Ilha do Mel
A PARADE ON THE COAST
One of the most beautiful tourist attractions of Paraná, Ilha do Mel enchants those who know it. Formed basically by restinga (sandy and saline land on the coast, with herbs and characteristic vegetation) ecosystems and Atlantic forest, the place stands out as one of the main ecotourism destinations of Brazil.
Among its important natural and historic attractions are its beautiful beaches, the Gruta das Encantadas, the ecological station, a state park, the Conchas Lighthouse and the Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres Fortress. Visiting Ilha do Mel is to know a piece of paradise.
WHAT TO DO
TRACKS AND WALKS
As motor vehicles and animal traction are not allowed on the island, the locomotion is made by trails, which give the impression that the place stopped in time, or by the beaches.
CONTEMPLATE THE NATURE
With exuberant fauna and flora, strolling through Ilha do Mel is to observe several species of birds and porpoises, as well as numerous plants and flowers.
ADVENTURE TOURISM
For those who like action tourism, it is possible to fly over the island from paragliding, surfing, water diving, climbing and sailing.
TIPS
JAZZ IN THE ISLAND
The Jazz Festival takes even more beauty to Ilha do Mel. The weekends of August are filled with good music, gastronomy, fun and beach, with a unique and free program.
MULLET FEAST
The event usually happens in July and goes far beyond presenting only the excellent gastronomic specialty of the Island, the mullet. It is a party that has musical shows and offers a lot of fun and leisure.
MOST VISITED PLACES
Cavern of the Enchanted
Shell Lighthouse
Fortress of Our Lady of Pleasures
TOURS
Shell Lighthouse
Built in 1872, at the top of the Morro das Conchas, the place can be sighted from almost every point of the island. Climbing the 150 steps of the hill to reach the top is to be able to contemplate a breathtaking view.
Fortress of Our Lady of Pleasures
Built between 1767 and 1769 to protect the Bay of Paranaguá, the fortress stands facing the sea, on Fortaleza Beach. Declared by the Institute of the Patrimony Historical and Artistic National, it saves much history.
Cavern of the Enchanted
Located in the southern part of the island, the cave is a natural patrimony formed by a crack in the rocky wall that opened due to the action of the sea. To facilitate access to the site, there is a walkway that takes the visitor to the entrance of the cave.
HOW TO ARRIVE
The access to Ilha do Mel is made by boats that leave the cities of Paranaguá and Pontal do Paraná.
WHERE TO STAY
Ilha do Mel has several inns with good structure and some hotels. For those who prefer something more adventurous, it is possible to stay in one of the many campings on the island.
GASTRONOMY
As it should not be, the seafood is the feature of the cuisine of Ilha do Mel.