Ilha do Mel on 05/04/10

Ilha do Mel, or the Honey Island, is a beautiful eco-friendly island that offers visitors gorgeous beaches and a relaxed environment, where they can truly relax and rejuvenate. Here noise, pollution and most important cars will not disturb you! The island is a nature lover's oasis, providing verdant tropical jungles and more than enough soft-white sand beaches to enjoy long walks along seemingly endless shorelines.

The island has been able to remain a haven for surfers, hikers, bird-lovers and star-gazers throughout the years, due to its unique history that has directly contributed to the careful conservation of this rare gem off the coast of Brazil. Until the 1970's, the local economy was controlled only by local fisherman and thanks to the lack of people and commercial traffic; the island was able to remain a perfect area for ecotourism.

Today, Ilha do Mel provides its visitors with a number of great outdoor activity options, ranging from surfing, to snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and more, as well as a number of great accommodations that embrace the ideals of sustainable tourism, as much as possible.

The island features anything from charming and quaint guesthouses, some which offer ocean view rooms, to budget and luxury accommodations.

The island is only accessible by boat from either Paranagua or Pontal do Sul. From Paranagua, boats leave the harbor anywhere from two to five times per day depending on the season. From Pontal do Sul, boats leave every hour during the low season and every half-hour during high season.

During your stay in Ilha do Mel, make sure to check out the Farol das Conchas, which offer absolutely stunning views of the island and off shore. Another great place to stop is at the white-washed beach front fortress, Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres. The fortress was built in 1767 by the Portuguese as a way to ward off English buccaneers and is as interesting historically, as ii is beautiful.

Ilha do Mel is a true unspoiled gem, and perhaps one of the world's last areas that can pride itself on untainted beaches and tropical forests. When planning your trip to the area, make sure you consider this great accommodation: Hostels in Ilha do Mel