Vila de Santo André, in the municipality of Santa Cruz Cabrália, Bahia, is an oasis of peace and natural beauty. Located approximately 30 km north of Porto Seguro, it can be reached by ferry across the João de Tiba River, providing a smooth transition from the hectic pace of neighbouring towns to the serenity of the village.
In addition to its paradisiacal setting, the village has great historical significance. Santa Cruz Cabrália was one of the main points of the first Portuguese explorations in Brazil, and is known as the place where, in 1500, friar Henrique de Coimbra celebrated the First Mass in Brazil, at the mouth of the Mutari River.
In this context, the presence of the Church of Santo André reinforces the region’s centuries-old religious tradition and preserves its link with the colonial past.
See the map of Porto Seguro’s beaches
Video of Vila de Santo André in Santa Cruz de Cabrália
Vila de Santo André em Santa Cruz Cabrália - Drone01:57
Vila de Santo André em Santa Cruz Cabrália03:45
Praia de Santo André01:19
PRAIA DE SANTO ANDRÉ E BANHO DE LAMA11:28
Praia de Itacimirim em Santa Cruz de Cabralia05:24
Praia de Guaiú em Santa Cruz de Cabrália01:40
Praia de Arakakai em Santa Cruz de Cabrália03:42
Praia dos Lençóis em Santa Cruz de Cabrália01:38
Praia de Mutari em Santa Cruz de Cabrália00:26
Praia Coroa Vermelha em Santa Cruz de Cabrália05:50
Village of Santo André
The village of Santo André stretches along the coast, with its small centre situated by the river, overlooking the mangroves.
With around 800 inhabitants, Santo André has almost unspoilt beaches surrounded by coconut groves and mangroves, creating a setting of rare beauty and tranquillity.
In the town centre tourists will find bars, restaurants and charming inns. Highlights include:
- Pousada Victor Hugo, known for its cosy architecture.
- Casapraia Restaurant, with tents on the beach and an international menu.
- Santana’s, famous for its homemade pasta prepared by an Italian chef.
- Floridita, specialising in seafood.
The nightlife is modest but lively. Casapraia hosts cinema nights on Tuesdays and parties with live music on Saturdays.
St Andrew’s Church
The Church of Santo André has a simple colonial style, with a white façade and few ornaments, typical of coastal chapels of the colonial period.
Located on a high point in the village, it has a privileged view of the sea and the João de Tiba River. Its modest structure, with a single nave and a discreet altar, reflects popular devotion.
Dedicated to St Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Christ, the church bears the name of the town’s patron saint.
The Catholic tradition in the region dates back to the first contacts between the Portuguese and indigenous peoples, when missionaries established the first churches for catechisation.
Although little known outside the region, the church is of great value to locals and visitors seeking an atmosphere of peace and spirituality.
Beaches of Santo André
1. Santo André Beach
- Located in the village itself, it is protected by reefs that guarantee warm, calm waters.
- Ideal for water sports.
- It has wooden boardwalks over the mangroves to observe the local ecosystem.
2. Jacumã Beach
- Good for swimming and walking.
- There are stalls selling acarajé, batapá and prawn dumplings.
3. Itacimirim (or Tartarugas) beach
- It forms natural pools at low tide.
- Ideal for swimming, fishing and hiking.
4. Conchas Beach
- Deserted and accessible by a path through the mangroves.
- At low tide the reefs reveal a variety of marine life.
Other walks
- Guaiú Beach: Wild and surrounded by coconut trees, home to the famous Maria Nilza restaurant.
- Belmonte: Historic town 40 minutes from Santo André, with centuries-old mansions and beautiful mangroves.
- João de Tiba River: Boat trips through narrow channels surrounded by mangroves.
Despite the growth of tourism, Santo André has retained its charm and tranquillity, making it a haven for those seeking peace, nature and authentic experiences in Bahia.
