WhereInRio & Beyond

Where to Stay in Costa Verde: Best Areas (2025)

Where to Stay in Costa Verde: Best Areas (2025)

Stretching between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil’s Costa Verde is a lush coastline where rainforest-covered mountains meet emerald seas. Colonial towns, calm bays, and hundreds of islands create a rare blend of culture and nature.

Choosing the right base changes everything — whether you want boat days hopping between islands, cobblestone evenings in UNESCO streets, or quiet coves surrounded by Atlantic Forest.

Here’s your guide on where to stay in Costa Verde.


1. Paraty – Historic Center (Centro Histórico)

A UNESCO jewel of whitewashed façades, stone lanes, and a harbor made for island-hopping. Car-free streets keep the rhythm slow and atmospheric.

Perfect for: first-time visitors, couples, culture lovers.

Highlights:

  • Walk everywhere (galleries, restaurants, marina)
  • Ideal base for schooner tours and island days
  • Colonial charm from morning to sunset


2. Paraty – Pontal & Jabaquara

Just over the bridge from the old town, Pontal is scenic and close; Jabaquara offers a wider bay, cleaner water, and a relaxed residential feel. After heavy rain, it’s worth checking INEA’s water-quality advisories, as in-town beaches occasionally show temporary bathing restrictions.

Perfect for: families, groups, longer stays.

Highlights:

  • 5–15 minutes on foot to the center
  • Calm waters for SUP/kayak (best in Jabaquara)
  • Sunset strolls with the historic skyline in view


3. Paraty – Paraty Mirim & Saco do Mamanguá

South of town, Paraty Mirim has a protected bay, beachside simplicity, and boat access to Saco do Mamanguá — Brazil’s only tropical fjord.

Perfect for: nature lovers, couples, off-grid vibes.

Highlights:

  • Quiet beaches framed by Atlantic Forest
  • Gateway to Mamanguá kayaking and viewpoint hikes
  • 20–40 minutes from Paraty by car/boat


4. Ilha Grande – Saco do Céu, Araçatiba & Enseada das Estrelas

Quieter pockets of the island with mirror-still water and jungle-backed coves (access by boat). Life slows to island time.

Perfect for: couples, serenity seekers, longer stays.

Highlights:

  • Secluded bays for swimming and snorkeling
  • Starry-night skies with minimal light pollution
  • Boat access to Lagoa Verde/Azul and deserted beaches


5. Angra dos Reis – Frade & Bracuí (Mainland Marinas)

Angra’s nautical heartlands with easy access to the Ilhas Botinas, Ilha da Gipóia, and countless anchorages.

Perfect for: boat days, families, groups.

Highlights:

  • Quick boat runs to top islands and sandbanks
  • Calm, protected waters for all-day beach hopping
  • Great base for mixed land–sea itineraries


6. Angra dos Reis – Ponta Leste & Ponta da Cruz

Peninsulas dotted with coves and viewpoints facing the island chain. More privacy than downtown, still close to marinas.

Perfect for: ocean-view escapes, longer stays.

Highlights:

  • Sunset-facing headlands and clear-water bays
  • Easy boat pickup for island tours
  • Quiet residential feel, rainforest backdrop


7. Mangaratiba & Conceição de Jacareí (Gateway to Ilha Grande)

Closest Costa Verde bases to Rio city; fast boat links to Ilha Grande. Good for shorter breaks or early/late transfers.

Perfect for: quick getaways, Rio-based travelers.

Highlights:

  • 1.5–2.5 hours from Rio (traffic dependent)
  • Frequent boats to Vila do Abraão
  • Mainland beaches and island access in one spot


Where to Stay in Costa Verde

At WhereInRio & Beyond, we curate villas, beachfront houses, and short-term rentals across Costa Verde — selected for comfort, privacy, and a strong connection to the sea and forest. Our homes let you live the Costa Verde at your pace.



FAQ – Where to Stay in Costa Verde


1. What is the best area to stay in Costa Verde?

For culture and dining, stay in Paraty’s Historic Center. For islands and snorkeling, choose Ilha Grande (Vila do Abraão for convenience; Saco do Céu/Araçatiba for quiet). For easy boat days and family groups, base in Angra (Frade/Bracuí).


2. Is the Costa Verde safe?

Main tourist areas are calm and welcoming. As anywhere, use standard precautions: avoid isolated spots at night and keep valuables discreet.


3. When is the best time to visit?

Year-round destination. May–September tends to be drier and great for hiking/boat days; December–March is lush and lively (summer).


4. How do I get there?

Paraty: ~4–4.5 h from Rio, ~5 h from São Paulo by car. Ilha Grande: boats from Conceição de Jacareí, Angra, or Mangaratiba. Angra dos Reis: ~2.5–3 h from Rio by car.


5. Can I swim/snorkel?

Absolutely. Calm, clear bays are common — especially around Ilha Grande, Gipóia/Botinas, Mamanguá, and sheltered beaches near Paraty and Angra.