The southern coast of Bahia also offers some high-end experiences, but is mainly made up of more rustic destinations, with villages that are a hit with holidaymakers.
The famous Costa do Descobrimento (Discovery Coast) is located in this part of Bahia, with successful destinations such as Arraial D’Ajuda, Caraíva, Trancoso and Porto Seguro.
The southern coast of Bahia is also a great option for those who want to enjoy the end of year festivities or Carnival.
Places to visit in South Bahia
Lugares interessantes para conhecer no litoral sul da Bahia
1. Caraíva
Caraíva, on the south coast of Bahia, offers visitors enormous peace and tranquillity.
It’s a privilege to swim in the sea, walk on the sandy beach, enjoy the sunset and also stroll around the centre to shop and dine in the restaurants.
1.1. WHAT TO DO IN CARAÍVA
It’s time to find out where to go for the wonderful moments of leisure that await you. If you’ve already been impressed by the pictures of Caraíva, you’re sure to be completely satisfied when you set foot in this little piece of paradise!
Keep these tourist activities in Caraíva in mind, because you’ll really enjoy them:
1.1.1. SPENDING THE DAY ON CARAÍVA’S BEACHES
Caraíva is dotted with deserted beaches, some of which are practically isolated, appealing to lovers of empty nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
There are also crowded ones, with bars overlooking the sea offering snacks and delicious Bahian cuisine.
Just as the beaches of Porto Seguro are interesting because of their different characteristics, so are Caraíva’s.
They are ideal for those who like to eat and drink in front of the sea, for those who like to take small children to play in the sand and then in the shallow water, or for those who can’t resist the habit of spreading a deckchair on the sand to relax and listen to the sound of the waves.
1.1.2 GETTING TO KNOW THE PATAXÓ VILLAGE OF BARRA VELHA
The Barra Velha Indigenous Village is located 6 km from the centre of Caraíva, in the Monte Pascoal National Park.
Home to 500 families of the Pataxó tribe, it is one of the most historically and culturally significant destinations on the Rota do Descobrimento.
In the village you’ll pass through a small centre with schools, a health centre and various improvements. You will also learn how the Indians make flour and handicrafts to sell to visitors.
You know, right? It’s worth including in your itinerary a visit to a place inhabited by the people who lived in Brazil before the Portuguese arrived in 1500, as well as buying some beautiful handicrafts.
1.1.3. BUGGY RIDE TO CORUMBAU
The buggy ride from Caraíva to Ponta de Corumbau – one of the postcards of the Bahian coast – is one of those activities that can’t be left off the list.
Along the 10 kilometre route, there are areas of lush coconut trees, cliffs, rock formations, clear sand and the sea with its clear waters. Imagine taking in all this visual splendour while feeling the fresh breeze on your face as you cruise by. Good!
If you take the buggy ride from Caraíva, you will have to cross the Corumbau River by boat. In other words, there will be lots of photos!
1.1.4. SPEEDBOAT RIDES
Speaking of photos, why not take a surreal view of the Caraíva region and get those Instagram-worthy shots? Book one of the speedboat tours offered by local agencies.
There’s no shortage of options. There are boat trips to Corumbau, Trancoso, Praia do Espelho, the Porto do Boi indigenous reserve and to Praia do Satú and the Tatuaçu reef, a great place for snorkelling.
The speedboats leave between 8.30am and 9am and return between 2pm and 5pm, depending on the tour.
1.1.5 FUN ON THE CARAÍVA RIVER
The area where the river meets the sea is Praia da Barra.
This is a great place to take a walk and enjoy a beautiful sunset. And with bars and restaurants on the riverfront, it’s a great place to grab a coconut water or snack with the gang after your walks.
On the river you can go kite surfing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and rafting. An excellent route to take the whole family and enjoy until nightfall.
You can feel that it would be wonderful to spend the whole day in this charming destination on the Bahian coast, can’t you?
In the next section, we’ll introduce you to the best beaches in Caraíva. Pack your sunscreen and choose your favourite swimsuit, as the sun is intense most of the year.
1.1.6. BEACHES OF CARAÍVA
Here are some beautiful beaches that should be on your list of places to visit.
- CARAÍVA BEACH
Quiet and with some of the most popular spots, Caraíva Beach is located opposite the river of the same name and is recommended for people with different profiles.
It’s an excellent tourist spot for those who like to walk on the sand or even lay down their towel to feel the local atmosphere. The attraction has strong waves, so be careful if you enter the sea, but it’s worth getting into the warm, clean water, even if it’s in the shallows.
