Ilha Grande Ranked Among the World's 50 Best Islands for 2026

Ilha Grande, the jewel of the municipality of Angra dos Reis, has just been ranked the 13th best island in the world to visit in 2026, according to the prestigious ranking by travel publication Enjoy Travel. It's an international recognition that places this Brazilian paradise alongside the most beautiful island destinations on the planet — and promises record visitor numbers in the months ahead.

If you're planning a stay on Ilha Grande, here's everything you need to know about the ranking, what makes the island so unique, and above all, how to arrange your Rio de Janeiro – Ilha Grande transfer without stress.

A global ranking that recognizes Ilha Grande's beauty

The Enjoy Travel ranking brought together islands from every continent, selected for their exceptional natural landscapes, the quality of the experiences they offer visitors and their tourism potential. The methodology draws both on traveler reviews shared on social media and on the expertise of the publication's editorial team.

The result: a selection that covers every type of traveler, from lovers of adventure and raw nature to those seeking relaxation, gastronomy and cultural immersion. In this global panorama, Ilha Grande takes 13th place, confirming its status as a benchmark among Brazil's most beautiful natural refuges.

Why Ilha Grande won over the international jury

Several natural and environmental strengths explain this distinction:

• A preserved Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) covering a vast portion of the island's territory — one of the richest and most threatened ecosystems on the planet.
• Beaches with crystal-clear waters and coral reefs sheltering remarkable marine biodiversity.
• The absence of car traffic across most of the island, offering visitors a rare experience: walking, sailing or hiking in a preserved natural setting, far from noise and pollution.
• A strong commitment to environmental preservation, considered one of the pillars that allow Ilha Grande to remain a benchmark for sustainable tourism.

These elements make Ilha Grande much more than just a beach destination: a true natural sanctuary, now recognized on a global scale.

Local pride, praised by the authorities

For the mayor of Angra dos Reis, Cláudio Ferreti, this entry into the ranking rewards years of investment in structuring the local tourism sector: modernized services, better logistics and the development of initiatives geared toward more sustainable tourism.

The sub-prefect of Ilha Grande, Marc Olichon, also welcomed the recognition, which in his view highlights the island's natural wealth as well as the work done by the local community to balance welcoming visitors with protecting the environment.

Ilha Grande remains one of the flagship tourist destinations of Rio de Janeiro state, with dozens of beaches, hiking trails, waterfalls and environmental conservation areas that attract Brazilian and foreign visitors all year round.

Why book your transfer in advance

With Ilha Grande entering the global top 50, tourist numbers are expected to rise significantly in the coming months, particularly during holidays and the Brazilian high season (December to March).