Salinas da Margarida in Bahia: A paradise in the Recôncavo Baiano

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Salinas da Margarida is a charming municipality located in the Recôncavo Baiano, on the shores of Todos os Santos Bay, about 270 kilometres from Salvador.

Salinas da Margarida is both a municipality and a city.

Barra do Paraguaçu belongs to the municipality of Salinas da Margarida, located between the sea of Todos os Santos Bay and the banks of the Paraguaçu River.

The fresh waters of the Paraguaçu flow gently into the bay after travelling more than 400 km from the geographical centre of Bahia, a region that is home to more than half of the state’s rivers.

Foto aérea da orla marítima da sede de Salinas da Margarida
Foto aérea da orla marítima da sede de Salinas da Margarida

The town’s name, Salinas da Margarida, dates back to its traditional salt production, which began in 1881 in the old village of Porto da Margarida, named after an influential lady of the time.

Today, the production of shrimp in captivity is an important economic activity, generating jobs and foreign exchange for this municipality in the Recôncavo region of Bahia, which is home to just over 13,000 inhabitants.

The town’s main meeting point is the pier at Praia da Ponte, the most urban beach, which welcomes visitors arriving by the bay.

On the promenade, stalls offer meals, snacks and drinks, served at tables overlooking the sea, making it the place where people gather most during leisure time.

Salinas da Margarida also stands out for its local handicrafts, which use shellfish shells and fish scales to create pieces that delight visitors.

Among the best-selling items are dolls, birds, flowers, necklaces, earrings and decorative objects, all made with great creativity.

The raw material comes directly from the pickers who work at low tide, transforming shells that were once used in construction or discarded.

In terms of gastronomy, molluscs and crustaceans feature prominently, especially in traditional dishes from the Recôncavo of Bahia, such as the famous moqueca, accompanied by pirão, feijão fradinho, farofa and chilli.

The Salinas pier also receives excursion boats from various parts of Todos-os-Santos Bay, including nautical excursions from Salvador, although these boats are exclusively private.

With an area of 65 km², the municipality of Salinas da Margarida includes the districts of Dendê (Porto da Telha), Encarnação, Conceição de Salinas, Cairu and the village of Barra do Paraguaçu.

mapa de Salinas da Margarida na Bahia
mapa de Salinas da Margarida na Bahia

Praia de Cairu em Salinas da Margarida
Praia de Cairu em Salinas da Margarida

1. Tourist Attractions in Salinas da Margarida BA

In Salinas da Margarida, Bahia, the beaches are the main tourist attraction, but you can also enjoy a relaxing swim in the river.

Both in the town centre, at the mooring pier, and in the surrounding areas, there are plenty of options to explore.

Among the main destinations are at least 10 beautiful beaches ideal for swimming: Praia da Barra do Paraguaçu, Ponta da Telha, Ponta do Dourado, Cairu, Conceição de Salinas, Encarnação, Pedra Mole, Camborui, Tubarão and Praia do Amor.

Praia de Ponta do Dourado em Salinas da Margarida
Praia de Ponta do Dourado em Salinas da Margarida

Praia de Cairu em Salinas da Margarida
Praia de Cairu em Salinas da Margarida

Among these, three beaches are the most popular with visitors:

1. Barra do Rio Paraguaçu Beach

This is one of the region’s most popular sea and river beaches. Its warm, calm and fish-rich waters are ideal for swimming, kayaking and angling.

An excellent freshwater bathing option can be found nearby. Between the mangroves and the local dunes is Cavalo Russo, a stream with clean, transparent waters, perfect for relaxing.

praia da Barra do Paraguaçu em Salinas da Margarida
Praia da Barra do Paraguaçu em Salinas da Margarida

2. Encarnação Beach

With similar characteristics to the other beaches in the region, Praia da Encarnação stands out for its warm, calm sea, which is its main feature.

The landscape is enriched by vast mangroves, white sands and holiday homes that complete the scene.

Crab fishing with the gereré (a local trap) and searching the sand for small molluscs called chumbinhos are fun activities that also yield delicious snacks.

Praia de Encarnação em Salinas da Margarida
Praia de Encarnação em Salinas da Margarida

3. Araçá Beach

The beach has warm, calm waters, ideal for swimming at any time of the tide. It’s a great place for line fishing and gereré fishing. You can also take a stroll to contemplate the rich ecosystem of the mangroves, which are home to a variety of birds, oysters and crustaceans.

4. Other Attractions

  • In addition to the beaches, Salinas da Margarida offers other tourist attractions worth highlighting.
  • The Salinas Pier, with its breathtaking view of Todos os Santos Bay, is ideal for sunset strolls and relaxing by the sea.
  • The local gastronomy, especially based on fresh seafood, is another of the city’s strong points. During the summer, events such as popular festivals and religious celebrations also enliven the city, providing an immersion in the local culture.

5. Barra do Paraguaçu

Barra do Paraguaçu is a village located in the municipality of Salinas da Margarida.

Mapa de Salinas da Margarida BA
Mapa de Salinas da Margarida BA

Barra do Paraguaçu is situated on the banks of the Paraguaçu River, one of Bahia’s most important rivers, and is the perfect destination for those seeking contact with nature, history and tranquillity.

Barra do Paraguaçu na Bahia
Barra do Paraguaçu

Tourist Attractions in Barra do Paraguaçu

  • Ruins of the Convent of São Francisco do Paraguaçu: This is one of the most important monuments in the Recôncavo Baiano, a historic building from the 17th century. Although it is partially in ruins, the site offers a spectacular view of the Paraguaçu River. With its aura of mystery, it is an ideal destination for lovers of history and photography.
Ruínas do Convento de São Francisco do Paraguaçu
Ruínas do Convento de São Francisco do Paraguaçu
  • Boat trip along the Paraguaçu River: One of the most recommended activities for those visiting Barra do Paraguaçu is a trip along the Paraguaçu River. With its wide course and banks full of native vegetation, it offers an excellent opportunity for bird watching and moments of relaxation in the midst of nature.

2. How to get there

  • By Car: Salinas da Margarida is around 270 kilometres from Salvador, and can be reached by ferry boat to Itaparica Island and then by car. Barra do Paraguaçu, on the other hand, can be reached via the BR-324 motorway and then the BA-001.
  • By Boat: There are boat trips from Salvador to both locations, offering a more picturesque and pleasant way to get there.

Salinas da Margarida and Barra do Paraguaçu are ideal destinations for those seeking tranquillity, history and direct contact with nature, all wrapped up in a rich Bahian cultural tradition.

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