Ilha Grande, Brazil, is a popular destination for tourists seeking sun, sea, and unspoiled nature. This tropical island, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected nature reserve. It boasts a diverse range of colorful flora and fauna, as well as some of the country's most stunning beaches. However, its history is far from idyllic.
In the past, it served as a 19th-century leper colony, and more recently, it was a high-security prison for Brazil's most dangerous criminals. For many years, the island remained off-limits to the public.
