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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 tourists.
The famous Costa do Descobrimento is located in this very part of Bahia, along with its 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 the year festivities or Carnival.
Places to visit in the south coast of Bahia
Lugares interessantes para conhecer no litoral sul da Bahia
1. Caraíva
Caraíva on the southern coast of Bahia offers visitors enormous peace of mind and tranquillity.
It’s a privilege to bathe in the sea, walk on the sandy beach, enjoy the sunset and also wander around the center to shop and eat 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 when you search for Caraíva the photos already impress you, 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. SPEND THE DAY ON CARAÍVA’S BEACHES
Caraíva is lined with deserted beaches, those that are practically isolated and that appeal to enthusiasts of empty natural environments far from the bustle of cities.
There are also busy ones, with bars facing the sea offering snacks and delicious Bahian cuisine.
Just as the beaches of Porto Seguro arouse interest because of their varied characteristics, Caraíva is no different.
These are great places for those who like to eat and drink in front of the ocean, for those who take small children to play in the sand and then in the shallow water, or for those who can’t resist the habit of stretching out on a sun lounger on the sand to relax and listen to the sound of the waves.
1.1.2. GETTING TO KNOW THE PATAXÓ BARRA VELHA VILLAGE
The indigenous village of Barra Velha is 6 km from the center of Caraíva, in the Monte Pascoal National Park.
With 500 families from the Pataxó tribe, the site is one of the most historically and culturally significant destinations on the Route to Discovery.
In the village you will walk through a small nucleus with schools, a health center and various improvements. There, visitors will also learn how the Indians make flour and handicraft products, which are sold to visitors.
You know, right? It’s worth including in your program a visit to a place inhabited by the people who inhabited Brazil before the Portuguese arrived in 1500, as well as buying beautiful handicrafts.
1.1.3. TAKE BUGGY RIDES TO CORUMBAU
The buggy ride from Caraíva to Ponta de Corumbau – one of the postcards of the Bahian coastline – is one of those activities that can’t be left off your list.
Along the 10 km route, there are areas embellished by sumptuous coconut trees, rocks, rock formations, clear sands and the sea with its limpid waters. Just imagine taking in all the visual splendor while feeling the fresh wind on your face as you motor past. Good!
When you take the buggy ride from Caraíva, you have to cross the Corumbau River by boat. In other words, there will be lots of photos!
1.1.4. LANCHA RIDES
Speaking of photos, how about contemplating the Caraíva region from surreal angles and taking those instagrammable shots? Book the speedboat rides offered by local agencies.
There is no shortage of options. There are boat trips to Corumbau, Trancoso, Praia do Espelho, to the Porto do Boi Indigenous Reserve and to Praia do Satú and the Tatuaçu reef, a very good place for snorkeling.
The speedboats leave between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. and return between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., 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 spot for walking and enjoying an impeccable sunset. And since there are bars and restaurants on the river bank, it’s a good place to have a coconut water or a snack with the gang after your walks.
On the river, you can go kite surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and have fun with floats. An excellent stretch to go with the whole family and enjoy until nightfall.
You can feel that it’s going to be wonderful to spend the whole day in this charming destination on the coast of Bahia, right?
In the next topic, we’ll introduce you to the best beaches in Caraíva. Put your sunscreen in your bag and choose your favorite bathing suit, as the sunny days are intense most of the year.
1.1.6. CARAÍVA BEACHES
These are graceful beaches that need to be on the list of places worth visiting.
- CARAÍVA BEACH
Quiet and with slightly more popular spots, Caraíva Beach is on the opposite side of the river of the same name and is recommended for people with different profiles.
It is an excellent tourist spot for those who enjoy walking on the sand, or even laying down their towel to feel the local vibe. As the attraction has strong waves, you need to be careful when entering 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 center of the village, it’s great for those who want to do more than one activity in the same day. To listen to live music, have a few drinks and eat the best of the best, the best thing to do is go to Bar da Praia, an establishment popular with young people.
- PRAIA DO SATÚ
Praia do Satú has blue waters, natural pools and is surrounded by coconut trees and cliffs. Located 4 km from the center 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 arriving at Satu, travelers will pass by Praia do Lontra and Praia do Camarão. Like all attractions in the area, both are beautiful.
Looking to get a tan on the sands between a dip in the warm, inviting waters? Here, fun and peace are connected. And there’s more! The 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 is equally satisfying to spend time on this irresistible beach.
Located 10 km from the center of Caraíva, the attraction has a calm sea and a stretch of sand that is conducive to walking and even jogging. Family-friendly and paradisiacal, it has restaurants facing the sea, offering snacks, seafood and regional cuisine.
If you’re in the mood, you can walk from Caraíva to Ponta de Corumbau. The journey takes between 3 and 4 hours and is even easier on low tide days. The canoe trip across the Corumbau River costs R$5. It’s worth adding this adventure to your agenda, ok?
- PRAIA DO ESPELHO
When you take the 11 km trail from Caraíva to Praia do Espelho, you can see some of the most beautiful scenery on the Brazilian coast. There are grandiose cliffs, unspoiled 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 marvel has great restaurants and kiosks, so it’s also possible to have a cold drink and enjoy the Bahian flavors after the hike. Good stuff, right? Here is one of the best beaches in Porto Seguro – enjoy!
