Santa Cruz Cabrália is quieter than neighbouring Porto Seguro and has a lot to offer tourists. Located on the Discovery Coast, its main attractions include paradisiacal beaches, such as Praia da Coroa Vermelha, and a rich historic centre.
Santa Cruz Cabrália is located 23 kilometres north of Porto Seguro. As is typical of the southern coast of Bahia, it has crystal clear, calm waters protected by reefs.
Videos of Santa Cruz de Cabrália
Santa Cruz de Cabralia - Drone05:05
Santa Cruz de Cabrália - Guia Turístico03:24
Santa Cruz de Cabrália - Parte 1
Santa Cruz de Cabrália - Parte 2
Santa Cruz de Cabrália - Drone03:33
Praia de Itacimirim em Santa Cruz de Cabralia05:24
Praia de Arakakai em Santa Cruz de Cabrália03:42
Praia dos Lençóis em Santa Cruz de Cabrália01:38
Praia de Coroa Vermelha em Santa Cruz de Cabrália02:04
Praia da Ponta do Mutá em Santa Cruz de Cabrália
1. History of the city
The city is located in the far south of Bahia, in the region where Pedro Álvares Cabral landed. It was here that Friar Henrique de Coimbra celebrated Brazil’s first mass on the islet of Coroa Vermelha on 26 April 1500.
The Pataxós Indians, descendants of those who took part in the mass, still live in the area, preserving their culture and selling handicrafts.
On 21 April 1500, after having sighted Mount Pascoal, Cabral’s squadron anchored in Cabrália Bay. Later, with the division of the territory into hereditary captaincies, Pero de Campos Tourinho founded the village of Santa Cruz in 1534, which still preserves colonial buildings.
The city received its present name in 1933 and was emancipated from Porto Seguro on 30 March 1938. With the construction of the BR-101 motorway in 1973, it began to attract tourists. Its population is currently around 28,000, but we recommend you consult the IBGE for up-to-date figures.
2. Tourist Attractions
2.1 Historic Centre
Located in Cidade Alta, from where you can see the Mulho do João de Tiba and Coroa Vermelha, where the Pataxó Indigenous Reserve is located.
- Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (18th century) – Behind it is an old cemetery and the ruins of a Jesuit school.
- City Hall and Jail – Built at the end of the 18th century.
- Historic Centre Viewpoint – Known as the Mirante da Coroa, it offers a privileged view of the waterfront.
2.2 Coroa Vermelha
Historic site where the First Mass was celebrated in Brazil. The site houses a Centre of Indigenous Art and a huge cross commemorates the historic event.
2.3 Beaches
Santa Cruz Cabrália has uniquely beautiful beaches with warm waters, gentle waves and few currents:
- Praia de Santo André: Accessible by ferry, it has inns and restaurants. Famous for its tranquillity and the villa where the German team stayed during the 2014 World Cup.
- Guaiú Beach: Virtually untouched, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. Less crowded, with crystal clear waters and coconut palms, near the mouth of the João de Tiba River.
- Arakakaí Beach: With its reefs and natural pools, it is one of the most beautiful in the region.
- Lençóis Beach: Ideal for walking, but dangerous for swimming due to deep waters and rough seas.
- Mogiquiçaba Beach: Surrounded by mangroves, this is a paradise for eco-tourists.
- Ponta do Mutá Beach: Known for its natural pools at low tide and the boats that take tourists to Coroa Vermelha and Recifes de Fora.
- Itacimirim Beach: It has fine, clear sand and reefs that form natural pools. Surrounded by Atlantic Forest and good for fishing.
- Mutari Beach: Often confused with Lençóis or Coroa Vermelha, this is one of the most popular beaches. It has small waves, good for bodyboarding and kayaking.
- Coroa Vermelha Beach: Known as the place where Pedro Álvares Cabral’s fleet arrived in Brazil, marking the discovery of the country on 22 April 1500. It was also the site of the first mass on Brazilian soil. The bay is quiet, good for windsurfing and kayaking, shallow, with reefs and thick, white sand. There are kiosks selling Pataxós Indian handicrafts, as well as inns, restaurants and bars.
- Ponta de Santo Antônio Beach: Deserted, flat and open, with small waves and dark, beaten sand. Situated on the bar of the Santo Antônio River, it is a good spot for bass fishing.
These beaches are characterised by their natural beauty and diversity, ranging from quiet and almost unspoilt spots to areas with tourist infrastructure and historical importance.
2.4 Coroa Alta Marine Park
-
Sand bank and coral reefs: Coroa Alta is a natural formation of coral reefs and a golden sand bank that emerges at low tide, creating a paradise in the middle of the sea.
-
Crystal clear waters and marine life: The site has turquoise waters and is an excellent spot for snorkelling, where you can see colourful fish, sea urchins, starfish and other marine life.
-
Access: Access to Coroa Alta is usually by boat or schooner from Santa Cruz Cabrália. The route usually includes stops in the mangroves where you can see local fauna such as crabs and guayamuns.
3. Conclusion
Santa Cruz Cabrália is an essential destination for those seeking history, culture and natural beauty. Whether you want to relax on its paradisiacal beaches, explore its historic centre or experience the indigenous Pataxó culture, the city offers a unique experience on the Costa do Descobrimento.
Tourist guide to Santa Cruz de Cabrália in Bahia and the Northeast
