Along  the Costa Verde, where the mountains  kiss  the sea,   there  are  hundreds  of   islands,   including    Ilha Grande  at  the  Restinga  de  Marambaia, which soften the  sea  for  easy  swimming  and  boating.   The  calm waters,   coupled   with   the  natural   ports  and   coves allowed safe passage for Portuguese ships  that  sailed to Parati  to transport sugar cane and later on,  gold to Europe.   It  also  protected  pirates,  who  found  a safe haven on Ilha Grande.

There are  beaches  waiting to  be  explored, where the views  are  spectacular.   The  most  famous  spots are Angra dos Reis, Parati (a historically preserved town of beautiful  baroque   architecture),    Itacuruçá  and    Ilha Grande.     Resort  hotels  scattered  along   the   coast, several of them only one and a half hour drive  from  Rio de Janeiro, make it perfect for a relaxing vacation  after visiting bustling Rio.