lighthouse · Paranaguá, PR
Farol das Conchas
A historic lighthouse on Ilha do Mel, reached by a trail and a stairway up to its base, with free admission. From the top you get the best view of the island and the bay.
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 Farol das Conchas
The Farol das Conchas (lighthouse) is the landmark of Ilha do Mel, on the Paraná coast. The tower stands on top of Morro das Conchas, near Nova Brasília, and still guides boats sailing in the Baía de Paranaguá area.
The lighthouse was built in 1872, on the orders of Emperor Pedro II, at a time when the Empire wanted to modernize navigation in the country. The work was carried out by an English company, with materials brought from Scotland. The lighthouse belongs to the Brazilian Navy, and the tower is not open to visitors.
The outing is the climb to the base of the tower. From Nova Brasília, a trail leads to Praia do Farol (beach), and at its end a stairway of about 150 steps starts up the hill. From the top the view is wide: Praia do Farol, Praia de Fora, Praia de Brasília and the sea around the island.
The stairway is steep and takes some fitness, but you can climb slowly, stopping along the way. There is no wheelchair access.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow one to two hours, counting the walk from Nova Brasília, the climb and your time at the top.
Best time
On clear days, ideally late in the afternoon, to watch the sunset from the top and climb in cooler weather; summer is the busiest season.
How to get there
Ilha do Mel belongs to Paranaguá and can only be reached by boat: crossings leave from Pontal do Sul (Pontal do Paraná) and Paranaguá, on scheduled boats or licensed water taxis. There are no cars on the island. Get off at Nova Brasília and walk along the trail to Praia do Farol (beach), where the stairway up the hill begins.
Tip
Bring water, a hat and sunscreen, and wear sneakers or sturdy sandals for the stairs; if you stay for sunset, bring a flashlight for the way down.
A look at the place
Farol das Conchas 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 Farol das Conchas
Is there a fee to climb up to the Farol das Conchas?
There is no charge to climb to the base of the lighthouse. What you pay for is the boat crossing to Ilha do Mel.
Can you go inside the lighthouse?
No. The lighthouse belongs to the Brazilian Navy and the tower is not open to visitors; the outing goes up to the base, at the top of the hill.
How many steps is the climb?
About 150 steps, on a steep stairway that starts at the end of Praia do Farol.
How do I get to the Farol das Conchas?
Get off at Nova Brasília, on Ilha do Mel, and walk along the trail to Praia do Farol; from there, climb the stairway up Morro das Conchas.
When was the lighthouse built?
In 1872, on the orders of Emperor Pedro II, with materials brought from Scotland.