"Ilha de Algodoal" a Ilha do Algodoal Travel Page by mircaskirca

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.