Ilha Do Mel: Discover Island Nature and Culture

Ilha Do Mel lies at the entrance to Paranaguá Bay. The island combines diverse landscapes with a way of getting around that you should plan for from the outset: on the island, you can travel only on foot or by bicycle. These landscapes include beaches facing the open sea as well as bays, mangroves and trails through protected natural areas.

Two parts of the island, different landscapes

The smaller southern part is characterised by hills and beaches facing the open sea. In the larger northern part, restinga plains, mangroves, streams and lagoons define the landscape; the beaches there face the inner side of Paranaguá Bay. If you want to explore the island, you will find a variety of natural settings rather than one uniform beach landscape. Orchids and bromeliads are among the plants found on Ilha Do Mel.

Nature conservation also shapes the island: around 93 percent of Ilha Do Mel is protected by conservation areas. About 81 percent of its surface area is occupied by an Ecological Station. A permit from IAT is required for public visits to the station, which are permitted only for educational purposes. About 12 percent of the surface area is occupied by Parque Estadual da Ilha do Mel. It was established by Decree 5.506 of 21 March 2002. The park allows public visits, environmental education, leisure activities carried out consciously and in an orderly manner, and scientific research.

Plan your routes and how to get around

The trails on Ilha Do Mel range from 650 metres to more than 5 kilometres. You can walk them independently, following the available signs, or with local guides. The varying trail lengths can help you decide in advance which routes fit into your daily plans.

One notable excursion leads to Farol das Conchas. The lighthouse was built in 1872 on Morro das Conchas to support navigation at the entrance to the Barre and access to Paranaguá Bay. The route there includes a staircase with 150 steps. Knowing these details can help you decide whether the route suits your planned activities. Fortaleza Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres is also part of the island’s history: it was built on Ilha Do Mel in 1769 and stands on a slope of Morro da Baleia.

Culture and arrival

The island was placed under state protection in 1975 to preserve its landscape, flora, fauna, archaeological sites and cultural heritage. Traditional practices associated with Ilha Do Mel include artisanal fishing, local storytelling, Fandango, Barreado and historical ways of relating to the area. Alongside its natural environment, these traditions give the island a cultural dimension.

You can reach Ilha Do Mel by boat from Pontal do Sul or Paranaguá. Allow about 30 minutes for the crossing from Pontal do Sul. On the island, you can continue on foot or by bicycle. If you are looking for a holiday rental on Ilha Do Mel, take this distinctive way of getting around into account when choosing accommodation and planning your days there.

In the waters of Paranaguá Bay, you may be able to spot Guiana dolphins in the wider region; they feed mainly on fish. Other destinations: Campo Largo, Minguinho, Pôrto Rico, Ribeirão Do Pinhal, Maringá, Rio Branco Do Sul, Marechal Cândido Rondon and Guaratuba.

For the broader travel overview: Paraná.