Brazil's Southern Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Ilha do Mel
Hike to Lighthouse Hill for panoramic views, visit Encantadas Cave, and relax on tranquil beaches.
Ilha do Mel, located in the state of Paraná, is a protected ecological paradise known for its pristine beaches, caves, and historical sites. With no cars allowed, the island offers an eco-friendly, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for hiking, surfing, and visiting landmarks like the Gruta das Encantadas (Enchanted Caves) and the 18th-century fort called Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres. The island is divided into two main areas, Brasília and Encantadas, each offering unique natural attractions.
Top 5 Things to See & Do in Ilha do Mel
Relax at Praia de Encantadas
Visit the Gruta das Encantadas
Explore the Farol das Conchas
Hike to Fortaleza Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres
Discover Praia do Farol
Where to stay in Ilha do Mel
Accommodation in Ilha do Mel is almost exclusively pousadas (guesthouses). Luckily, there are numerous beautiful, highly rated guesthouses to chose from. Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Ilha do Mel, or check out my personal recommendations below:
Hotels
Hotel Pousada Praia do Farol - located on Praia do Farol Beach (see prices)
Pousadas (Guesthouse)
Pousada Kainoa - a homey beachfront guesthouse (see prices)
Pousada Villa Encantada - guesthouse close to the beach with a buffet breakfast (see prices)
Pousada das Meninas - a rustic guesthouse, perfect for couples (see prices)
Studio Apartments
Maré Alta - fully equipped studio apartments with a swimming pool, beachfront location (see prices)
Backpacker Hostels
Hostel Encantadas Ecologic (see prices)
Where is Ilha do Mel, Brazil
Closest airport
The closest airport is located in Curitiba (CWB)
Main bus terminal
Rodoviaria de Pontal Do Sul
Nova Brasília, Encantadas
Main ports
How to get to Ilha do Mel
To get to Ilha do Mel, first take a bus to Paranaguá or Ponto do Sol, then take a ferry to the island. Ilha do Mel has two main ports: Nova Brasília and Encantadas.
Nova Brasília, centrally located on the island, is the primary arrival point for most visitors and serves as a hub for exploring nearby attractions like the Farol das Conchas lighthouse and Praia Grande beach. Encantadas, situated on the southern tip of the island, is known for its proximity to the Gruta das Encantadas, a popular sea cave.
How to take the ferry to Ilha do Mel
Boats to both ports depart from two location: Pontal do Sul and Paranaguá. Take a ferry to whichever port is nearest your accommodation.
From Pontal do Sul, boats to either port take only 30 minutes. This is the cheaper route, costing R$35 reais return. From Paranaguá, the boat takes 1.5 hours to Nova Brasília and 2 hours to Encantadas, costing R$53 for a return ticket.
How to get to Ilha do Mel from Curitiba
Busses run frequently from Curitiba to Paranaguá and take around 1.5 hours (tickets), and to Ponto do Sol, taking 2 hours.
How to get to Ilha do Mel from Sao Paulo
There is a regular bus from Tietê Bus Terminal and from Santos in Sao Paulo to Paranaguá (tickets). The trip can be done overnight.
Top tours you might like nearby
How to get around Ilha do Mel
It's possible to travel between Nova Brasília and Encantadas by boat and by foot. The ferry costs R$15 and takes 20 minutes, and runs hourly between 8am and 7:30pm.
The trail is approximately 4.5km, but always be sure to check the tides if planning this walk.
Things to know before you go
Limited Access to ATMs: Ilha do Mel has no ATMs, so be sure to bring cash with you. The nearest ATM is in Ponto do Sol, and even there, access can be limited if the town's one ATM is out of order.
Tides and Hiking: If you're planning to hike, especially along the beaches, it's crucial to check the tide schedule every day before setting out. Certain paths may become inaccessible or dangerous during high tide, so planning your hikes with the tides in mind will help ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience. Remember - the high tide time changes every day.
Insect Protection: The island is home to various insects, particularly mosquitoes and horse-flies. Be sure to pack insect repellent to protect yourself and make your stay more comfortable. The best repellents are the ones found locally.
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