Encantadas is located at the southern tip of the island with a variety of sights to explore: Pontinha, a perfect spot for swimming, diving and fishing, the lighthouse Farol  do Caraguatá,  Morro do Careca hike up the mountain and enjoy the breathtaking view of the island, the grotto and its legends, the surfing beach Praia de Fora, the natural water taps Norinho and De Dentro,  Morro do Sabão (another mountain with a natural ramp for hang-gliding, Saquinho beach and Nhá Pina point, with the St. Francis chapel.
Climb Morro da Gruta and Ponta da Nhá Pina to see breathtaking views of the island. For those who like a little more adventure, there is also rock climbing, on both mountains.
Encantadas offers visitors a good infrastructure with public phones, a health station, a park ranger station and local stores to meet your basic needs.
The Grotto
The grotto at Encantadas is full of legends and fantastic stories about beautiful mermaids who enchanted all those who approached them.
Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres or Fortaleza da Barra (Fort)
The King of Portugal, Dom José gave orders to build the fort in 1767 to protect Paranaguá Bay. In 1850, the “Cormorant Battle” was an important milestone in the history of Paranaguá. The British steamship captured three Brazilian ships in a battle fought over the trafficking of slaves.
St. Francis Chapel
A small chapel built at the foot of the Cross; there are several holy images inside, most importantly St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment, ecology and animals. It is located on Morro Nhá Pina, 151 meters above sea level.
Farol das Conchas (lighthouse)
Morro das Conchas was built in 1872 at the orders of Dom Pedro II to guide sailors through Paranaguá Bay.
Boat tours
At Encantadas there are several options of boats available to take you on tours around Ilha do Mel offering both safety and quality. You can visit Dolphin Bay on Ilha das Peças (a nearby island). Other sites to visit include Ilha das Palmas, Ilha dos Currais, Superagüí and Garaqueçaba, (arrangements must be made for this). More photos of the island (sunset, trails, etc.)

IMPORTANT (maps– 2)

You can get to Ilha do Mel by bus or car. By car from Curitiba, take BR 277 to PR 407 (Pontal do Paraná) then take PR 421 to the dock at Pontal do Sul. The boat ride to Encantadas takes approximately 25 minutes.

What to take?
There is no public lighting on Ilha do Mel, therefore a flashlight is a must.
Remember to travel light, but don’t forget to pack:

1. a light jacket, in case the temperature drops
2. sneakers for walking
3. a beach chair
4. sunscreen
5. insect repellent

SIGHTSEEING – Walking distances from the dock at Encantadas Beach

Grotto: 10 minutes
Mar de fora: 10 minutes
Praia do Miguel: 25 minutes
Praia Grande: 35 minutes
Farol: 55 minutes
Brasília: 1.30 hours
Fortaleza: 2.30 hours

DISTANCES FROM MAJOR CITIES

• Curitiba 117 km
• São Paulo (SP): 526 km
• Rio de Janeiro (RJ): 953 km
• Belo Horizonte (MG): 1139 km
• Brasília (DF): 1560 km
• Salvador (BA): 2498 km
• Florianópolis(SC) 320 km
• Porto Alegre (RS): 838 km