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The history of Itaparica Island, located in Todos os Santos Bay, is marked by a rich interweaving of cultures and significant events from pre-colonial times to the present day. Initially inhabited by the Tupinambás, the island became a strategic point for the Portuguese at the beginning of the 16th century, with the arrival of Diogo Álvares Correia, known as Caramuru.
Over the centuries, Itaparica has been the scene of important events, such as the Dutch invasions and the struggle for Bahia’s independence. With its natural beauty and historical heritage, the island not only attracts tourists, but also carries a cultural legacy that reflects the diversity and resistance of its people.
The beaches lapped by the blue, calm sea and warm waters of Itaparica Island in Todos os Santos Bay.
Itaparica Island is the largest island in the Bay of All Saints, in Bahia, and is the perfect destination for those looking for tranquillity in the midst of exuberant nature for long days of relaxation.

With blue skies and bright sunshine, the days are slow to pass and tourists will have plenty of time to visit the beautiful beaches, savour the local cuisine and relax and forget about the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
With over 40 kilometres of beaches, Itaparica Island is divided into two municipalities: Itaparica and Vera Cruz, whose commercial centre is better known as Mar Grande.
See the map of Itaparica Island
Surrounded by an extensive barrier reef, the island – whose name derives from the Tupi, ‘Itaparica’ meaning ‘fence of stones’ – has calm waters and natural pools formed on most of the beaches, especially at low tide.
See the map of Todos os Santos Bay
Along its length you can still find practically deserted coves, among which Berlinque stands out at the end of Vera Cruz.
For those who like a bit more excitement and infrastructure, the beaches of Ponta de Areia and Itaparica (in Itaparica) have kiosks that serve local gastronomic delights such as the traditional acarajé and fish portions like fillet of agulinha and pititinga.
Located in the heart of the Bay and just 13 kilometres from Salvador, the island offers stunning and diverse landscapes.
The east-facing beaches (i.e. the springs), for example, such as Duro and Gamboa (in Vera Cruz), enchant with their beautiful views of the silhouette of Salvador.
Videos about the beaches and history of Itaparica Island
Ilha de Itaparica - Reportagem
Ilha de Itaparica - Dicas
7 Melhores praias de Vera Cruz22:57
Praia da Penha na Ilha de Itaparica04:04
Guia de Turismo da ILHA DE ITAPARICA - Dicas
O BRASIL COMEÇOU NA ILHA DE ITAPARICA25:49
History of Itaparica Island
To return to the history of Itaparica Island is to return to the beginnings of our civilisation.
The discovery of Brazil took place in Bahia, where Porto Seguro is today.
A year later, 720 km from the point of discovery, Américo Vespúcio spotted Itaparica Island on 1 November 1501. At the time, the island was inhabited by the Tupinambás.
The history of Itaparica Island is unique, although many old documents and accounts have been lost and it is necessary to preserve what remains. The island’s early history involves occupation by the Tupinambás, who dominated the area with their anthropophagic customs.
Then came the occupation by the Portuguese, which began with the arrival of Diogo Álvares Correia in 1509, the Caramuru, who married the Indian Paraguassu, later baptised Catarina, daughter of Tubixá (Morubixaba), the most powerful chief in the area called Taparica.
Ten years later, in 1510, Diogo Álvaro Correia recorded his visit to the island and, by marrying the Tupinambá princess Paraguaçu, formed the first genuinely Brazilian family.
The Dutch and French invasions were part of this dispute over the new extractive territory, and the introduction of whale hunting in 1603 marked the beginning of conflicts over the use of environmental resources.
With the occupation of Brazil by Portugal in 1534/1536, the island of Itaparica was granted to D. Antônio de Ataíde, second Count of Castanheira, under the Hereditary Captaincy regime. In 1552, the first governor-general of Brazil, Tomé de Souza, donated Itaparica Island and Matarandiba as sesmaria to António de Ataíde, 1st Count of Castanheira.
Later, in 1556, the island was converted into a hereditary captaincy by King John III of Portugal, and became part of the morgado established in 1526 by Dona Violante de Távora, mother of the Count of Castanheira.
The Jesuits were responsible for colonising Itaparica in 1560, settling on the coast where Baiacu is today, a rustic fishing village.
From an economic point of view, the island survived mainly on fishing. One hundred to two hundred whales were taken from Itaparica every year, as the island was a breeding and feeding ground for their young.
Whaling brought changes to the behaviour of fishermen and the local community, as well as cultural influences.
The name of Itaparica’s patron saint, São Lourenço, is associated with whales, and the impact of this hunt on the bay led to the animals’ extinction. The development of the tannery also contributed to the almost total destruction of the mangroves.
Before whale fishing, which predominated until the end of the 19th century, the island was devoted to sugar cane plantations and cattle breeding for more than a century.
From 1600 onwards, the English and Dutch tried to occupy the island several times, finally being expelled by the Portuguese in 1647.
Even today, in the municipality of Itaparica, you can see monuments from that time, such as Forte São Lourenço, which houses the only ship demagnetisation area in the country, and Solar do Rei, which hosted D. João VI, D. Pedro I and D. Pedro II . Pedro II.
Until 1833, Itaparica Island was part of Salvador, but with the growth of the city and the increase in tourism, it was divided and in 1962 the municipality of Vera Cruz was created.
Among the oldest architecture in the region is the Church of São Lourenço (1610), built in the Baroque style, whose name honours São Lourenço, guardian of the rains and winds and patron saint of the island. Other important buildings include the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade (1622) and the Fortress of São Lourenço (1711), where the flag of Independent Brazil was raised in 1823 and which is being prepared to become the first memorial to the Brazilian War of Independence in Bahia.