If the days in Caraíva are contagious, the fun doesn’t end 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. Even with its delicious countryside atmosphere, Caraíva is lively at night. It’s a good time to walk when the sandy streets and colorful houses are irresistibly illuminated. Pure charm.
It’s worth going to Praia da Barra and socializing with friends in the restaurants facing the river. There, Catioba and Boteco do Barra are the right places to eat those tiragostos that always go very well with a cold beer and long hours of chatting.
The best restaurants in Caraíva near the center are Culinária Central and the traditional Cantinho do Duca. Forro do Pelé and Forro do Ouriço, on the other hand, are the high-season hotspots for those who like to party.
But even in less festive months, there are establishments with live music and full of beautiful people. In short, your evenings in Caraíva are sure to be fruitful.
2. Barra do Cahy beach
Barra do Cahy beach on the south coast of Bahia has clear waters and meets a river. There are also large cliffs and many coconut trees.
This paradise is 18 km from Cumuruxatiba, also in Prado.
From the sea at Barra do Cahy you can see Monte Pascoal, which is about 62 kilometers from the city of Porto Seguro and 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 far south of Bahia, is situated in an environmentally protected area called the 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 has a clear sea, beaches lined with fountains and colorful cliffs and 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 waters, colored an emerald green, sharing space with a sky of spaced-out clouds, framed by a blue broken only 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-see destinations for those visiting the 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 kms from Porto Seguro.
The main tourist attraction is the Quadrado de Trancoso.
At the bottom is the Church of St. John the Baptist, built in the 15th century, and the lookout point with a splendid panoramic view; in the late afternoon there is always a ball game on the grass of the Quadrado (Historic Center).
The architecture of the colorful traditional houses and the church has remained the same to this day and is protected by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute.
It is possible to stay in Trancoso’s Quadrado in charming pousadas, eat in refined restaurants and store in the local art, beach fashion and rustic decoration stores.
5. Porto Seguro
Enjoy spectacular views of the tropical cliff-top forests that overlook unspoiled beaches in this region with a remarkable history.
Porto Seguro on the southern coast of Bahia is the historic point of discovery for Portuguese settlers at the beginning of the 16th century.
With its many incredible bays and unique place in history, the city is a cultural and beautiful haven for travelers. Discover the region’s rich past in Porto Seguro’s vibrant Old Town and relax on one of the 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 Epic of Discovery Memorial.
In the museum, you can see interesting temporary and permanent exhibitions detailing the historic arrival in 1500. The complex includes a replica of a ship from the fleet, which you can explore with a docent.
Among the beaches at the edge of the city is Praia do Mutá in the north, known for its maze of coral reefs.
See crabs and other beach treasures in the sand.
Visit Praia da Pitinga, on the other side of town, to see the natural pools that appear at low tide and the facilities available in the beach huts.
Closer to the city center is Taperapuã Beach, bustling with street performers, live music and physical activity classes.
Have a meal in one of the many restaurants and bars on the lively Passarela do Álcool in the city center. Try shrimp, lobster and other regional seafood, as well as international dishes.
To the south is the picturesque resort town of Arraial d’Ajuda, with some of Brazil’s earliest colonial structures. Treat the kids to a day at the Arraial d’Ajuda Eco Park overlooking the ocean.
The city of Porto Seguro is in the state of Bahia in the northeast corner of Brazil.
Its beaches are next to the Atlantic Rainforest, which covers much of the country.
Arrive at Porto Seguro Airport from other parts of Brazil and drive east for 10 minutes to reach the beaches. Take a night bus from Salvador to get there.
Porto Seguro is a fascinating beach oasis that was the starting point for 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 Bahian coast. This isolated district of Porto Seguro, next to a wide river with no bridges, has beaches with a remarkable variety of landscapes, an international population and cultural options typical of cities in the space 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 absence of a bridge linking the two most important tourist destinations in the south of Bahia has made Arraial d’Ajuda a clearly different destination from the popular and bustling Porto Seguro.
All you have to do is cross the river with the ferry and you can see the radical urban change: the road leading to Arraial is tree-lined, pleasant and surrounded by inns that blend in with the landscape.
Arraial d’Ajuda shows the good taste that its neighbor 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 in its small village size it concentrates inhabitants from all over the world who once came as tourists and couldn’t resist the temptation to return again and again to settle permanently: those who come to Arraial want to stay.
7. Parcel das Paredes
Parcel das Paredes is a large submerged ocean bank in Brazil with an area of around 200 km2. It is a coral structure located in the Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of Caravelas, in the state of Bahia.
Parcel das Paredes is about 30 km east of the mainland coast. Although the reef is submerged, parts of it rise above the water at low tide.
It is a dangerous area for navigation, but an excellent place for fishing and diving.
The Archipelago dos Abrolhos is 35km to the east and this parcel belongs to the same structure. The maximum tidal height in the reef area is approximately 1.7m.
It is a 30km-long reef complex made up of corals that form labyrinths and natural pools. During the month of July it is common to see Humpback whales in the area.
The Parcel das Paredes, together with the Timbebas Reef, located about 40 km to the north, as well as the Sebastião Gomes Reef, the Coroa Vermelha Reef and the Viçosa Reef to the southwest, are part of the Abrolhos National Marine Park.
Interesting places to visit on the south coast of Bahia
