Photo of the Week: Ilha da Saudade, Morro de São Paulo, Brazil

William Wazlawik (Photo and Text)
24 October 2010

This ‘micro island’ is the Ilha da Saudade, found close to the village of Morro de São Paulo on the east coast of Brazil. It is technically only an island at high tide as the waters rise to cover the land bridge that joins it to the Second Beach of Tinharé Island.

The island’s name is usually translated as “homesickness island” (although saudade does not translate into English easily). To me, this sickness is not from a home, but due to its near-but-far relationship with the main (Tinharé) island. This little group of coconut trees is right in front of the famous Second Beach, but when the isthmus is submerged, it seems much further away.

About 60 kilometres south of Salvador, the capital city of Bahia state in northeast Brazil, the island paradise of Tinharé has some of the most beautiful beaches of the country. About 5000 people live on it, enjoying their lives without the use of cars, which are almost forbidden. Nonetheless, there are plenty of hotels and restaurants. All transport to and from the island – usually from Salvador – is by boat or plane.

Although part of incredible natural surroundings, the Ilha da Saudade has a wistful quality that makes it the ideal place to relax and to take some time for yourself.