A Travel Price Comparison for Brazil Fortaleza vs. Ilha Grande for Couples, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Fortaleza or Ilha Grande?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Ilha Grande can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Fortaleza

Fortaleza is a cultural, lively, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Fortaleza travel costs.

Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Ilha Grande travel costs.

Fortaleza and Ilha Grande: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Fortaleza or Ilha Grande?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fortaleza than Ilha Grande, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fortaleza is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Ilha Grande is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and impressive beauty. Fortaleza is more touristy than Ilha Grande and is known for its beaches, nightlife, and local culture. Also, Fortaleza is famous for Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture. Ilha Grande is well known for

How is Fortaleza different from Ilha Grande?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ilha Grande and Fortaleza. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fortaleza or Ilha Grande?

Fortaleza
Ilha Grande

Fortaleza is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

Fortaleza offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Dragão do Mar is the cultural center in town. There are shows and concerts that highlight the local culture. Also part of the complex are a planetarium and two museums - the Museu de Arte Contemporânea and the Memorial da Cultura Cearense. Also worth seeing the Metropolitan Cathedral of Fortaleza, which is the third largest cathedral in the country.

Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Fortaleza or Ilha Grande? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fortaleza
Ilha Grande

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Fortaleza and Ilha Grande.

Fortaleza has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a number of great restaurants that range from Brazilian barbecue restaurants to international cuisine. Many dishes are heavy and use a lot of meat. Local favorites include paçoca and escondidinho de carne seca.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ilha Grande area. The island still has a quiet, local vibe and that can be seen in the restaurants around town as well. Many places are locally owned and serve up traditional dishes. In particular, the seafood is excellent.

Is Fortaleza or Ilha Grande Better for Nightlife?

Fortaleza
Ilha Grande

Fortaleza is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Fortaleza has a large number of nightlife venues. Like much of Brazil, the city has a vibrant nightlife scene. There are beachfront bars, live music venues, and many places where you can enjoy a good party. You'll find a high concentration of places around Praia de Iracema and the Casario.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Ilha Grande. It's a quiet island with a national park and most people visit specifically to get away from the busy and active city scene.

Is Fortaleza or Ilha Grande Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fortaleza
Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Fortaleza is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Ilha Grande is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are several places where you can rent snorkeling or dive equipment. The area has coral and tropical fish, with the occasional sea turtle sighting. The visibility is generally good and the experience is worth enjoying, but make sure you check on water conditions.

Fortaleza is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Fortaleza or Ilha Grande Better for Beaches?

Fortaleza
Ilha Grande

Fortaleza is a very popular place for the beach. However, Ilha Grande is not a beach destination.

Fortaleza is considered a top beach destination. There are 5 kilometers of sandy beach in town and many visitors enjoy taking long walks. While there are technically four beaches in the area, they all kind of merge together and it can be difficult to tell one from the other. The most popular beach is Meireles, which has a boardwalk and is lined by high rise buildings.

Ilha Grande is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fortaleza or Ilha Grande?

Fortaleza
Ilha Grande

Fortaleza is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Fortaleza is well-known for its shopping. It's a large city with plenty of shopping malls and other local boutiques which are fun to explore.

Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fortaleza or Ilha Grande More Beautiful?

Fortaleza
Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Fortaleza is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ilha Grande is a beautiful place to visit, too. The secluded beaches and surrounding nature make this a beautiful island to explore. It's made up of a national park and there are hiking trails and many scenic spots.

Fortaleza is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Fortaleza or Ilha Grande Better for Families?

Fortaleza
Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Fortaleza is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Ilha Grande offers lots of family activities. Most families who visit the island come for the beaches. There are also many nice hikes, waterfalls, and even wildlife that the kids will enjoy. In the village there are a few restaurants. Many aren't geared specifically to kids, but they do have a selection that kids might enjoy.

Fortaleza is not the most family-friendly destination. There are several beaches and parks where kids will enjoy running around and stretching their legs.

Is Fortaleza or Ilha Grande Better for Couples?

Fortaleza
Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a great for its romantic activities. However, Fortaleza is not known for couples.

Ilha Grande is a great if you're traveling as a couple. Scenic beaches and beautiful nature make this a wonderful couples retreat that's not far from Rio de Janeiro. The beaches have a more relaxed and quiet vibe than many places in Brazil and the island still holds on to its undiscovered atmosphere.

Fortaleza is not always the best place to visit for a couple. While it's often overlooked by couples, those who have a few days in town can enjoy the beaches or take a stroll down the beachfront promenade.

Is Fortaleza or Ilha Grande Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fortaleza
Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Fortaleza is not known for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Ilha Grande. It is possible to reach the island with a backpacker's budget, but it will take you more time than if you hire a private tour. Once you're on the island there are some hostels and budget hotels to choose from as well.

Fortaleza is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most backpackers skip this city for the more popular destinations.


Is Fortaleza or Ilha Grande Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fortaleza
Ilha Grande

Fortaleza is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Fortaleza has some public transit options. The Metro system includes a rail and light rail system.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Ilha Grande. You'll need to take a boat to reach the island, and once you're there, there are not vehicles around.

