The municipality of Una, in Bahia, is a paradise of unspoilt beaches, preserved Atlantic Forest and luxury resorts, ideal for relaxing and connecting with nature.
Imagine long stretches of white sand framed by dense coconut groves and a crystal-clear blue sea, with colourful cliffs that reflect vivid hues in the sunlight. Trails through the Atlantic Forest lead to small rivers and semi-deserted beaches.
For those who prefer luxury, the region offers sophisticated resorts with unrivalled comfort and leisure facilities.
All this can be found in the small town of Una, in the south of Bahia, just over 65 kilometres from Ilhéus. Una is home to one of the best resorts on the south coast of Bahia, located on Comandatuba Island, which has luxury hotels and even its own airport.
For the adventurous, Una also offers little-explored beaches where you can enjoy a medicinal black mud bath, as well as breathtaking scenery.
Characteristics of the Municipality of Una
- Population: Around 35,000 inhabitants
- Climate: Average annual temperature between 18°C and 29°C, with peaks of 26°C in the hottest months (December to March).
- Distance: Approximately 550 km from Salvador, accessed via the BR-101 and BA-001 motorways.
Video about Comandatuba Island in Una
Ilha de Comandatuba em Una BA
Tourist attractions in the municipality of Una
1. Golden-faced Lion Tamarin Biological Reserve
Considered the area with the greatest biodiversity in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, the reserve is surrounded by dense vegetation. It is home to the rapids of the Una River, ideal for the famous black mud bath, followed by a dip in the calm, crystal-clear waters of the beaches.
2. Una’s beaches
The beaches of Una enchant with their calm waters, lush landscapes and rich biodiversity, providing an ideal refuge for those seeking tranquillity and contact with nature.
2.1. Acuípe Beach
Located in the north of Una, approximately 29 km away, access is via BA-001, a paved coastal road, with restricted access authorised by the owners.
- Features: calm sea and warm waters, ideal for a relaxing swim.
- Attractions: to the north, the sea meets the mouth of the Acuípe river, making it an excellent spot for fishing.
2.2. Lençóis Beach
Located parallel to the Acuípe river, this area stands out for its wealth of mangroves, sandbanks with bromeliads and birds, as well as large coconut groves.
- Features: it has inns, cabins and holiday homes, and is ideal for swimming and hiking.
2.3. Independência Beach
Located 9 kilometres from the town of Una, access is via the Una river, the village of Comandatuba, close to the town of Pedras.
- Characteristics: it is a little frequented beach, ideal for swimming and walking. The meeting of the river and the sea is the great thing about this location, which can be easily reached by car.
2.4. Pedras de Una Beach
Located in the village of Pedras de Una, 13 km from Una, access is via a side entrance 3 km after leaving the town, in the direction of Ilhéus. From this point, there are 10 km of unpaved road, generally in good condition.
- Features: the calm sea, regardless of the tide, makes the beach excellent for fishing. The shore is surrounded by coconut palms, while in the background there is unspoilt Atlantic Forest.
- Attractions: this is a deserted, unspoilt beach, ideal for those seeking tranquillity and contact with nature.
2.5. Desire Island Beach
Located in the north of Una, on the border with Ilhéus, access is via the BA-001 motorway, crossing a narrow wooden bridge surrounded by mangroves. To get to the island, a ferry across the Acuípe River takes about 3 minutes.
- Features: a continuation of Praia de Acuípe, this is an excellent area for bathing, regardless of the tide. The coast is lined with coconut palms and has a good tourist infrastructure.
- Attractions: to the south, the Acuípe river bar stands out, ideal for fishing and bathing. After the mouth of the river, the beach becomes deserted, making it an attractive option for naturists and those seeking tranquillity.
2.6. Itapororoca Beach
Located in the central part of the municipality, access to Itapororoca Beach is via the Una River, with permission available at Fazenda Bolandeira, situated on the banks of the BA-001, 8.5 km from Una in the direction of Comandatuba Island.
