What to do in Angra dos Reis - Rio de Janeiro

Beaches with calm and transparent waters, with the forest meeting the sea and white sand. I could even be talking about a movie set, but I'm talking about a small piece of paradise very close to Rio and which attracts thousands of tourists a year: Angra dos Reis.

The city is one of the oldest in Brazil and its name originates from the fact that Angra means small cove and it was discovered by the Portuguese on January 6, 1502, known as Kings Day. Hence the name we know today.

The city itself is not very interesting and some of the continental beaches are not even suitable for swimming. However, the true treasure of Angra are the nearby islands, which have magnificent views and are great for exploring on boat trips. By the way, Angra has an island to visit every day of the year and more than two thousand beaches! options abound

Where is and how to get to Angra dos Reis

The city of Angra dos Reis is 156km from Rio de Janeiro and 414km from São Paulo. Therefore, if you are coming from other regions of Brazil, the nearest capital and airport are in Rio de Janeiro.

Landing at Rio airport, the journey by car to Angra takes approximately 3h15min through Avenida Brasil and then accessing BR-101, known as Rio-Santos. There's no mistake!

Another way to get to Angra is by bus, which is operated by Viação Costa Verde. Buses leave from Rodoviária Novo-Rio and if you arrived by plane you will have to take a taxi or Uber there.

When is the best time to travel to Angra dos Reis

Angra dos Reis and the surrounding islands are a true spectacle of nature. However, because of its geographical position, close to the mountains, as well as because of the humidity that comes from the sea, it is very likely that you will get rain on several days of the year.

So, I'll explain how the weather is depending on the time of year there:

Summer

Firstly, summer is considered the high season in Angra. Temperatures are higher, so you can enjoy the sea. However, at that time we have a lot of incidence of the so-called summer rains (those that come and go without warning). Therefore, you may end up spending a few days at the hotel because of this.

By the way, speaking of accommodation, because of the high season, be prepared for an increase in prices (not only for hotels, but also for tours in general).

Winter

On the other hand, the winter months are those with less probability of rain, but the temperatures are lower. If you don't like cold water, it's better to opt for another season of the year.

spring and fall

Undoubtedly, these are the best times to visit the region. With little rain, mild temperatures and not many tourists, you will enjoy Angra and the islands much more.

What to do in Angra dos Reis on rainy days

Did you plan your trip, arrived in Angra and suddenly the weather turned and it started to rain? Calm down, there is still something to do in Angra dos Reis even with rain!

Although the main attractions are the schooner and speedboat rides around the islands, if it is raining during your trip, the best thing to do is to enjoy your accommodation.

Many hotels, especially the large ones, have complete leisure areas, including a playground for children, a games room, an indoor pool and much more.

So let's agree on one thing, don't let a simple rain spoil the fun of your trip!

Angra definitely has accommodation for all tastes and budgets, from simpler hostels and inns, to luxurious resorts that please even the most demanding customers.

What to do in Angra dos Reis

After getting to know a little more about the city, when to visit and where to stay, it's time to find out what to do in Angra dos Reis. First of all, I need to tell you that the city itself does not have many options for leisure and things to see.

In addition, as I said before, the beaches of Angra are not so good and many of them end up getting dirty because of the moored boats. In this case, it is best to rent a schooner or boat and go out to discover the nearby islands.

Historic Center of Angra dos Reis

In case you didn't know, Angra is one of the oldest cities in Brazil and walking through the historic center of Angra dos Reis allows you to learn a little about the history and architecture of our country. There are several houses and buildings from the colonial period that are worth the visit.

In the center you can visit the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which is one of the oldest in Brazil, and the Convento do Carmo. Also make a stop at Praça Almirante Tamandaré. There you will find the Mercado Redondo, which sells different types of fish and super fresh seafood.

Historic Center of Angra dos Reis

In case you didn't know, Angra is one of the oldest cities in Brazil and walking through the historic center of Angra dos Reis allows you to learn a little about the history and architecture of our country. There are several houses and buildings from the colonial period that are worth the visit.

In the center you can visit the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which is one of the oldest in Brazil, and the Convento do Carmo. Also make a stop at Praça Almirante Tamandaré. There you will find the Mercado Redondo, which sells different types of fish and super fresh seafood.

Cataguazes Island

Equally beautiful, Ilha de Cataguazes is considered one of the most beautiful in the region and is a perfect combination of white sand and calm waters in an emerald green tone that is impossible to forget! Without a doubt, visiting the island is a great suggestion if you want to know what to do in Angra dos Reis.

Usually the schooners stay there for a while, so you can fall into the water and swim to the beach.

Dentist Beach

Despite not having a very large stretch of sand, Praia do Dentista is one of the most popular beaches in Angra dos Reis and during the high season it is crowded with speedboats and mega luxurious yachts. Everyone wants a little piece of that WONDERFUL blue sea that is there.

A really cool tip is the bar boats that are anchored and serve amazing seafood dishes and refreshing drinks. One of them is Jango's Bar. And you don't even have to disembark, as they bring the menu and food to you.

speedboat rides

For those who want to get to know the islands of Angra dos Reis on a budget, schooners are an excellent option, as the price is very affordable. But, be aware that during high season and holidays they can get very crowded.

If you want to know what to do in Angra dos Reis with more privacy, the ideal is to hire a boat trip to discover the nearby islands and beaches. Even though it's a little more expensive, it's still worth it. That way you will be able to understand why this little corner of Brazil is so special!

Big Island

Close to Angra we have Ilha Grande. We've already talked about it here at Mala de Aventuras and we've given you several tips for tours and accommodation there. The fact is that due to the proximity there are several day trips from Angra that go to Ilha Grande.

There you will find beaches for all tastes and all of them of breathtaking beauty. Do not miss the opportunity and get to know the island. If you can, it's worth staying there for a few days.

Now that you've got all the tips, all you have to do is set up the itinerary, choose the accommodation using BITBOOK.NET, pack your suitcase and throw yourself into the charm of this amazing place.

I have no doubt that you will have unforgettable days. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments and we'll be happy to answer them!

Safe travel and enjoy this amazing place!