"Ilha de Algodoal" Ilha do Algodoal by mircaskirca

Ilha do Algodoal Travel Guide: 16 reviews and 81 photos

Praia da Princesa (Princess Beach) - Ilha do Algodoal

Ecologically Protected Area

Small fishing village of Algodoal on Ilha de Maiandeau, 180 km northeast of Belem, attracts younger Belemenses and a few foreign travelers. This beautiful spot, with its duneswept beaches and sometimes turbulent sea, is very remote.

Island is called Algodoal due to the abundance of a native plant called algodao de sede (cotton silk) still found in the region. Sand dunes when viewed from a distance resemble hills of cotton. Island's name Maiandeau comes from a Tupi (an Indian native language) which means "Mother of Earth".

Algodoal is also the name of the biggest of all four villages in the island. It's the main village with best accommodations and infrastructure for visitors. The others are Fortalezinha, Camboinha and Mocooca.

The paradisiacal white sand beaches of Algodoal are surrounded by dunes with a characteristic reef vegetation which offers abundant fruits, specially caju (cashew) and ajiru (typical fruit of northern Brazil). The most famous is certainly Praia da Princesa (Princess Beach) and Caixa D'agua (Watertank) is the closest to Algodoal village. There are also other very beautiful beaches in the island.

The island is characterised by tranquility and its marvelous scenary. Simple and receptive people live mostly from fishing, agriculture and lately from tourism. Electric energy was only introduced in the island in January 2005 and water supply is made through artesian wells which provides excellent quality water. No cars are allowed in the island, the only means of transportation are boat, bicycle, buggy and horse.

Last visit to Ilha do Algodoal: Dec 2006
Intro Updated Sep 16, 2007
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Reviews (16)

Ajiru Fruit Local Customs (2)

Ajiru is a fruit that is typical of Ilha de Algodoal beaches. Especially Praia do Farol has a huge shrubbery that bears... more travel advice

Just Imagine... Being in Paradise! - Ilha do Algodoal

Just Imagine... Being in Paradise! Hotels (2)

For those who like the mystic of nature and look for something different... Jardim do Eden is an ecological senctuary... more travel advice

Reggae Party Nightlife (1)

Nights are very generous on Ilha de Algodoal. They offer a lot of entertainment at the same time as they offer... more travel advice

Grilled Fish Right on the Beach - Ilha do Algodoal

Grilled Fish Right on the Beach Restaurants (3)

That day I wanted to stay only on Princess beach. I walked the whole beach and really enjoyed it! It was already a lunch... more travel advice

Things to Do (4)
See All Birdwatching
Off The Beaten Path (3)
See All Beach of Fortalezinha Village

Transportation (1)
Reaching Ilha de Algodoal is Half the...
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Travelogues (3)

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Comments (14)

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MalenaN Jan 29, 2011 at 8:32 AM

What a paradise! Seafood, long beaches and no cars sounds to be a wonderful place. Jardim do Eden looks like a great place to stay at.
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scottishvisitor Jul 7, 2009 at 11:28 PM

Since it is raining here & I can't visit my own beach thought I'd pop in to see some here! Loved the look at local life here too!
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atufft Feb 27, 2009 at 9:56 PM

I definetly need to take a trip down this way...I like primative beaches and simple towns like these.
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DennyP Sep 21, 2008 at 3:12 AM

Hi..looks like a wonderful serene place...great pics..great info..great pages..take care DennyP
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Jim_Eliason Apr 30, 2008 at 6:50 AM

great tips!
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Nemorino Apr 9, 2008 at 1:12 PM

Another beautiful Brazilian "Ilha" with no cars and friendly natives! Mata Broca sounds like a great place to celebrate Christmas Eve. I suppose Marcelo had a good reason for building his house on stilts?
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Bwana_Brown Mar 9, 2008 at 10:28 AM

Please stop torturing me with pages on places like Ilha do Algodoal!! Wow, it looks like you stumbled into a small paradise there - even the boardwalk out sounded like fun! Excellent tips and photos as always. I love your OTBP destinations!
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SLLiew Sep 17, 2007 at 9:20 PM

Another beautiful place to chill out. Excellent photos... the ajiru fruit does look very inviting.
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RoyJava Sep 16, 2007 at 5:11 AM

Indeed a paradise, even never heard about Ilha do Algodoal... Whenever going that way I will keep in mind the Jardim do Eden, wow! And the Ajiru fruit is worth a try, thanks for friendship, greets RoyJava from The Hague, Holland
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2-day Aug 4, 2007 at 6:35 AM

wow! ilha beleza! this is a place i want to include in my next brasil trip. is it hard to get there? bjs Martin