The Costa do Descobrimento (Discovery Coast) comprises the municipalities of Porto Seguro, Santa Cruz Cabrália and Belmonte and has several natural attractions such as beaches, bays, coral reefs, mangroves, navigable rivers and the history of the discovery of Brazil.
The Discovery Coast, located in the extreme south of Bahia, reserves pleasant surprises, causes emotions to the visitor and increases the desire to rediscover Brazil.
The Discovery Coast has beaches, bays, coves, cliffs, coral reefs, mangroves and navigable rivers; the region has favourable conditions for the practice of adventure tourism and ecotourism, as well as reserves ideal points for diving, windsurfing, surfing, kitesurfing, trekking, horseback riding, among others.
Considered the cradle of Brazilian history and culture, the Discovery Coast, formed by the municipalities of Belmonte, Porto Seguro and Santa Cruz Cabrália, was listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1999.
The second largest tourist destination in the state, it has an international airport located in Porto Seguro, as well as paved roads and regular air and road transport services.
In Porto Seguro, beaches on the north coast such as Itacimirim, Mundaí and Taperapuã are visited by tourists from all over the world who enjoy the warm waters of this paradise where it is easy to find good bars, restaurants and leisure options that even include incredible ultralight, helicopter and parachute rides; not to mention beach bar structures that resemble real tourist complexes, with lambaerobics classes, live music, covered parking, sports courts, restaurants, ice cream parlours, boutiques and craft shops that operate all year round.
To the south, you will enjoy enchanting scenery with hidden beaches amidst natural riches and beach spaces that combine rustic with refinement and extreme good taste.
This coastline includes Arraial D’ajuda, Trancoso and Caraíva, among the most visited beaches are: Delegado, Mucugê, Parracho, Pitinga and Taípe beaches in Arraial D’ajuda, Nativos dos Coqueiros and naturism beaches in Trancoso and those who visit Caraíva cannot miss the Espelho beach, which, located in the middle of a cliff, is among the ten most visited in Brazil.
In Santa Cruz Cabrália, the beaches of Coroa Vermelha, Mutary and Arakakaí stand out.
On the Costa do Descobrimento there are also the beaches of Santo André, Tartarugas and Santo Antônio, also very popular.
The region is home to a preserved historical-architectural complex that dates back to the early days of Brazilian history, as well as stunning ecosystems and landscapes.
Tours such as the historic site of the upper town where the landmark of the discovery is located and churches from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, as well as a visit to Coroa Vermelha, where the first mass in Brazil was celebrated, are indispensable.
In this region, there are three national parks – Descobrimento, Monte Pascoal and Pau Brasil – as well as environmental protection areas and indigenous reserves.
Indigenous handicrafts and traditions such as the reisado, the pastoral dances, the mast pulling and the mandus are preserved elements of the rich and diverse local culture.
At night, the scenery turns into an intense bustle and night leisure is also a highlight. Concert halls, beach huts and nightclubs offer visitors pleasant parties that always end at dawn.
For more than 500 years this region has been visited by many explorers in search of the most unusual products.
Nowadays, the explorers are better known as “tourists”, who seek high doses of adrenaline and a lot of history, in a scenario composed of sun, sea and a lot of joy.
Tourism and Travel Guide to the Discovery Coast in Bahia
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