at a glance

four main events shaped the recreational use of the island and of the beaches on it - in mid nineteenth century, many of the beaches on the island were used as family gathering areas, and for swimming. 

starting in 1922, ilha do governador was connected to the part of the city on the mainland via a tram, increasing its popularity as a fun and convenient getaway.

in 1946 some of the beaches were transformed in military areas, and access to some of the shores was then limited or forbidden - beaches like praia do golfinho, praia brava, praia do alentejo, and praia da moça became for exclusive use of the navy and their families.  

in 1949 the building of a bridge  connecting ilha do governador to the rest of the city and ilha do fundão resulted in a major increase of local tourism, and thriving local commerce.