There's little that can beat lazy days on a Brazilian beach with the scent of barbecue in the air and a samba beat on the wind.

One of the best places to head for the full experience is the Costa Verde, or Green Coast, known for its 365 islands and 2,000 beaches. White sand, turquoise water and soaring mountains that jut up from the verdant coastline make for some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Towering banana plants and vines shade the twisting coastal road on the approach to Angra dos Reis, a good jumping off place for nearby beaches. Each new turn can bring a golden beach with sailboats bobbing at anchor or a shimmering bay dotted with green islands.

Small inns, or pousadas, dot the area near Angra and nearby Ilha Grande. But the best way to relax Costa-Verde-style is to rent a house or borrow one from a friend as my daughter Ali Bair, her schoolmate Brian Macpherson and I did.

There are boat trips to the islands and ferries to Ilha Grande, which is laced with a network of hiking trails and is said to have more than 100 beaches. Trips can be booked at the docks in Angra.

We saved most of our souvenir shopping for a day-trip to Paraty, a colonial town about 90 minutes from Angra. Settled by the Portuguese in the 16th century, its cobblestoned historic section is home to many picturesque white-washed churches, restaurants and shops.

Paraty is also the place to shop for textiles, hand-crafted jewelry and hammocks, especially if you want to replicate the laid-back Brazilian beach feeling at home.

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