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 8 Things to See & Do in Ilha do Mel
Relax at Praia de Encantadas: Located on the southern end of the island, this beach has calm waters and is accessible by walking from the Encantadas village. It is a common spot for swimming after exploring nearby sites such as the Gruta das Encantadas.
Visit the Gruta das Encantadas: A sea cave located near Praia de Encantadas. It is accessible at low tide via a walkway and stairs. The cave is associated with local legends and features basalt rock formations shaped by the tides.
Explore the Farol das Conchas: This lighthouse was built in 1872 and remains operational. It is situated on a hill between Praia do Farol and Praia de Fora. Walk up a trail and a staircase of about 150 steps to reach the top for views of the island and surrounding coastline.
Hike to Fortaleza Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres: Located on the northern end of the island near Praia de Fortaleza, this 18th-century fort was constructed to protect the coast. The trail to the fort passes through forest and mangroves. Inside the fort are preserved cannons and stone walls, with views over the bay.
Visit Praia do Farol: This beach lies at the base of the Farol das Conchas. It has moderate waves and is popular for surfing and swimming. It is accessible via footpaths from both Encantadas and Nova Brasília villages.
Walk the trail from Encantadas to Nova Brasilia: This inland trail links the two main villages of the island. It takes about 2 hours on foot, crossing forest, dunes, and beaches.
Visit Praia de Fora: Located to the east of the island near the lighthouse, this beach faces the Atlantic Ocean. It has stronger waves and is suitable for surfing. Access is by foot from the Farol das Conchas area.
Observe wildlife and nature in the Ilha do Mel State Park: Most of the island is protected as part of a state conservation area. The park includes dunes, Atlantic rainforest, mangroves and rocky coastlines. Entry is limited to 5,000 visitors per day to reduce environmental impact.
How long to spend in Ilha do Mel
It is recommended to spend at least 3 days on Ilha do Mel to explore the island's main sights.
Where to stay in Ilha do Mel
There are two main areas to stay on Ilha do Mel: Vila de Encantadas and Nova Brasília. Nova Brasília provides access to Praia do Farol and Praia de Fora, while Encantadas is near the Gruta das Encantadas. Accommodation is also available in Praia do Farol and Praia Grande, although options are more limited outside the main villages.
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 in Ilha do Mel
Hotel Pousada Praia do Farol - located on Praia do Farol Beach (see prices)
Pousadas (guesthouses)
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 in Ilha do Mel
Hostel Encantadas Ecologic (see prices)
Praia do Farol, Ilha do Mel
Where is Ilha do Mel, Brazil
Quick Facts about Ilha do Mel
Population of Ilha do Mel
Around 1,000 permanent residents. There is a limit of 11,000 people on the island simultaneously, including residents and tourists.
Nickname
People from Ilha do Mel do not have a specific nickname, however people from Paraná State are called paranaenses.
Closest airport
The closest airport is located in Curitiba (CWB)
Main bus terminal
Rodoviaria de Pontal Do Sul
Main ports
Nova Brasília
Encantadas
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 to Ilha do Mel
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.
Is Ilha do Mel safe for tourists
Ilha do Mel is considered a safe destination for visitors. The atmosphere is relaxed, and it is a very different experience compared to larger Brazilian cities. As with any trip, it is still sensible to follow a few simple precautions, but these are more about peace of mind than real risk.
A few tips to stay safe in Ilha do Mel
Keep an eye on your belongings at the beach, or ask someone to watch them if you go for a swim
Don't walk around with large amounts of cash, carry only the cash you need for the day or a credit card
At night, stick to the main streets or paths where other visitors and locals are walking
Ask your pousada or host if you are unsure about the best routes or areas to explore
Travel insurance for Ilha do Mel
Travel insurance is not just a nice-to-have, it is an important safety-net that can prevent a stressful incident from turning into an expensive disaster. The reality is that unexpected events can happen on any trip. Even something as simple as missing a connecting flight can lead to unexpected accommodation and transport costs. If you become unwell, medical bills in another country can quickly become expensive. Without insurance, you have to handle all of this on your own in an unfamiliar environment, possibly in a language you do not speak.
I have personally relied on travel insurance multiple times, including when I had belongings stolen in Europe, fell sick while travelling in Asia, and had flights cancelled. In each case, the support I received meant I could focus on solving the problem instead of worrying about costs.
For a small daily cost, you can be covered for a wide range of scenarios, from theft to delayed flights and medical emergencies. Having one phone number to call and a company that deals with the problem for you is worth far more than the price of the policy. I personally use Safety Wing, and I recommend them to friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. You can get a quote here.
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