Landmarks of Bahia

Tourism in Bahia
Tourism in Bahia

Tourism in Bahia stands out because the state is one of the main tourist centers in the country.

Its vast coastline beaches, historic colonial sites, natural beauty and rich culture are a constant attraction for visitors from all over the world.

Bahia is the state with the longest coastline in Brazil, covering a total of 932 kilometers, corresponding to 12,4% of the total.

the state capital, Salvador, stands out for the carnival site, which attracts around 2,7 million revelers in six days of celebration. Among the tourist attractions, the Baía de Todos os Santos, the Farol da Barra, located on Barra beach, the Elevador Lacerda and the Pelourinho.

On the coast of Bahia, is the district of Sauipe Coast, the largest tourist complex in Brazil, designed since its inception aimed at tourism and filled almost entirely with hotels and resorts.

Videos about tourist attractions in Salvador da Bahia

Abrolhos Archipelago

O Abrolhos Archipelago stands out for having an excellent area for scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as attractions such as the humpback whale season, which starts in July.

There are also many other coastal locations sought after by tourists: Forte beach, Guarajuba, Itacimirim, Prado, Itacare, Santa Cruz Cabralia, Camamu, Ituberá, Alcobaça, Morro de São Paulo, Itaparica Island, Among others.

Salvador da Bahia

In the metropolitan region of Salvador there is the Bay of Aratu, a huge inlet that houses the Port of Aratu, a shipyard, as well as two of the ten most luxurious marinas in Latin America (Aratu Iate Clube and Marina Aratu) and the Naval Base of Aratu, which had the former president of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as one of his recent guests.

Camamu Bay

It is also remarkable the Camamu Bay, third largest Brazilian bay.

Bahia coast

The coast of Bahia still has other very touristic places like Arraial d'Ajuda, in Porto Seguro, place of the discovery of Brazil, Morro de São Paulo, Forte beach e Marau.

Bahia cuisine

A Bahia cuisine, the best known in Brazil (although not the most consumed) is the one produced in the Recôncavo and along the entire coast of Bahia.

It is based on strong seasoned spices, based on palm oil, coconut milk, ginger and, of course, pepper (to taste) of many different types. In Bahian cuisine, some of the main dishes are acarajé, abará, caruru and vatapá.

Religious tourism

The Bahian municipalities of Salvador, Candeias and Bom Jesus da Lapa are the main destinations for religious tourism in Bahia.

In Salvador the highlights are:  Basilica of Senhor do Bonfim;  Church and Convent of San Francisco; Shrine of Sister Dulce; Cathedral Basilica of Salvador and Casa de Iemanjá.

Em Bom Jesus da Lapa It is the famous pilgrimage that takes thousands of pilgrims to the streets of the city, with the highlight being the month of August, when it receives faithful from different places in Bahia and even from other states. Candeias has the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora das Candeias.

Most Visited Landmarks in Bahia

Corumbau

In Prado, where there are beautiful beaches and a friendly little town, be sure to visit Ponta do Corumbau, on the edge of Monte Pascoal National Park, in the extreme north of the municipality.

Corumbau in southern Bahia
Corumbau in southern Bahia

Coconut trees, rivers, mangroves and a turquoise blue sea, where you can see coral reefs at low tide, form the incredible scenery. Also take the opportunity to go to Caraíva and the village of Barra Velha, where the Pataxós originated.

Trancoso

Very coveted during the New Year, Trancoso unites rustic and luxurious places in one place.

Rio da Barra Beach - Trancoso
Rio da Barra Beach – Trancoso

About 50 km from Porto Seguro, it has a busy night life and beaches where salt and fresh water are found, as is the case of Praia dos Nativos. Between the hype and tranquility, visit the Espelho beach, one of the most beautiful in Brazil.

Fora Taipus

Inside the Maraú Peninsula, the Taipus de Fora pools are immense and carry many marine species, seen with the naked eye. In addition to observing, you can dive between them, being closer to nature.

Taipus de Fora in Bahia
Taipus de Fora in Bahia

The ideal is to visit the pools during the full moon or new moon, when the tide is drier and more exposed to corals. 

Chapada da Diamantina

One of the most fabulous places in the country, Chapada has attractions for all tastes.

At the Pratinha Farm, in Iraquara, it is worth visiting the Gruta da Pratinha, where you can float in the intensely blue and transparent waters.

Chapada da Diamantina
Chapada da Diamantina

On the same property is the Gruta Azul, a translucent lake where you cannot dive due to the depth, which reaches 70 meters. The look is impressive.

Abrolhos

The Abrolhos archipelago is perfect for those who want to see marine life up close. Discovered in 1503, it is one of the best spots in the world for diving, where the crystal clear water invites everyone to explore the fauna and corals.

Abrolhos archipelago
Abrolhos archipelago

Five volcanic islands form the site, full of vegetation and natural pools where turtles and whales live.

Santa Cruz Cabralia

Part of the so-called Costa do Descobrimento, the city in the south of Bahia is 20 km from Porto Seguro and still close to Trancosa and Arraial d'Ajuda.

Santa Cruz Cabralia
Santa Cruz Cabralia

The almost deserted beaches attract tourists in search of tranquility, while adventurers go after the waves of Arakakaí. In Coroa Vermelha you can find part of the indigenous culture in handicrafts.

Arraial D'Ajuda

A honeymoon scene for many couples, Arraial d'Ajuda has beaches that resemble the Caribbean. Former fishing village, today it has plenty of tourist infrastructure, but still reserves wild beaches, such as TaÃpe, Pescador and AraçaÃpe.

Arraial D'Ajuda
Arraial D'Ajuda

It is also worth visiting the Eco Park, a water park integrated with the Atlantic Forest, and the Ilha dos Aquários, with attractions for the whole family. 

Cumuruxatiba

The Tupi name resort, which means “great variation of the tide”, is a rustic fishing village where peace reigns.

Cumuruxatiba
Cumuruxatiba

The beaches maintain a wild side, bringing together incredible landscapes that include cliffs, clear water streams and coconut trees.

Even so, it has a good infrastructure to receive tourists, often coming from Corumbau. 

Itacare

Part of the Costa do Cacau, south of Salvador, Itacaré has breathtaking beaches and waterfalls.

Itacare
Itacare

Being close to the Atlantic Forest, it attracts ecotourists who venture on trails, rappelling, tree climbing and rafting. Those who enjoy the beach will find beautiful scenarios where greenish waters bathe the sand, which is partly covered by vegetation.

In the village, the nightlife is lively and parties go on until sunrise. 

Boipeba

On the Dendê Coast, the island attracts snorkeling enthusiasts due to its beautiful natural pools with crystal clear water. Some deserted beaches are accessed by trails, such as Cueira.

Boipeba
Boipeba

Others have more advanced infrastructure, bringing together restaurants and inns, such as Moreré and Boca da Barra.

See more in the menu above under “Bahia Tourism Guide"

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