at a glance

the name cacuia originated with with the local indigenous inhabitants, the tupi people, which in their language means 'drinking vessel of the hill'.

back in 1871, one of the island's land owners, known as the widow amaral, sold her land to the brazilian navy. her former property and the surrounding area were used by the military as an amunition depot.

the navy established a school here for training sailors. today, the navy's radio station and fuel depot still remains here. located inside the Navy Military Area next to the Morro do Matoso (Matoso Hill), are the beaches of praia do golfinho (dolfin beach), praia brava, and praia do alentejo.