Costa Verde

Boasting one of the most attractive and exotic landscapes on the Brazilian coast, where the mountains dip into the sea, the region known as the Costa Verde, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, has more than two thousand beaches and almost four hundred islands that are protected from the fierceness of the open sea by the Marambaia reef. In several shades of green, the waters are ideal for water sports of any kind. There are numerous deserted beaches which are only possible to reach by sea. The main attractions in this region are Angra dos Reis, Parati and Itacuruçá in the Mangaratiba district which draw visitors from all over Brazil.

Angra dos Reis

Angra dos Reis has a bay that is ideal for boat trips by schooner, yacht or launch with innumerable places there the conditions are excellent for fishing and diving. There, each year on January 1st the New Year Marine Procession takes place, a long procession of boats of all types, some celebrating on board. The Ilha Grande is the best-known attraction in Angra. Its mountainous landscape and forests contrast with the richness of the coast with its peaks and inlets. Rivers flow down from the hills forming lakes and waterfalls, adjacent to hundreds of beaches and coves. Its 193 km2 can be crossed by paths giving access to the half wild beaches, such as Canto, Abraãozinho, Morcego and Grande das Palmas. The most popular beaches on the island are Abraão, Vermelha, Araçatiba, Longa, Aventureiro and Lopes Mendes, the last two being ideal for surfing.

Parati

Considered to be the most complete monument of the colonial period in the state of Rio de Janeiro, the town of Parati is situated on the banks of the bay of the same name, an extension of the bay at Angra dos Reis. Its old mansions and the narrow cobbled streets lend an air of great historical beauty. The town was occupied at the beginning of the sixteenth century as a result of the opening up of roads linking the provinces of São Paulo and Minas Gerais to that of Rio de Janeiro. Amongst the town's most important historical monuments is the church of Santa Rita notable for its architectural profile. Parati's beaches and islands are also a tourist attraction. The nicest ones are at Trindade such as Brava, dos Ranchos, Figueira and Caxadaço.