Fortaleza, is located about 45 minutes of walking distance from Nova Brasilia. It got its name from an old portuguese fort built in 1767 which remains in good conditions. It’s open to the public, and at least we haven’t found any sort of guards inside the fort. There’s no secrets to get there: you have to walk along the beach. I recommend to leave early, since the sun is really brutal during summertime.
Fortunately, we got a cloudy morning, which cleared later towards noon. All over the island, the sand is full of small holes, where small crabs hide. You can also also ride a bike -which can be rented in the island- or if you walked your way over Fortaleza, you can return by boat to Nova Brasilia for about 25 reais the ride -the boat will take up to four people.

Inside the fort there’s not much to see, except for the building itself. As soon as you enter, you can go upstairs to some some of terrace, where there are a few old canyons and a nice sight of the sea.

The most interesting point of the fort is to go up to the mirante, located uphill, from where you’ll find a complete view of Praia Fortaleza and of the continent part closest to Ilha do Mel. The path is sort of long; it’s a 20 minutes walk uphill that, while is under the trees shadows, it’s also plagued with mosquitoes. Don’t forget your repellent, you’ll need it.. And if you get a really hot day, as we got, you’ll sweat like a monkey. It’s good excercise anyways. On the top, you’ll find canyons, although not original from the fort; they were placed there by the brazilian army last century, and they’re not in quite good shape.

After resting from the steep walk, you can head to the bars located in Praia Fortaleza, and where, of course, you’ll find cold beer. Skol beer, that is, which seemingly has bought the exclusivity in the island.

From the bars area you can find boats that will take you back to Nova Brasilia, although you can also ask them to take you to other points such as Praia do Farol.

Final advice for Ilha do Mel that sums up part of what I said in previous entries: