The Dendê Coast covers 5,815.62 km² and 115 km of coastline, spread between eight of the region’s nine municipalities: Valença, Cairu, Taperoá, Nilo Peçanha, Ituberá, Igrapiúna, Camamu and Maraú.
The municipality of Presidente Tancredo Neves, the only one without a coastline, borders Valença. The region is located between the Baía de Todos os Santos (to the north) and the Costa do Cacau (to the south).
Video about Dendê Coast
Costa do Dendê - Guia de Turismo01:47
Expedição na Costa do Dendê07:32
Ilha de Tinharé -Morro de São Paulo, Boipeba, Gamboa e outras ilhas
Península de Maraú: 5 passeios imperdíveis
Dendê Coast
1. Nature and Ecotourism
The Costa do Dendê is famous for its paradisiacal beaches, coral reefs, coconut gro ves and preserved mangroves. Natural highlights include:
- Cairu Archipelago: Includes Morro de São Paulo, Boipeba and Cairu, belonging to the municipality of Cairu.
- Camamu Bay: the second largest bay in Bahia and the third largest in Brazil, with unspoilt islands and stunning landscapes.
- Maráu Peninsula: beaches such as Taipu de Fora, famous for its natural pools, and Barra Grande, one of the most popular destinations.
- Ituberá: although it is not bathed by the sea like other towns on the Costa do Dendê, it enchants with its natural landscapes and waterfalls, particularly Pancada Grande and Castro Alves. Situated on a hill, the town also preserves its historical heritage, with the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the Igreja de Santo André and the Vila Histórica de Itajaí.
2. History and Culture
The Costa do Dendê combines natural wealth with historical and cultural heritage, including traditional communities that keep the colonial heritage alive.
3. Dendê production
The name of the region comes from the cultivation of the oil palm, the basis for the production of palm oil, essential in Bahian gastronomy.
- Bahia is Brazil’s second largest producer, behind Pará.
- The region accounts for 84.5 per cent of Bahia’s production.
4. Tourism and Main Destinations
Tourism on the Costa do Dendê is driven by sun and beach, but interest in ecotourism, cultural, nautical and adventure tourism is growing. Among the main destinations are:
- Morro de São Paulo: the most famous destination, with stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife and complete infrastructure.
- Boipeba Island: a paradisiacal refuge, ideal for snorkelling, boat trips and hiking in the Atlantic Rainforest.
- Maráu Peninsula: unspoilt beaches, such as Taipu de Fora, with natural pools, and Barra Grande, busy and charming.
- Camamu Bay: starting point for unspoilt islands and historic villages such as Campinho and Sapinho.
- Valença: the main town in the region, with good tourist infrastructure and a gateway to Morro de São Paulo and Boipeba.
- Ituberá: waterfalls such as Pancada Grande, trails and rural tourism.
- Igrapiúna: exuberant nature, quilombola communities and unspoilt beaches.
- Camamu: founded in 1560, it stands out for its boat trips around its islands and its rich traditional culture.
4.1 Guides and Information on the Main Tourist Sites
- Garcez Beach: A Hidden Paradise on the Dendê Coast
- Taipu de Fora Beach: The Paradise of Natural Pools
- Discover the beauty, gastronomy, leisure and history of Morro de São Paulo
- Valença has a valuable architectural and cultural heritage
- Natural swimming pools and deserted beaches make the Maraú Peninsula
- Morro de São Paulo in Bahia is one of Brazil’s most popular destinations
- Tinharé Archipelago in Bahia: A Complete Guide
- Complete Guide to the Maraú Peninsula: History and Sights
- Cairu Archipelago: History and Attractions
- What to do on Boipeba Island – Tourist Guide
- Camamu: Historical Attractions and the Beauties of Camamu Bay
- Barra Grande Village in Bahia: Complete Guide for Tourists
- Camamu Bay: Brazil’s Ecological Paradise
5. Infrastructure and Accessibility
- Valença Airport: receives large aircraft.
- Morro de São Paulo runway: for single-engine aircraft.
- Road and sea transport: easy connections to Salvador and other destinations.
The Costa do Dendê is a destination that blends nature, history and culture, ideal for those seeking authentic experiences on the coast of Bahia.
Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide to Bahia and Salvador.
Costa do Dendê Tourist Guide in Bahia
