Ilha do Mel (Honey Island) - Paraná

Ilha do Mel is 95 km (59 miles) from Curitiba, in the district of Paranaguá. It has countless beaches and trails, an old fortress, a lighthouse and a great nightlife, all of this within its 2762 hectares.



The Island’s most famous attractions are its beautiful beaches and an important ecological reserve. Access is by boat, and arrival is at the Village of Nova Brasília, over a strait from where it is possible to see the sea on both sides, or at Praia Encantada (Enchanted Beach). Ilha do Mel has trails that run between hills and over plains that lead to locations with rare beauty. The trip impresses not only with its scenery, but also with the opportunity to be in touch with the area’s rich fauna and flora. There, even the red-topped parrot, which is an endangered species, fly about freely. The best time of year to visit the island is during the summer, between the months of December and March, because there is a lot of rain the rest of the year.

Attractions
Praia da Fortaleza
This beach is home to the Our Lady of Pleasures Fortress, the construction of which began in 1766. It is still possible to find weapons from the period in the area. From its lookout, one can see the Superagui and Peças Islands. To reach the Fortress it is necessary to walk about 1 hour. By boat, the trip takes 10 minutes.

Praia do Farol das Conchas
In reality, this beach is a waterfront. Its main attraction is the Conchas Lighthouse. Raised in 1872, it guides the navigators at the entrance to the Paranaguá Bay. Access is on foot from the Nova Brasília Village and it takes about 5 minutes. It is home to beautiful sights.

Praia de Fora do Farol
This is a tiny bay between rocky cliffs. Natural pools are formed there during low tide. It is a 10 minute walk from the village of Nova Brasília.

Praia Grande
Praia Grande is a semi-deserted beach that is greatly sought after by surfers. It is a 25 minute walk from the village of Nova Brasília.

Praia do Miguel
Deserted and surrounded by cliffs and native vegetation, it forms beautiful scenery. Access is on foot from the Nova Brasília Village or Encantadas Village, and it takes about 1 hour.

Praia de Fora das Encantadas
This beach is semi-deserted and it has snack bars and bars. The Encantadas Cavern is in its rocky cliffs. It about a 1 hour 50 minute walk from the village of Nova Brasília; or a 10 minute walk from the village of Encantadas.

Praia do Limoeiro
This beach is to the north and it is more deserted than the others. It has infrastructure with inns and restaurants. It is a 5 minute walk from the village of Nova Brasília.

Praia Encantadas
This is a waterfront for boats, inns and restaurants. It is a 2 hour walk, or 10 minutes by boat, from the village of Nova Brasília.

Shopping
In Paranaguá:
Art Market: Straw, wood and weaving arts and crafts. Open daily from 8AM to 7PM. It is located on 29 de Julho Square (Rua da Praia).

More on Brazil:
Curitiba - Parana
Chapada Diamantina - Bahia
Blumenau - Santa Catarina
Abrolhos - Bahia
Foz do Iguacu Waterfalls - Parana
Belem - Para
Garopaba - Santa Catarina

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