Conde (BA): Nature, tradition and hidden gems on the Coconut Coast
Located just 157 km from Salvador, the Municipality of Conde, on the north coast of Bahia, is a destination still little explored by many tourists – but with landscapes that surprise even the most experienced travellers.
Located on the Costa dos Coqueiros, on the banks of the Linha Verde (BA-099),
Conde enchants with its tranquil beaches, winding rivers, preserved mangroves, golden dunes and a way of life that combines tradition and simplicity.
Videos of Conde BA sights
Praias do conde, sitio do conde, siribinha, cavalo russo e rio de pedras01:40
Siribinha na Bahia
Conde BA - Guia de Turismo03:50
Praia de Siribinha em Conde BA05:40
Barra do Itariri em Conde BA02:19
Município do Conde na Bahia04:59
What to do in Conde municipality
1. Sítio do Conde Beach – Beach and tranquillity
The main tourist area in the parish of Conde, Sítio do Conde, is known for its beach with calm sea and clear sand, ideal for relaxing swims and walks along the sea.
The area has a good structure of inns, bars and restaurants, as well as beach huts. It’s the perfect starting point for exploring the city’s other attractions.
2. Praia dos Artistas (Corre Nu) – For those seeking tranquillity
Located just 3 kilometres from Sítio, this beach offers a rustic and charming setting, with warm, calm sea, soft dunes and lots of coconut palms.
Perfect for those who want to enjoy the coast in a peaceful atmosphere and in contact with nature. Simple kiosks and surrounding apartment blocks guarantee a minimum of comfort and infrastructure.
3. Praia das Poças – Simple and charming
With clear sand, coconut trees and bigger waves, Praia das Poças is a small fishing village and the only natural harbour in the region for small boats.
Motorised canoe trips through the rivers and mangroves leave from here. It’s a great spot for those who enjoy community-based tourism.
4. Russian Horse – Adventure in the dunes
Imagine sliding down a 20-metre-high dune into the reddish waters of a river! That’s the idea behind the Russian Horse, one of the region’s most exciting attractions.
It can be reached by boat from Poças (45 mins) or Siribinha (10 mins). It is also a great place to swim, surrounded by white dunes and unspoilt vegetation.
5. Siribinha – rustic and film village
Located 16 kilometres from Sítio do Conde, at the mouth of the Itapicuru river, the village of Siribinha preserves a simple and charming way of life. Surrounded by dunes, mangroves and coconut palms, Siribinha was the setting for the film Tieta do Agreste, based on the work of Jorge Amado.
The village offers boat and buggy rides as well as quiet beaches rich in biodiversity.
6. Barra do Itariri – A magical meeting of river and sea
About 13 kilometres from Sítio do Conde, Barra do Itariri is one of the city’s postcards. The River meets the sea, forming natural pools, soft dunes and sandbanks, ideal for crossing on foot at low tide. The view is complemented by coconut groves and rustic huts, ideal for enjoying typical seafood dishes.
7. Vila Velha do Conde – Heritage and Tradition
Perched high on a hill, this little-known village preserves historic vestiges from the colonial period, with an old church, simple houses and cobbled streets. It’s a great place for those interested in history, popular culture and photography.
8. Regional Cuisine
Conde’s cuisine is rich and tasty, with fresh seafood such as moquecas, prawns and stews standing out. You can also try the acarajé, beiju, handmade cocadas and stuffed tapiocas sold by the locals. A real treat for the palate!
9. Practical tips for enjoying Conde
- How to get there: Take the Linha Verde (BA-099) road north from Salvador. The road is well signposted.
- Best time to visit: Between September and March, when the weather is drier and sunnier.
- Don’t miss: Boat trip on the Itapicuru River, descent of the Cavalo Russo dune and sunset at Siribinha.
History of Conde (BA): Land of traditions and wonders
Located on the north coast of Bahia and surrounded by long beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, the municipality of Conde is a destination that combines exuberant nature, rich culture and fascinating history.
1. Indigenous origins and the arrival of the Jesuits
Before the arrival of the colonists, the area was inhabited by the brave Tupinambás, the indigenous people who dominated the region. During the government of Mem de Sá, Jesuit priests arrived to catechise the natives. Peaceful coexistence led to the creation of a village, thanks to a land lease granted by the Jesuits in 1621 and confirmed by Garcia d’Ávila in 1650.
2. Colonisation and development
The fertile land attracted Portuguese settlers, who devoted themselves to the production of sugar cane, tobacco and cattle, resulting in the construction of several mills. This gave rise to the settlement of Itapicuru de Baixo, which became a parish in 1702 under the name of Nossa Senhora do Monte de Itapicuru da Praia.
In 1806, by order of the Count of Arcos, the parish was elevated to Vila do Conde, the name it still bears today. The economy grew and the region prospered – until a severe flood of the Itapicuru River in 1912 forced the transfer of the municipal centre to Esplanada, leaving Conde in the background.
3. The struggle for emancipation
Over time, the people of Condense rebelled against the situation. Leaders such as Lamberto Pinto, Minervino do Carmo and Rodolfo Lins organised an independence movement. The struggle was arduous and sadly resulted in Minervino’s death. But the effort paid off: on 10 August 1935, Conde gained its political emancipation, with Hermógenes Gomes Nascimento as the first mayor appointed.
4. Location and economy
Conde borders Jandaíra and Rio Real (north), Rio Inhambupe (south), Esplanada (west) and the Atlantic Ocean (east). It is 151 kilometres from Salvador (as the crow flies) and 203 kilometres by the BR-101 motorway.
Today, with around 25,000 inhabitants (IBGE/2013), the municipality’s economic base is tourism, coconut farming and cattle raising.
Mysticism and Faith: The Miracle of Alto do Cruzeiro
In the city’s oldest quarter, Vila do Conde, you’ll find Alto do Cruzeiro, a tourist attraction full of belief and legend.
According to the locals, the image of Our Lady of the Mountain once disappeared from the local church and was found on a tree at the top of a hill. Even after being put back on the altar, the image returned to the same place on its own. Believing this to be a divine sign, the faithful built a chapel dedicated to the saint.
Today, Alto do Cruzeiro is a place of pilgrimage, with a miraculous spring that never dries up. Visitors seek healing, pray and leave ex-votos in gratitude for the graces they have received.
Discover Conde!
Between paradisiacal beaches, cultural traditions and inspiring stories, Conde is much more than a tourist destination: it’s a place where faith, nature and history meet.
Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide to Bahia and Salvador.
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