Historical Monuments on Itaparica Island
1. Historical centre and house of writer João Ubaldo Ribeiro
In the town of Itaparica, you’ll find a historic centre that was initially listed as part of the Historic Centre of Salvador in 1980. The site preserves buildings erected between the 17th and 18th centuries, especially the old houses, most of which are in the Neoclassical style.
Among the main elements of the historic complex are:
- Church of the Blessed Sacrament (also known as the Mother Church)
- Church of São Lourenço
- Casarão Tenente João das Botas (who fought in the Itaparica War of Independence)
- Solar Del Rei mansion
- Fortress of São Lourenço, built by the Portuguese and later taken by the Dutch.
It was here, in front of the fort, that during the 17th century the whale trade took place, an activity that was the mainstay of the economy at the time.
In the historic centre, you’ll also find the home of João Ubaldo Ribeiro, one of Brazil’s greatest writers. Praça da Quitanda, located 10 kilometres in the direction of Nazaré das Farinhas, was one of his sources of inspiration for writing his books.
2. São Lourenço Fort
The São Lourenço Fortress, built in the 17th century, was erected with the aim of stopping Dutch invasions. More than a century later, the fort played a crucial role during Bahia’s Independence, serving as the setting for important battles.
Today, the fort houses the Bahia Independence Memorial, which was inaugurated this year and is open to visitors free of charge, offering them an opportunity to get to know one of the region’s most significant historical landmarks up close.
3. Bica Fountain
The spring is considered to be Brazil’s first mineral spring and came to prominence in the 1940s, when it was widely used to encourage tourism. Many believe that the spring’s water has health benefits, being especially recommended for the kidneys, and locals say with conviction that the mineral substances present in it help to restore health.
The water is recognised for its medicinal diuretic properties, and the locals also consider it to be rejuvenating. A popular saying in the region expresses this belief: ‘Fine water makes an old woman turn into a girl’.
In addition, the spring generates around 24,000 litres of water a day, and its name came about because the water flowed down a bamboo grove, which inspired its local name.
4. Forno and Church of Penha
Located in the region of Penha itself, on Itaparica Island, the oven was used for cremating bodies brought in by ship, victims of diseases such as smallpox.
As well as the oven, the area is home to the Nossa Senhora da Penha Church, a large house and a lime kiln. When the tide is low, it is possible to approach the ruins of the kiln, but at high tide it is necessary to access the site through the countryside, in the direction of Penha.
5. Baiacu Church
This church, also known as the Church of Our Lord of Vera Cruz, is considered to be the third church built in Brazil. Although only ruins exist today, it remains one of the most important monuments in Vera Cruz.
What makes the place even more unusual is the presence of the gameleiras, trees whose immense roots and trunks surround the walls of the church. In this symbiotic process, the trees literally support the structure, so that you can’t tell where the tree begins and the walls of the old building end.
Located on Baiacu Beach, about 10 kilometres from the ferry station, this combination of nature and architecture is one of the most fascinating points of local history.
6. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Piedade
This is the church of the town’s patron saint, built in 1854 and rebuilt in 1923. Although it is a small sanctuary, it stands out for having been built in the Gothic style, which gives it a unique beauty.
The church, despite its simplicity, is charming and is located in Praça da Piedade, near the São Lourenço Fort.
7. Igreja de São Lourenço
Unlike the Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, the Church of São Lourenço was built in the Baroque style and features a mixed masonry of stone and brick.
It is considered one of the oldest churches in Brazil, having been opened for religious services in 1610.
Its façade is distinguished by the presence of a voluminous tower with a pyramid-shaped end, giving the church an imposing and unique appearance.
Beaches on Itaparica Island
See the map of Itaparica Island
Surrounded by an extensive barrier of coral reefs, Itaparica Island has more than 40 kilometres of beaches with calm, warm blue waters.
Along its length you can find busy coves with complete infrastructure, such as Ponta de Areia, as well as practically deserted beaches, such as Berlin
which.
At low tide, natural pools form and tourists can safely enjoy a peaceful swim in the sea. The Atlantic Forest vegetation makes up the landscape for those who come to relax amidst the island’s nature.
1. Ponta de Areia
One of the most touristy coves on the island, Ponta de Areia beach has several beach huts for those who like to have a snack between swims.
There are also kayak hire tents – the price may vary according to the season.
Charming inns and small hotels can be found in the area.
At night, there are a few restaurants and bars to choose from, especially in high season.
2. Itaparica Beach
With kiosks by the sea, the cove with calm waters located in the north of Itaparica Island has a complete infrastructure with restaurants, bakeries, pharmacies, hotels, etc.
It is home to the only ship demagnetisation plant in the country.
3. Cacha-Pregos Beach
At the other end of Itaparica Island, to the south, you’ll find the village that takes its name from this quiet cove most of the year.
You can find portions of fresh fish brought in by local fishermen in the stalls along the cove closest to the mainland.
4. Berlinque Beach
One of the most deserted beaches and far from the centres of both Itaparica and Vera Cruz, Berlinque presents tourists with its unspoilt vegetation.
A great choice for those who want to relax and get away from crowded beaches.
5. Penha Beach
Surrounded by a high-end condominium, Penha beach is one of the most beautiful on the quiet island of Itaparica.
The cove with its blue waters has the Farol da Barra in Salvador as its backdrop.
6. Barra Grande Beach
With small coral reefs close to the sand, it’s easy to come across pools of warm water on Barra Grande beach.
At night, especially in season, there are concerts by local bands, predominantly axé and pagode.
7. Duro Beach
Next to the Vera Cruz Maritime Port, where the boats that make the Salvador-Ilha de Itaparica crossing dock, is the bustling and always crowded Praia do Duro.
The small cove has just a few kiosks, which are always packed and with loud music.
Itaparica Island Tourism and Travel Guide