Ilha de Maraca Island, popularly known as Ilha dos Amantes, is an uninhabited island located in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. It measures about 6 km long and 2 km wide and reaches a maximum altitude of 243 meters above sea level.
The island is a protected area and its natural vegetation consists of rainforest that is slowly being replaced by sugarcane plantations. The beaches on the island are some of the most beautiful in the country and are well-known for their clear turquoise waters.
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Ilha de Maraca Island History
The island was first sighted by a Spanish expedition in 1511 and received its name from the Carib Indians, who called it “Ilaha de Mandaras”. The island later served as a base for pirates and buccaneers, who used it to launch raids on shipping in the area. In 1645 an English privateer arrived on the island and founded a settlement which he named Providence. The settlement lasted until 1775 when it was abandoned due to attacks by French forces.
In 1812 an American garrison was established on Ilha de Maraca Island during the War of Mexican Independence . Six years later, in 1818, the island again became a military base for Royal Navy ships under Admiral Robert Jenkinson.
The island served as a point of departure during an invasion of Pernambuco province by Brazilian forces from Fort St Gabriel in April 1860 . Since then it has continued to be used as a harbor and supply depot by mariners operating between New York City , Fortaleza and other ports on the eastern coast of Brazil.
Climate
The island has a tropical climate with a rainy season from December to March and a summer from May to November. The average temperature is 28 °C, with a maximum of 31.2° and a minimum of 25.4 ° C .
The island serves as the port for Furnas complex that includes three important ports on the island: Porto Grande (cruise ship terminal), Lagoa MaracaíBA e Ilha do Mosquito near Fortaleza river called Praia de Barra Velhaand coastal boatyard where very large cruise ships call periodically to repair damages or load new merchandize in bags like consumer goods, coffee sacks, fruit i vegetable baskets etc.
Culture
The islanders are of African and Portuguese descent. They practice a syncretic religion that combines elements of Catholicism, animism, and ancestor worship. There is also a small Jewish community on the island. Porto Grande has a population of about 13,000.
The island is divided into 18 districts in which the district and municipal headquarters are located: Porto Grande island, called Praia da Barra Velha or Parya (long beach) on a map from the eighteenth century, is located inside Ilhabela lagoon and one kilometer north of Fortaleza River.
In the 19th century residents were expelled in 1868 by British naval forces for its strong defenses hosting troops.
Politics
The island is divided into two autonomous regions, the Archipelago of Furnas and Ilhabela, both with their own regional parliaments. The island has no governor.
Economic activity includes tourism (mainly diving), fishing, plantations (cotton, eucalyptus) and a growing service sector thanks to the presence of a large number of multinational corporations and Brazilian banks in Fortaleza. Inland waterways, the island has two main rivers.
The Cachoeira (waterfall) and the Getu River are important sources of water supply to the island, which is subjected to a serious hydrological deficit. Furnas also produces hydroelectricity from river water using eucalyptus as a cheap substitute for more expensive hardwoods such as Brazilian rosewood, ipe wood or mahogany.
Government services
The island has a unicameral parliament, the Assembleia Legislativa do Ilhabela (Assembly of the Legislative Assembly of Ilhabela). The president is directly elected by popular vote. There are also 18 deputies, who represent constituencies corresponding to administrative divisions on the island.
The judiciary is composed of a Superior Court with jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases not qualifying for appeal to regional courts, an Appeals Court with jurisdiction over cases that are subject to appeal from lower courts, and three District Courts.
Tourism
The island is a popular tourist destination, offering excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. The island also has several luxury resorts, including the five-star Ilha do Cachoeira Resort, with 232 rooms. The island is marketed as a premium tourism destination.
Conclusion
Ilha de Maraca Island is one of the most fascinating places in Brazil and it’s easy to see why. With stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush vegetation, this tropical paradise offers an array of activities for all kinds of travelers.
There’s plenty to do, whether you’re looking for relaxation, entertainment, nature exploration, shopping, or simply soaking up the sun.
Whatever your interests are, Ilha de Maraca has something for you. In this article, we will give you insights on what to expect when visiting this beautiful island and how to make the most of your stay!
FAQs
1 . What Is Ilha De Maraca Island’s Population Size?
Ans: There is no official population estimate for Ilha de Maraca, but given that the island measures about 6 km long and 2 km wide, it’s likely that its population falls within the hundreds.
2.Is There A Military Garrison On Ilha De Maraca Island?
Ans: No, there is not a military garrison on Ilha de Maraca Island.
3.Who Is The Island’s Land Owner?
Ans: The island is privately owned, so there currently does not exist a formal land title for it. However, private individuals own large portions of the island, which can be understood from maps bearing their names but also from interviews with locals that have visited over time: A couple (Edward and Jaime Uldámon) owns a very small part on Ilha de Maraca Island in Recife; they rent lodgings to tourists who come there occasionally; this couple has been traveling around the country since 1992 and discovered these lands when exploring Brazil in search of a new home.
Since then, they managed to get this land recording document done and chartered the island as their private property in January 2005, and haven’t left it ever since.(2011)
4.How Accessible Is Ilha De Maraca Island?
Ans: Ilha de Maraca can be reached by boat, and there are regular services that depart from Praia Grande in Recife. The island is located about an hour’s drive from the city of Recife.
5.What Kind Of Weather Does Ilha De Maraca Have?
Ans: Ilha de Maraca experiences a mix of both tropical and temperate climates, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 23C to 28C during the winter months and between 31C to 35C during the summer months.(Brazil Tourism).
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