island · Balneário Piçarras, SC
Ilhas Itacolomi
A pair of rocky islets off the waterfront, in the central part of the town's coastline. A local legend, linked to the Carijó people, says the rocks are a couple who threw themselves into the sea to escape a conflict.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Ilhas Itacolomi
The Ilhas Itacolomi (islands) are two rocks rising from the sea off the waterfront of Balneário Piçarras, on the northern coast of Santa Catarina. They are in open water, some distance from shore, and give their name to the Itacolomi neighborhood, in the north of the town, from where they can be seen.
The islands are tied to a well-known local legend. Açaúna, a young Carijó woman, is said to have saved a shipwrecked European and fallen in love with him. Their union provoked the fury of a rival chief and a battle, in the middle of a storm. To escape, the couple threw themselves into the sea and swam toward the horizon. When the weather cleared, there were two rocks side by side, which locals see as the couple holding hands. The story even became a children's book, published in 2008.
Most visitors enjoy the islands from the sand, as part of the beach scenery. Up close, access is only by boat, on tours or private boats. There are no facilities on the islands.
The boat trip depends on sea conditions and is not recommended if you get seasick easily. If you just want to see the islands, a walk along the waterfront is enough.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A few minutes to see them from the waterfront; a boat trip out to them takes a few hours.
Best time
On clear days with a calm sea, more common in summer; in the morning the light usually favors the view from the beach.
How to get there
The islands are out at sea, off the waterfront of the Itacolomi neighborhood, in the north of Balneário Piçarras, near the border with Barra Velha. From the waterfront you can see them on foot or by car, heading north from downtown. To get close to them, you need a boat.
Tip
To see them well, go to the Itacolomi waterfront on a clear day; in fog or rough seas, they almost disappear on the horizon.
A look at the place
Ilhas Itacolomi in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ilhas Itacolomi
Where are the Ilhas Itacolomi?
In the sea off Balneário Piçarras (SC), facing the waterfront of the Itacolomi neighborhood, in the north of the municipality, near the border with Barra Velha.
Can you go out to the Ilhas Itacolomi?
Only by boat, on tours or private boats. Most visitors enjoy the islands from the sand.
What is the legend of the Ilhas Itacolomi?
It tells of a young Carijó woman, Açaúna, and a shipwrecked European who fell in love and, fleeing a battle, threw themselves into the sea during a storm. After the storm, two rocks appeared side by side, seen as the couple holding hands.
Can you see the Ilhas Itacolomi from the beach?
Yes. They appear on the horizon, especially from the waterfront of the Itacolomi neighborhood, on clear days.