Ponta do Rei can be explored through its harbor and lime history. Historically, Porto do Rei served to maintain the connection with Rio de Janeiro, the capital of the Empire. The first harbor in the south of São Francisco Island was at the mouth of the Perequê River, in the area known as Porto do Rei. This connects the place with an early harbor function and a specific river mouth. This history offers a different perspective on Ponta do Rei from the nature trails in the municipality: it leads to earlier connections, production, and the trade in shell lime.
Harbor Routes and Old Connections
Today’s Trilha Caminho do Rei follows a section of the old road that connected Praia da Enseada with the municipality of Porto do Rei. In addition to the harbor and lime history, it also brings the former connection with Praia da Enseada into view. If you include the trail in your plans, check the park’s current guidance before your visit.
Shell Lime and the Lime Kiln
The industrial history can also be traced to named locations. The lime kiln beside Sambaqui Porto do Rei is in the settlement of the same name in São Francisco do Sul. Shell lime produced at the old Porto do Rei harbor was exported to Europe. Alongside the sambaqui, the remains of two kilns have been preserved; they were in operation until the 1960s. The harbor connection tells the story of the exports, while the surviving kilns add the period when the lime kiln was operating.
Natural Heritage in the Municipality
To explore natural heritage, look to the wider municipality of São Francisco do Sul. The Trilha Vila do Casqueiro leads to natural heritage sites such as Lagoa do Acaraí and to three vegetation types: Restinga herbáceo-arbustiva, Restinga arbóreo-arbustiva, and Floresta Ombrófila Densa de Terras Baixas. The route is listed as taking 50 minutes. Its focus differs from that of the Trilha Caminho do Rei: Vila do Casqueiro foregrounds Lagoa do Acaraí and vegetation, while Caminho do Rei follows a section of the former road. The stated duration helps you consider this nature trail as a separate activity.
São Francisco do Sul in a Broader Context
The wider destination of São Francisco do Sul adds further cultural history to the local story. The original town center of São Francisco do Sul, with 400 properties, was listed as a heritage site by Iphan in 1987. The Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora da Graça was built from 1699 using mortar made from sand, lime, shells, and whale oil. Lime and shells thus appear in two different contexts: as shell lime exported from the old harbor and as ingredients in the church mortar in the wider destination.
Choose Accommodation Based on Your Interests
When searching for a vacation rental, start by asking which part of the trip you want to focus on. For harbor and lime history, Ponta do Rei is the specific search term; for additional nature and cultural themes, the wider destination of São Francisco do Sul can provide the framework for your plans. The Trilha Vila do Casqueiro fits into this municipality-wide perspective, while the history of the old harbor and lime kiln provides the local focus. This way, you can decide whether to look for a place to stay primarily for exploring this locality or for a broader trip around São Francisco do Sul.
Discover more destinations: Saí, Tornos do Pinto.
Go to the wider travel overview: São Francisco do Sul.
