Morro de São Paulo

A really nice place to spend a weekend. the Island has 4 beaches which get progressivelçy gueeter as you move away from the port! There are no cars on the island but you can walk to beach 4 in 15 minutes. The roads goes from the ferry through a shopping area at the beach 1, on to beach 2 (party beach) and to beaches 3 and 4 which are much gueeter and very pretty.

There are loads of places to eat and a hotel/pousada on the beach2 has an outdoor "stage" where you can stand and watch demontrations of Capoeira and Samba. There is also a zipline that runs into the sea - well worth the climb, if only for the view.

The catamaran leaves from the ferry terminal in lower city (cidade baixa), behind the Mercado Modelo at 2pm on friday. It is around 2 1/2 hours, depending on the weather and cost R$ 50 each way (march '07) it's best to buy your tickets a day or two before you leave, your pousada will sell your return ticket and reserve your place by phone. The boat was late both ways whaen we went, so if you are flying home Sunday night get a morning boat back.

We stayed at the Pousada Albatroz on beach 3, which was simple, clean with aircondition and friendly. it is run by two Italians who speak English and rooms off the balcony are best. The rooms accomodate 2-4 people and they work on a rate of R$ 80 per room per night, including breackfast. They also have a computer with internet access, which is avaliable for guests to use at no charge.

You can also horse riding on beach 4 (sorry , Idon't know how much this cost) A lot of restaurants take credit cards, though the smaller pousadas usually work in cash. I didn't see any ATM's, so make sure you have plenty of cash.

Angela (20-04-07)