Salinas da Margarida is a charming municipality in the Recôncavo Baiano, on the shores of Todos os Santos Bay, about 270 kilometres from Salvador.
Salinas da Margarida is both a municipality and a city.
Barra do Paraguaçu belongs to the municipality of Salinas da Margarida and is located between the sea of the Todos os Santos Bay and the banks of the Paraguaçu River.
The fresh waters of the Paraguaçu River flow gently into the bay, more than 400 km from the geographical centre of Bahia, a region where more than half of the state’s rivers originate.
The town’s name, Salinas da Margarida, comes from its traditional salt production, which began in 1881 in the old village of Porto da Margarida, named after an influential lady of the time.
Today, the production of shrimps in captivity is an important economic activity, generating jobs and foreign exchange for this municipality in the Recôncavo region of Bahia, which has just over 13,000 inhabitants.
The town’s main meeting point is the Pier at Praia da Ponte, the most urban beach, which welcomes visitors arriving by the bay.
On the promenade, stalls offer meals, snacks and drinks served at tables overlooking the sea, making it the place with the highest concentration of people during leisure time.
Salinas da Margarida also stands out for its local craftwork, which uses shell and fish scales to create pieces that enchant visitors.
Among the best-selling items are dolls, birds, flowers, necklaces, earrings and decorative objects, all made with great creativity.
The raw material comes directly from the gatherers who work at low tide, transforming shells once used in construction or discarded.
In gastronomy, molluscs and crustaceans play an important role, especially in traditional dishes from the Recôncavo region of Bahia, such as the famous moqueca, accompanied by pirão, feijão fradinho, farofa and chilli.
The Salinas Pier also receives excursion boats from various parts of Todos-os-Santos Bay, including nautical excursions from Salvador, although these are exclusively private.
Covering an area of 65 km², the municipality of Salinas da Margarida includes the parishes of Dendê (Porto da Telha), Encarnação, Conceição de Salinas, Cairu and the village of Barra do Paraguaçu.
1. Attractions in Salinas da Margarida BA
Cidade de Salinas da Margarida na Bahia
Barra do Paraguaçu na Bahia
Barra do Paraguaçu - Salinas da Margarida03:42
Ruínas do Convento e Igreja de Santo Antônio do Paraguaçu
In Salinas da Margarida, Bahia, the beaches are the main tourist attraction, but you can also enjoy a relaxing swim in the river.
There are plenty of things to do in the town centre, at the pier and in the surrounding area.
Among the main destinations are at least 10 beautiful beaches, ideal for swimming: Praia da Barra do Paraguaçu, Ponta da Telha, Ponta do Dourado, Cairu, Conceição de Salinas, Encarnação, Pedra Mole, Camborui, Tubarão and Praia do Amor.
Of these, three beaches are the most popular with visitors:
1. Barra do Rio Paraguaçu Beach
This is one of the most popular beaches in the region. Its warm, calm and fish rich waters are ideal for swimming, kayaking and fishing.
There is excellent freshwater swimming nearby. Between the mangroves and the local dunes is Cavalo Russo, a stream with clean, transparent waters, perfect for relaxing.
2. Beach of Encarnação
With similar characteristics to other beaches in the region, Praia da Encarnação stands out for its warm and calm sea, which is its main feature.
The landscape is enriched by vast mangroves, white sands and holiday homes that complete the scene.
Crab fishing with the gereré (a local trap) and searching the sand for small molluscs called chumbinhos are fun activities that also yield delicious snacks.
3. Araçá beach
The beach has warm, calm, waters that are ideal for swimming at any time of the tide. It’s a great place for line fishing and spawning fishing.
You can also take a walk to observe the rich ecosystem of the mangroves, which are home to a variety of birds, oysters and crustaceans.
4. Other attractions
- In addition to its beaches, Salinas da Margarida offers other tourist attractions worth mentioning.
- The Salinas Pier, with its breathtaking views over the Todos os Santos Bay, is ideal for sunset walks and relaxing by the sea.
- The local gastronomy, especially based on fresh seafood, is another of the city’s strong points. During the summer, events such as popular festivals and religious celebrations also enliven the city and offer an immersion in the local culture.
5. Barra do Paraguaçu
Barra do Paraguaçu is a parish located in the municipality of Salinas da Margarida.
Barra do Paraguaçu is located on the banks of the Paraguaçu River, one of Bahia’s most important rivers, and is the perfect destination for those seeking contact with nature, history and quiet.
Places to visit in Barra do Paraguaçu
- Ruins of the Convent of São Francisco do Paraguaçu: This is one of the most important monuments in the Recôncavo Baiano, a historic building from the 17th century. Although partly in ruins, the site offers a spectacular view of the Paraguaçu River. With its aura of mystery, it is an ideal destination for lovers of history and photography.
- Boat trip on the Paraguaçu River: One of the most recommended activities for visitors to Barra do Paraguaçu is a trip on the Paraguaçu River. With its wide course and banks full of native vegetation, it offers an excellent opportunity for bird watching and moments of relaxation in the midst of nature.
2. How to get there
- By Car: Salinas da Margarida is about 270 kilometres from Salvador and can be reached by ferry to the island of Itaparica and then by car. Barra do Paraguaçu can be reached by the BR-324 motorway and then the BA-001.
- By Boat: Boat trips are available from Salvador to both locations, offering a more picturesque and pleasant way to get there.
Salinas da Margarida and Barra do Paraguaçu are ideal destinations for those seeking tranquillity, history and direct contact with nature, all wrapped up in a rich Bahian cultural tradition.