As it’s only 10 minutes from the city centre, it’s great for those who want to do more than one activity in the same day. If you want to listen to live music, have a few drinks and eat the best of the best, the best place to go is Bar da Praia, a favourite with young people.
- SATÚ BEACH
Satú Beach has blue waters, natural pools and is surrounded by coconut trees and cliffs. Located 4 kilometres from the centre of Caraíva, it also has two lagoons, one with salt water and the other with fresh water.
This exciting deserted beach in Caraíva can be reached by crossing the Caraíva River and then walking along the sand. Before reaching Satu, travellers will pass Praia do Lontra and Praia do Camarão. Like all the attractions in the area, both are beautiful.
Fancy a tan on the sand between dips in the warm, inviting waters? Fun and relaxation go hand in hand here. And there’s more! Satu Beach Club is the best place to eat. While having fun on the beach, you can order snacks, more sophisticated dishes – such as octopus rice – and a variety of drinks.
- PONTA DE CORUMBAU BEACH
The buggy ride to Ponta de Corumbau is one of the most popular activities among those looking for things to do in Caraíva. It’s equally satisfying to spend some time on this irresistible beach.
Located 10km from the centre of Caraíva, it has a calm sea and a stretch of sand that is ideal for walking and even running. It is a family friendly paradise with restaurants overlooking the sea offering snacks, seafood and regional cuisine.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk from Caraíva to Ponta de Corumbau. The journey takes between 3 and 4 hours and is easier on days when the tide is low. Crossing the Corumbau River by canoe costs 5 R$. It’s an adventure worth putting in your diary, ok?
- MIRROR BEACH
The 11 kilometre walk from Caraíva to Praia do Espelho offers some of the most beautiful scenery on the Brazilian coast. There are magnificent cliffs, untouched vegetation, transparent waters and a cool breeze that combines perfectly with the intense sun.
It’s impossible not to want to dive into the Brazilian Caribbean off the southern coast of Bahia. Enjoy the natural pools, take a break from walking on the clear sands and take inspiring pictures of the scenery.
This wonder has great restaurants and kiosks, so it’s also possible to have a cold drink and enjoy Bahian flavours after your hike. Good stuff, right? Here’s one of Porto Seguro’s best beaches – enjoy!
If the days in Caraíva are infectious, the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Read on, because next you’ll discover the nocturnal charms of this surprising village.
1.1.7. WHAT TO DO AT NIGHT IN CARAÍVA
Have you invited the gang to enjoy Caraíva’s nightlife? Perfect. Despite its delicious inland climate, Caraíva comes alive at night. It’s a good walk when the sandy streets and colourful houses are irresistibly illuminated. Pure charm.
It’s worth going to Praia da Barra and meeting friends in the restaurants overlooking the river. There, Catioba and Boteco do Barra are the places to go for those tiragostos that always go well with a cold beer and long hours of conversation.
The best restaurants in Caraíva, close to the centre, are Culinária Central and the traditional Cantinho do Duca. Forro do Pelé and Forro do Ouriço are the high season hotspots for those who like to party.
But even in the less festive months, there are places with live music and lots of beautiful people. In short, your evenings in Caraíva will be a pleasure.
2. Barra do Cahy beach
Barra do Cahy beach, on the south coast of Bahia, has clear waters and flows into a river. There are also large cliffs and many coconut palms.
This paradise is 18 kilometres from Cumuruxatiba, also in Prado.
From the sea at Barra do Cahy, you can see Monte Pascoal, some 62 kilometres from the city of Porto Seguro, which, according to historical records, was the first piece of land seen by Pedro Álvares Cabral and his crew.
3. Moreira beach
Praia do Moreira, on the south coast of Bahia, in the resort of Cumuruxatiba, on the north coast of the municipality of Prado, in the extreme south of Bahia, is located in an ecological reserve called Corumbau Marine Extractive Reserve.
From the sea to the coast, you can see coral reefs, restinga vegetation, coconut groves, mangroves, the river and the Atlantic forest.
Praia do Moreira, with its clear sea, beaches lined with fountains and colourful cliffs, is a destination for those who appreciate the uniqueness of natural beauty and the richness of northeastern culture.
The tropical landscape of this beach writes its lines in the calm, warm, emerald-green waters, sharing space with a sky of distant clouds, framed by a blue that is only broken by the light of the sun.
The sea at Praia do Moreira makes a visual impact worthy of contemplation and is on the list of must-sees for those visiting the seaside resort of Cumuruxatiba, with its exuberant views and natural pools at low tide.
4. Trancoso
Trancoso, on the south coast of Bahia, is a village 28 kilometres from Porto Seguro.
