many of angra's islands that are closer to shore are located within ribeira bay, which includes the waters west of the angra peninsula and north of gipóia island - gipóia is a popular destination itself, being one of the larger islands behind ilha grande with nice beaches, bars and restaurants.

itanhangá island, on the western side of the bay, is great for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing and canoeing, and has rustic chalets (which is to say, without electricity) for those who wish to spend the night there.

itanhangá's neighbor, paquetá island, is the perfect place to relax with its gentle waves and small seafood restaurants - whose proprietors catch the very fish that they serve.