Canarias Island, located in the Parnaíba Delta in Piauí, is an enchanting and still relatively unknown tourist destination, offering an authentic experience close to nature.
The island is the second largest in the delta and is part of the Parnaíba Delta Environmental Protection Area, known for its exuberant landscapes, rich biodiversity and traditional communities.
Canarias Island lies on the border between Maranhão and Piauí in the environmental protection area in Maranhão.
Canarias Island is home to a fishing village with more than 2,500 inhabitants.
The history of Canárias begins in 1806, when a fisherman from Acaraú in Ceará, together with three companions, were attracted by the abundant fish production and the aim of establishing corral fishing in the bar of the mergulhões, which later came to be called canárias, due to the large number of birds called canaries in the region and a plant that served as food for the animals, called canarana.
And so the people began travelling to the Canarias Island or Canarana.
Today the Canarias Island is an environmental preservation area, part of the marine extractive reserve of the Parnaíba River Delta, with a population of approximately 2,500 inhabitants distributed in four villages: Canárias, Passarinho, Torto and Caiçara.
There are inns and restaurants and it is an ideal place for holidaymakers to visit.
Canarias Island is one of the most beautiful and quietest on the northeastern coast and is part of an archipelago of 80 islands, where tourists are dazzled by the region’s beautiful landscapes and animals: dunes, mangroves, streams, crabs, caimans and countless birds that nest by the rivers.
An incredible forest of hanging roots that sprouts into the sea, dunes that advance into infinity, the charms of a natural paradise that Europeans discovered in the north-east.
Video about Canarias Island in the Parnaíba Delta
Canarias Island Tourist Attractions
- Boat Trips: The best way to explore Canarias Island and its surroundings is by taking boat trips along the streams, canals and rivers that cut through the delta. These trips offer the chance to spot the local fauna, including guarás (red-plumaged birds), herons, caimans, and other species of local fauna.
- Ecological Trails: The island has several trails that allow visitors to explore the delta’s typical vegetation, such as mangroves and sandbank areas. Walks along the trails are ideal for observing the local flora and fauna, as well as enjoying the unique landscape of the region.
- Traditional Communities: Canarias Island is home to traditional fishing communities that live simply, preserving ancestral customs and traditions. Visiting these communities offers an enriching cultural experience, where you can learn about the local way of life, handicrafts and typical cuisine.
- Watching the Guarás flock: One of the most magical moments on Canary Island is watching the guarás flock at dusk. These birds, with their intense red plumage, return to the mangroves to sleep, creating a visual spectacle against the sky at sunset.
- Beaches and River Bathing: The island has river beaches and quiet bathing areas where visitors can relax and cool off in the waters of the delta. The beaches are practically deserted, providing a calm and paradisiacal atmosphere.
- Artisanal Fishing: Fishing is a traditional activity on the Canarias Island, and visitors can accompany local fishermen in their daily activities or even take part in an artisanal fishing trip. This experience offers an authentic insight into life on the island.
Tour Tips
- Access: Access to Canarias Island is by boat, usually from the city of Parnaíba, Piauí. The boat journey to the island is part of the experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Parnaíba Delta along the way.
- Accommodation: The island offers some simple accommodation options, such as inns and chalets, often run by locals. The accommodation is basic but comfortable, providing an immersive experience in nature.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Canarias Island is during the dry season, from July to December, when the weather is more favourable for walks and outdoor activities. During the rainy season, from January to June, the water level rises, which can alter the conditions of some excursions, but also intensifies the exuberance of the vegetation.
- Local Guide: Hiring a local guide is highly recommended, not only to make it easier to navigate the island and its surroundings, but also to learn about the fauna, flora, and local culture in more depth.
Ecotourism
Canarias Island offers an authentic experience, far from mass tourism, where visitors can connect deeply with nature and the local culture. It is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquillity, natural beauty and direct contact with the simple, traditional life of the Parnaíba Delta communities.
A visit to Canarias Island is a unique opportunity to explore one of Brazil’s richest and most unspoilt ecosystems, on a journey that blends adventure, culture and nature in stunning scenery.
Canarias Island and Parnaíba Delta Tourist Guide