Is Fortaleza or Ilha Grande a more walkable city?

Fortaleza
Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a great for its high level of walkability. Also, Fortaleza is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Ilha Grande is a very walkable . There are no cars on the island and very few roads. You'll spend a lot of time hiking around, which is the best way to enjoy the island. They don't call it "big island" for no reason though, so make sure you understand the distance between destinations.

Fortaleza is a somewhat walkable city. It's a relatively walkable city with some neighborhoods easier to explore on foot than others. It's important to understand the area you're in because safety could be a concern.

Should I spend more time in Ilha Grande or Fortaleza?

How long in Fortaleza or Ilha Grande?

It's fun to spend time in either Fortaleza or Ilha Grande. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Ilha Grande due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Fortaleza, and 2-4 days is enough time in Ilha Grande.

Families should spend more time in Ilha Grande than Fortaleza. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ilha Grande, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Ilha Grande than Fortaleza. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ilha Grande that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ilha Grande than Fortaleza if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Ilha Grande.


  • How many days in Fortaleza or Ilha Grande? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fortaleza 2-3 
    Ilha Grande 2-4

One day in Fortaleza or Ilha Grande?


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Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Fortaleza. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the of Ilha Grande. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Fortaleza or Ilha Grande?


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Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Fortaleza. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the destination of Ilha Grande. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this has to offer. This offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Fortaleza or Ilha Grande?


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The lively city of Fortaleza offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the of Ilha Grande. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Fortaleza or Ilha Grande?


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Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Fortaleza. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ilha Grande is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, and The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Ilha Grande or Fortaleza?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Fortaleza Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Ilha Grande Prices
    Brazil Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Fortaleza $83
    Ilha Grande $80

The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $83, while the average daily cost in Ilha Grande is $80. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fortaleza and Ilha Grande in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $29
    Ilha Grande $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $58
    Ilha Grande $70
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Ilha Grande

Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza or Ilha Grande? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Fortaleza


Hotels in Ilha Grande


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Fortaleza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fortaleza $20
    Ilha Grande $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer to Beach Park: $11
  • Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $28
  • Transfer from Fortaleza Airport to Hotels in Orla Marítima: $8.62
  • Transfer 4x4 Regular Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $90
  • Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza: $240
  • Roundtrip transfer from Pinto Martins Airport to Hotels in Fortaleza: $17
  • Round trip transfer to Jericoacoara: $56
  • Private Transfer from Praia das Fontes to Fortaleza (FOR) Airport : $87
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza Port to Fortaleza Airport (FOR): $79
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza Hotels to Fortaleza Cruise Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza Cruise Port to Fortaleza hotels: $87
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza Cruise Port to Fortaleza city: $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ilha Grande

Also for Ilha Grande, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from GIG to anywhere in the City Angra dos Reis: $182
  • Private Transfer from Angra dos Reis to Airport GIG in Rio : $182
  • Private Transfer Angra dos Reis to Rio de Janeiro: $91
  • From Angra dos Reis: Shared Transfer to Rio de Janeiro: $46
  • Regular Transfer Angra dos Reis x Rio de Janeiro and Airports: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Ilha Grande?

Prices for flights to both Ilha Grande and Fortaleza change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Fortaleza $39
    Ilha Grande $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fortaleza $15
    Ilha Grande $6.36

Tours and Activities in Fortaleza

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.

  • Águas Belas Tour: $14
  • 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $12
  • Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza: $35
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $23
  • City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $25
  • Fortaleza Historical & Cultural Discovery Private Tour: $178
  • Fortaleza Panoramic City Tour with visit to Cumbuco Beach: $19
  • Fortaleza Private Walking Tour with a Local: $31
  • Full Day Beach Tour In Cumbuco: $37
  • Full Day Premium Tour in Jericoacoara: $61
  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $12
  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco from Fortaleza: $36

Tours and Activities in Ilha Grande

For Ilha Grande, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Angra dos Reis Lagoons Shared Speedboat Tour: $78
  • Angra Dos Reis Daily Tour To Paradise. Boat Trip Lunch And Fruits Included: $67
  • Angra Super Blue Lagoon Speedboat Tour: $76
  • Angra dos Reis Island Hopping Speedboat Tour from Ilha Grande: $69
  • Boat Adventure through the Super Blue Lagoon in Angra dos Reis: $77
  • Boat Tour To The Beaches Of Angra Dos Reis: $18
  • Discover Angra’s Hidden Paradise Islands by Speedboat Tour: $78
  • Diving Adventures in Angra dos Reis: $177
  • From Ilha Grande - Paradise Island 7 h - Speedboat tour: $65
  • Full-Day Ilha Grande Northern Coast Speedboat Tour: $63
  • Half-Day Ilha Grande Schooner Tour: $42
  • Ilha Grande - From Abrãao: Lopes Mendes beach tour & trekking: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fortaleza $9.58
    Ilha Grande $10


When comparing the travel costs between Fortaleza and Ilha Grande, we can see that Fortaleza is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Ilha Grande Expensive?.