Ilha do Mel, a true paradise in Paraná, is located in Paranaguá Bay, in the municipality of Paranaguá, and represents one of the last areas of Atlantic Forest preserved in the entire region. The administration of this natural treasure is carried out by the Ilha do Mel State Park and Ecological Station, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Get ready to be enchanted by the exuberant nature and vast beaches that make this destination one of the most prominent for ecotourism in Paraná.
Ilha do Mel covers around 2,700 hectares, but only 200 of them are open to visitors, with the aim of preserving the rest as a protected ecological area listed as a Historical Heritage Site. If you would like further improvements or have other information to add, please feel free to share.
The paradisiacal Ilha do Mel is one of the best Ecotourism destinations in Paraná
Ilha do Mel, with its scarce urbanization, does not have streets or roads for the circulation of motor or animal-drawn vehicles. This prohibition has the main objective of preserving the environment and preventing any form of degradation. This paradisiacal island is truly adapted for all types of tourists, from families looking for tranquility to young adventurers looking for challenges.
The region is divided into five charming villages: Fortaleza, Nova Brasília (or Brasília), Farol, Praia Grande and Encantadas, and is made up of a total of 30 stunning beaches. Among the most visited are Praia da Gruta, Praia de Fora, Praia da Boia, Praia da Fortaleza, Praia do Farol, Prainha, Praia do Miguel, Praia de Nova Brasília and Praia Grande. Each of them offers its own unique atmosphere and unparalleled natural beauty.
Things to do on Ilha do Mel (Honey Island) – Beaches
Gruta Beach
Praia da Gruta, accessed by a wooden walkway, is home to the famous Gruta das Encantadas. This beach is small in size and is partially covered when the tide is high, adding a special touch to the Ilha do Mel experience.
Bóia Beach
Praia da Bóia is located next to Praia da Gruta, separated by a large rock that visitors can choose to climb to move between the two beaches, offering an additional adventure. However, there is a calmer alternative to the crossing. This beach has an extensive strip of white sand and the sea is slightly rough, providing good waves and crystal clear waters. It is important to remember to bring water and some food, as there are no establishments or street vendors nearby.
De Fora Beach (Praia de Fora)
Praia de Fora is located between two rocky walls, one of which houses the island’s lighthouse, located on Morro das Conchas. In this region, visitors have the opportunity to explore some ecological trails, in addition to enjoying a solid infrastructure with several restaurants and bars. It is a place where you can appreciate both the natural beauty and enjoy amenities and leisure options.
Fortaleza Beach
Praia da Fortaleza is known for being one of the quietest beaches on Ilha do Mel. To get there, you have to walk about 4 km. At the end of the beach, there is the Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres, as well as some kiosks and restaurants. This beach is a perfect refuge for those looking for peace and quiet amid nature.
Farol Beach
Farol beach, as its name suggests, is close to the Lighthouse. Its clear, clear waters are ideal for swimming, and also offer good conditions for surfing, with waves that can reach up to 2 meters. An interesting tip is to visit Farol das Conchas before enjoying the beach. After descending the more than 150 steps, you can relax and enjoy the beauty of this paradisiacal place.
Prainha Beach
The Prainha jetty houses the arrival and departure terminal of Vilarejo Nova Brasília, making the beach one of the busiest on Ilha do Mel. It is known for its many bars and is the ideal place if you are looking for excitement and movement.
Miguel Beach
Praia do Miguel is a true refuge for those seeking tranquility and direct contact with nature. With very little movement and a serene atmosphere, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy moments of peace by the sea. If you value calm and simplicity, Praia do Miguel is an unmissable destination on Ilha do Mel.
2 – Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres de Paranaguá Fortress (Fortress of Our Lady of Pleasures of Paranaguá)
The Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres de Paranaguá, also known as Fortaleza da Barra or Fortaleza de Paranaguá, is located on Fortaleza beach, at the foot of Morro da Baleia. This is an important historical landmark on Ilha do Mel, which dates back to times gone by and enriches the cultural and tourist experience of the region.
The Fortress, built in 1770, had the primary purpose of protecting Paranaguá Bay from possible Spanish attacks at the time. Its fort is located on the seafront and is in excellent condition, including cannons dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. This makes a visit to this place a true journey through time, providing visitors with a unique view of the history of the region.
Furthermore, at the top of the Fortress, there is Morro da Baleia, with its intricate labyrinths, historic cannons and a panoramic viewpoint. Although the approximately 500 meter trail to the top can be a bit challenging, the effort will certainly be rewarded with spectacular views of the region.
You can’t help but enjoy the stunning view of the bay from the top of Morro da Baleia, it’s truly spectacular.
To get to Fortaleza, you can choose to walk for around 50 minutes, take a boat which takes around 10 minutes or use a bicycle, which takes approximately 15 minutes from Nova Brasília. It’s your choice!
3 – Cave of Enchantments ( Gruta das Encantadas)
Gruta das Encantadas is, without a doubt, one of the most famous tourist attractions on Ilha do Mel. This natural wonder is located in the south of the island, but it is important to note that entry into the cave is only possible when the tide is low, usually in the morning.
