Overview:

Anchieta Island (Ilha de Anchieta) is a protected area located off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil. It includes two small islands, the larger Anchieta Island and a smaller one in the north, Pedra do Félix. The islands are part of a group of 10 islands known as the Serra do Mar islands which are separated by shallow lagoons. The islands are located between the mainland of the State of São Paulo and the Ilhabela main archipelago. The islands are home to a great diversity of flora and fauna, and have been declared a state park in 1978. A ferry runs daily from São Sebastião to Anchieta Island, from which visitors can enjoy trails, beaches, snorkeling, and various wildlife watching opportunities. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Brazil
Prominent Features:

1. Discovery Monument: The Discovery Monument is located in the center of Anchieta Island and is a tribute to the discoverer of Brazil, Pedro Álvares Cabral. 2. Lighthouse: Built in 1890, the lighthouse stands 47 meters tall, making it one of the most visible landmarks in the area. It features an automated beacon and a circular access stairway. 3. Sea Turtles: The waters around Anchieta Island are an important breeding ground for endangered olive ridley, hawksbill sea turtles, and leatherback sea turtles, making it an important site for conservation efforts. 4. Fort Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres: This star-shaped fort was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and served as a military garrison until the 18th century. It is currently a protected historic site. 5. Sugar Loaf Mountain: Located on the northern edge of the island, this mass of granite is the iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro and is visible from Anchieta Island. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Brazil.

History:

Anchieta Island (Ilha Anchieta in Portuguese) is an offshore island in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, located 65 km (40 mi) from the city of Santos. The island was discovered in 1553 by the Portuguese explorer Nuno Alvares Cabral, making it the oldest inhabited island in Brazil. The island was initially a military outpost, serving as a safe haven for the Portuguese settlers of the surrounding area in case of attack from the French, the Dutch or any other foreign power. During the colonial period it was also used as a quarantine station for incipient epidemics and was later transformed into a prison. In the 20th century, the island's strategic location and good port facilities resulted in it becoming a naval base for the Brazilian navy. Today, it is one of the main bases of the Brazilian navy in the region, hosting several radar systems and operating ships. In recent years the island has become a popular destination for tourists, who come to visit its rich flora and fauna, its lighthouse, built in the 19th century, and its beautiful beaches. Every year, over half a million visitors come to enjoy the island's many attractions, including water sports, snorkeling and sailing. In addition to its navy base and tourist attractions, Anchieta Island is home to several research projects related to promoting and preserving the island's natural resources. In addition, the island is a popular destination for birdwatchers, who come to observe the wildlife of the region which includes various species of migratory birds. Visit one of the famous monuments of Brazil with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Anchieta Island is an island located off the Atlantic coast of Brazil, in the municipality of Guarujá in the state of São Paulo. 2. Anchieta Island is the largest island of the 10 islands located in the São Paulo coast. 3. On its 675 acres, there are almost 400 species of plants, including native osprey and several endemic species. 4. Anchieta Island was formed after a volcanic eruption in the region. 5. Its original name was Ilha dos Lobos, since it was home to a group of large wolves that devoured the lambs born on the island. 6. Due to its isolation, its terrain offers a fascinating view of dense vegetation and wild animals, which include exotic species, such as tapir and capuchin, as well as reptiles, amphibians, and birds. 7. The island is a protected area and a biodiversity hotspot. 8. It is home to several monuments and important sites, such as the Anchieta Veloso Fort and two religious sites, the Morro Cathedral and São Francisco Chapel. 9. Anchieta Island has been declared a natural and historical heritage of the state of São Paulo by the State Legislature. 10. There are several activities that are done in and around the island, including ecotourism, sportfishing, and beachcombing. One of the historical monuments of Brazil, it tells the story of a bygone era