Try the variety of upscale and budget restaurants, arrange scuba diving and enjoy the scenery around Ilha Grande’s urban core.

With a long pier surrounded by bars and hostels, Vila do Abraão is the main town on the scenic island of Ilha Grande. International restaurants and artisanal boutiques now fill the town, which formerly held a prison and a hospital for leprosy patients. Embark on boat trips to secluded beaches dotted around the island.

Stroll along the town’s long Abraão Beach and appreciate the sights and sounds of this active sandy haven. Just behind the beach’s north end is the Church of San Sebastian, a pretty white landmark and active social centre.

To ensure you get a place, book a scuba diving trip with a tour operator early in the morning. The Elite Dive Centre is a professional and efficient scuba team that can take you out to stunning dive sites.

Gaze up at the impressive dense forests that back onto the cove of Vila do Abraão. Take photos of the town’s stunning scenery, comprising the Atlantic rainforest, the wooden Touristic Pier and the crystalline sea, adorned with a flurry of brightly colored schooners, speedboats and ferries.

Hike along well-marked trails. Popular destinations include the interesting ruins of the Lazareto prison and the highly rated Lopes Mendes Beach.

At dusk the beat of drums played by local performers begins to penetrate the heart of the town. Go out in this electrifying hub and explore the restaurants, ranging from French creperies to local seafood specialists. Meet travellers, holiday makers and locals on the beach in this friendly spot.

The town is located at the northeastern corner of the island of Ilha Grande. Arrive at the Touristic Pier of Vila do Abraão via boat from Angra dos Reis, which is a 100-mile (160-kilometre) drive west of Rio de Janeiro. You can also take a ferry from Conceição de Jacareí. Reach the secluded parts of the island via water taxi or hikes.

Vila do Abraão is a lively and scenic hub characterised by the beat of its drums.