It’s a 10 km unpaved road, surrounded by Atlantic Forest, until you reach the seafront. During the winter, some areas can become flooded, and the terrain is suitable for vehicles with 4×4 traction.
- Characteristics: A little-frequented beach with strong waves, ideal for fishing. Its sands are surrounded by vast coconut groves, and in the background you can see preserved stretches of Atlantic Forest. The name Itapororoca means stone that snaps, a reference to the local nature.
2.7. Comandatuba Beach
Comandatuba Beach can be reached by ferry across the Doce River channel.
- Characteristics: Good beach for swimming and walking, surrounded by many coconut trees.
- Attractions: Visitors can bathe in the medicinal black mud, as well as visit a typical native house, where you can taste the secret spices of Dona Ginga’s caldinho de feijão and Badá’s handmade cachaças. Another attraction is observing traditional techniques, such as the extraction of water from a cacimba and the method of climbing coconut trees with a peia.
3. Una Ecopark
The Una Ecopark is a Conservation Unit created by the Institute for Socio-Environmental Studies in the South of Bahia (IESB), in partnership with Conservation International.
It is located within a Private Natural Heritage Reserve, which begins in a rubber plantation, on the park’s main trail, 2 kilometres long, where visitors can observe the artisanal extraction of rubber.
As you progress along the trail, the Atlantic Rainforest becomes taller and more lush, offering an immersive experience in nature.
Inside the park, there is a walkway suspended in the treetops, about 20 metres high and 100 metres long, providing a panoramic view of the forest and its many species of plants and animals. During the walks, it is possible to spot the golden-faced lion tamarin, an endangered species. At the end of the walk, visitors can cool off in the waters of the Maruim River.
The Ecopark also functions as a visitor, research and environmental education centre.
- Duration: Approximately 6 hours, including the walks in the Ecopark.
- How to get there: The Ecopark is located next to the Una Biological Reserve, on the BA-001, between Una and Ilhéus. After travelling 19 km, turn right. The total distance from Ilhéus is around 44 kilometres.
4. Comandatuba Island
Comandatuba Island is a narrow strip of land with untouched fauna and flora, in the middle of a vast coconut grove. It is the ideal place for water sports enthusiasts.
- Luxury resort: One of the largest in Brazil, with a golf complex, restaurants, swimming pools and a private airport.
- Traditional villages: In Comandatuba and Pedras de Una, artisans and fishermen keep the local culture alive, especially the mast pulling, a typical festival in the region.
5. Pedras de Una village
Get to know the village and its history, take a boat trip on the Una and Maruim rivers towards the Itapororoca beaches and visit the Church of São Sebastião, the local patron saint, built by the Jesuit priests.
- How to get there: Leaving Una in the direction of Ilhéus, you reach the village after 7 kilometres (on a dirt road).
- Tip: Boat trips are organised directly with the local fishermen.
6. Una River rapids
The rapids of the Una River are an excellent destination for those seeking direct contact with nature. Along the way, it is possible to pass by the Vila Rica, Pancada Grande and Santa Vitória farms, all bordered by the river’s rapids, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Recommended activities include visiting the site and taking a dip in the refreshing waters of the rapids.
- Duration: Free time to enjoy the surroundings and the activities on site.
- How to get there: Leaving Una in the direction of the village of Colônia de Una, after 2 kilometres on a dirt road, you will reach the rapids.
7. Comandatuba village
Visiting the village of Comandatuba is an immersion in the local culture, where you can get to know its fishermen, artisans and its rich history. The Church of São Sebastião is a highlight, famous for its traditional mast pulling. The town has several inns, restaurants and craft shops, as well as a school that teaches how to make handmade rugs and yokes.
One of the attractions is the chance to explore Ilha da Fantasia and Comandatuba beach, which can be reached by boat via the Comandatuba canal.
- Duration: All day, to enjoy all the attractions and activities.
- How to get there: Leaving Una in the direction of Canavieiras, after 16 kilometres turn left. After a further 3 kilometres, you will reach the village.
Tourist Guide to Bahia, Salvador and the Cocoa Coast