From Vilarejo Nova Brasília to the Grotto it is approximately 20 minutes on foot.
4 – Conchas Lighthouse (Farol das Conchas)
Farol das Conchas is located at the highest point of the island, at around 50 meters above sea level. To reach it, you have to climb almost 150 steps, requiring additional effort. However, the reward is one of the most stunning views of Ilha do Mel, if not the most beautiful.
Discover the Unmissable Experiences on Ilha do Mel
Ilha do Mel offers a variety of attractions that appeal to all audiences, from those looking for excitement to those who prefer tranquility.
- Beaches
- Walking tours
- Boat trips
- Sport Fishing
- Boat Fishing
- Kitesurfing
- Fresh water bath
- Dolphin observation
- Birdwatching
- Cultural Tourism
- Cycle tourism
- Candle
- Dive
- Kayak
- Surfing
- Stand-up paddle
- Free fly
- Trekking
- Guided trails
- Shellfish farming
- Bars and nightclubs
Distances of Tours on Ilha do Mel
The main tourist attractions of Ilha do Mel are: The Conchas Lighthouse, Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres and Gruta de Encantadas. See the table of distances for trail rides:
| One-way route | Average Time | Distance |
| Brasília – Encantadas | 4,8 km | 2h:30 |
| Brasília – Farol | 1,6 KM | 30 min |
| Brasília – Fortaleza | 4 Km | 1h |
| Encantadas – Farol | 6,4 Km | 3h |
| Encantadas – Fortaleza | 8,8 km | 3h:30 |
| Encantadas – Gruta | 0,6 Km | 15min |
How to get to Ilha do Mel?
Maritime Transport
Ilha do Mel is located approximately 120 km (74 mile) from Curitiba Airport, and access to the island is by boat from two municipalities: Pontal do Paraná and Paranaguá.
Paranaguá
High season: Boats at 08:30, 09:30, 15:00 and 16:30
Low Season: Boats at 09:30 and 15:30
Travel Time: From 1h to 1h:30.
Round-trip ticket: On average R$50
City Hall Boarding Fee: R$3
Pontal do Paraná (Pontal do Sul)
High season: Boats every 30 minutes, from 8am to 7pm.
Low Season: Boats every hour from 8:00 to 17:30
Travel time: On average 30 minutes.
Round-trip ticket: On average R$32
City Hall Boarding Fee: R$ 3.75
The closest point to the continent is 4 km (2.50 Mile) from Pontal do Sul, in the municipality of Pontal do Paraná.
Land Transport
Bus: From Curitiba to Pontal do Sul
Daily: 7:30 – 10:20 – 14:30 – 17:30 – 20:45
Average travel time: 2h15min
Ticket Price: R$ 34.51
Bus: From Pontal do Sul to Curitiba
Daily: 7:00 – 10:30 – 14:00 – 17:30 – 20:30
Average travel time: 2h20min
Ticket Price: R$ 29.95
Bus: From Curitiba to Paranaguá
Daily: 5:15 – 6:15 – 7:10 – 7:45 (via Estrada da Graciosa) – 9:30 – 11:30 – 12:30 – 14:00 – 15:20 – 16:20 – 17: 10 – 18:15 – 19:00 – 19:45 – 20:50 – 23:15
Average travel time: 1h30min
Ticket Price: R$ 27.01
Bus: From Paranaguá to Curitiba
Daily: 5:15 – 6:00 – 7:15 – 8:30 – 9:30 – 10:15 – 11:30 – 12:45 – 13:45 – 15:00 – 15:15 (via Estrada da Graciosa ) – 16:00 – 17:15 – 18:45 – 21:15 – 23:00
Average travel time: 1h30min
Ticket Price: R$ 24.89
Bus: From Paranaguá to Pontal do Sul
Daily: 6:00 – 7:30 – 10:00 – 12:00 – 14:00 – 15:30 – 16:30 – 17:15 – 18:00 – 18:30 – 19:30 – 21:30 – 23:20
Average travel time: 45min
Ticket Price: R$ R$ 5.10
Bus: From Pontal do Sul to Paranaguá
Daily: 5:00 – 6:00 – 6:30 – 7:20 – 8:30 – 10:15 – 12:00 – 13:00 – 14:30 – 16:00 – 17:00 – 19:00 – 21:30
Average travel time: 45min
Ticket Price: R$ R$ 5.10
On Ilha do Mel, there are porters who offer carts to transport your luggage to your accommodation. The average price is R$20 per cart, which generally has enough space to accommodate all the luggage of a group of friends or family, making transportation to the destination easier.
For more information about the boats, visit the website of the Association of boatmen on the north coast of Paraná (ABALINE).
Conclusion
When it comes to “Things to do on Ilha do Mel”, the options are vast and diverse, harmonizing perfectly with the concept of ecotourism. Whether due to its exuberant biodiversity, stunning beaches or historical heritage, this Paraná paradise proves to be an essential destination for those seeking a deeper connection with nature, exploring the wonders and charms of this ecological refuge.