Its main tourist attraction is the Quadrado de Trancoso.
At the bottom of the square is the church of San Giovanni Battista, built in the 15th century, and the belvedere, from where you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view. In the late afternoon there is always a ball game on the lawn of the Quadrado (historical centre).
The architecture of the colourful traditional houses and the church has remained unchanged and is protected by the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage.
In the Quadrado de Trancoso you can stay in charming pousadas, dine in refined restaurants and shop in local art, beach fashion and rustic decoration shops.
5. Porto Seguro
Enjoy spectacular views of tropical cliff-top forests over unspoilt beaches in this region with a remarkable history.
Porto Seguro, on the southern coast of Bahia, is the historic point of discovery for the Portuguese colonisers in the early 16th century.
With its many incredible bays and unique place in history, the city is a cultural and beautiful haven for travellers. Discover the region’s rich past in Porto Seguro’s vibrant old town and relax on one of its incredible beaches.
Stroll through the old town at night to see the churches and colonial buildings illuminated by an innovative system.
Learn about the arrival of the Portuguese at the Memorial da Epopeia do Descobrimento.
The museum has interesting temporary and permanent exhibitions on the historic arrival in 1500. The complex includes a replica of one of the fleet’s ships, which you can visit with a guide.
Among the beaches on the outskirts of the city, Praia do Mutá in the north is known for its labyrinth of coral reefs.
See crabs and other beach treasures in the sand.
Visit Praia da Pitinga, on the other side of the city, to see the natural pools that appear at low tide and the facilities available in the beach huts.
Closer to the city centre, Taperapuã beach is bustling with street performers, live music and exercise classes.
Dine at one of the many restaurants and bars on the lively Passarela do Álcool in the town centre. Try prawns, lobster and other local seafood, as well as international dishes.
To the south lies the picturesque resort town of Arraial d’Ajuda, with some of Brazil’s earliest colonial buildings. Treat the kids to a day at the Arraial d’Ajuda Eco Park, overlooking the ocean.
The city of Porto Seguro is located in the state of Bahia, in the north-eastern corner of Brazil.
Its beaches border the Atlantic Forest, which covers much of the country.
Arrive at Porto Seguro airport from other parts of Brazil and drive 10 minutes east to reach the beaches. Take a night bus from Salvador.
Porto Seguro is a fascinating beach oasis that was the starting point of Portuguese-influenced culture in Brazil.
6. Arraial d’Ajuda
Arraial d’Ajuda, on the south coast of Bahia, is a district of the Brazilian municipality of Porto Seguro, on the coast of the state of Bahia.
Arraial d’Ajuda is one of the most important and sophisticated destinations on the Bahia coast. This isolated district of Porto Seguro, on the banks of a wide river with no bridges, has beaches with a remarkable variety of landscapes, an international population and cultural facilities typical of cities, all within the confines of what is still almost a village.
Only the width of the Buranhém River and a 10-minute ferry ride separate Arraial d’Ajuda from Porto Seguro. The lack of a bridge linking the two main tourist destinations in southern Bahia has made Arraial d’Ajuda a distinctly different destination from the popular and bustling Porto Seguro.
Crossing the river by ferry is enough to see the radical urban transformation: the road to Arraial is tree-lined, pleasant and lined with inns that blend into the landscape.
Arraial d’Ajuda has the good taste that its neighbour Porto Seguro lacks.
Unlike Porto Seguro (with its popular orientation and predominantly local tourism), Arraial d’Ajuda is one of the most sophisticated and cosmopolitan destinations on the Brazilian coast, and its small size concentrates inhabitants from all over the world who once came as tourists and couldn’t resist the temptation to return and settle permanently: those who come to Arraial want to stay.
7. Parcel das Paredes
Parcel das Paredes is a large submerged sea bank in Brazil with an area of about 200 km2. It is a coral structure located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Caravelas in the state of Bahia.
Parcel das Paredes lies about 30 kilometres east of the mainland coast. Although the reef is submerged, parts of it rise above the water at low tide.
It’s a dangerous area for navigation, but an excellent spot for fishing and snorkelling.
The Abrolhos Archipelago is 35 kilometres to the east and this parcel is part of the same structure. The maximum tidal height in the reef area is about 1.7 metres.
It is a 30 kilometre long reef complex made up of coral labyrinths and natural pools. Humpback whales can often be seen in the area in July.
Parcel das Paredes is part of the Abrolhos National Marine Park, along with Timbebas Reef, some 40 kilometres to the north, and Sebastião Gomes Reef, Coroa Vermelha Reef and Viçosa Reef to the southwest.
Places to visit on the South Coast of Bahia
