The Discovery Coast, located in the south of Bahia, is a region of great historical importance and natural beauty. It was in this area that Pedro Álvares Cabral’s squadron sighted Mount Pascoal on 22 April 1500, marking the beginning of Brazil’s history.
The region includes the municipalities of Santa Cruz de Cabrália, Porto Seguro, Arraial d’Ajuda, Trancoso and Caraíva and offers a unique combination of historical and natural attractions. With around 150 kilometres of coastline between Belmonte and Caraíva, the coast has both deserted and busy beaches, close to villages that become meeting places during the summer. There is a wide range of accommodation, from campsites to luxury resorts.
Video about the Discovery Coast
Caraíva, Trancoso e Arraial: Três paraísos do litoral baiano
Santa Cruz de Cabralia - Drone03:33
O que fazer e onde ficar em PORTO SEGURO!14:16
Costa do Descobrimento - Documentário
Arraial d'Ajuda - Drone04:02
Trancoso na Bahia01:04
Tourist Highlights
- Historic Centre of Porto Seguro: Situated at the highest point of the city, it preserves colonial buildings, including the Church of Nossa Senhora da Pena, the Church of São Benedito and the Landmark of Discovery, brought by the Portuguese in 1503.
- Quadrado de Trancoso: The historic centre of Trancoso is a large rectangular square surrounded by colourful colonial houses, former fishermen’s dwellings, now converted into bars, restaurants and shops. At the back of the square is the Church of St John the Baptist, dating from the 17th/18th centuries, with a breathtaking view of the sea.
- Praia dos Coqueiros in Trancoso: Located 15 minutes from the village of Trancoso, it is known for its calm waters protected by reefs, fine sand and an abundance of coconut trees. The beach has several huts where visitors can enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks of Bahian gastronomy.
- Arraial d’Ajuda: This charming district of Porto Seguro combines a beach town atmosphere with a vibrant nightlife. Highlights include Broadway and Mucugê streets, known as “the most charming street in Brazil”, full of bars with live music, restaurants, designer shops and inns. The Church of Nossa Senhora d’Ajuda, built in 1550, is an important pilgrimage site and offers a panoramic view of the region.
- Caraíva: This fishing village, with almost 500 years of history, remains rustic with sandy streets and no cars. Caraíva’s beaches are true natural paradises, and activities such as floating down the Caraíva River, practising stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking, and visiting Satu Beach are unforgettable experiences for visitors.
Recognised as the cradle of Brazilian history and civilisation, the Discovery Coast offers an unparalleled combination of historical heritage and natural beauty. The region is home to three national parks – the Descobrimento National Park, the Monte Pascoal National Park, the Monte Pascoal National Park and the Pau Brasil National Park – as well as protected areas and indigenous reserves.
Discovery Coast Tourist Guide
