Thesecond largest island on the São Paulo coast, Anchieta Island is located in Enseada das Palmas, near the coast of Ubatuba. With 838 hectares and seven beaches of surprising beauty, the island is the perfect blend of tropical landscapes, culture, and history, as it is nationally known as the “Brazilian Alcatraz.”
The island can be accessed by boats leaving from downtown Ubatuba or nearby beaches. Passengers usually disembark at Sapateiro and Presídio beaches . The conservation unit is protected by the Anchieta Island State Park, administered by the state government.
The island is named in honor of the 4th centenary of Father José de Anchieta. The Jesuit mediated peace agreements between indigenous peoples and the Portuguese and was one of the first authors of Brazilian literature, having written the first grammar of the Tupi language.
Anchieta Island State Park: the “Brazilian Alcatraz“
Inaugurated in 1908, the Porto das Palmas Correctional Colony closed years later, in 1914. It was reopened in 1931, becoming the “PoliticalPrison of Ilha dos Porcos.” The prison served as punishment for opponents of the dictatorial government of the Vargas Era.
In 1942, the prison became the “Anchieta Island Correctional Institute” due to the change in the island’s name. During World War II, due to the persecution of foreigners by the government at the time, the prison housed about 172 Japanese nationals who were considered suspects.
In June 1952, the prison was the site of one of the largest rebellions in Brazil, with the escape of about 150 inmates. Military prisoners and agents died in the confrontation, but most of the fugitives were recaptured.
After the negative repercussions of the rebellion, the Correctional Institute was permanentlyclosed in 1955.
What to do on Anchieta Island?
Learn about local history
The tour itinerary tells the history of the island from the arrival of the Portuguese to the present day. During the visit, you can see old buildings such as the hospital, the localschool , and, of course, what remains of the prison.
The beaches
The aforementioned Sapateiro and Presídio beaches have calm, crystal-clear waters. Engenho Beach has a natural aquarium and a freshwater spring that flows into the sea. And Palmas Beach, a lush viewpoint, has calm, shallow waters, ideal for swimming with children and the elderly or for those who cannot yet swim.
The trails
The Saco Grande Trail includes the old barracks and the ruins of the civilian village in its itinerary. In addition to a lookout point with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and rocky cliffs on the horizon at the back of the island.
The Dam Trail is 700 meters long (round trip) and is the shortest, but steepest. It also has a lookout point at the end, with a view that makes all the effort of the trail worthwhile.
The southern trail ends at Praia do Sul, considered the most beautiful beach on the island. The 2,200 meters (round trip) are in the middle of the Atlantic Forest, and the trail also provides access to the palm tree viewpoint, with a view of Baía das Palmas.
