in addition to rio's many famous beaches, there are a few islands near the shore that could be of great interest to many visitors.

in very different ways, all of rio's islands offer a new perspective of the city, often surprising and always enriching.  

some offer a peek into rio's past, others show independent ecosystems - so close to rio's modern constructions, yet in a world of their own. 

these islands are not common touristy destinations and, surprisingly, even most cariocas have never visited any of them, despite having heard about them or having looked at these islands many times from the beach.