GRUTA DAS ENCANTADAS

Legends, geology and nature

Location:Encantadas

Difficulty:Easy

Duration:1 hour

Price:Free

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ABOUT

Gruta das Encantadas is the most important natural heritage of Ilha do Mel. Formed by the action of the sea on diabase rocks (weaker) between migmatites, the gruta is about 10 meters long. Access is via a 600m trail (10-15 min) from Encantadas, with a wooden walkway on the last 100 meters. According to the legend of the Caingangue Indians, mermaids inhabited the gruta and their song enchanted fishermen. You can enter the gruta during low tide. Visits are only possible in the morning (usually 8am-1pm, when the tide allows).

✨ HIGHLIGHTS

•Island's most important natural heritage
•Unique geological formation (migmatite + diabase)
•Legend of the Caingangue mermaids
•Access by short trail and walkway
•Can enter during low tide

💡 TIPS

•Only visitable at low tide (usually 8am-1pm)
•Takes 10-15 min trail from Encantadas
•Wear sneakers — the wooden walkway may be slippery
•Bring a flashlight to see inside the gruta
•Combine with Bacia da Sereia (15 min trail beyond)

LOCATION

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📖 THE LEGEND OF THE ENCANTADAS

"The legend of the Caingangue Indians tells that mermaids inhabited the gruta. Daughters of Acauã and Jurema, a couple from enemy tribes who were cursed, they danced and sang at dawn and dusk. Their song enchanted fishermen, who lost their way and shipwrecked on the rocks. A young Indian fell in love with a green-eyed mermaid; to be together, he had to die. Hand in hand, they disappeared into the deep waters."