Ilhabela

Ilhabela means "beautiful island" in Portuguese, and the island certainly is beautiful.

The island is a bit of a drive away from the city: approximately 135 miles away, and the drive lasts 3-5 hours, depending on traffic. 

The long drive was completely worth it! Gorgeous beaches with beautiful water, and it feels worlds away from the city. 

These Roscoes even got the teeniest tiniest bit of a tan - no small feat!! 

The side of the island facing the mainland is where all of the hotels are, and where we stayed. The other side of the island is largely undeveloped, and is a protected nature preserve. 

Could get used to this

Glen enjoying a cerveja 

If you want to get to the other side of the island, you have to drive through dense jungle, a road was built in 2012 that goes to a beach called Praia dos Castelhanos, which, back in the day was a pirate hideout. 

In town with another couple - they live in the southern region of the country. 

Still pretty pale. A+ for effort though!

One of many beautiful sunsets