250 castaways and 77 survivors
Shipwrecked has an aura of mystery due to the historical events recorded there. The main and best known, which ended up giving its name to the region, was the sinking of two medium-sized vessels used by the Portuguese, right in front of the praia, in 1753. Following orders from the Portuguese Court, about 250 Azorean settlers were traveling to Rio Grande do Sul when the accident occurred, at the place today called Ponta dos Naufragados. Only 77 settlers escaped, of which part stayed on the island and others went to Laguna and Rio Grande do Sul.
The path to Praia de Naufragados is well marked, widely used at least since the inauguration of the lighthouse, on the right shore of the beach, in 1861. From that time onwards, families migrated to the region, a mill was built and the first clearings in the forest. Colonial enterprises that prospered forced the importation of slaves. Some ruins remain from this period that can still be seen along the trail. Some improvements in the path layout, steps and drainage ditches can also be noticed. In the constructions, whale oil was used mixed with stones and shells to build the walls.
The Extreme South Beach
The trail to Praia dos Naufragados brings together most of the attractions sought by fans of ecotourism. Exuberant Atlantic Forest, route without major difficulties, historical monuments and a history marked by cannon shots and shipwrecks. 40 kilometers from the center of Florianópolis, in the extreme Sul from Santa Catarina Island, the three kilometers of trail are covered mainly in the summer months. It takes about 50 minutes to walk along the two hills that separate Caieira from Barra do Sul, the last community in Baía Sul, and Praia dos Naufragados.
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With about 20 minutes of walking, the path passes through a true tunnel in the native vegetation. A little further on, you can stop at one of the streams to cool off and drink some water. On this trail it is practically impossible for any visitor to get lost. As it is a well-marked path, just follow the main trail. However, two paths depart from the main trail, which may cause doubt. The first starts from a point on top of the first mountain and leads directly to the Lighthouse, located on the right shore of the beach.
The other, lesser-known trail starts near Praia dos Naufragados and goes to the left of the main path, leading to Ponta do Pasto, towards the Saquinho Beach. On the beach, which was once deserted and located in a conservation area of the Tabuleiro State Park, there are now several wooden houses, forming a small community, where four restaurants. There, seafood-based meals are served, which do not cost more than R$20 per person. Further south, at Ponta dos Naufragados, is the island of Araçatuba, where the Fort of Our Lady of ConceptionIn 1742.
Details
Difficulty level: easy.
Attractions: panoramic view, beach, water fountain, Atlantic Forest, boat trip, restaurant, historical heritage.
Time: About 7,5 hrs in total, 4,5 hrs to go up and 3 to come down 50min.
Home: End point of the Caieira da Barra do Sul line.
End: Shipwrecked Beach.
Main difficulty: No difficulties.
How to get there: Follow the trail that starts at the end of the Caieira da Barra do Sul line.
Where sleep in the south of the island:
- Azores beach
- Campeche beach
- Morro das Pedras
- Armacao Beach
- south swamp
- Ribeirao da Ilha
- Tavares River
- Solitude Beach
who can help: Companies of Tourist Services.
Beaches Guide: Learn more about the south island beaches.
