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Morro de São Paulo is a car-free village, an island without banks, with bustling nightlife and paradisiacal beaches.

Located at the northern end of the island of Tinharé, it is the most popular and has the best conditions for welcoming tourists.

The Tinharé archipelago is made up of three large islands – Tinharé, Cairu – as well as 23 islets.

The settlement of Morro de São Paulo began in 1535, with the arrival of the fleet of Francisco Romero. In 1624, the Dutch landed there before attacking Salvador.

After the expulsion of the invaders, Morro de São Paulo became an advanced defense post for the capital.

The construction of the Forte Velho (or Forte da Conceição), built in 1630, dates back to this time. It was later enlarged and renamed Forte de Morro de São Paulo.

The island played an important role in several episodes of Brazil’s history, right up to Independence.

In 1992, the entire Tinharé archipelago was declared an Environmental Protection Area.

Throughout the year, Morro de São Paulo receives tourists from all over the world, attracted by the charm of its historic buildings, its beautiful beaches and its lively life.

The beaches are numbered from the village onwards:

• First Beach – Small and close to the center, it is ideal for surfers and those looking for practicality.
• Second Beach – The busiest, with bars, parties and the famous nightlife.
• Third Beach – Starting point for walks and ideal for diving.
• Fourth Beach – Quiet and long, perfect for those who want to relax.

Other must-see attractions are the Farol do Morro, the Fortaleza de Tapirandu and the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz, historical landmarks of the island.

In addition, the practice of tirolesa, diving, boat trips and the famous volta à ilha are experiences that delight visitors.

In the shopping center, there are everything from craft shops to brand boutiques and good restaurants. And when the full moon rises over the sea, the luaus take place, invitations to poetry and romance.

Important tips:

• In summer, Morro de São Paulo gets crowded; book your accommodation in advance.
• Light luggage, as there are no cars on the island.
• As the slopes are steep, it may be interesting to hire carriers at the port to take your bags to the hostels. The cost varies according to weight and volume, so combine the price beforehand.
• Those arriving by plane can use the transfer services offered by local tourist agencies, which take passengers to the Terceira and Quarta Praia.

With natural beauty, history, adventure and fun, Morro de São Paulo remains one of the most beloved destinations in Brazil.

Access Map to Morro de São Paulo

See the map of the Costa do Dendê

Videos about Morro de São Paulo

See Archipelago of Cairu offers beautiful landscapes and lots of culture

Tourist attractions in Morro de São Paulo

1. Morro de São Paulo’s beaches

In Morro de São Paulo, the main beaches are named in numerical order, according to their proximity to the center.

• First Beach – Ideal for surfing.
• Second Beach – Famous for its agitation and nightlife.
• Third Beach – Destination of the natural pools.
• Quarta Praia and Praia do Encanto – Places of peace and tranquillity, with kilometers of practically deserted sand.

1.1. First Beach

The First Beach is for surfers. With bigger and stronger waves, it is the favorite of surf lovers.

Located just 300 meters from the center, it is home to several stalls serving food and drinks, as well as inns and houses for rent.

In addition to surfing, there are options for diving in the Laje do Forte, banana boat rides, water skiing and a tirolesa with panoramic views of the beach.

To round off the day, the best place to watch the sunset is at the Forte, very close by.

1.2. Second Beach

The Second Beach is the agito spot. There, tourists will find the bars, kiosks and hottest parties in Morro de São Paulo.

The beach is a 10-minute walk from the center and attracts visitors with its stunning views, lively music and sports such as volleyball and frescobol.

At night, there are parties and luaus, with electronic music and drinks served in the tents. The infrastructure is the best on the island, making it the most popular with tourists.

1.3. Terceira Praia

The Third Beach is known for its calmness. Quieter than the previous ones, it has rustic inns and restaurants.

It is almost 1 km long and its highlight is the Caitá Island, full of coral reefs and colorful fish, making it one of the best diving spots in the region.

You can rent kayaks to paddle around the calm sea and explore the surrounding area. Various boat trips depart from there.

1.4. Fourth Beach

The Fourth Beach is the beach of nature. At 4 km long, it is the largest and most isolated of the main beaches.

At low tide, natural pools form, protected by barriers of corals, making them perfect for a relaxing swim.

The landscape is made up of coconut trees and an almost transparent sea, ideal for those who want direct contact with nature.

2. Tapirandu Fortress (Morro de São Paulo Fort)

Built in 1630, the Forte do Morro de São Paulo played a fundamental role in the defense of the Bahian coast.

Located in a strategic position, it protected the Tinharé Canal, through which the region’s agricultural produce flowed. Today, its ruins are listed by IPHAN.

The surrounding beaches form natural pools. The place is popular for watching the sunset and, if you’re lucky, spotting dolphins.

3. Lighthouse

The Morro de São Paulo Lighthouse, built in 1855, offers a viewpoint with a panoramic view of all the surrounding beaches.

There is a tirolea where the bravest can throw themselves straight into the sea.

4. Fonte Grande (Emperor’s Fountain)

Built in 1746, the Fonte Grande served to supply the city. It is said that D. Pedro II visited it during his stay in the region.

5. Church of Our Lady of Light

The Church of Our Lady of Light houses Baroque altars and sacred images from the XVII and XVIII centuries.

According to tradition, the patron saint saved the island from the Dutch, who spotted numerous troops and gave up the invasion.

The main religious festival takes place on September 8th, in honor of the patron saint.

6. Gamboa village

The Povoado da Gamboa is inhabited by fishermen and has beaches with calm waters and natural pools. It is an excellent refuge for those seeking tranquillity.

See Discover the beauty, gastronomy, leisure and history of Morro de São Paulo

Tourist Guide to Morro de São Paulo in Bahia