Packing List for Ilha do Mel
by mircaskirca
For short hikes on the island, a small backpack to carry water, sun protection, camera..., is most suitable. If you intend to spend most of the time around the beach, a pair of Havaianas, the famous Brazilian flip-flops, is a must. And for longer hikes, a pair of comfortable sandals might be well suited as well.
You may be out on the sun a lot, so hat is a very good idea. There is no pharmacy on the island, so make sure you take first aid with you.
It gets sunny and warm all year round and the island is especially hot during summertime. So don't forget to carry a lot of sun protection.
Also take along a good mosquito repellant because sometimes there are quite a lot of pernilongos (mosquitos). Take all filming and photography accessories with you as you can't get anything on the island. Water sports lovers - bring snorkeling and surfing accessories! Always wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light from the sun.
Small flashlight might be especially useful when you go out at night as there is almost no light on the island.
Boat Trips
by mircaskirca
There are various options of boat trips. Paranagua Bay is huge, beautiful and full of places worth discovering. The island is situated at the entrance of the bay which makes it easy to access to other islands, beaches and places of interest. Among more interesting trips are:
- Gruta das Encantadas is situated at the southern part of the island. According to the legend, it was a shelter of mermaids who enchanted sailors and they were never seen again. Visitor has to make a request which will be attended by the spirit of mermaids.
- Ilha das Palmas is located in front of Farol das Conchas. You find a real natural paradise here. The island is totally deserted and doesn't have any infrastructure. It's an ideal place to spend the whole day for enjoy the beach and the luxuriant forest.
- Ilha das Pecas - a beautiful trip; in Baia dos Golfinhos (Bay of Dolphins) these magnificent mammals can be easily observed.
- Parque Nacional de Superagui is considered one of the five most notable coastal ecosystems in the globe. It is a marine park formed by Ilha de Superagui and some other islands. It is well known for its mangroves and salt water swamps. Flora and fauna here is amazing and animals exist in harmony in the environment of Mata Atlantica (Atlantic Rainforest). The island has several footpaths and deserted beaches with access from the fishermen's village Vila do Superagui.
Boats leave from the port of Nova Brasilia and Encantadas. Prices are negotiable but still not very cheap.
Hike across the island
by lichinga
The south-west flat lands
The southern lobe is not inhabitated. You may walk around it in a few hours, while it is forbidden to enter the forest as it is kept as a conservation area.
The north-east hills
The northern part is hilly, with lovely paths among the beaches and the small villages. All in all, you may walk around the whole island in the same day, but the landscape is variated and really lovely. If you come from Curitiba, the island provides an unsuspected relaxing spot not so far away from the city.
Ilha do Mel (Honey Island)
by mircaskirca
"As Sweet as its Name"
Ilha do Mel (Honey Island) is a Brazilian eco-friendly destination in the Baia de Paranagua. It is among the best spots on the southern coastline to find that cool, tropical beach atmosphere. The island has almost 28 square kilometres of space, most of it virgin forest. Northern half of the island is ecological reserve and the southern, facing the open ocean, is a surfer's delight. The whole island has barely 1200 permanent residents. There are no cars on the island; people get around on foot or by boat.
The inhabited part includes two charming villages with numerous pousadas (inns), restaurants and bars, Nova Brasilia and Encantadas. The most attractive part of the island is a serie of stunning beaches along its mountainous southeast side, an area of quiet coves, rocky headlands and small waterfalls. The island's most beautiful beaches are Praia da Fortaleza, Praia do Farol das Conchas, Praia Grande, Praia do Miguel, Praia de Fora das Encantadas, Praia do Limoeiro and Praia Encantadas, each with unique characteristics.
Ilha do Mel has trails that run through the hills and beaches. As destination point visitors generally use three main attractions: Farol das Conchas (Conchas Lighthouse), Fortaleza Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres (Fort of Our Lady of the Pleasure) and Gruta das Encantadas (The Enchanted Grotto). The trip impresses with the scenery and awesome views.
Ilha do Mel is an ecological paradise, wild, romantic, peaceful and full of natural wonders, perfect for nature lovers or those who enjoy a quiet walk or a peaceful time on the beach. It's the closest place to heaven :)
Honey Island
by Elena77
"Ilha do Mel"
Ilha do Mel is an island at the Brazilian coast, belonging to the state of Paraná. It is just about 27 square km big but has got 35 km of coast line. There are 1000 people living permanently at Ilha do Mel and the number of tourists is restricted to 5000 (concurrently)
"Sinking like Atlantis"
There are hardly any fixed roads at Ilha do Mel and no cars at all. The government tries to keep this beautiful little island as unspoilt as possible. Still the island is endangered as it is sinking and also might soon "break" in two
"Getting there"
The island can be reached by ferry leaving from Pontal du Sul or Paranaguá