariró, Branqueta and Capureta. All have a rich natural beauty and inserted in unique landscapes.
Beaches
On the mainland, next to the nuclear plants, is Brava beach, very much sought after by surfers; and Secreta beach, completely deserted. Close by is Mambucada, a historical villa that preserves old mansions which tell a little of the local history.
Diving
With many islands, wrecks and abundant marine life, the Angra Bay is one of the best diving points on the Southeast coast. In its clear waters, emerald green in colour, visibility is good most of the year. There are many diving courses on location.
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Angra dos Reis has many churches and mansions dating back to the 18th century, and which have been declared cultural heritages. This is a tour that relives the Island’s past and exhibits a little of its history, as experienced by its first inhabitants.
Edifício do Paço Municipal
Abandoned in the 1920’s, the Paço building had begun to fall into ruins. It was restored in 1930 and is today the Town Hall.
Chácara da Carioca Fountain
Built in 1842, it still works, and has five fountains. Legends tells it that anyone who drinks from the middle fountain will no longer leave Angra dos Reis.
Former Chamber Mansion and Prison
A building dating back to the first decade of the 18th. century, today houses the Town Council.
Morcego Mansion
A building that belonged to the pirate Juan de Lorenzo. This building and the old aqueduct data back to the 19th century. It is on Ilha Grande.
In addition to the routes with cultural attractions and numerous boat sailing, Angra also offers trails open at the Atlantic Forest.
Gulf - Hotel do Frade & Golf Resort
The course was designed by Dave Thomas and Peter Allis. The necessary equipment – balls, golf bags, handcarts, petrol-powered cars, and other support facilities can be rented by the guests. If preferred, instructors can be hired to teach the basics of the sport. The circuit comprises a course of 6,420 yards in among mountains, crystal clear rivers and natural lakes, its highest part reaching the lower slopes of the Atlantic Forest.