9 Best Beaches on Ilha do Mel: Complete Guide 2026 (Encantadas, Bananal, Miguel, Belo)

#7 Best Beaches on Ilha do Mel

Ilha do Mel is one of the most preserved destinations on the Paraná coast — and its beaches are the main reason to visit it. With nine main beaches, each has a unique personality: from calm seas ideal for children to wild waves for surfers, passing through hidden coves accessible only by boat.

If you're searching for "Ilha do Mel beaches" or "enchanted Ilha do Mel beaches," you've come to the right place. In this guide, we list the best beaches on the island with practical tips from someone who knows every corner — including two hidden beaches that few tourists know about.

1. Encantadas Beach

The most famous — and most sought after. Encantadas Beach is the postcard image of Ilha do Mel. Calm sea, fine white sand, and a relaxing vibe that attracts families, couples, and solo travelers.

• Ideal for: families, children, snorkeling

• Facilities: kiosks, equipment rental, public restrooms

• Best time: early morning (clearest water) and late afternoon (sunset)

• Access: directly from the Encantadas pier (no trail)

Encantadas Beach is also the starting point for the trail to the Enchanted Cave — an easy 15-minute walk through the woods. It's the beach with the most infrastructure on the island, ideal for those who want comfort without sacrificing nature.

Why "Enchanted"? The beach (and the entire island) inherited its name from the legend of the Enchanted Ones — mermaids who, according to tradition, inhabited the caves of the region. The complete story is on the Cave Trail.

2. Lighthouse Beach

Located at the foot of Morro do Farol, this beach offers one of the most iconic views on the island. The combination of open sea, golden sand, and the lighthouse in the background is cinematic.

• Ideal for: photography, contemplation, hiking

• Access: via the Lighthouse trail (20-minute easy climb)

• Tip: climb to the lighthouse in the late afternoon for the sunset

3. Miguel Beach

The most beautiful beach on the island, in the opinion of many locals. White sand, turquoise water, and little activity.

• Ideal for: couples, those seeking peace

• Access: via the Encantadas trail → Nova Brasília

• Caution: no kiosks, bring water and snacks

4. Praia de Fora

On the outer side of the island, this beach receives the strongest waves and is perfect for surfing and bodyboarding.

• Ideal for: surfers, adventurers

• Waves: 1m to 2m depending on the tide

• Best time: winter (more consistent swell)

5. Praia Grande

The largest stretch of sand on the island. Great for long walks and for those who want to escape the crowds of tourists.

• Ideal for: hiking, running, fishing

• Length: approximately 2 km

• Tip: excellent for watching the sunrise

6. Mar de Fora

A wild and sparsely populated beach. The feeling of isolation and connection with nature is unique.

• Ideal for: adventurers, day-camping

• Access: moderate trail (40 min)

• Attention: no infrastructure, bring everything

7. Fortaleza Beach

Located near the Fortress of Our Lady of Pleasures, it combines history and nature.

• Ideal for: families, history + beach

• Combo: visit the fortress and then enjoy the beach

• Facilities: nearby parking (at the fortress)

8. Bananal Beach

Bananal Beach is considered by many residents and visitors to be the most beautiful beach on Ilha do Mel — and also one of the most preserved. Small, idyllic, and difficult to access, it maintains a natural charm that few beaches in Brazil still preserve.

• Ideal for: couples, those seeking exclusivity, photography

• Access: only by boat or speedboat (departs from Encantadas Beach)

• Sea: shallow and calm waters, perfect for a relaxing swim

• Infrastructure: none on the beach — bring water, snacks, and sunscreen

• Tour duration: half a day (includes round-trip boat trip)

Local tip: Negotiate your boat trip with the boatmen in Encantadas in the morning. The tide can rise quickly during the day, making disembarkation difficult—leaving early guarantees more time on the beach and calmer waters.

The proximity to Encantadas makes Bananal an easy day trip to fit into your itinerary: wake up early, go to the Encantadas Cave at low tide, then take a boat to Bananal and end the day having lunch in the village.

9. Belo Beach

Praia do Belo is the smallest beach on Ilha do Mel — and perhaps the most romantic. Known as the "beach of lovers", it's a discreet spot, surrounded by native vegetation, with crystal-clear water and fine sand.

• Ideal for: couples, marriage proposals, romantic photos, contemplation

• Access: short trail from Encantadas (or by boat)

• Atmosphere: serene, intimate, almost private out of season

• Best time: late afternoon, when the golden light transforms the landscape

Why "do Belo"? The name comes from the natural beauty of the place — the beach is so small that it seems to have been sculpted to be admired up close. Locals say that, in the silence of the afternoon, you can only hear the sound of the waves and the birds of the surrounding forest.

Praia do Belo doesn't appear on tourist agency itineraries. To get there, you have to ask the locals of Encantadas or hire a boatman who knows the coast. This difficulty of access is precisely what makes it so special.

Mind map: Which beach to choose?

| Do you want...? | Go to...? |

| -------------------------- | ----------- |

| Calm sea + infrastructure | Encantadas |

| Iconic photo + view | Lighthouse |

| Natural beauty + peace | Miguel |

| Surfing | Fora |

| Long hike | Grande |

| Adventure + seclusion | Mar de Fora |

| History + beach | Fortaleza |

| Paradise beach by boat | Bananal |

| Romance + exclusivity | Belo |

General tips for the beaches

• Bring cash — most kiosks don't accept cards
• Sunscreen is mandatory — the sun reflects off the sand and burns more easily
• High tide vs. low tide: at low tide, natural pools appear, perfect for children
• Respect nature — don't leave trash and don't take shells (protected by law)

Want to know more about each beach? Our complete guide to Ilha do Mel has an interactive map, photos of all the beaches, and tips from locals that you won't find anywhere else.

Hidden beaches of Ilha do Mel

In addition to the 9 beaches listed above, Ilha do Mel has several coves and smaller beaches that only locals know about:

• Limoeiro Beach — between Nova Brasília and Fortaleza, accessible by a short trail

• Cano Beach — on the trail between Encantadas and Morro do Sabão

• West Point — the far end of the island, accessible only by a long trail or boat

These beaches have no infrastructure whatsoever, but they're perfect for anyone wanting to completely escape the crowds. Ask the locals or boatmen—they know exactly how to get there.