'''Ilha do Mel''' is an hourglass-shaped island just off the coast of Parana.

Get in

Ilha do Mel can be reached by regular multi-stop ferries from the port city of Paranagua, or on shorter direct ferries from nearby Pontal do Sul

Get around

The island has no roads, only a network of sandy trails. Trails spread out from the village center, known as ''Nova Brasilia'', which is on the south side of the narrow isthmus connecting the two parts of the island.

See

  • There is a '''lighthouse''' on a hill on the southeastern face of the island. It is a good place to take pictures, and also to get a good idea of the shape of the island.thumb|right|Ilha do Mel Lighthouse
  • On the northeast face of the island, there are the remains of an old Portuguese fort.
  • Do

    Buy

    Eat

  • '''David's Bar and Restaurant''', 041 426 8008. Typical local dishes of Ilha do Mel and surrounds, this place also sells some local handicrafts.
  • '''Recanto Tropical Restaurant''', 41 426 8054. Per-kilo buffet.
  • '''Restaurante Mar e Sol''', 041 426 8021. Larger restaurant specializing in seafood.
  • Drink

    Sleep

    There are many guesthouses in the small village. Those further from the dock are a bit cheaper. Many guesthouses are open only during the busy summer tourist season.
  • '''Pousada Caraguata''', Praia de Encantadas, +55 (41) 3426 9097, [http://www.caraguata-ilhadomel.com.br/].
  • '''Pousada Girasol''', Farol da Rochas, 041 426 8006. 5 minutes walk south of the dock area. Open year-round. Decent breakfast.
  • '''Pousada Por-do-Sol''', Nova Brasilia, 041 3426 8009. From the dock, walk straight inland to the other side of the island, less than 5 minutes' walk. Clean rooms and a nice restaurant attached.
  • Get out

    Despite its relative sleepiness, the island can become unbearably crowded on weekends and public holidays. There are many other islands in the region; to really get off the beaten track, hire a boat and skip over to Ilha das Pecas the next island over, or Ilha do Superagui, two islands over. Ilha das Pecas can also be reached on a regular municipal passenger ferry leaving from Paranagua, which visits several other islands on its route and ends up in Guaraquecaba, on the mainland, also well worth a visit. Around Guaraquecaba there is a wealth of hiking opportunities in the pristine and immaculate rain forest. Contact Sr. Joao at the Pousada Chaua for an excellent guide of the region. Ask him especially about the Sebui trail, an excellent all-day boat trip and hike with marvelous waterfalls and swimming opportunities. The village on Superagui Island can only be reached by chartering a boat or by walking around the southern tip of Ilha das Pecas from its village to the straight between the two islands and hailing a boat to come and pick you up from the other shore. The long and deserted beach on Superagui, north of the village, is one of the best surfing spots in the south of the country, and the whole region is excellent for cayaking. On Pecas and Superagui there are simple pousadas to stay in.