Experience the best of Mangaratiba

Mangaratiba lies on the green coast between Rio de Janeiro and Paraty, where the Serra do Mar mountains come down close to the Atlantic. The town is small, with its centre gathered around a harbour and a few streets. The bays nearby are calm enough for small boats.

Sandy beaches line several bays, and the island of Itacuruçá lies offshore, reached by boat from the mainland. Ferries also cross from this stretch of coast to Ilha Grande, the large forested island to the south-west. Inland, the Atlantic Forest climbs the Serra do Mar, with walking trails and waterfalls among the trees. Rio is a couple of hours away by road, along the coastal highway that passes beaches and small towns.

Seafood is the staple here: grilled fish, shrimp stews and fried fish from the beach kiosks, often with a caipirinha of cachaça, lime and sugar. The weather is warm and humid for most of the year, and the rain is heaviest from December to March. April to June and September to November suit visitors best.