The Itamaracá Island: An enchanting tourist destination
Itamaracá Island offers beaches with calm waters and natural pools.
The island of Itamaracá is an enchanting tourist destination located off the coast of the state of Pernambuco in Brazil. Known for its natural and historical beauty, the island offers a variety of attractions for all types of visitors.
Geography of Itamaracá Island
The municipality of Itamaracá is located in the geo-environmental unit of the Northeast Coastal Lowlands, with sand banks and mangroves. The native vegetation consists of evergreen and restinga forests, which are important for the conservation of local biodiversity.
The island belongs to the group of small coastal river basins, whose main tributaries are the Paripe and Jaguaribe rivers.
These watercourses are perennial and small, contributing to the ecological richness of the region. The Pai Tomé lagoon is also an important geographical feature of the island, providing a habitat for various species of fauna and flora.
Attractions and activities
About 50 kilometres from Recife, the island has beaches with calm waters, coconut palms, natural pools, reefs and sandbanks. It is also popular for water sports.
Video about Itamaracá Island
Ilha de Itamaracá Guia Turismo04:00
Ilha de Itamaracá Guia Viagem03:05
Ilha de Itamaracá - Drone
Cheguei na Ilha de Itamaracá e ME SURPREENDI08:28:06
Itamaracá Island Activities and Attractions
1. The Beaches
- Forte Orange Beach: One of the most famous beaches on the island, with calm waters and white sand. It’s ideal for families and has several beach huts and restaurants.
- Praia do Sossego: A quieter and less crowded place, perfect for those looking to relax in a more private setting.
- Praia de Jaguaribe: Known for its natural pools that form at low tide, this is a great place for swimming and snorkelling.
2. Fort Orange
One of the island’s main historical attractions, Fort Orange was built by the Dutch in the 17th century and later rebuilt by the Portuguese.
In addition to its historical value, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the region.
3. Historic Centre of Vila Velha
This small village offers a glimpse of the island’s colonial past, with its colourful houses and cobbled streets.
In Vila Velha, a town founded in the 16th century and the administrative seat of the Captaincy of Itamaracá, you can see a cluster of simple masonry houses built next to the old church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Rua João Paulo II, s/n) and the ruins of what would have been the church of Nossa Senhora dos Pretos.
As the site is elevated, you can see the sea, the Santa Cruz Canal and the Coroa do Avião.
4. Manatee Project
A manatee rehabilitation and conservation centre where visitors can learn about this endangered species and see some specimens up close.
5. Island of Coroa do Avião
A small island near Itamaracá, accessible by boat. Famous for its crystal clear waters, it is a great place for water sports such as kite surfing.
The island belongs to the municipality of Igarassu and consists of a sandbank formed by sea currents.
It is currently home to small stalls selling local food and the Federal University of Pernambuco‘s Migratory Birds and Environmental Resources Study Station, which focuses on the study of migratory birds.
6. Trails and ecotourism
Itamaracá Island also offers several ecological trails that allow you to explore the region’s rich biodiversity, including mangrove and restinga areas.
History of Itamaracá Island
The island of Itamaracá once gave its name to one of Brazil’s hereditary captainships and was the scene of colonial conflict in the 17th century – when Dutch invaders built Fort Orange, but were eventually expelled by the Portuguese.
Today, Itamaracá is home to the Peixe-Boi & Cia Ecopark, an important marine wildlife reserve, and is undergoing a process of economic and tourist development (the three penitentiaries installed on the island are being decommissioned).
The first inhabitants were shipwrecked and there are records of the passage of the Portuguese João Coelho da Porta da Cruz and Duarte Pacheco Pereira in 1493 and 1498 respectively.
In 1526, there was already a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Conception in Vila Velha, on the left bank of the Santa Cruz Channel, under the direction of Father Francisco Garcia.
The island flourished in the shadow of the sugar economy. In 1630, Vila Velha had a hundred houses and a Sanctuary of Mercy.
The Dutch invaded the island in 1631 and built Fort Orange, made of rammed earth, at the southern entrance to the Santa Cruz channel.
The fort was named in honour of the Dutch prince Frederick Henry of Orange, Maurício de Nassau’s uncle. The island of Itamaracá served as a granary for the Dutch. The fort was later renamed Forte de Santa Cruz under Portuguese rule.
In 1763, King João V bought the island for the Portuguese crown for 4,000 cruzados.
The municipality was created on 1 May 1866 by Provincial Law 676. The emancipation of the island of Itamaracá took place in 1959, but was not implemented until March 1962.
Today, the seat of the municipality is in Pilar, which was promoted to city status in 1831.
See also – The North Coast of Pernambuco has one of the most important historical sites in the region.
How to get there
Itamaracá Island is located about 50 kilometres from the capital Recife and is easily accessible by road. It is also possible to reach the island by boat from certain points in the region.
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit is during the dry season, from September to March, when the weather is more favourable for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities.
- Accommodation: The island offers a variety of accommodation options, from simple inns to more sophisticated hotels.
Itamaracá Island is a destination that combines natural beauty, history and culture, offering visitors an unforgettable experience.
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